Hebrew: The Living Language That Bridges the Ancient and the Modern

When people think of ancient languages, they often picture dead tongues—Latin in dusty textbooks, Greek carved into stone, Aramaic confined to religious study. But Hebrew stands apart. It is not only one of the oldest languages known to humanity, but also one of the most vibrant and evolving. It continues to be used every single day—spoken at home, taught in schools, prayed in synagogues, and even debated over coffee in cafes across Tel Aviv.

For us, Hebrew has never been just a subject in school or something we read in religious texts. It’s been a constant part of our lives, shaping how we see the world, how we relate to our faith, and how we connect to our community and history. We were raised in a Hebrew-speaking home with our Israeli-born mother, surrounded by family and friends who made the language feel natural, warm, and alive. Some of our earliest memories are of conversations in Hebrew that flowed just as easily as those in English.

Both Modern and Ancient

Our relationship with Hebrew runs deep. It has always existed in two dimensions for us—the modern and the ancient. While we used modern Hebrew every day growing up, we were also learning and chanting the classical Hebrew of our sacred texts. As children, we prepared for our Bar Mitzvahs by learning to read and sing from the Torah scrolls, absorbing not only the script but the ancient melodies that have echoed in synagogues for centuries.

That dual fluency—speaking modern Hebrew and understanding classical, scriptural Hebrew—has given us a unique appreciation for the language. Unlike Latin or Old English, Hebrew has never been confined to the past. It continues to grow, adopt new words, and reflect the dynamic culture of Israel and the Jewish people around the world. And yet, remarkably, the Hebrew of the Torah has not changed. The words we chant today are the same words our ancestors read thousands of years ago.

From Students to Teachers

In 2008 and 2009, we had the honor of serving as Hebrew Language Teaching Assistants at the University of Rochester, teaching courses Hebrew 101 through 104. This was a pivotal experience for both of us. Teaching fellow students—including some graduate-level learners—challenged us to revisit the very structure of the language we had spoken fluently since childhood.

Every question from a student brought us back to the foundation—to the roots of words, phrases, and concepts. That process not only made us better teachers but deepened our own love and curiosity for Hebrew. It was through teaching that we both realized how intricate, beautiful, and multifaceted the language truly is.

Scholarship in the Real World

As members of the Harvard Club, we regularly attended the Hebrew-speaking lunch table, engaging in thought-provoking conversations with colleagues and other Hebrew speakers. These weren’t just casual chats—they were discussions on culture, philosophy, and spirituality conducted entirely in Hebrew. These exchanges reinforced the idea that Hebrew isn’t just liturgical or conversational—it can be intellectual and scholarly, too.

These moments helped shape who we are today. For Adam S. Kaplan, they were among the most rewarding aspects of his involvement in the club, offering new ways to think and speak about timeless topics. For Daniel E. Kaplan, they brought a new level of respect for Hebrew as a medium that could capture both academic rigor and emotional resonance.

Tradition Meets Purpose

Today, we continue to read from the traditional prayer book, the Siddur, daily and often from the ancient Torah scrolls and scriptures as proficient Torah readers, or lainers for the weekly Torah readings. We chant the ancient words of our tradition using the melodic tropes that have been passed down through the generations. 

This sacred responsibility isn’t something we take lightly—it’s a way for us to keep Hebrew alive in its most traditional form, while sharing it with others in a communal, spiritual setting.

We also lead prayers, teach blessings, and officiate at life-cycle events—all in Hebrew. Whether it’s reading the Haggadah at Passover, chanting the Megillah on Purim, or blessing wine and challah on a Friday night, we use the Hebrew language to bring sacred rituals to life for our friends, families, and communities.

A Bridge Between Worlds

Hebrew is a language of contrasts—new and old, secular and sacred, everyday and eternal. That’s what makes it so extraordinary. It carries the full weight of history while continuing to serve the needs of a dynamic, modern world. It tells stories, teaches values, expresses identity, and elevates life’s most meaningful moments.

We consider ourselves incredibly fortunate—Adam S. Kaplan, Daniel E. Kaplan, and everyone who has walked this journey with us—to speak it, teach it, live it, and share it. Whether we’re chanting from the Torah, explaining a biblical phrase, or simply having a conversation, every word we speak in Hebrew connects us to something greater than ourselves.

And that’s why Hebrew will always be more than just a language—it’s a lifeline, a legacy, and a living testament to who we are.