Hebrew for Adults D

Feel comfortable talking, reading and writing – in Hebrew

Details

This course is for

Adult students of all ages (18 and above), who are able to conduct a conversation in Hebrew on different topics, read Hebrew texts such as newspaper articles and express themselves in Hebrew writing.

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Duration

One academic year.

Course structure and goals

The course focuses on enhancing all language skills of the students with special attention given to engaging in conversations.
Each class contains a reading part and a discussion part. Through the reading of articles from the newspaper as well as pieces of literature, the students improve their reading comprehension and enhance their vocabulary. Through the discussion, the students improve their speaking skills and listening comprehension.
The class meets once a week, students must complete homework assignments sent by the teacher after each lesson, to facilitate work on their writing skills.

At the end of the course the student will

	have a large reservoir of useful vocabulary on diverse issues.
	feel comfortable expressing themselves in Hebrew, both orally and in writing, giving a description and voicing their opinion.
	feel comfortable reading Hebrew texts and have the necessary tools to tackle new texts.
	have a better understanding of Hebrew structure and grammar.
	be more familiar with the Israeli culture that is reflected in many of the texts read throughout the course.

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Schedule

Syllabus

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Unit No.	Lesson Name	Lesson Description
1	Nice to meet you	Our general introduction. People always want to make a good first impression, so in this class we'll read a text that asks how do you make a good first impression.
2	Any volunteers?	In all societies people volunteer for various jobs. We'll look at volunteering in Israeli society and read an article about it.
3	Israeli money	The way in which money is designed tells us a lot about a nation's history and culture. Which people are printed on Israeli banknotes? And, perhaps, is it time to update those faces?
4	Why a tomato is called a tomato (but in Hebrew!)	From where did the Israeli tomato originate? And how did it get the name "agvanya"? This lesson will examine how new words are developed in modern Hebrew.
5	Polar bears and global warming	Global warming and melting ice are disturbing to habitants of the North Pole bears, reindeer and humans alike. What can be done? In this class we'll be reading an article that discusses these issues.
6	Home schooling	In recent years, more and more Israeli parents have decided to teach their children at home instead of sending them to school. In this lesson we'll read an article about this phenomenon and various methods of home schooling.
7	Bilingual schools	In Israel there are a number of bilingual schools where instruction is given in both Hebrew and Arabic. We will read an article that describes one of these schools and the experiences of its teachers and pupils.
8	The Jewish museum for children	How should Jews be presented to children of the world - including non-Jewish children? How can this be done interestingly and entertainingly? In Brooklyn they've found a way: The Jewish Museum for Children!
9	What, there are Jews outside Israel?	Many Israeli children are unaware that Jews also live outside of Israel. We'll read an article about a new school program concerning the Diaspora.
10	Watch your Hebrew!	In this lesson we'll look at a newspaper article about modern spoken Hebrew. The article suggests that verbs are disappearing from the language and the language is becoming progressively poorer.
11	The changing face of kibbutzim	The Kibbutz is a major symbol of Israel and Israeli agriculture. In the last few years Kibbutzim have undergone fundamental changes. This lesson's text discusses these changes.
12	Psychology and nature	Is it possible to undergo psychological treatment through appreciation of nature? How can psychological strength and wellbeing be drawn from the trees, the rocks and the streams? This lesson will look at treatment, developed in Israel, called "Nature Therapy".
13	Lions in Haifa	Three lions are being moved to Haifa's zoo. What do the zoo's bears make of this? And what about the zoo's vets? And what about public opinion?
14	Talkback for sale	In Israel, readers of online newspapers love commenting on what they just read. This is known as "talkback". Today's article discusses how politicians and commercial firms use "talkback".
15	Who are you, "talkbacker"?	Should "talkbackers" be allowed to write whatever they like, even if it is offensive? If these comments are offensive, should it be possible to force the internet site to reveal the blogger's name? And how does this affect free speech?
16	Who likes ecology?	How can a huge trash pile be turned into a national park? How can rubbish be used to make furniture, shirts and even energy? This lesson's text describes an important Israeli ecological project.
17	All about olim and employment	It is not always easy to integrate into a new country. It is sometimes especially hard to find work. This is certainly true for Israel's new immigrants. We'll read about an Israeli project that is trying to deal with these issues.
18	Why are we sad in winter?	Many people suffer from what is known as "winter depression". What is winter depression? What are its symptoms? Why does it exist? How can it be overcome? Do people, even in hot Israel, also suffer from it? That's what this lesson is about.
19	Geese have rights too!	In Israel, as in many other places in the world, geese are fattened in order to increase their liver size. Animal rights groups claim that this process causes intolerable suffering to the geese and should be outlawed. This lesson's text looks at Israeli public discussion on this issue.
20	I'm a feminist!	Why is it that Eden Halili, a nineteen-year-old Kibbutznik, doesn't want to join the army? We'll read an article in which Eden explains her feminist ideology.
21	What are Israelis searching for in India?	Israeli youngsters love traveling the world for months, sometimes years, at a time. Many travel to the Far East, especially India. What are they looking for? And when they're there - what do they find?
22	Who likes to read the bible?	In this lesson we will read a short excerpt from the Bible - about the tower of Babel. We'll remind ourselves why there are so many languages in the world, and look at the special language of the Bible and how it compares to modern Hebrew.
23	Anyone for Jewish legends?	In this lesson we'll read a few examples of traditional Jewish legends. We'll read about a mosquito, a frog and a fox and try to understand what Jewish scholars thought about humanity and humankind's relation to the world.
24	Bialik, the national poet	Haim Nachman Bialik is considered to be Israel's "national poet". In this lesson we will read some of his poems and study the relationship between Bialik and the country of Israel.
25	Rachel the poet	One of the most popular poets in Israel is Rachel. She wrote about life in Israel before the state was established, about the Kinneret, the Golan and the biblical matriarch Rachel. We'll read a selection of her poems in this class.
26	Yehuda Amichai's "tayarim"	Perhaps Israel's most loved poet is Yehuda Amichai. In this class we will read a poem/prose piece called "Tayarim". This poem offers an insight into Amichai's humane outlook.
27	Ravikovitch's loves	Dahlia Ravikovitch is another beloved Israeli poet. In this lesson we will read her poems and learn what she thought of love: romantic love and motherly love.
28	Two stories about shadows	In this lesson we'll read two short stories written by Israeli author Yosl Birstein. He lived for many years in Jerusalem, loved the city and wrote many short stories about it, its streets, its buses and its inhabitants.
29	Where do you pray on Yom Kippur?	Israel's many ancient synagogues can tell us a lot about the land's settlement and architecture. In this lesson we'll read about a few interesting synagogues.
30	What is a Jerusalem Hanukah lamp?	Why is it worthwhile visiting Jerusalem and walking through its neighborhoods during Hanukah? Well the answer is that in Jerusalem's religious neighborhoods there is a tradition of lighting special menorahs and streets are full of Hanukah lights.
31	The blossoming almond tree	Why do we eat dried fruit on the 15th of Shvat? When was this festival first celebrated? How was it celebrated in Europe? What is the "amendment for the night of the 15th of Shvat"?
32	Why do we wear costumes on Purim?	Purim is the most joyous festival in the Jewish year: fancy dress, eating and drinking. This lesson's text explores Purim's origins.
33	Why is this night different?	Passover, the time when the whole family sits together around the Seder table, is perhaps the most family-oriented festival of all. This lesson's article discusses Pesach's origins, the Haggadah, traditions and customs.
34	A farewell song	This is the last lesson of the course, so we will be saying our farewells. We'll read a song, sung by Israeli singer Chava Alberstein. One line of the song reads "Now we can say shalom and part in song".

