User:Saprisale123

Profile

Sapri Sale born in Palu, Central Sulawesi, 10 December 1968 is a multilingual speaker and teacher with expertise in Hebrew, Arabic, and Syriac. He is actively involved in language teaching, and Indonesian first teacher Modern Hebrew in Indonesia. He has class at Istiqlal and has welcomed students from various backgrounds. He also hosted notable figures like Her Excellency Kamala Shirin Lakhdhir and the Grand Imam of Istiqlal, Nassarudin Umar, in his Syriac class.

Sapri Sale is a distinguished figure in the field of linguistics and education in Indonesia, particularly in the study and teaching of Semitic languages. As an expert in Hebrew, Arabic, and Syriac, he has carved a unique niche as one of the few educators in the region dedicated to these ancient and culturally significant languages.

He also composed the first dual language dictionary Hebrew-Indonesia - Indonesia-Hebrew and two books of learning Hebrew and Syriac for Indonesian public.

Sapri’s Hebrew classes at Istiqlal Mosque, a landmark of interfaith dialogue and education in Jakarta, have become a hub for students from various walks of life. These classes are not just about language acquisition but also about exploring shared histories, fostering inter-religious harmony, and promoting a deeper understanding of the Semitic tradition in an Indonesian context. Sapri’s sessions are often visited by dignitaries, highlighting the growing importance of his work on a national and international stage.

He is also active as a speaker and cultural advocate, contributing to dialogues that bridge linguistic and cultural gaps. His Syriac studies, for example, underscore the historical connections between Eastern Christianity and the Middle East, drawing attention from high-profile visitors like U.S. Ambassador Kamala Shirin Lakhdhir and Grand Imam Nassarudin Umar.

Sapri’s personal journey reflects his passion for building relationships and nurturing growth, whether through meeting new friends, such as journalist Dorian Malovic, or preparing for significant family events. His multifaceted roles as a teacher, mentor, and cultural intermediary have made him a respected and cherished figure in his community and beyond.

Early Life and Family

Sapri Sale’s journey began in Palu, Central Sulawesi, where his upbringing was steeped in Islamic traditions and values. As the eldest child in his family, he balanced the influences of his parents’ aspirations—his mother, a teacher, fostering his religious education, and his father, a merchant, hoping he would pursue a business career. Sapri’s mother played a pivotal role in shaping his early education, teaching him to read the Al-Quran and emphasizing the importance of religious knowledge.

At the age of 14, Sapri transitioned to a new chapter of his life when he moved to Malang, East Java, to study in a traditional Islamic school (Pesantren). His experience extended across multiple Islamic schools in East Java, where he faced the challenges of adapting to a new environment. Initially, Sapri struggled with cultural differences and the rigorous study system, but his resilience and dedication helped him excel academically.

Encouraged by his principal, Sapri pursued higher education at Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt, from 1989 to 1996. At Al-Azhar, he not only deepened his Islamic knowledge but also expanded his linguistic skills, including studying Hebrew.

In 1996, Sapri moved to Beirut, where he served as Secretary and Translator to the Indonesian Ambassador at the Embassy. During his tenure, he earned the trust of the Ambassador, gaining valuable insights into Lebanese culture and Middle Eastern geopolitics. These formative experiences contributed significantly to Sapri’s multifaceted career as an educator, linguist, and cultural advocate.