Media Kit

While many stayed home during Covid 19 months, not knowing what to do to pass the time while in quarantine, Rabbi Yakira, who was ordained as a rabbi a year ago, has decided to fulfill a twenty years old dream come true, and write a new revolutionary text book,
BeCHAVRUTA, LEARN TO READ HEBREW IN 18 STEPS.

The new self-published book has already received the kosher stamp of approval from many well-known respected, accomplished rabbis and authors. Dennis Prager wrote  “Original, fun, and effective, this is a superb way to learn to read Hebrew.”
Rabbi David Wolpe wrote “A clear, lucid and immensely helpful guide to learning Hebrew. Takes the reader by the hand and introduces the holy tongue in living color.”

“I was born and raised in Israel” says Yakira, “and what started off as two weeks-vacation in Los Angeles California, back in the summer of 1995, morphed into 25 years, with more than a thousand students, of a successful teaching career.” Yakira, a former military band veteran,singer-songwriter, whose debut CD was released back in 1998, finds a lot of similarities in the process of writing a song, writing a lesson plan or writing a book. “At the end of the day, we’re all co-creating our own reality, hopefully inspiring others, one should always ask, which seed am I choosing to plant in people’s hearts minds and souls? “

Until Covid 19, you were still performing in synagogues and various events, what has happened since then?
“There’s been a lot of water under the bridge, and like many others, my life has completely changed in the wake of Covid 19. Some people have been paralyzed by fear. It made me create. In Ethics of our Fathers, it says: Im lo achshav ematie? If not now, then when? “

You started an online Hebrew academy called BeCHAVRUTA, why did you choose this name?
“On January 5th, 2020 I began studying Talmud Daf Yomi and really liked the Aramaic word BeCHAVRUTA, which means “friendship”. Studying in friendship is an accepted method of Talmudic studies. It really reflects my equality approach to teaching-my students are my best teachers.”

What made you write the book?
“For years I have been supplementing my lessons with original fun and simple sheets I’ve created to help my students excel. Knowing there’s a better way to teach Hebrew, considering what is available, I’ve made the decision to share my ideas in a form of a book. Israelis don’t really use vowels when they read Hebrew since they know how to pronounce a word, but for those who do not speak the language, reading Hebrew with vowels is essential. The problem is how can one read accurately when similar looking vowels have different sounds?
My method offers a solution to this problem since you’re being guided mainly by colors.”

What’s special about your book that made Dennis Prager so excited?
“The book solves a big problem that has existed in the American Jewish education for many years. Less and less children are interested in reading Hebrew, because Hebrew is being perceived, as difficult and not a fun. We live in an instant gratification society, where instant is the norm. My book is short and to the point. Some of the readers might remember the transition from black & white photography to color. My book is turning black & white images to colors.”

As an unaffiliated rabbi and a Jewish educator for many years, what is your view on the future of Judaism and Jewish education in America?
“That’s a big question.  The short answer, nobody knows. It is no secret that based on Temple’s membership enrollments alone, the numbers are in decline. Temples are choosing to merge in order to maintain and sustain their livelihood. The same applies to Religious schools. Having said that I’m hopeful. Receiving the kosher stamp of approval for my book from accomplished authors and rabbis; Rabbi David Wolpe, Rabbi Dr David Ellenson and Dennis Prager, just to name a few, validates the need to adapt our teaching tools and methods to the current social, emotional, psychological learning needs of our students.

“What is the publishing date?
“The book publishing date is July 18th, which happens to be the date I arrived to Los Angeles 26 years ago.”

Who is the book suitable for?
“The book simple layout makes it suitable for all ages. Anyone who wants or needs to learn to read Hebrew will enjoy it. We’re receiving orders from Jewish schools across the United States, and in July I will be teaching intensive workshops for educators, at the New CAJE Conference.”

What is the core message your book brings?
“The core message of my book is that everyone can read Hebrew accurately in a fun and easy way. The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second- best time is now. It is never too late to start learning something new! Also, it is important to remember that It is our responsibility to teach Hebrew, the holy tongue, from generation to generation, to ensure we will continue to pass it Midor L’dor, from generation to generation.”

Since your book is an original, and the only one using this unique color coded method, are there any upcoming books you plan to write and publish using this method?
“Yes! Thank you for asking. I’m writing an entire curriculum! BeCHAVRUTA, will publish an entire series of books using my color coded method.”

Where can we buy LEARN TO READ HEBREW IN 18 STEPS?
The book is available to purchase on www.rabbiyakira.com