What Reviewers Say

Reviewers consistently describe Breaking the Code as an effective introductory tool for mastering Hebrew decoding through a phonetic and visual approach. According to Jewish Homeschool, the program is simple to follow and produces results quickly. Users on the Well-Trained Mind Forums note that the curriculum is particularly effective for children who already understand English phonics, though they suggest its primary utility is limited to the first year of study for mastering basic decoding skills. The Homeschool Mom highlights that the curriculum is accessible for families where the teacher has no prior knowledge of the language, provided they use the included audio guides. While praised for its ease of use, the narrow focus on reading mechanics may require parents to seek additional resources for deeper language acquisition after the initial year.

How It Works

A typical week involves the student watching one or two video lessons, which are about 20 minutes long, where Dr. Jones explains the historical development and phonetic sound of specific Hebrew letters. After the video, the child completes workbook pages that focus on 'decoding,' which means practicing the handwriting of the characters and learning to blend them into sounds. Each session takes roughly 30 to 45 minutes, and most families find that three sessions per week allow for steady progress. The parent’s role is minimal, acting mainly as a facilitator to check the workbook answers using the provided key, as the program is designed for the student to follow the video instruction independently. The primary materials used at the table are the lesson DVDs or streaming videos, the student workbook, and a set of alphabet charts for quick reference.

Switching to This?

Because this program is designed as a foundational introduction for those with zero experience, the publisher does not offer a formal placement test; instead, every student should start at the very beginning of the course. The community rule of thumb is that regardless of a student's age or grade level, the focus is on mastering the script itself, so there is no need to 'skip' levels. Families can easily start this curriculum mid-year because the lessons are self-contained and the pace is flexible. If you are switching from a grammar-heavy program, expect a significant shift in focus; your child will spend much more time learning the history of the alphabet and how to physically write the letters than they will memorizing vocabulary lists or verb conjugations. Most families use this as a 'bridge' course for one year before moving into a more rigorous academic grammar.

Curriculum Details

Price

$25 - $85

Individual workbook is around $25; the complete starter kit including DVDs or streaming access is approximately $75-$85.

Grades

4 - 12

Available As

Print Video Digital

Coverage

Single subject

Subjects

Foreign Language

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Pacing

Self-paced

Parent Time

5-20 min/day

Student Independence

Semi-independent

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Academic Level

Grade level

Worldview

Christian

Teach Multiple Ages

Yes

Engaging for Reluctant Learners

Yes

Reviews We Consulted

Updated: March 2026

How This Compares

Compared to 'First Steps in Hebrew Grammar' from Memoria Press, Breaking the Code is significantly gentler and more visual, making it a better fit for younger students or those who feel intimidated by traditional textbook learning. When weighed against 'The First Hebrew Primer,' which is an intensive, adult-level academic text, Breaking the Code moves at a much slower pace and prioritizes the ability to read the script over the ability to translate complex sentences. Parents choosing between this and a modern language app like Mango Languages will find that Dr. Jones focuses exclusively on Biblical Hebrew and the history of the aleph-bet, whereas apps focus on conversational modern Hebrew which uses different vocabulary. Against more rigorous high school programs like those offered by Wilson Hill Academy, this curriculum acts as an introductory 'on-ramp' rather than a full four-year language credit. Finally, unlike many programs that start immediately with grammar rules, Breaking the Code spends more time on the archaeological and historical 'story' of the language, which helps keep students who enjoy history more engaged.