Have you ever wanted to actually read Hebrew, rather than follow along phonetically or wait for the English translation? Prayerbook/Biblical Hebrew 1 is the first course in a three-part sequence that teaches you to read and understand prayerbook and biblical texts in the original.

This course starts at the very beginning, teaching the Hebrew alphabet and sight-reading skills, then builds vocabulary and grammar using the widely used text Prayerbook Hebrew the Easy Way. Along the way, you'll also explore related topics, from key prayerbook melodies to the origins of the Hebrew language to daily life in the biblical world.

Required text: Anderson, Motzkin, et al., Prayerbook Hebrew the Easy Way.

Who this is for:

• Beginners with no Hebrew at all
• Anyone who wants to read the prayers in synagogue rather than follow the transliteration
• Students of the Bible who want to read it in the original

What you'll leave with:

• The ability to read the Hebrew alphabet and vowels and sound out prayerbook and biblical texts
• A starting vocabulary and the basics of Hebrew grammar
• Readiness for Hebrew 2

Nine Sundays: October 11, 18, and 25; November 1, 8, 15, and 22; December 6 and 13, 3:30–5pm Pacific Time (no class November 29)

Questions? Our FAQ covers registration, recordings of missed sessions, refunds, and financial assistance.

Complete our full Hebrew 1 curriculum in just four weeks! Beginning December 14, this accelerated course uses Prayerbook Hebrew the Easy Way and combines eight recorded lessons with four live online study sessions with the instructor. Two recorded lessons are released each week, allowing you to work through the material on your own schedule, while the weekly live sessions give you a chance to ask questions, review what you’ve learned, and get additional guidance. Because the main instruction takes place in the recorded lessons, the live sessions are designed as brief weekly check-ins rather than full class meetings.

By the end of the course, you’ll be ready to continue directly into Hebrew 2 in January.

Who this is for:

• Learners ready to complete most of the Hebrew 1 coursework through recorded lessons, with a short live session each week
• Hebrew 1 students who would like a concentrated review before beginning Hebrew 2 in January 

What you'll leave with:

• Completion of the full Hebrew 1 curriculum in just four weeks
• The ability to read basic prayerbook and biblical Hebrew texts
• A solid grasp of the Hebrew alphabet, vowels, and foundational vocabulary
• Readiness to continue directly into Hebrew 2 in January

Required text: Prayerbook Hebrew the Easy Way, available at Afikomen Judaica in Berkeley and other outlets.

Recorded lessons: Two each week, released December 14, 21, and 28 and January 4.

Live study sessions: Sundays, December 20 and 27 and January 3 and 10, 7–7:30pm Pacific Time, online.

Questions? Our FAQ covers registration, recordings of missed sessions, refunds, and financial assistance.