While it is true that each symbol in Hebrew does tend to represent one syllable, there are some differences between this generalization and the Hebrew alphabet. There are no vowels in the actual scrolls for Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. When you read the social version of written Hebrew, the vowels are added, like diacritical marks, with each consonant. This is the version of Hebrew that is studied and would be read and written in almost all circumstances except for the actual reading of the Torah during Sabbath services. I am sure that it would cause great confusion, especially between words whose only difference is in the vowels.
Scholars tend to go right back to the scrolls, and frequently disagree over some words.
Anyway, it's a fascinating subject. I'm sure that, if you have a Jewish Temple or Synagogue in your area, that the rabbi or cantor would be more than happy to share some of this with you. I enjoyed learning about it while I was married to a Jewish woman, and even took an introduction to Hebrew.