Chanukah 2008 is now here. The gift giving aspect of Chanukah is much more popular in the United States, than in other parts of the world.  Or perhaps, you are starting to think about New Year's resolutions?  Learning Hebrew can be either a gift fo Chanukah, or a New Year's goal.

Many people studied Hebrew in the past, but their skills have become a little rusty. Maybe the last time they studied Hebrew was their Bar Mitvzvah.  For some, this may have been decades ago, and now as they have children or enter retirement, they desire to rekindle their knowledge of Hebrew.

Several products from HebrewResources.com help children and adults to learn Hebrew, either for the first time, or to refresh their prior skills.  The series of programs typically begins with "At Home with Hebrew", their most beginner level program, that teaches a person how to read and write the Hebrew Alef-Bet (alphabet). After learning basic reading skills, the students go on to learn some basic grammar and vocabulary.

"Hebrew Kindergarten", despite the name, is not just for young children.  It's called Kinergarten, because it starts at the very beginning with the basics of nouns, verbs, and adjectives.

For those more interested in learning traditional liturgy and Hebrew prayers, the ideal gift would be "Songs of the Sabbath" (or in Hebrew "Shirei Ha-Shabbat").  This package includes both an audio-CD with modern tunes to the ancient liturgy, and a software program which teaches many of the more traditional synagogue tunes.

I cant convey to you how beautiful the canting really is, but the cantors voices are absolutely amazing! You will be blessed. Here, you have it " three great programs for studying and learning Hebrew.

When we think of giving Hanukah gifts, we often think of children.  Many adults want their children to learn the Jewish language, even if their skills aren't so great.  These products can be used by either children or adults, but how much better to do it together, and make it a family experience?

Andyou dont have to be Jewish to appreciate Hebrew. Regardless of religious affiliation, whether you home-school or not, more and more people are learning Hebrew so that they know for themselves what the Bible has to say. After all, as a friend of mine has said, Reading a translation of Hebrew, is like kissing your bride through the veil.

Whether you celebrate Chanukah or Christmas, consider giving the "gift of Hebrew".  Any of the above tutorials can keep a student busy for months, so they are truly gifts that give all year round.  Even if you miss the winter holidays, you can start Hebrew as a New Years resolution, or any time of the year.