Shalom, talmideem. Welcome to lesson 4!

This week, we are going to introduce three new letters in the Hebrew alphabet: נ (nun), ן (final nun), א (aleph), and ע (ayin). These letters may look unfamiliar at first but don't worry; we will break them down and practice their pronunciation together. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to recognize and pronounce these letters confidently.

Let's start with נ (nun). This letter is pronounced as "n" in English. It sounds just like the initial sound in the word "name" or "nice." Practice saying נ (nun) out loud to familiarize yourself with its sound.

Next, we have ן (final nun), which is the final form of נ (nun). This means that ן (final nun) is used at the end of a word. It is pronounced the same as נ (nun), so it's like the "n" sound at the end of words such as "open" or "person." Remember, ן (final nun) is only used at the end of a word, so keep an eye out for it.

Now, let's move on to א (aleph) and ע (ayin). These letters are a bit different from what we've learned so far. א (aleph) is a silent letter, which means it doesn't have a specific sound of its own. Instead, it is used to modify the pronunciation of other letters in a word. Think of it as a placeholder that helps to connect words and sounds smoothly.

Today, we will learn some new words that will lay the foundation for your Hebrew language journey. These words are essential for everyday conversation and will give you a deeper understanding of Hebrew culture and tradition. Let's dive right in!

1. Elohim: In Hebrew, Elohim means "God." It is a plural noun used to denote the divine nature of God. Interestingly, while grammatically plural, Elohim uses singular verbs, indicating a sense of unity.

2. Adonai: Adonai is another word for "God" in Hebrew. It is used as a substitute for the sacred name of God, which is considered too sacred to be pronounced. This word represents reverence and respect towards God and is often used in prayers and worship.

3. Amen (so be it): Amen is a Hebrew word commonly used at the end of prayers to express agreement or affirmation. It signifies a belief in the words spoken and is an acknowledgment of trust and faith in God. Remember, when you say amen, you affirm your belief in what has been said.

4. Ani maamin (m): This phrase means "I believe" and is an important expression of faith. By using this phrase, you can convey your belief in God, a particular concept, or an idea. It reflects the importance of having faith as a fundamental aspect of Hebrew culture.

5. Abba: Abba translates to "dad" in Hebrew. This word signifies the intimate and loving relationship between a child and their father. Using this word, you can address your father affectionately and express your love and respect.

6. Ben: Ben means "son" in Hebrew. It is used to refer to a male child or offspring. Like Abba, this word highlights the family relationships and the importance of filial bonds in Hebrew culture.

Another word is "ohr," which means "light" in Hebrew. Ohr is an important symbol in many cultures, representing illumination, knowledge, and understanding. In Hebrew, ohr is used both literally and metaphorically.

Next, we have the words "atah" and "at," which mean "you" in Hebrew. The word "atah" is used when addressing a male, while "at" is used when addressing a female.

These words are commonly used in conversations, such as when asking "Ma neeshma?" meaning "How is it going?" You can respond with "Tov" which means "good," or say "Toda" meaning "thanks."

Moving on, we have the word "am," which means "people" in Hebrew. It is a collective noun used to refer to a group of individuals. The word "am" has been used for thousands of years to describe the Jewish people. For example, in the sentence "Am yisrael chai" meaning "The people of Israel live," the word "am" refers to the Jewish nation.

The word "El" means "god" in Hebrew. It refers to the one true God or a foreign god.

"Echad" means "one" and is often used when talking about the oneness of God. For example, in the sentence "Shema Yisrael Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai Echad" meaning "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one," the word "echad" emphasizes the unity of God.

Next, we have "ani" which means "I" in Hebrew. It is a simple word, but it is crucial for self-expression and communication. You can use "ani" to introduce yourself or talk about your preferences or actions. For example, you might say "Ani ohev sport" meaning "I love sports" or "Ani ba boker" meaning "I come in the morning."

Moving on, we have the word "brit" which means "covenant" in Hebrew. It refers to a formal agreement or pact between two parties. In Jewish tradition, a special covenant is known as "brit milah, " meaning "circumcision." It is a religious rite performed on the 8th day of male infants as a sign of the covenant between God and His people.

The name "Shlomo" which means "Solomon" in Hebrew. Shlomo was a wise and prosperous king in ancient Israel. His name is derived from the same root word of shalom. He is known for his wisdom and building the First Temple in Jerusalem. The name Shlomo carries a sense of wisdom and intellect in Hebrew culture.

"Menorah" means "lamp" or "candlestick" in Hebrew. It is a seven-branched candelabrum used during the Jewish festival of Hanukkah to light candles.

"Lehitraot" means "see you later" and is used to bid farewell.

And "haba" means "the one to come" and is often used to refer to future events or someone who is expected to arrive.

I hope you enjoyed learning these new words. Practice incorporating them into your conversations and continue building your Hebrew vocabulary. See you in the next lesson!

Watch Lesson 4 Here:

Hebrew Word Studies: שְׁמַע (Shema), יהוה (YHWH), and אֱלֹהִים (Elohim)

Read more about Names of God here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Names_of_God_in_Judaism

WEEK 4 HOMEWORK:

1. Create flashcards for the word torah in Hebrew and its 3-letter root and for the letters you learned this week:  נ ן א ע.
2. Practice recognizing the Hebrew letters נ ן א ע.
3. Complete the exercises on pages 33-35, 37-38.
4. Play the game on page 36.
5. Use the audio file below read by Miss Joy, the author of the books we're using, to practice this week's vocabulary.

ADVANCED STUDENTS:

1. Copywork: Copy the Shema Deuteronomy 6:4 in Hebrew block and script on a flashcard.
2. Find at least three other Scriptures in the Bible that talk about the torah (instruction).
3. Memorization: Learn Deuteronomy 6:4 in Hebrew to recite.

Practice Listening Lesson 4 Hebrew Vocabulary Here:

Let's Play a Game!