So many people ask me, “how long to learn Hebrew?” While that is not the most grammatically correct way of asking, I would choose to address the intent of the question rather than correct their grammar! My simple answer is, “How long is a piece of string”? I explain that it depends on how much time you spend learning this new skill.
However, it goes deeper than that, especially for adult students. It comes down to motivation and personal goals. It is one thing to ask “how long to learn Hebrew“, but it is something else to ask it when the person wants to achieve something greater, and learning Hebrew is just one of the many goals that needs to be achieved for the bigger goal.
Let me clarify: If a person wants to convert to become Jewish, that is a lofty goal, and learning Hebrew is one of the many steps in the conversion process. Conversely, if a person is simply interested in learning a new language, there is a different emotional investment. In my opinion, one is more emotional, and the other is more intellectual.
Who needs to know how long to learn Hebrew?
As I typed the question, “Who needs to know?” I realized I sounded like a gangster! LOL! I have always wanted to ask that! The person asking the question “How long to learn Hebrew?” could be asking for someone else, like their children or, in some cases, their grandchildren. Many people are involved in their grandchildren’s Jewish education, including learning Hebrew.
Even if the learner asks the question, how long to learn Hebrew, it could be because they need to juggle multiple balls at once and need to know how much time they need to devote to learning the Hebrew letters. Even if the person is not married and does not have children, they may be holding down a very demanding job, and they want to know how long it will take them.
How Long to Learn Hebrew Easily Using the Best Way Possible?
There are three critical parts to this question. I have touched on the first part, how long it takes to learn Hebrew. The next part is “easily.” It is difficult to answer this, as it is a very subjective word. Some people find it very easy to learn the Hebrew basics, including the alphabet. Others have more difficulty. It depends on how easily they are able to develop new skills.
The third part of the question is using the best way possible. My first reaction was that this is also subjective; what works ‘best’ for one person may not suit someone else. However, this is a good opportunity to explore the different ways one learns Hebrew. One way is face-to-face classes, whereby the student attends classes and a teacher who teaches them Hebrew. The teacher may be able to advise how long to learn Hebrew.
What are the other ways to learn Hebrew?
Another way to start learning Hebrew is through online learning, such as the online program www.easylearnhebrew.com. Online learning is fantastic for those who are time-poor, prefer to learn independently or need transport to get to face-to-face classes. The key is for the learner to know what suits them best and what suits their learning style. It will help with how long to learn Hebrew.
Another way is to do a ‘language swap’. I just made this term up! But I have seen people on social media looking for a person who wants to improve their Hebrew vocabulary to meet up and have half the conversation in Hebrew and the other half in English. It is a great way for the Hebrew speaker to improve their English and help the Hebrew learner.
How long to learn Hebrew?
I touched on this earlier in the blog, but I want to explore this more deeply. There are so many reasons people choose to learn Hebrew. One of my students is an 85-year-old grandmother who never had the opportunity to have a Bat Mitzvah. She and her granddaughter are studying Hebrew together to have a combined ceremony. She asked me “how long to learn Hebrew”.
My pupil has always wanted to read from the Hebrew Bible (the Torah), and I am helping her achieve her goal. She also asked me how long to learn Hebrew; I explained that it depended on the amount of work she put into learning to read it. I told her that she did not need to know any Hebrew words to achieve her goal, but I would explain them to her as we progressed with her learning.
How long to learn Hebrew – Having a goal!
Earlier, I also touched on the importance of having a goal to work towards. My 85-year-old student and her granddaughter, as well as all the other Bar and Bat Mitzvah students, have solid goals. As do others, however different the goals may be. One such goal could be either going to Israel on a holiday or moving to Israel permanently (also known as making Aliyah).
Keep your goal at the forefront of your mind, be it having a Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah, converting to Judaism or going to Israel (either temporarily or permanently). Having the goal central to your learning will keep you motivated when things become a bit challenging. Knowing how long to learn Hebrew will become secondary to your goal. Everything in life has its’ challenges, and learning Hebrew is no exception
If you need to, write your goal on a piece of paper where you will see it easily on a daily basis. I did this when I wanted to go to the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Israel and had to work hard at improving my Hebrew grammar, sentences, and vocabulary. It worked!
Keep your goal at the forefront of your mind, be it having a Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah, converting to Judaism or going to Israel (either temporarily or permanently). Having the goal central to your learning will keep you motivated when things become a bit challenging. Knowing how long to learn Hebrew will become secondary to your goal. Everything in life has its’ challenges, and learning Hebrew is no exception.
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