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Shalom Parents,
Welcome back! I hope everyone had a refreshing and enjoyable winter break. Seeing all the smiling faces as we welcomed each other in 2024 has been wonderful!
Celebrating National Hebrew Language Week
This week in School, we celebrated Eliezer BenYehuday
Eliezer Ben Yehuda, born in 1858, is often hailed as the father of Modern Hebrew. His visionary efforts were instrumental in reviving Hebrew from a classical language primarily used in religious and scholarly contexts to a vibrant, everyday spoken language in Jewish communities and eventually the State of Israel.
Understanding the importance of language in shaping national identity, Ben Yehuda fervently believed that the Jewish people needed a unified language to complement their cultural and historical heritage. He moved to Jerusalem in 1881 and began his life's work of establishing Hebrew as a modern tongue.
A significant part of his legacy includes his relentless work in lexicography. He compiled the first modern Hebrew dictionary, which added many new words and adapted ancient Hebrew to suit contemporary needs. His dictionary (Published in 1959, 11 years after the foundation of the State of Israel) laid the foundation for the language used by millions today.
Ben Yehuda also played a key role in education, advocating for Hebrew-speaking schools. The first elementary school was founded in 1899, and by 1920, there were already over 100 schools teaching in Hebrew. His own family often claimed to be the first modern family to speak Hebrew at home, which was a testament to his commitment.
Furthermore, his influence extended to print media. Ben Yehuda was involved in launching and editing several Hebrew-language newspapers, such as "HaZvi," which were crucial in popularizing and standardizing the language.
Eliezer Ben Yehuda's work culminated in the establishment of the Hebrew Language Academy in Jerusalem, a body that continues to oversee the development and regulation of the Hebrew language. He passed away in 1922, but his legacy lives on, with Modern Hebrew being a vibrant testament to his life's dedication.
Click HERE to watch a short Video about Eliezer Ben Yehudah and the revival of the Hebrew Language.
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