How many Jews study the Bible in Hebrew?

Answer 1

You will find that most observant Orthodox Jews will study Tanach in hebrew. In the past, because the majority of the major poskim weren't available in english - but artscroll is wroking on that! Me, I generally study Parshat hashavuah with Rashi, Ramban, Ba'al Harutim and I try to read at leats a bit of the Midrash Rabba . While artscroll has done translations of Rashi and Ba'al Haturim- Ramban you have to study in hebrew as the translations leave out anything where he discusses kaballah, and the midrash rabba has not been translated fully (I think there are some partial transalations- in that the midrash is transalated but not the commentaries on it.)

Additionally- the english translations loose a lot of nuances- suvh as being able to identify where the word is meant to be translated as in the english, vs where the hebrew is one of mulitple options- and the particular word used makes a difference.

Answer 2

Admittedly my Hebrew is not up to par.

A number of factors have left me with a severer deficiency in Hebrew. Hopefully though next fall I will be able to correct some of that with some additional classes in Hebrew grammar.

As for studding Tanach. I usually study from one that has both English and Hebrew on opposite pages. So that way if I find something strange in English I can look at the words and Hebrew, and look them up if I do not know them.

Answer 3

Although my Hebrew could use work I try and study in Hebrew. I find even with my limitations the text just makes more sense in Hebrew.

Answer 4

I try. But my Hebrew is not as advance as to completely put aside Artscroll Siddur or Humash.
I dream of the day when I am able to do it without assistance of English or Russian texts.

LadySuri, I know that you are 16 years old. But can I make a suggestion when you get out of school and you are ready to go into University, please major in education. I think that you will make an excellent teacher of Judaic or Jewish history. I wish that you were in my classes perhaps you would have encourage my students to ask more questions in school. Plus, it seems to be that not only are you book smart you are also life smart. Your parents a and your teachers have done a wonderful job in raising you. Good Job.

Answer 5

i usually get one of those bibles that have english on one side and hebrew on the other. my hebrew is pretty terrible and i'd never be able to read it independently in hebrew, but i like to have the hebrew alongside the english because i like to compare how literal the english translations are.

Answer 6

Our Torah study class itself is in English, but we have the Hebrew right next to it which our rabbi translates as needed. It's the only way to do it and of course points out the flaws in the English.

And I second Teacher's comments about Lady Suri

Answer 7

I do. As was said, translations do no justice. My Hebrew is only beginning to take shape for study, but I am working on it and soon hope to leave behind the crutch of English translations.

Answer 8

I have enough problems understanding it in English...

I actually did have a Chevruta in Hebrew, once, and it turned out I was better it it than I thought I'd be. But for the most part, I think I'm going to stick to my mother tongue.

Answer 9

I do.
And many others as well.
The Torah is meant to be studied in Hebrew, as translations do not do it justice.

Answer 10

I do somewhat, but the English goes about twenty times faster.