Hebrew study options vary on campus

Whether they always had the desire to learn Hebrew, or they developed a newfound interest in learning it upon returning from Birthright, many students are expressing interest in learning Hebrew.The University of Maryland currently hosts three different ways for students to practice and learn the language.

The first way to get involved is to simply take the classes the university offers. Students who have no prior knowledge of Hebrew can sign up for HEBR111: Elementary Hebrew. This is an intensive six-credit class, which meets six hours a week. From there, they can move on to HEBR211: Intermediate Hebrew I, another six-credit class. Other classes our school offers include HEBR313: Conversation and Composition, a three-credit class, and HEBR381: Introduction to Hebrew Cultural Studies, also for three credits.

"I had a pretty good understanding of Hebrew before I got here, but didn't really know grammar," said Lila Rosenbloom, a sophomore Jewish studies major.

Rosenbloom's major requires her to take Hebrew, and she is currently taking her fourth class.

"We learn everything--grammar, reading, writing and conversation," Rosenbloom said.
For students who don't have the time in their schedule to take a Hebrew class for credit or are just looking for a less stressful and more casual academic environment, Hillel offers a free, once-a-week class.

Taught by Jon Wood, Hillel's senior engagement associate, the hour-long class of 20 meets at 2 p.m. on Fridays at Hillel.

Wood said his goal is to "just give people a basic understanding of Hebrew and to spark their interest in the language."

Wood said the class is open to everyone and this semester he even has a non-Jewish student in the class.

"I try to consolidate by starting out teaching a ton of vocab. As the weeks go on, I focus on common phrases and modern Hebrew and encourage simple conversations in pairs," Wood said.

" I like the class a lot because I am passionate about acquiring the language. Jon is really accessible and always offers to meet with anyone who feels they need extra help," said Nicole Sedaka, a sophomore public health major.

Wood offers a private half-hour review session before class for those students that fall behind.

"Some people need help to keep them interested in the language. I try not to move too
fast," Wood said.

In order to keep the class entertaining, Wood is hoping to take the class on a field trip to the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C.

"I think anyone who is interested in learning Hebrew, no matter how little they know now, would enjoy getting involved with this class at Hillel," Sedaka said.

The third and most informal program offered is called The Hebrew Table, offered in conjunction with the Kollel Torah Mitzion Kollel.

The Kollel, which is based out of the Melvin J. Berman Hebrew Academy of Greater
Washington, consists of Israelis who spend one year in the United States after doing their service in the army. They come to Hillel on Thursday nights at 6:30 p.m. to engage students in Hebrew study.

"This is my first semester I am involved. I was in Israel last year working on a Kibbutz, doing volunteer work in Tel-Aviv, and taking some classes in Jerusalem for a program called Young Judea," said Daniel Makover, a freshman economics major. "I learned Hebrew fluently there, so going to The Hebrew Table has helped me retain what I have learned."

JLI Educator Naomi Kohl explained that the Hebrew Table is not held in a classroom setting.

"It is an informal opportunity to converse in Hebrew and learn the language with Israelis," she said.

Naomi said the students learn through immersion while hanging out with Israelis and through games, films, or articles. The class averages about 10-20 students and this is their third year offering the program.

"It's not about the grammar or learning specific words," said Naomi. "It's up to you to push yourself to make the most of it.