Growing Up as a Rabbi’s Daughter: A Journey into Hebrew Reading

Life as a daughter of a Rabbi was anything but “normal” — at least, that’s how it felt to me! We didn’t watch television on Friday evenings or Saturdays because of the Jewish Sabbath (Shabbat). Every Friday evening, I would accompany my father to the Synagogue, where everything was conducted in Hebrew.

Early Exposure to Hebrew Reading

This is where my journey with Hebrew reading began. While sitting in the Synagogue, someone would always point out my place in the siddur (prayer book) and offer me Hebrew reading tips to help with pronunciation — though this was done quietly.

Shabbat Traditions and Hebrew Practice

After Synagogue, we would return home for the Sabbath meal. This was a time for singing songs and reading prayers that required me to read Hebrew. The absence of television during these times was a blessing in disguise. Instead of being distracted, we would sit around and chat, and then I’d spend time reading my favorite novels before bed, which is one of my fondest memories.

The Gift of Hebrew Reading

On Saturday mornings, we would go back to Synagogue for the Shabbat morning service. As I grew older, I became increasingly grateful for the opportunity to learn how to read Hebrew. The immersion in Hebrew through these practices significantly shaped my reading abilities and appreciation for the language.