I have gotten quite a few questions and would encourage you guys not to get frustrated learning all the Sheva rules. My Hebrew teacher did not make us learn them until our second year of Hebrew. If you feel frustrated just remember: 1) The Sheva vowel with the two vertical dots has the "EH" sound at the beginning of a word (You see this vowel a lot in words); 2) The Sheva at the end of words is silent; and The Sheva in the middle of words can be silent or spoken. Some Hebrew teachers tell their students it mostly silent in the middle of words)...... But don't get frustrated...................... I also taught you the syllable rule in dealing with the Sheva and someone asked me how you find the vowels in a word...... My answer is that you will get to know the pronunciation of Hebrew words and be able to identify vowels...... Like "In the Beginning", which is the first word of the Torah..... BEH-REH-SHEET

Some feel the Sheva vowel should be left for intermediate Hebrew. Some teachers simplify the Sheva by teaching: 1) The Sheva makes the "EH" sound at the beginning of a word; 2) The Sheva at the end of a word is silent; and, The Sheva in the middle of a word is mostly silent. ............ But, if you can find the syllables in a Hebrew word you can usually identify whether to use the "EH" sound or ignore the vowel. LOOK FOR THE SYLLABLE!!!!

If you look at this exercise letter for letter, you will see this.... "Have you ever wanted to see what it would be like to read English with Hebrew vowels?"