Although the Jewish people have mastered, of necessity, every language in every country in which we have inured, there has remained, throughout our 4000 year odyssey, the imprimatur to study and internalize what our Sages called Leshon Hakodesh - "The Holy Language" - namely, Hebrew. Indeed, the Bible and the books of Rabbinic wisdom and Hebraic culture have, for the most part, been expertly translated and made available in English for our edifying perusal. One can be "knowledgably" Jewish without the benefit of Hebrew language study.

However, for those who seek deeper understanding, there is a depth of intellectual, spiritual, and religious expression attainable through the study of Hebrew that cannot be seen, heard, or felt in translation. Something intrinsically powerful is contained within these 22 ancient block letters - something that both defines and delineates our people's journey through time and civilizations. The country of our residence may have changed countless times. We have learned, quite early in our history, to pick up our tent stakes and to move on. But Hebrew has been a beloved, intimate friend with whom we have never dared to lose contact.

Considering the inimitable orbit of the Jewish people, it would behoove us, despite our relative sense of comfort in America, to pursue this ancient ideal through the continued study of Hebrew. This should be done, as with any linguistic foray, with steadfast purpose and seriousness. Therefore, it is our suggestion that the first Hebrew "study" book in a family's home library should be J. Weingreen's A Practical Grammar for Classical Hebrew. If the Bible is the sourcebook for all our inheritance of Jewish wisdom, then the language of the Bible should be the first subject of our examination. Dr. Weingreen sets forth, empirically, succinctly, and comprehensively, all the patterns of Biblical Hebrew that one needs in order to understand the context of Hebrew Scriptures. What is most striking about the book's presentation is that within the first twenty-five pages the student is exposed to the morphology of Biblical Hebrew. The sentences, exercises, and grammatical lessons are didactically precise.

Without question, the student who follows these carefully constructed chapters will be able to master the seemingly recondite language of ancient Hebrew within a few years. Dr. Weingreen's study is a classical gem for those who treasure classical Jewish education.