Nefesh BNefesh

See Also:

• For a comprehensive list of Ulpan options in Israel, click here. 
• Information about Ulpan options outside of Israel can be found here.
• Ulpan and other Hebrew learning options for Olim and individuals currently overseas can be found at: www.nbnbusiness.co.il (Please see the category called “Hebrew Education.”)
• For a further listing of online resources for Hebrew study, please see: http://www.hebrew-language.com

Taking an Ulpan class and improving your Hebrew skills, both before and after making Aliyah, improves your marketability in the Israeli workplace and helps you integrate more successfully into Israeli society. Whether you have fairly good Hebrew or are just beginning the learning process, there are things you can start to do even if you are several years away from your target Aliyah date. This listing offers you several options for studying Hebrew, either in an Ulpan or in another learning format - for adults and children - both before and after you arrive in Israel.

If you cannot fit an Ulpan into your weekly schedule, or if there are no Ulpan courses in your area, there are many e-learning options that you can use at home. These programs offer you the opportunity to tailor your Hebrew language education to your schedule as well as your personal educational needs. If you’re just starting the process - don’t be overwhelmed! Learning Hebrew online is no different than sitting in a classroom to learn any other subject. This time the classroom happens to be virtual, making it easier for you to fit it into your schedule. The course that you are going to design for yourself progresses just like any other course; you are not expected to learn the whole syllabus on the first day. Take it slow, and remember - persistence is key!

The online educational resources that are listed below are divided by type: professional classes, online resources, video classes/podcasts and children’s resources. The websites and products are just a sample of what is now available; others can be found using the Internet.

Ulpan Online

• http://www.ulpanet.com/: Speak, read and write Hebrew, in a few weeks, at your own pace and on your own schedule, at minimum cost. Modern Hebrew language on-line courses that provide you the tools to learn Hebrew at your own convenience. Courses are approved by the Israeli Ministry of Education. We are pleased to offer all Nefesh b’Nefesh olim an amazing discount: 30% off on your subscription. Please enter "nbn" in the discount box to receive your special discount. Our staff has designed this program to enable internet users maximum effectiveness in gaining Hebrew proficiency from the comfort of their homes or offices. We are doing our best to make our courses attractive and accessible to all. Don't hesitate to contact us with any question.
• http://www.hebrewonline.com/: eTeacher, the owner of HebrewOnline.com, uses the latest video conference technology of video, sound and graphics. Students are able to see their teacher, chat with their classmates and actively participate in class using a set of interactive tools such as raising their hand, asking a question, or practicing their Hebrew on the whiteboard with the teacher. The program consists of 5 different levels from complete beginners to highly advanced students. eTeacher also offers 3-month, profession-specific Ulpanim geared toward medical professionals, lawyers, mental health professionals and general business.
• http://www.ulpanor.com/: Study Hebrew online with a personal Hebrew coach. Ulpan Or offers study kits, workshops and online tutors. You can choose to study a particular vocabulary set, such as focusing on learning the professional language you need for your vocation.
• Learning Hebrew with Berlitz: With 10 schools in Israel and 550 schools in over 70 countries, either in class or online, the Berlitz method is the fastest and most effective way to learn Hebrew.
• http://www.youtube.com/user/JoelYaronPub/: Learn modern Hebrew through fun, interesting and practical videos.

Podcasts

• http://www.hebrewpodcasts.com/: Learn Hebrew Online teaches you to speak conversational Hebrew. Each lesson covers a topic with an interesting Hebrew dialog. Each Hebrew lesson is further enhanced by a lesson guide, video, and flash cards. This site includes flash cards and video lessons. Each video includes the entire lesson with graphics, captions, and animation. You can read along when you learn Hebrew online, or using a video-capable player such as an iPod or iPhone.
• http://www.learnhebrewpod.com/: Learnhebrewpod.com utilizes modern web technology for the purpose of teaching conversational skills with interactive methods. This site offers Hebrew podcast lessons, Hebrew audio lessons, Hebrew training and practicing, online learning games, quizzes and other fun interactive activities to help you practice your Hebrew, and Hebrew interactive audio-visual reading lessons.
• http://www.milingua.com/: MILINGUA offers Web-based, online Hebrew learning lessons and resources for a yearly subscription fee. It includes more than 2200 Web pages of Hebrew learning materials. The Hebrew courses and the other learning materials include thousands of sentences that cover a vocabulary of 5,200 words and represent about 400 hours of learning.

