Adult Education - Hebrew FAQs
Why do we pray in Hebrew?
Throughout the long history of the Jews, even when we spoke German or Arabic or English, we have prayed and studied in Hebrew. Praying in Hebrew connects us to all the Jews – past, present, and future, as well as here in Austin, in Israel, and all over the world.
Why do we read Torah in Hebrew?
Torah scrolls contain stories, history, law, and other lessons – all written carefully and beautifully in Hebrew script. All over the world, each week, Jews are reading Torah according to the traditions that stem from the times of Ezra and Nehemiah. The public reading of Torah in Hebrew has persisted through all kinds of transitions and troubles. Our ancestors fought for the freedom to read Torah in Hebrew as a community. We are blessed to celebrate our history, our freedom, and our language.
I live in America so do I need to learn Hebrew?
For all of us, in many situations, knowing Hebrew can increase your personal comfort. For example, during Shabbat and holiday services, most prayers are sung or chanted in Hebrew. Also, many congregants greet each other in Hebrew on Shabbat and other holidays. (Shabbat Shalom! Shana Tova!)
A Jew could probably live his or her entire life in English. Many of us do. On the other hand, we believe that knowing some Hebrew could make each of us feel even more at home within the Jewish community.
Knowing a little Hebrew could enrich the experience of Shabbat at the synagogue or a trip to Israel.
How can I learn to speak Hebrew?
We are excited to offer some opportunities to learn conversational Hebrew. To find out more about Conversational Hebrew classes, please contact the Education Office by email at or by telephone at 512.454.1589.
Parenting a Hebrew Student –
A Tip for Parents who Don’t Know Hebrew
I know that Hebrew School and Diving into the Swimming Pool don’t seem to have a lot in common, however, please bear with me and my metaphor.
If you don’t know Hebrew, you might think you can’t help. However, how many times have you sat next to the pool answering the requests: “Watch me dive!” You might not be wearing a bathing suit. You might not even know how to dive, but our children really want an audience.
Language Acquisition is very similar to diving. Learning a language requires repetition over an extended period. A couple hours with a Hebrew book can’t teach Hebrew alone. If our students read Hebrew aloud for 10 minutes every night, their Hebrew will improve. You don’t need to know Hebrew to give your kids an audience. You will hear them stumble at first. Eventually, you will hear them become more fluent. The best thing for our students to do is practice reading from the siddur – the prayerbook.
If you need a prayerbook, please let us lend you one.