Hebrew

Why does Hebrew matter? 

"Language is a key to identity and culture, and Hebrew is a key to Jewish identity and Jewish culture. We just have to approach it as such." So writes Jeremy Benstein, the linguist and author of Hebrew Roots, Jewish Routes: A Tribal Language in a Global World.

Engaging with Hebrew is a vehicle to enrich our connection to Judaism and its values. It is a real, living, dynamic language full of energy, Benstein says. You can teach it that way and help students connect with the language in authentic ways - whether or not your school focuses on prayer learning.

If

Card games are time-tested sources of fun for both children and adults. They are also full of both social and academic benefits - AND get kids off screens. 

When used to supplement learning, card games engage both family members and other students in the learning process, making for a collaborative experience. 

Hooked on Hebrew is a new series of card games for practicing Hebrew alphabet and prayers - whether in school or at home or over the summer. Golem program members just received a set this month. 

The cards are designed for ages 8 and up, and are also well suited for intergenerational activity. Play up to 15 different games with each deck. (Cards were developed by Strong Learning and are available in three different packs.) 

The more fun you're having, the more you practice. And the more you practice, the more

Strong Hebrew programs have a clear rationale, a reason for doing what you're doing.

Card games are time-tested sources of fun for both children and adults. They are also full of both social and academic benefits - AND get kids off screens. 

When used to supplement learning, card games engage both family members and other students in the learning process, making for a collaborative experience. Card games such as Go Fish, Memory, War, Bingo, Gin Rummy, Crazy 8s embrace increasing levels of difficulty so children can be challenged to learn and improve as they go on. 

Hooked on Hebrew is a new series of card games for practicing Hebrew letters and prayers - whether in school or remote, or at home or over the summer. Use them in one-to-one settings, small groups, or in teams. Some games, such as Bingo and Memory, are especially well-suited for online game play with learners.

This approach is built on the notion that 

New readers become stronger Hebrew learners when they can use their new skills. 

Shalom, Reader: 57 Hebrew Activities to Show What You Know is a new resource that offers a way for emerging readers to practice decoding skills in a meaningful way. Shalom, Reader introduces students to a family and its pets, and follows them through simple stories and scenarios that are familiar to children, such as holiday celebrations, school, family, time, and the weather.

"It's so nicely done in its simplicity," says Sherryl Gutes, director of education and programs at MakomNY, has been using Shalom, Reader with her third graders. "We love it, and the Hanukkah pages work beautifully."

Behrman House converted many of our most widely-used educational materials into digital turn-page versions, making it easier for you continue teaching your tried and true curriculum.

With schools now fully underway, and most using remote or hybrid environments, students have been using digital learning materials at more than triple the rate from previous years. Thousands of students are logging in each week to use these turn-page materials. In particular, Hebrew digital materials are seeing the greatest use.

And educators are reporting great satisfaction with the turn-page materials, which are digital versions of books that teachers can share on screen during online sessions while students follow along with physical copies.

We've heard from educators that "having turn page materials has worked well for staff

For a long time in multimedia software development, Flash was the foundation. That era has ended. Users will no longer have any ability to run Flash-based apps or web programs.

What does that mean for Behrman House digital resources?

Apps

Our most popular Hebrew apps do not rely on Flash at all. 

This includes the following apps, all of which are designed to work on mobile devices.  

• Hebrew in Harmony Digital Companion
• Shalom Hebrew Digital App

Introducing Shalom, Reader, a new way for emerging readers to practice decoding skills in a meaningful way.

The beginning of the school year is all about creating connections with students, and then maintaining it while building skills. 

To help you do that for Hebrew - from any location - we've created free, ready-to-go lessons and downloadable resources. Our Fall Educator Resource page includes the best hand-picked Hebrew lessons and resources from the vast Behrman House trove for learners of all ages. 

Want activities to refresh Hebrew skills? Or looking for prayer practice and meaning? How about ways to make Hebrew reading come alive? The Fall Educator Resource page has you covered. 

The Prayer Practice page can now be accessed from all devices, no Flash required.