Written by the core faculty of the Hebrew Program at Brandeis University; Brandeis Modern Hebrew is an accessible introduction to the Hebrew language for American undergraduates and high school students. Its functional and contextual elements are designed to bring students from the beginner level to the intermediate level; and to familiarize them with those linguistic aspects that will prepare them to function in advanced stages. This volume reflects some of the main principles that have shaped the Brandeis Hebrew curriculum during the past decade. These include: *an emphasis on the learner's ability to use the target language in all four skills areas: speaking; listening; reading; and writing *an effort to contextualize each unit within a specific subject or theme *exposing the student to authentic and semi-authentic materials (texts written by native speakers) *exploring different elements from Israeli and Jewish culture in the language drills; reading passages; and in selections of sources from the Hebrew literary canon The text in this edition comprises a short introduction to the instructor; 11 units; supplementary Hebrew proficiency guidelines; and a vocabulary list. Included is a CD that contains audio material for some of the exercises and an enrichment program linked to the text.
#478839 in Books 2008-02-04 2008-02-04Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .50 x 6.00l; .69 #File Name: 1581349610224 pages
Review
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Less about issues and more about how to think about issuesBy L. StaleyI really enoyed this book. First; he laid a bibilical foundation as background for how to think about political issues and decide for yourself the answers. Then; he gives specific examples.I found it really refreshing to read a book that talks about how to decide issues for yourself instead of presenting a specific case. This book helped me figure out why I felt so uneasy with the leadership of many of the Christian voices in politics today. He also built a case for deciding issue by issue what you think instead of applying a litmus test to all the issues to come to a position.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Second Book Beside BibleBy odahThis book should be a mandatory reading for every elected official in America. This book is not one of partisan book full of unrealistic ideas. Mr. Steve Monsma should be advising our next President and giving lectures to members of Congress who live out of touch.8 of 9 people found the following review helpful. Thoughtful Treatment of Intense Political IssuesBy Trevin WaxI knew I had to buy this book when I saw that both Chuck Colson and Ron Sider were recommending it. Healing for a Broken World: Christian Perspectives on Public Policy (Crossway; 2008) by Steve Monsma helps evangelicals consider how our Christian faith influences our view of politics and public policy.Monsma calls us to a biblically-informed view of public policy. He writes:"The truly important thing is that we approach public-policy issues humbly and with our minds shaped by biblically-based principles; not by the various political idols of our day." (11)Monsma warns us of the traps awaiting well-intentioned evangelicals who participate in the political sphere. Some evangelicals fail to prioritize the right issues. Others may have a narrow goal of seeing Christianity recognized in public life instead of seeing freedom for all religions as a civic responsibility. A few evangelicals throw up their hands in despair; convinced that political solutions to our country's problems are too complex.In order to help us avoid these traps; Monsma lays a foundation of biblical principles that should undergird all our political involvement. Three principles are key: justice; solidarity; and civil society. These principles frame the rest of the book; but Monsma concentrates on the principle of solidarity when he is speaking of specific political problems.Monsma writes about abortion; immigration; religious freedom; human rights; the environment and other hot-button political issues. Readers might be frustrated that Monsma does not always come down forcefully with regard to specific political proposals. He sees how Christians might disagree as to how justice; solidarity and civil society are best preserved. Monsma seeks to offer a framework to help us think about these issues rather than taking a "This is the Christian approach" position that silences healthy discussion.The chapter on poverty helpfully steers between the call to full responsibility and full dependence. He is right to see that the poor need help at a deeper level than a mere handout. My only quibble with Monsma's treatment of poverty is that he accepts at face-value the government's definition of poverty. Perhaps it is my experience in Romania with people who are truly destitute that makes me question the government's poverty line.The chapter on church and state is thoughtful in its approach to the role of the Church in civil society. But surprisingly; Monsma never deals with the issue of Muslim Law. The growth of the Muslim population in Europe and the United States has led to a resurgence of interest in Muslim Law that is not at all separate from the State. Monsma helps us understand the issues at stake in Church/State debates; but does not address the growing concern about Mosque/State relations.The chapter on the environment is biblically sound. But there is no discussion about whether or not global warming is man-made. I find this omission unfortunate; since determining the cause is key to how evangelicals decide how to address climate change.The chapter on human rights is terrific. The principle of solidarity frames the discussion. Monsma peppers the chapter with good stories that are designed to shake us out of complacency and lead us to action on behalf of the persecuted in our world.Overall; Healing for a Broken World is a much-needed book. I appreciate Monsma's treatment of these political issues. He manages to bring more light than heat to these issues - a true feat indeed in our polarized political climate today. I suspect that some may be disappointed in this book; having expected more concrete expressions of political passion. But I; for one; think we could use a few more cool heads.
