homework

[cellio]

I think my rabbi and I have different perceptions of my language skills. I have homework for our next study session: a few passages from the Mishnah B'rurah, in Hebrew (I think Hebrew and not Aramaic; haven't looked closely), without vowels, in Rashi script. :-) I will do my best to rise to the challenge. Knowing that my rabbi has that much confidence in me helps, and I appreciate it when he pushes me.

A few months ago I was very surprised to find that I could usefully study g'mara (with partners) with just the Aramaic text, albeit with vowels. I didn't think I could do it without English. (The partners were essential; my vocabulary is still poor.) So it is possible that I will be able to do something with this commentary. We'll see!

Comments

[hrj.livejournal.com]

Sometimes language teachers just want to see what you can do with a text that's a few notches beyond your present competence. I remember when I took Old Norse, our very first class session was being handed a text and told we were going to sight read it as best we could. (Of course, most of the class had studied at least one modern Scandinavian language so I was a bit more out of my depth than the average.)

[zevabe.livejournal.com]

The Mishna Brura is in fact Hebrew & not Aramaic. Modern publications have it in regular Hebrew with vowels. So if you send me which selections you need, I can fax them to you for cost. Also, the book itself is sold for 125 shekels. I don't have luggage room, but I've heard of slow shipping for $1 per pound. Just alerting you to your options.

[cellio]

Thanks. My rabbi photocopied the pages in question for me. I suspect that the time is not far off when I'll want my own copy, and that sounds like a good price, so I'll probably be in touch before too long. :-)