Software

• Conversational Hebrew (Modern): Learn to Speak and Understand Hebrew with Pimsleur Language Programs (Simon & Schuster's Pimsleur)
  by Pimsleur
• http://www.amazon.com/gp/bestsellers/software/11024841/ref=pd_ts_sw_nav: Bestselling lists of Hebrew instruction software.
• T.E.S. Torah Educational Software includes Hebrew resources for adults (http://www.jewishsoftware.com/default.asp?page=categories&type=82&id=1), Hebrew resources for children (http://www.jewishsoftware.com/default.asp?page=categories&type=82&id=91) and Hebrew Dictionaries and Translators  (http://www.jewishsoftware.com/default.asp?page=categories&type=82&id=96).
• http://www2.rosettastone.com/: Rosetta Stone Language Learning Software site.
• Talk Now! by Topics Entertainment. Hebrew CD-Rom available through Amazon.
  Learn Hebrew Now! by Transparent Language, Inc. Available through Amazon.
• Speak Hebrew! (Jewel Case) by Smiles Productions. Available through Amazon.

Vocabulary Builders and Dictionaries

• http://www.ehebrew.org: Free, online educational resource with English/Hebrew flashcards organized by topics and articles about learning Hebrew.
• http://www.safa-ivrit.org/: Great resource for learning vocabulary, grammar and syntax for those with a decent knowledge of Hebrew.
• http://www.engheb.com/: This is a website that offers free high quality learning resources (useful vocabulary and phrases) on a monthly basis through their email newsletter.
• http://www.byki.com/: Free language-learning software available for download. Learn common Hebrew phrases grouped by much-needed subjects including taxi rides, common greetings, numbers & colors, etc.
• http://www.learn-hebrew.co.il/: This is a free Hebrew vocabulary website offering 46 topics in over 1700 Hebrew words and phrases. For each word and phrase you can find a transcription & translation and to hear the right way of saying it.
• http://www.dictionary.co.il/: Free online Hebrew dictionary and free Hebrew-word-a-day mailing list.
• http://www.my-hebrew-dictionary.com/: A vocabulary building website which translates from English to Hebrew words using writing, pictures and sound.
• http://www.hebrew-verbs.co.il/: This website translates to Hebrew from a list of common English verbs conjugating the word to all the possible tenses.
• http://milon.co.il: Online dictionary.
• http://ehebrew.org: Learn Hebrew online for free and increase your vocabulary with eHebrew.org's dictionary of English & Hebrew terms organized by topic. To learn Hebrew, simply go through the terms online and practice with the free online Hebrew flashcards.
• http://ktzat-ivrit.ulpan.com/: A daily dose of Hebrew.  

Learning the Hebrew Alphabet and Language Basics

• http://www.jr.co.il/alef-bet.htm: Online and printable Hebrew alphabet charts which include the Hebrew letters in three formats: block, script, and Rashi. The charts also have the numeric value of each letter.
• http://www.instanthebrew.com/: An online course that will help you start reading  Hebrew in just 2 hours.
• http://jewishwebsight.com/alephbet/hebrew/index.html: Teaches you the Hebrew Alphabet (without sound)
• http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/%7Eylcflx/Aleph-Bet/index.html: Teaches you the Hebrew alphabet. The tutorials on this site are designed to reinforce vocabulary and spelling for beginning students of modern Hebrew. Some tutorials show words in Hebrew and ask for the English translation. Other tutorials display a series of simple words or phrases in English and ask the visitor to type in the Hebrew translation.
• http://www.levsoftware.com/alefbet.htm: This site shows you how to write the Aleph Bet.
• http://www.nbn.org.il/communities/template/community: Aleph-Bet program from Hebrew University that allows you to explore the different letters using videos, written dialogue and interactive exercises.
• http://www.laits.utexas.edu/hebrew/heblang/tutorials/b1tutor/new/index.html: Online tutorial from the University of Texas, offering a series of lessons that focus on reading and comprehension.

