I am thrilled with the teaching style of this book. The authors teach in a humble, welcoming, and approachable manner. Yes, it is highly advisable to learn how to read Hebrew FIRST, even if you don't understand what you're reading, before using this manual or you won't get far at all.
My only wish? Is that it was twice as thick with even more lessons. I've spent so much $$$ looking for "self teaching" Hebrew lessons and grow weary of the online wolves who want to pick your pocket months on end for lessons in God's holy language. I got so much out of this in just the first few lessons, I almost cried for not having found it first before so many others and would've saved a lot of money.
TODA RABA and PLEASE keep a good thing going by printing other books/tapes that teach Hebrew the way you do.
Some of us want to learn Hebrew for the sake of being closer to the Creator and for the blessings it brings to our lives. We want to pray, praise, sing, and speak in Hebrew with a hunger that can hardly be satisfied with today's offerings in lessons. This book has come as close to it as I can find thus far. Thank you.