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Modern Hebrew
Level 01
In partnership with The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Course Description
Shalom! You’re about to start learning Hebrew and immersing yourself in this unique language and culture. Our Israeli teachers will guide you in this exciting experience and hold your hand, while you take your first steps.
Our beginners course will give you a strong foundation in Hebrew. We start by learning the use and sound of all the Hebrew letters and vowels, which paves the way to speaking, reading and writing easily. By the end of the course, you will know 400 new words, basic syntax, verbs in present tense and numbers. We teach Hebrew with a taste of Israel, making learning a fun and successful experience!
Looking for a faster pace?
If you’re eager to learn even more quickly, this course is also available in a “Fast Track” program! Ask one of our representatives for additional details and assistance.
When do our courses start?
We have a few starting dates so you can choose the class that best suits your schedule. Our next class starts on Sunday, January 12 at 9:00 AM. If you are interested in one of our classes click on the schedule below to start the registration process.
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LevelBeginner
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Weekly Hours2hrs
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Commitment9 Months
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LanguageEnglish
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Accreditation (optional)This Course is worth 2 credits at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
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Course tuition$162 USD monthly for 8 monthsFully refundable within 7 days from registration. To see our full cancellation policy click here.
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If you are interested in one of our classes click on the schedule below to start the registration process.
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Summary
Modern Hebrew - Level 1
Period: 32 weeks, 9 months
Starting at:
{{start_date}}
Lesson duration: 60 min
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Course Benefits
We equip you with skills to help you speak Hebrew fluently using academic content developed by dedicated teachers.
Hebrew Alphabet
Master the sound of Hebrew letters and vowels to communicate authentically, strengthening a sense of belonging to a vibrant community.
Basic Translation Skills
Translate words and hone your skills to express thoughts and feelings while navigating the intricate nuances of Hebrew.
Reading Skills
Improve Hebrew reading as you explore the historical areas of Israel, different social groups, and popular poetry.
Historical Content
Absorb the historical richness through the origins of Hebrew words and phrases while unveiling the stories behind the language.
Hebrew syntax
Unlock Hebrew syntax to grasp language intricacies and elevate your ability to understand the structure of the language.
Certificate
Validate your achievement by earning a distinctive certificate, symbolising profound understanding and mastery of Modern Hebrew Studies.
See Modern Hebrew in Action
Get a sneak peek into our interactive live lessons, highlighting our immersive learning approach, expert instruction, and cutting-edge digital resources that ensure an effective and enjoyable learning experience.
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Recordings of your lessons
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Technical Support 24/7
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Extra Practice Sessions
A weekly Q&A session in addition to the regular lesson
Courses offered in Partnership with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Our collaboration with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem signifies a legacy of excellence in Modern Hebrew. These courses are developed in close coordination with their distinguished faculty, ensuring the highest academic standards.
Upon completing our courses, receive a certificate from the Rosen School of Hebrew, signed by our expert faculty. You can also opt for our academic track, earning 2 recognized credits at universities worldwide.
For those seeking official academic accreditation, we offer programs recognized by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Explore our Academic Course for a university-certified pathway to deeper understanding and formal recognition in Modern Hebrew.
Click here to discover our Academic Course and enhance your learning journey.
Syllabus Summary
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1. It's so Nice to Meet You!
In our first class you’ll start learning how to introduce yourself in Hebrew. You will also learn to recognize, write, and use the first 6 letters of the Hebrew Aleph Bet.
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2. I am a Student, You are a Student
In this unit, you’ll get more into the skills involved with initiating a conversation, you will expand your vocabulary and learn some more Hebrew letters.
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3. Where Do You Live?
This unit will continue to expand your Hebrew vocabulary with the aim of strengthening your ability to converse. At the end of this unit, you should be able to conduct a basic Hebrew conversation. You’ll also be taught how to answer typical questions that might arise in day to day interactions. By the end of this unit, you and your teacher will be engaged in your first interactive dialogue.
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4. What’s This? Who’s that?
In Hebrew, every object is assigned a gender, either male or female. In this unit, you’ll learn how to identify an object as either male or female and how to describe them in plural form. As always, we’ll continue working on expanding your vocabulary.
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5. We study Hebrew
In Hebrew, there are ten different personal pronouns. In this unit, you’ll get to know all of them, along with their different uses. You will also learn how to conjugate verbs in plural form.
