I’m loving my new Hebrew class! The Purple level is much more challenging than the previous levels, but in a great way, with more interesting content and vocabulary and homework and conversations. The teacher is fantastic, not just because he knows how to do weird tech stuff like broadcasting announcements to all of the breakout rooms at once, but also because he’s able to keep track of all of our stories and quirks and make sure we are all seen and heard and made part of the flow of the class.
The only problem, if there is one, is that I am surrounded by classmates with much more Hebrew fluency than I have. But surprisingly, I don’t really mind. I thought I would prefer being at the top of a lower-level class, but instead I feel energized by how much more there is to learn, and how much more there is to look forward to.
The homework at the purple level is also a lot more fun. We used to just translate sentences, from Hebrew to English or English to Hebrew, to practice our new vocabulary, but in Purple we do something called Field Research, where we take three of the words we learned in class that day and look up blog posts or articles or memes using those new words, then screenshot and post them to our class WhatsApp group. Being me, I spend a lot of time searching, reading dozens of posts until I find something that makes me laugh, or cry, so not only is it fun, but it also forces me to read a lot more Hebrew than I otherwise would have.
My favorite homework, though, and the one that challenges me the most, is when we are given a random topic and told to record ourselves speaking off the cuff in a short voice note, no editing allowed. For now, I tend to talk around the holes in my vocabulary, as if I’m avoiding land mines, but my braver classmates jump right in and bring up new words for us to learn in the next class. We also get to know each other really well, from family stories, pet peeves, and random trivia that would never come up in the course of normal conversations.
Possibly because of the voice note practice, or maybe because I’m just like this anyway, I’ve been talking to myself a lot in Hebrew lately, telling myself stories from my day and then rushing to Google Translate with a list of words that I now need to know how to say in Hebrew. I am, at least, willing to be more adventurous in my Hebrew speaking when I am only talking to myself. Hopefully, one day, I will have the confidence to just start speaking in public, with no plan for where I will end up.
Somehow, we’re already halfway through this semester, and I am not happy about that at all. We have a short break for Passover, and then Holocaust Remembrance Day, Israeli Memorial Day, and Israeli Independence Day, which all come in a clump, and that will give me an opportunity to feel some of the impending grief at the loss of the class and then dive back in for relief. But I know that when this class really ends, I’m going to resent it. I already feel bad for our next teacher (of course, I’ve already signed up for the next class), because there will be a lot for them to live up to.
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rachelmankowitz 
It seems that this wise teacher has given you a healthy jump-start in you language learning journey. You have some new skills from which to build upon. Perhaps your next instructors have something different but equally as enlighening. Even if they do not, you know not to set expectations too high. Chag Sameach!
Thank you! Inspiration is priceless and I’ll take as much as I can get!
I’m glad this class turned out so very different than what you were expecting/dreading. Before long you’ll sound like a native! 😉
I don’t know that I’ll ever have the accent, but I’m having a lot of fun!
That’s important too!
Isn’t it wonderful the difference a great teacher can make in class?! I am so glad you are liking the purple level, Rachel.
Having a good teacher makes everything better!
Bravo for challenging yourself like this, Rachel!
Thank you!
I admire what you’re doing, Rachel.
Thank you!
Wow, what a complete success this class is for you.
It really is!
I love the picture of your little girl and her new friends! 💕
She is surrounded by love!
I glad it’s going well in your new class and thanks for the Tzipporah pictures. Always a joy to see her. I went to an all women seder tonight which was fun except the host’s daughter had her sweet little westie there who is a boy but he wasn’t at the table. 😉
Thank you! And dogs, of any gender, are an important part of the Seder!
Congratulations for stretching yourself
Thank you!
This sounds like a good class. I’m glad it’s working out for you. 🌺
Thank you!
So glad you’re doing so well and enjoying it. Tzipporah is so cute!
Thank you!
A good teacher can make a class soar! I found a class totally magical once…I liked the topic and the classmates were eager to learn and explore. We were all very happy. Tzipporah is looking so cute!
It’s a magical thing!
I forgot to say Happy Passover! It sounds like a lot of preparation for this holiday, and a joyful gathering.
Thank you!
Having fun while learning to come closer to mastering your goal…Sounds terrific to me! Enjoy!
Thank you!
Your class sounds like a lot of fun. I’m so glad you’re enjoying it.
Thank you!
Happy Passover, Rachel. ❤
Thank you! Happy almost Easter!
Thank you! 🙂
I love the last photo caption, “You’d be barking in no time.” The purple level sounds terrific and so immersive – not just rote learning. I hope your class continues to converse even when the class ends – Shalom
XOV
Me too. Today Rabah!
It sounds like you’re having fun living the purple life. I like the idea of taking the step up to challenge yourself rather than hanging back a the old comfortable level. It’s like in business, better to be the small fish in the big pond knowing you can grow than the big fish in the little pond where you stagnate. Good luck and have fun!
Thank you!
WOW! Sounds like a fabulous teacher! Teachers that inspire learning and make it fun are the BEST!
I feel so lucky!
It really is a great thing!
I am jealous of your enthusiasm. I have taken ulpan twice, and I feel like I have made no progress. It would help if I did the homework. Your teacher really does sound fantastic!
I’ve come to believe that it has to be fun in order for it to stick, otherwise the brain sort of blocks it all out.
Hmmm. Maybe that is my problem? I thought it was age related. Anyone over 55 I understand much better. Otherwise, they speak to quickly and slur their words.
Young Israelis are known for speaking double time (Kaful shtayim), so when I watch videos in Hebrew I often slow them down just to figure out what they’re saying. It really helps.
I admire your dedication!!!
Thank you!
I just enjoyed a delightful lunch and took some time to explore my phone—a peaceful way to continue the day. I wanted to express my appreciation for your posts and articles. They are not only engaging but also rich with insight. Thank you for consistently sharing such thoughtful and meaningful content.
Thank you so much!
Rachel, do you find Scripture to be more meaningful when read in Hebrew?
Sometimes. Other times being faced with words I can’t quite understand makes it harder to connect.
Lovely to read, Rachel. It seems the more we enjoy something the better we are at getting it. Fun is so inspirational.
Definitely!