For thousands of years, Hebrew has undergone a dramatic evolution from its birth as the language of the Bible to its present-day struggle to evolve in a modern State of Israel. Over time, Hebrew has periodically represented a common identity for the Jewish people: it was their language during the time of the Temple, it helped maintain their unity as a people in the Diaspora, and it served as a way for the Jewish people to express their desire for freedom and independence in the years leading up to 1948.

But today, both in Israel and abroad, Hebrew is once again facing enormous challenges to its relevancy and very survival. The impact of immigration, Israel’s language policies, attempts at emulating American and Western culture, and the effects of the internet and other technology on Hebrew have been profound. As other languages die out or are assimilated in the face of globalization, Hebrew, too, has been evolving. Hebrew remains an important component of identity for Israelis and Jewish people around the world, and its changing reality will continue to impact the history of the people who speak, read and pray in this language.

In this unit, students will explore the evolution of Hebrew as it relates to the development of the State of Israel through modern times. Using a graphical timeline, thought-provoking discussion questions, colorful imagery and intricately researched sources, students will gain a better understanding of how Hebrew has evolved and relates to them as learners. The lesson is divided into four engaging chapters complete with a teacher’s guide that includes additional activities and sources for further information. As Achad Ha’am said, “Hebrew’s advantage over other languages is its natural adornment of Judaism, in which it was born, matured and has endured.” Through Israel and Hebrew Language: A Nation’s Choice, students will prove this to be true.

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Product Components

Student Booklet includes:

• 42 bound, colored pages
• An in-depth timeline of Hebrew’s evolution
• Powerful photos and illustrations
• Copies of relevant historical documents
• Sources and suggestions for further reading
• Activities to help students learn beyond the classroom
• Questions that relate Hebrew to student’s lives

Teacher Guide includes:

• 32 staple bound, colored pages
• Enduring understandings, essential questions and objectives
• Activities for each chapter in the student booklet
• Advice for engaging students in our discussion
• Sources and suggestions for further reading

Classroom Set includes:

• 20 Student Booklets
• 1 Teacher Guide