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6. From Alef to Tav
In this unit we will review the vocabulary you learned in the previous units and summarize the topic of the alphabet: we will read, write, and recall the letters’ names and sounds. We will also learn the order of the letters in Hebrew and the Nikkud symbols.
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7. He reads a newspaper and she talks on the phone
In this unit, you will learn the Hebrew verb system. We’ll get to know everyday and useful verbs, and learn how to use and conjugate them for use in present tense (for example: he reads a book, they read a newspaper).
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8. I want to study
In Hebrew, unlike English and many other languages, verbs are organized into various categories. This unit will introduce you to different verb categories. We will also introduce the concept of infinitive in Hebrew.
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9. Coffee with milk, please
In this unit, you’ll learn how to be polite in Hebrew and how to handle yourself in various situations that require politeness, like ordering a cup of coffee. Even better, we’ll teach you how to apologize when you forget to pay for it ☺.
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10. Numbers: One to Ten
In this unit, you will learn the numbers 0 through 10; you will also learn how to say your phone number in Hebrew and how to request a phone number from the information service.
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11. What is the time?
In this unit, you will learn to tell the time in Hebrew and to describe your daily routine.
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12. There is no wine, but there is beer
Here we will learn the words pertaining to the existence of items and the special sentence structures that result from using these words. We’ll have some fun practicing using some typical restaurant interactions.
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13. Where are you going?
In this unit, we'll add new question words (where to? why?) and practice all the question words we have accumulated. We will also learn some new verbs including “to be”, and the concept of “which” in Hebrew.
Throughout the lesson, we will accompany Amir and Sharon in their attempts to go to the movies, to satisfy their hunger, and in sharing their thoughts about work. -
14. What's your name?
In this unit, we will expand our presentation abilities and tell what we have or don't have. We will also learn about the days of the week.
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15. Would you like to meet Shirley?
In this unit, we will go to a birthday party and will be introduced to some new verbs. We will also learn a preposition that is unique to the Hebrew language “את”.
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16. Birthday
In this unit, we will learn how to count from 1-100 and how to say our age. We will also discuss what you can give someone who has everything.
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17. He can't be here because he has to run
In this unit we will learn to count feminine objects. We will also study some new verbs.
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18. How many siblings do you have?
In the unit we will first learn how to count masculine objects, then we will learn to conjugate the preposition "של" in singular, and then we will learn to identify family members. At the end of this lesson we will know about the families of our classmates and teacher.
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19. Goodbye!
This is our last lesson of Ulpan 1, we will learn about the different rooms of the house and review our whole course. We will say goodbye to the teacher and to our classmates.
Syllabus Summary
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1. Hello! Nice to meet you!
In this unit we’ll get acquainted with the teacher and with our classmates, and then we’ll start learning and enjoying.
This unit will introduce the different parts of the body and will refresh some verbs and conjugations. -
2. Doctor, I am in pain!
In this unit we’ll learn how to describe our symptoms to the doctor.
We'll also learn how to identify feminine nouns, and learn the names of basic colors. -
3. Would you like to work at the bank?
In this unit we will learn verbs and infinitives and practice using them. We will also discuss the pros and cons of certain jobs.
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4. Buying vegetables at the market
Israeli culture thrives on eating and cooking local vegetables from the marketplace. This unit will teach you how to engage in conversation on your next trip to the Israeli shuk (marketplace.)
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5. Fruit salad
What do you do when you feel that you'd studied for too long? –Prepare fruit salad, of course. Today we will learn about the tasty ingredients of this delicious dish.
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6. The weather
In this unit we will learn about the weather, the seasons, and the conjugation of the prepositions "ל" and "של".
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7. David Ben-Gurion
David Ben Gurion was the primary founder of the State of Israel and the first Prime Minister of Israel. In this unit, we will learn about him and his life after retiring from political activity. By following a typical day of his life, we will learn about time expressions and the verbal group of גר and שר.
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8. Clothes
This unit will teach you some of the words that will help you in describing clothes.
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9. Transportation
In this unit, we’ll learn about all the different forms of public transportation to help you get around Israel in the best and quickest ways possible.
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10. A Tour of the Old City of Jerusalem
Would you like to tour Jerusalem's old city? Join the Cohens and their tour guide and visit the holy places and even put a note in the Kotel!
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11. Israeli Breakfast
Our class goes to a coffee shop to enjoy an Israeli breakfast. We will learn about the different ingredients of the breakfast menu such as different cheese and eggs. We will also learn the verb group of "להרגיש".
