This project demonstrates how reformatting Hebrew texts can mitigate challenges faced by beginning Hebrew readers, of all ages and abilities, in areas such as syllabification and phrasing. The proposed format employs advantageous font choice and point size; extra horizontal space between phrases, words and syllables; extra vertical space between lines and visual representations for sheva na' and kamatz katan. Using DavkaWriter 7 (a popular Hebrew word processing program), this project presents a series of macros (small computer programs) that automate much of the reformatting. This automation provides quick access for creating source texts for use in a variety of teaching and learning environments: B'nei Mitzvah training, prayer recitation practice and Hebrew text study. Results of this project show how better formatting of text improves Hebrew reading fluency and accuracy for both typical students and individuals with special needs. These innovations are presented in sample Torah, Haftarah and siddur texts.

I would like to thank all of my classmates and teachers at Hebrew College for inspiring me with their wit and wisdom. Dr. Joshua Jacobson opened up the world of cantillation and gave it a structure and a beauty that I had only vaguely sensed before I studied with him. His support and encouragement of my work in reformatting Biblical Hebrew texts validated my efforts. His attention to detail and questions about how I grouped ta'am phrases gave me the inspiration to automate more of the reformatting.

Marion Green generously shared her tools and methods for working with different kinds of learners. She showed me how to format Hebrew texts for individuals with learning disabilities. This provided the inspiration for automating what can be a tedious, but necessary, editing task.

Rav-Hazzan Dr. Scott Sokol provided a positive, encouraging and knowledgeable sounding board. In 2004, he suggested that I earn my Certificate in Jewish Special Needs while simultaneously training to be a cantor in the School of Jewish Music. This led to my discovery that while combining those two areas of expertise, I could come full circle with my twenty-five years of experience as a software engineer to create what has become a passion and a necessity for me to "write my own Torah."

Lastly, I want to thank my students, who provided the most compelling reasons why this work is so important. It has been and continues to be an honor and a privilege to be witness to and partner in a small part of your Jewish journey.

To my mother-in-law Dorothy (z"l) and my father-in-law Sam (z"l), who showed me by example the importance of being part of a Jewish community.

To my mother Louise (z"l), who taught me that I am a Jew.

To my brother Dan, the nicest man I know who inspires me to be my best.

To my daughter Hana, who graduated college with her Bachelor's Degree a mere two weeks before I graduated with my Master's Degree and Cantorial Ordination. 2011 will always be a special year for the both of us.

To my husband Richard - my partner, my confidant, my best friend. I could never have done this without you.