Top Eight Tips to Learn Hebrew Today
Hebrew is a magical language that connects the history of the Jewish people to the modern State of Israel. That connection has led Jews all over the world to want to learn Hebrew. But, unfortunately, that’s not always easy, especially from afar!
I’ve gathered my top tips for learning Hebrew to help you get started on your quest to learn our unique language. Want to learn new words each month? Make sure to follow Israelibox on Instagram where we publish words relevant to each month’s box.
Let’s get to work!
Israelibox’s top tips to learn Hebrew
- Youtube
Youtube is a great place to learn just about anything. And Hebrew is no different. Here are two of my favorite Youtube channels to learn Hebrew: - HebrewPod101 – A great channel with hundreds of videos to get you starting on the Hebrew learning process. From basics to more specific and advanced topics, you’ll find here everything you need to become fluent in Hebrew. HebrewPod101 also has a course for those who are interested.
- Piece of Hebrew – This vlog teaches you Hebrew “in a fun and authentic way” with new videos each week by Doron and Elsa, real Israelis teaching you the secrets of the language. Sababa!
Do you want to learn Hebrew?
Now’s your chance. IsraeliBox sends unique products each month from Israeli small businesses and non-profits with an emphasis on products featuring our magical language.
Shalom, I’m Maya, a native Israeli (aka sabra) and the founder of Israelibox.
IsraeliBox is a subscription box that brings Israel closer to you than ever.
I started Israelibox to give you the chance to experience Israel like Israelis do.
Join me in supporting Israel in a unique way while enjoying the great products our small businesses have to offer.
2. Podcasts
Spend your commute or while working out listening to some of the great Hebrew podcasts available today to boost your Hebrew. Podcasts are a unique way to learn because you can do it “al haderech” aka “on your way” and not spend your time glued to the screen.
- Streetwise Hebrew – With short episodes focusing on specific subjects each week, Streetwise Hebrew is an easy and fun way to boost your Hebrew vocabulary.
- Hebrew Survival Phrases– Looking to get by in Hebrew and “survive”? This podcast is for you. You’ll learn important phrases to go shopping, say you’re sorry, eat in a restaurant, and so much more.
3. TV
Today it is easier than ever to watch TV in Hebrew with subtitles in English. This is a great way to learn, as you’ll hear the Hebrew in the background while reading the English at the same time. A few of our favorite shows include: When Heroes Fly (Netflix), Hashoter Hatov (Netflix), Hostages (Netflix), Prisoners of War (Hulu), and The Beauty and the Baker (Amazon Prime). Not only will you have the chance to improve your Hebrew, but you’ll also learn about Israeli culture along the way. Yalla!
4. Grab a book or a newspaper
Do you know how to read the Hebrew letters from your days back in Hebrew school? Try to put those skills back to use by grabbing a Hebrew book or newspaper (online works!) and sounding out the words. It may be difficult at first by I promise, over time it gets easier and you’ll start getting the hang of it.
5. Scout out some Israeli friends in your area
Sometimes it seems like Israelis are everywhere, and where you live is probably no different! Making Israeli friends can be a great way to learn some Hebrew. Here in Israel, we have something called “Fluent TLV” where people who want to learn English get together with native English speakers in a casual manner in bars to chat in English and learn. Check out if similar programs exist in your area in Hebrew!
6. Online courses
A more traditional approach to learning Hebrew is by taking a Hebrew course. The options today online are expansive and give you access to courses of different kinds, methods and strategies. Here are two of my favorite online Hebrew courses:
- Rosen School of Hebrew– With a partnership with the Hebrew University as well as the Israeli Ministry of Education and the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, you can’t go wrong with this course. With options available for all ages and types of Hebrew (biblical vs. modern for example), you’ll learn Hebrew from Israelis with an emphasis on Israeli culture. Yalla!
- Ulpan La-Inyan – Providing the Ulpan (Israeli Hebrew courses in Israel) experience online, Ulpan La-Inyan provides personalized courses for all levels. Check out the introductory trial lesson to see if the course is right for you.
7. Ulpan
If you’re ready to get serious and down to business, hop on a plane and head to “ulpan”. Ulpan literally means studio and was started by the Jewish Agency in 1949 to teach Hebrew to immigrants to Israel. Today, everyone who makes Aliyah is entitled to free ulpan courses, but you can join one as a tourist as well if you wish (for payment of course). It’s an effective method, it’s fun and you’ll have a great time meeting people from all over the world.
8. Visit Israel
Ok, this one might seem obvious but it’s true… the best way to learn Hebrew is to visit or live in Israel for an extended period of time! Learning Hebrew on the streets of Tel Aviv or Jerusalem or while volunteering at a kibbutz is one of the most genuine ways to learn the language. You won’t regret it!
Learning Hebrew isn’t always easy. But, it’s worth it! Knowing Hebrew will help you get around Israel, communicate with Israelis and feel a deeper connection to our history and culture. Are you ready to get started? Yalla! Keep me updated on your progress 🙂
Want to learn more about Israeli culture? Check out these blogs:
Talking “Dugri”
about Israeli straightforwardness and directness
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Do you want to learn Hebrew?
Now’s your chance. IsraeliBox sends unique products each month from Israeli small businesses and non-profits with an emphasis on products featuring our magical language.
Shalom, I’m Maya, a native Israeli (aka sabra) and the founder of Israelibox.
IsraeliBox is a subscription box that brings Israel closer to you than ever.
I started Israelibox to give you the chance to experience Israel like Israelis do.
Join me in supporting Israel in a unique way while enjoying the great products our small businesses have to offer.
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