Testimonials

Below you can find just a few of the many expressions of positive feedback that our programs have received for this course

I have attempted to learn Hebrew, both Biblical and Modern, since I was a young child. With this class, I feel like I am 'getting it'!!

Jacobs Malkah, USA
I am enjoying the lessons more each week and really look forward to them. In the past, I have tried to l earn Hebrew before, but the level of teaching has been poor. However, this course is excellent.I think that the way that things are continually reinforced makes everything sink in and stay there.Thank you so much Shalom

Sevitt Elissa, United Kingdom
Really enjoying classes - Great teacher - material laid out and presented well - have never felt any success in previous efforts to learn a language - now I do - thank you.

Jones Michael, Canada
Thank you for advising me to take up Chinese lessons! eTeacher is definitely the school! Keep up the good work! xiexie! I would like to take the opportunity to say that my actual Chinese teacher is amazing, and has an awesome ability to teach, I am so lucky to be in her class!

Cohen Arlette, Canada
Wonderful method, wonderful discussions and opportunities to make friends who are also interested in the Hebrew language and Israeli culture.

Jerison Michelle, USA
Excellent!! Learned so much and enjoyed every minute of the classes as well as doing the homework=. Orna you are an excellent teacher-very patient, extremely knowledgable. Learned not only Hebrew, but things from Tanach, Israeli culture. Truly a wonderful and broad learning experience. Hope to continue. and to see you soon. CHag Sameach

Feigelis Robin, USA
I LOVE THIS CLASS!!!! It's a dream come true. I can't take classes any other way (go to a classroom) and Shira makes this one of the highlights of my week! Todah Rabah!

Wiser Melinda, USA
Excelent -learned a lot =-Not only Hebrew, but also about geography and Asian culture. Really enjoyable.

Feigelis Robin, USA
I have only good things to say. We all get to talk, learn, participate. We learn about Israel history as well as conversation and grammar as such.

Toberman Baila, USA
Great, the texts and conversation are gettng tougher which is a great in vocabulary building, with Sigal's help and the excellent audio texts she prepares were better every day. thanks

Sanchez Reiner, Costa Rica
Sigal is an outstanding teacher. She gives you more time and makes sure everyone undertands. The class has many levels and she can accommodate everyone.

Heller Marcia, USA
Excellent!! So far, the pace is just right and the material is at an appropriate level. Orna is excellent. Looking forward to next week Robin Feigelis

Feigelis Robin, USA
For me, this was a good class that challenged me to speak more and put aside my own little fears. Good class.

Nisan Paula, USA
I have not been studying modern Hebrew very long, but I promise I will work very hard to catch up! Thank you for your patience with me! I like the class VERY much! The teacher is wonderful!

Frazier Laurie, USA
Very nice class. We learned so much in one lesson with lots of practice and variety of sentences. Thank you so much Judith. Hope we have you for a teacher another time. Michele

Jerison Michelle, USA
Thank you all in Hebrew on line, especially to our teacher Rivka who is such a wonderful teacher. I enjoyed the class so mucch during these months, Todah meod le kolam.

Huang Maggie Mei-se, Taiwan
I am very satisfied with Hebrew Online and Orit the teacher.She is clear and precise and makes the study enjoyable and beneficial. I believe she is doing a great job.

Warren Michael, USA
It is incredible I am actually progressing quite rapidly in Hebrew. Thanks to my teacher Ora Domb !!!!!!!!

Weil Anne, USA
We are really learning very fast. We are now able to ask people how they feel and what is hurting them.

Jerison Michelle, USA
great class...hope I can carry on with Hebrew for many years

Reinecke Leopold, Ireland