Hebrew Roots, Jewish Routes

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ISBN 10: 0874419875 / ISBN 13: 9780874419870

Published by Behrman House, 2019

About this Item

256 pages. 9.20x6.20x1.20 inches. In Stock.

Seller Inventory # 0874419875

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Hebrew Roots, Jewish Routes
• Publisher: Behrman House
• Publication Date: 2019
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0874419875
• ISBN 13: 9780874419870
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: Brand New
• Weight: 0.55 kilograms

About this title

Synopsis

Why does Hebrew matter?

In answering this question, Hebrew Roots, Jewish Routes addresses the many ways engagement with Hebrew enriches Jewishness—culturally, religiously, ethnically.

Whether you know Hebrew or not, linguist and cultural anthropologist Jeremy Benstein takes us on a journey into the deeper significance of Hebrew in the life of Jews and Judaism.

With fluency a distant goal for so many, Benstein provides another approach: engaging with Hebrew by focusing on the three-letter Hebrew roots – the "nuggets of knowledge" -- that are the building blocks of the language.

For instance, tzedakah, usually translated as "charity," actually relates to notions of justice (tzedek) and responsibility, not acts of generosity, thus encapsulating an entire economic world view. With many examples throughout the book, and in nineteen innovative "Wordshops," Benstein shows us both why and how to connect to Hebrew, as a vehicle to enrich our connection to Judaism and its values.

More than just a book about a language, this is a book about the Jewish people and the challenges we face as seen through our shared language, Hebrew.

About the Author

Dr. Jeremy Benstein is an educator, author, and Hebrew lover. He holds a BA in linguistics from Harvard University, a master's degree in Judaic studies from the Schechter Institute in Jerusalem, and a PhD in cultural anthropology from the Hebrew University.

Born in Detroit and raised in Ohio, he has lived in Israel since 1983. Along the way, he helped found the Heschel Center for Sustainability in Tel Aviv. He lives in Zichron Yaakov with his wife, five children, two cats, and many books.