This dictionary was compiled with the intention of providing an up-to-date, easy to use, and inexpensive tool which would enable the student of the language to understand a modern Hebrew text.  Special attention was given to the language of the media; thus, political terms and names of institutions have been included in abundance.  The dictionary reflects the contemporary language of Israel which contains vocabulary from earlier periods, borrowings, colloquial expressions as well as recently coined words which have been accepted in common usage.  Vocabulary that is limited to the spoken language and words that are borderline cases have been marked as 'colloquial'.  Thousands of compounds, visually distinct as subentries, have also been included.