Reading Hebrew Scriptures, Scrolls, and Prayers I

Pinchas Shir, Associate Professor of Ancient Cultures

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Course info
Materials
Audio lessons
Reviews

Course Info

Have you ever wanted to understand the Bible in its original language? Do you feel that a lot of meaning is simply lost in translation? Have you learned the Hebrew Alphabet, but feel that you need an experienced Hebrew instructor to accompany you on your reading journey? If so, this course is for you! As you follow your instructor through the Book of Genesis, reading and translating Biblical texts step by step, you will gradually begin to uncover the original meaning that lies beneath the translation.

As you progress, you will even venture to read a few lines directly from the Great Isaiah Scroll, part of the Dead Sea Scrolls discovered in 1947 at Qumran.  You will conclude each session by reading a short selection from the Siddur (Jewish Prayer Book). Reading the Bible only in translation is like listening to Bach only performed on harmonica. You get the melody, but you miss so much more. Make an investment in your life that you will never regret.

About Author

Pinchas Shir

Associate Professor of Ancient Cultures

Pinchas Shir, Israel Bible Center’s Associate Professor of Ancient Cultures, is nearing the completion of his Ph.D. studies in the Department of Religion at Groningen University in the Netherlands. His academic interests focus on ancient dining culture, culinary contexts of the Second Temple period, and particularly on the table interactions between Jews and Gentiles in antiquity. In addition, Pinchas is keenly interested in the archaeology of Ancient Israel and the Mediterranean.

Currently residing in North America, Assoc. Professor Shir lectures internationally and maintains a strong online presence where all can hear his teachings.

  • 25 Sessions With historical background and more
  • Earn your certificate in:
    • Jewish Context and Culture
    • Hebrew Bible
  • 2,474 Active Students From all over the world
  • 06:01 Hours Learn at your pace and convenience

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Materials

  • Lecture Notes for this Course
  • Vocab for this Course
  • Lower Hebrew Chart
  • Plain Text Notes for this Course

Audio lessons

  • 02. Session One - Reading 1 12:35
  • 03. Session One - Reading 2 12:20
  • 04. Session One - Reading 3 14:38
  • 05. Session One - Isaiah Scroll and Siddur 19:19
  • 06. Session Two - Vocabulary 2 06:12
  • 07. Session Two - Reading 1 05:58
  • 08. Session Two - Reading 2 12:20
  • 09. Session Two - Reading 3 16:54
  • 10. Session Two - Isaiah Scroll and Siddur 15:41
  • 11. Session Three - Vocabulary 3 07:02
  • 12. Session Three - Reading 1 11:44
  • 13. Session Three - Reading 2 15:57
  • 14. Session Three - Reading 3 20:43
  • 15. Session Three - Isaiah Scroll and Siddur 17:10
  • 16. Session Four - Vocabulary 4 08:15
  • 17. Session Four - Reading 1 13:09
  • 18. Session Four - Reading 2 14:11
  • 19. Session Four - Reading 3 13:51
  • 20. Session Four - Isaiah Scroll and Siddur 16:24
  • 21. Session Five - Vocabulary 5 10:16
  • 22. Session Five - Reading 1 18:15
  • 23. Session Five - Reading 2 25:11
  • 24. Session Five - Reading 3 17:06
  • 25. Session Five - Isaiah Scroll and Siddur 24:34

This course is part of a Learning Path

Dive deeper into this topic by exploring related content!

Explore all paths

Student Reviews

5

Overall student rates

Overall rating based on 60 reviews
5 Stars 59
4 Stars 1
3 Stars 0
2 Stars 0
1 Star 0
60 Total
  • James Sellers

    Posted 8 months ago
    When he introduces a word, like 6, and then says it changes when written like this or that to an adjective. The explanation can slip by without due diligence on how or what changes it. He has explained that grammar isn’t being taught here. Yet he brought it up. And I’m thankful he did or I wouldn’t know I still need to learn more from another course before finishing this course.
  • Agnes Ng

    Posted 8 months ago
    It arouses my interest in learning.
  • Edward Goodyear

    Posted 8 months ago
    totally enjoyed
  • Morgan Pinkerman

    Posted 9 months ago
    Another great course!
  • Kenneth Smailes

    Posted 9 months ago
    Enjoyed the immersive experience. Would have liked more of an explanation of Jewish alphabet at the beginning.

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