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Why does Hebrew matter? Hebrew Roots, Jewish Routes addresses the many ways engagement with Hebrew enriches Jewishness culturally and religiously. Whether you know Hebrew or not, Jeremy Benstein takes us on an entertaining journey into the significance of Hebrew for Jews and Judaism. Since fluency is a distant goal for many, Benstein shows us another approach: engaging with Hebrew by focusing on the three-letter Hebrew roots that are the building blocks of the language, seeing these ​“nuggets of knowledge” as a vehicle to enriching our connection to Judaism and its values. For instance, tzedakah, usually translated as ​“charity,” comes from justice (tzedek) and responsibility, not generosity, thus encapsulating an entire economic worldview. With many witty examples, Benstein shows us both why and how to connect to Hebrew, this under­appreciated treasure of ours. Hebrew is both ancient and evolving, holy and daily, tribal and global. 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.

Click here* to purchase Hebrew Roots, Jewish Routes: A Tribal Language in a Global World
*For each purchase using the link above, the synagogue receives a small commission.

Dr. Jeremy Benstein is an educator, author, and Hebrew lover. He holds a BA in linguistics from Harvard, a master’s degree in Judaic studies from the Schechter Institute in Jerusalem, and a PhD in cultural anthropology from the Hebrew University. Raised in Toledo, Ohio, he lives in Zichron Yaakov, Israel with his wife, five children, two cats, and many books.