Learn to Speak Hebrew

Learn to speak Hebrew and a whole new world opens up. Not only can you have more fun in Jerusalem nightclubs – you’ll be able to read the Bible, too. What other language can promise you both?



This section is where you'll find all sorts of Hebrew language related information. First of all, spice up your travel to Israel by brushing up on some basic Hebrew phrases, move on to more common Hebrew phrases (for very important words like "yes" and "no"!), and study Hebrew numbers.

Do that, and you'll be well armed for a day of sightseeing and shopping in Jerusalem.

Is it your child who wants to learn Hebrew? Check out these resources that teach Hebrew for kids.

If you're feeling a little mystical, here's an introduction to how Hebrew numerology works.

(And if it's Hebrew tattoos you're interested in - here are 5 reasons not to get one!)

Hebrew Alphabet Charts

What, you say you're ambitious and you want to be able to read the street signs, too? OK, then, take some time to study our Hebrew alphabet chart. For a sojourn to Jerusalem, all you really need are the two Hebrew alphabets you'll find here. But if you have a taste for adventure or the archaeological, you’ll want to practice Ktav Ivri, an ancient Hebrew alphabet that you'll find on many archaeological finds (so you can impress your friends by reading off the ancient coins at the Israel Museum.)

If you'd like to study the Torah – or jot things down in secret code – have some fun practicing Rashi script, an ancient Hebrew script, primarily used for Biblical and Talmudic commentary.

Hebrew language study

Some academics consider the Hebrew language one of the hardest to learn, but in fact, millions of new immigrants to Israel, of all ages and from all over the world, have managed to learn to speak Hebrew fluently, so there isn't any reason you can't do the same if you set your mind to it.

Once you decide to learn Hebrew, there are several different options.

Because the Hebrew alphabet is so different from what most people are used to – besides the fact that it goes from right to left! – many courses are designed to either teach you to learn to speak Hebrew or to read it. In choosing the right course for you, it will help if you decide in advance which is most important to you at this point – reading or speaking?

The first method of studying Hebrew is the most traditional: find a class at a community center or college near you. When you sign up, you should be able to ask whether the primarily goal of the class is reading or speaking competency. How you progress will depend as much on your teacher and materials as on your participation. On the other hand, this method has the advantage of getting you to meet other people who have a similar interest, and with whom you can practice speaking in Hebrew.

But what if you’re more of a do-it-yourselfer or your schedule doesn’t coincide with that of a local class?

Then you might want to choose a first Hebrew primer and self-study course. These can teach you to read well and, if you choose an audio course, can give some rudimentary level of speaking ability.

If these are too basic for you, the Rosetta Stone Hebrew Language Programis a software program that can even grade your accent.

If you really want to learn to speak Hebrew well on your own time, and from home, however, nothing beats the conversational Hebrew skills you'll learn from online study with a real teacher. Watch the video on that page for a demonstration of how it works.

To take your Hebrew to the next level, consider an ulpan, an immersion Hebrew language study course in Israel. Israel is famous for these types of courses where you get to learn the language in its homeland.

And – I saved the most exciting news for last – you can now learn Hebrew free with an excellent home study program designed by the U.S. government for diplomats.

May you have much success or, as we say in Hebrew, Behatzlakha!