What an oversight! What oversight!
Language is funny. The above two statements are quite the paradox.
While I decide whether to clip this paragraph, I wonder if that means to remove it or to attach it. Apparently, there is a fast rule that something fast can be anchored in place or moving quickly.
This is literally crazy. But not literally. It seems like we may have overlooked how much you can see from an overlook.
While I'm not a linguist, and etymology is a whole field of study, I think it's safe to say that not every word is perfectly precise. After all, so many words have evolved from other languages, colloquial expression, or creative license. I mean, you can Google it - but not before 1998.
Language is primarily a means of communication. So when I order a table from a furniture company, they don't send me a chair. Or a hot dog. I like to imagine that there was a convention of the great scholars of each nation during which they formally agreed on which formulation of letters and sounds should have which meaning.
Theoretically, if at next year's Linguist Convention, they would decide that a table is the new word for chair and vice versa, utter confusion would ensue for a few months, Ashley's would run a creative marketing campaign, and eventually, after some amount of protest, the change would be complete.
There is one language, however, where the meaning, letters, and formulation are intrinsic, precise, unchangeable.
Hebrew.
This language is not simply communication. It is energy. It is the transmission of, or the expression of that energy. It runs deep to the core of the Speaker or Author. It is the power Hashem used to create the world through speech - "Let There be Light". It is the reason the sages in the Talmud could not attribute an extra letter to a spelling mistake, but rather a deeper message. It is the reason why over millennia, every Torah scroll is identical.
It is the reason why although prayer is permitted in every language, it must be in a language you understand. Otherwise, it is hardly communication. However, prayer in Hebrew is allowed even if we don't understand the meaning of each word. Because this divinely authored language is pure, potent, and effective energy.
So while it may be awesome to be able to order a פלפל (falafel) and show off your vocabulary, or navigate the streets of Tel Aviv, that is just a perk. Being able to read Hebrew connects you with a language as old as the world, allows you access to the OG (original) message of the Torah, and tethers you to something authentic, precise, and deeply meaningful.
So if you've always wanted to master Hebrew Reading, here is your chance. We'll be starting a 5-week crash course, after which you will literally (as in actually) be able to read Hebrew. Check out the info below (and if the timing isn't great for you, reply to this email anyway, as we may be adjusting the schedule).