Books

• http://www.amazon.com/gp/bestsellers/books/11833/ref=pd_zg_hrsr_b_1_5_last: Bestselling lists of Hebrew instruction books.
• English Hebrew by Subject: Discover how your Hebrew vocabulary, pronunciation and self-expression can be improved with an effective book and audio CD. Click here for a free sample chapter.
• Learn Hebrew Today: Alef-Bet for Adults by Paul Michael Yedwab, Howard I. Bogot
• Teach Yourself to Read Hebrew by Ethelyn Simon & Joseph Anderson
• Hebrew in 10 Minutes a Day® by Kristine K. Kershul
• Hebrew: A Language Course Level One by Bella Bergman (Author, Editor)

Online Newspapers in Easy Hebrew
The following news sites are designed specifically for individuals who are learning Hebrew. A fee is charged for the service.

• http://hebrewtoday.com/: Yanshuf is a bi-weekly, virtual, easy-Hebrew newspaper that covers current events from Israel and around the world, as well as other subjects such as Science and Technology, Sports, Culture and more.

Other Online Newspapers

The following newspapers are written in “regular” journalistic Hebrew (as opposed to easy Hebrew) and are available free of charge online:

• www.haaretz.co.il
• http://www.ynet.co.il/
• www.maariv.co.il

Radio Stations Online

• http://www.jr.co.il/hotsites/j-voices.htm: A list of online Hebrew radio stations.  

Virtual Keyboard

• http://www.mikledet.com/: A site that allows you to send emails in Hebrew.
• http://www.zigzagworld.com/HKTutor/: Learn to touch-type in Hebrew. You can also edit or create Hebrew text, to save as a PDF file.

Other Resources

• http://www.transparent.com/languagepages/hebrew/hebrew.htm: An all around resource for learning Hebrew online.
• http://www.talkhebrew.net/forum/: A forum for individuals trying to learn Hebrew. There are postings to this forum on all issues related to Hebrew learning.
• http://www.education.gov.il/tochniyot_limudim/math/milon.htm: Math terms.
• http://www.infomed.co.il/medGlossary.asp: Medical terms.
• http://www.jewishsoftware.com/default.asp?page=categories&type=82: Sells products for learning Hebrew in a variety of formats.
• http://www.hebrew-jokes.com: Hebrew Jokes - Learn Hebrew and Laugh
• www.in-hebrew.co.il: Learn Hebrew phrases with audio.

You can also improve your Hebrew through recreational activities such as listening to Hebrew music, watching Israelis DVDs and even reading Hebrew children's books.

Hebrew Software for Kids

• Artscroll Alef to Tav: For young preschoolers or those trying to crack the Hebrew Language barrier this program has what it takes. In addition if your mother tongue is Hebrew, English, French or Spanish, the entire instruction can be in the language of your choice. Preschool and up. http://israel-catalog.com/product.asp?Product=7707
• Hebrew Tutor: Hebrew Tutor teaches over a thousand words used in Tanach and daily Hebrew conversation. Hebrew Tutor will not only teach you the words it will pronounce the words in a clear human voice with the correct Israeli inflection. And don't worry if you missed the pronunciation the first time the computer will repeat it, and repeat it until you get it right.  Ages 9 and up.http://israel-catalog.com/product.asp?Product=7715
• Aleph Bet Trainer: Alef Bet Trainer teaches your child in an easy to follow step by step process of letter identification including distinctions in different but similar and often confused letters. Preschool and up. http://israel-catalog.com/product.asp?Product=7713

Children's Books

• http://www.tilda.edu-negev.gov.il/svivot/mazeget/index.htm: A list of online children stories targeting various vocabulary groups with comprehension guides at the end:
• http://www.israelbooks.com/bookList.asp?catId=9&subCat=115: A product list of Hebrew children's books (in print) for purchase.
• http://www.datia.co.il/: Cute online books, poems and plays on words for children.
• http://www.songs.co.il/default_kids.asp: Story book songs for children in Hebrew.

Children Learn the Aleph-Bet

• http://www.torahtots.com/alefbet/alefbet.htm has printable coloring book pages for children to learn the Hebrew letters as well as vocabulary corresponding to each letter.