Survey of Educational Resources

Nefesh B'Nefesh conducted a survey of educational resources that helped North American Olim learn Hebrew. Here's a compilation of the responses that were received. Note: If you have a favorite Hebrew language resource that you would like to recommend to others, please email employment@nbn.org.il.

See also: Hebrew Language Resources | Employment Home Page

Pimsleur Audio Course on CD
In response to your question on Hebrew material, I recommend the Pimsleur Hebrew CD's.  There are 30 lessons available. I play the CD's in the car while I drive my children to and from school. It's been a very effective use of my time since their school is a 30 minute drive each way. Although the CD's are designed for adults, my children are learning along with me.  Even when they are busy doing something else, the lesson is designed in a format which attracts their attention.

Here's how the Pimsleur method works: Learning by Doing -- Each recorded lesson consists of interactive self-practice in realistic conversations with Native Hebrew Speakers; as well as having a master teacher to guide you along in English. With the uniquely designed system of question and answer dialogues, the AMOUNT OF PRACTICE you receive is multiplied. You practice listening to understand, and speaking out loud in respond to the questions, and to model the proper pronunciation.  Having to speak out loud and respond to questions TEACHES YOU TO THINK IN HEBREW--and that's what causes you to learn so much more, and to gain the confidence to really converse with others in your new language. Here is a link for more information: http://www.lingoshop.com/hebrew/courses/unique-method.htm. There are many other websites that sell this program.  If someone wants to purchase this program online, I recommend comparing prices since they vary from one site to the next. I first found this program at my local library.  I checked out the 8 lesson series.  The method was so effective that I went on to the 30 lesson CD set.

What I like best about the program is that it's easy to retain.  I am able to speak without stopping first to think about every Hebrew word that I need to say. What I dislike about the program is that the product only has 30 lessons in the Hebrew language.  Therefore, people at an advanced level will not benefit from this.
-- Wendy Werner

I have listened to Compact Discs that are from Pimsleur.  One can order those online....or if he/she has a relative or friend in the USA, he/she can purchase them at Barnes and Noble bookstores. There is also a book entitled "Hebrew in 10 Minutes a Day."  These provide at least a base in Hebrew.  No one will be even close to fluent after this, of course.  The best method I found to learn Hebrew is the ulpan....and to hang out with Israelis, asking lots and lots of questions to them, and insisting that they do not shift to English much when conversing.  Also "Sha'ar Lematchil" is a nice little newspaper in Hebrew for those with a base in the language.  I have tried using the Pimsleur method in other foreign languages due to the fact that I am an auditory learner.  --Barbara Schwartz

Note: You can also buy Pimsleur CDs at http://www.pimsleurdirect.com/s.nl/sc.15/.f

Davka Dikduk CDs for Basic Hebrew Grammar
Product name: Davka Dikduk 1 & 2
Product type: CDs
Is this a product for children, adults, or both? Both
What did you like about this product? Very user friendly and comprehensive. If you can read, write , and speak but have a problem with grammar (like most people coming out of Yeshiva High Schools) this software can really help a lot – though some of the animations seem geared towards kids.
What did you dislike about this product? There was nothing I didn’t like.
Where can I find this product? http://www.davka.com/cgi-bin/category.cgi?category=5 (this is a whole Hebrew language section on the Davka site)
How much did it cost? Around $40 each CD
Do you have any other tips for learning Hebrew? Ulpan is worth it as well, but if you can get a leg up and start while still in the US, it definitely pays! -– Avi Davidowitz NBN ’02 NY->Beit Shemesh

Rosetta Stone Language Learning Software
Product name: Rosetta Stone
Product type: CD plus online version
Is this a product for children, adults, or both? Adults and older children
What did you like about this product? Very simple to use.  Emphasizes the visual and the written together.
What did you dislike about this product? Only goes to an intermediate level.
Where can I find this product? www.rosettastone.com
How much did it cost?  About $200
Do you have any other tips for learning Hebrew? Study a little every day and speak only Hebrew at shops, etc., even if people answer in English (eventually they will not). --Alan Salzberg

milon.morfix.co.il Online Dictionary
I use milon.morfix.co.il frequently when i can't find a word in any of 3 dictionaries I have.  It's very good. --Rachel Maybri 

Sirtei Burekas Movies
Product name: I recommend the 'Sirtei Burekas' such as Chagiga Ba Snooker, Charlie Vachetsi, Givat Halfon, Ana Ona, etc. - all on DVD.
Is this a product for children, adults, or both? Designed for adults.
What did you like about this product? Funny insight into Israeli society and are very quotable - references to these are often made in conversations between Israelis.
What did you dislike about this product? Not much to dislike - harmless fun.
Where can I find this product? I would reckon that since these films are staples, you could get them in any DVD shop. Alternatively, wait until Yom Haatmaut. They're always on TV around then! --Oran Cohen

Shaar LeMatchil Newspaper
What helped me greatly was the newspaper "Shaar LeMatchil"
Product type:  newspapers
Is this a product for: teenagers & adults
What did you like about this product? up-to-date news stories from Israel written in easier Hebrew, with nekudot. If they use a higher-level word, it is explained in parentheses. Also, they take parshat hashavua & show what modern-day hebrew words & phrases originate from the parsha. Just loved that part. Not too politically-oriented. More cultural and fun.
What did you dislike about this product? I subscribed from the US so it arrived w/ delay (no big deal)
Do you have any other tips for learning Hebrew? Don't be afraid to speak even if they try to speak English with you! We make mistakes and laugh about it. In a country full of immigrants, we manage to understand one another...
--Jessica Singer

Alfi TV Show
There is a children's TV series called "Alfi", that's how I learned Hebrew at a young age. Many schools use Alfi books & tapes to help little kids with Hebrew. I grew up learning with it & many schools use this series. It really helps a child learn Hebrew from the basics. Book stores or video stores should have them. In general, there are all kinds of videos that teach Hebrew & since videos usually attract children's attention, they help. --Fraydel Atkin

Hebrew Keyboard Tutor
Product name: Hebrew Keyboard Tutor
Product type: Website
Is this a product for children, adults, or both? Both
What did you like about this product? Free, fun to use
What did you dislike about this product? May seem a bit too childish
Where can I find this product? http://www.zigzagworld.com/HKTutor/
How much did it cost? Nothing
Do you have any other tips for learning Hebrew? Speak to Israelis.
--Michael Hantler