Bete'avon! -
12. Tiberius Marathon
In this unit we are going to train for the lowest marathon of the world – The Tiberias Marathon, and participate in it. We will learn words and verbs related to sport.
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13. The kitchen is small
In this unit we will elaborate our understanding of noun and adjective forms.
We will also learn to understand and say sentences without verbs. -
14. "Ulpan" in the Central Station
In this unit we’ll join a newcomer to Israel who has a brilliant idea to practice Hebrew. We will study how to pluralize irregular nouns, learn about the demonstrative pronouns (הזה, הזאת, האלה), and about the prepositions “ב”, “ל” and “מ” combined with the definite article.
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15. Domestic cat, alley cat
In this unit we'll learn about combining noun constructs. Understanding noun constructs and the ability to create them will broaden and enrich our manner of expression in Hebrew.
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16. Special Wedding
In this unit we'll accompany a special couple, Ya'akov and Anna, from being soldiers with no family in Israel who volunteered to serve in the IDF, to becoming a family.
We will also study the inflection of the preposition "את" and the transition of direct and indirect speech. -
17. It’s Useful to Learn Hebrew
In this unit we will learn a children's song about all the things one is obliged to do.
We will also learn the infinitive combinations and how to construct sentences which refer to things that are allowed or forbidden, possible and impossible. -
18. Nobody knows where my cellphone is
In this unit we'll follow an original way of revealing a lost cellphone. We will study the use of double negative expressions (never, nothing…) in Hebrew.
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19. Review and goodbye
It's time to say goodbye, but first, let's review what we have studied in our course: vocabulary, grammar, and some of the stories we read.
We cannot say goodbye without giving some farewell presents to our classmates. But, in a virtual class we give virtual presents – pictures are enough.
See you in Ulpan 3.
Syllabus Summary
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1. Present tense verb
In this unit we’ll go over all the groups of present tense verbs we know, as preparation for learning the past tense!
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2. Simple verbs – Ayin-Vav group
Danny's aunt has arrived for a visit, and all day long she sings opera. What can he do?Danny is very tired…
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3. Where did you live a year ago?
In this unit, we'll learn past tense conjugation of pa'al-stem verbs, of the Ayin-Vav type. By the end of the unit we'll know how to tell where we lived a year ago, and when was the last time we flew to Israel.
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4. Birthday presents
In this unit we'll deepen our understanding of the subject of noun constructs. We'll eat chocolate cake and we'll buy history books.
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5. A letter from Israel
In this unit we’ll go over the present tense conjugation and the infinitive construct of pa'al-stem verbs, and we'll read the letter Danny (who came to Israel to study) wrote to his parents.
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6. What did you say? I didn’t hear!
In this unit we'll finally begin learning the past tense! We'll learn the past tense conjugation of pa'al-stem verbs (regular verbs) and we'll read about Rachel's trip to Eilat.
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7. Altogether
Very organized people do the same things every day. What about you?
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8. מטיילים בעולם ומסדרים את הבית Traveling throughout the world and keeping house
Dad and mom are traveling the world, while the children remain at home. In this unit, we'll learn many new verbs with the active construct (such as medabber (speak), metayyel (travel), meshalem (pay)…).
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9. What’s Cooking?
In this unit, we will learn the past tense conjugation of Pi’el group.
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10. Mine – Yours
In this unit we will learn the inflection of the preposition “של”. So whose book is this? Mine or yours?
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11. Who Wants to be a Millionaire?
We will watch the television program “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?”, and while doing so, we will learn many verbs in Pa'al group, Lamed-yod type such as לראות, להיות, לקנות.
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12. Touring Israel
Yosi and Rina toured Israel for five days. Where did they go? What did they see? We will tour with them and learn the past tense conjugation of Pa'al group, Lamed-yod type such as לראות, להיות, לקנות.
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13. It's Worth Your While!
In this unit we will learn how to combine what we learned in the last two units. So how can I help you?
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14. The boy doesn't stop playing with the computer! What's to be done?
Malka asks the psychologist for help. She has a problem. Her son Danny plays with the computer all day long. What do you think she should do?
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15. Feeling good
In this unit we will learn the past tense conjugation of Hif'il, such as להרגיש.
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16. Present Tense
In this unit we will go over indirect speech and the present tense conjugation of Hitpa'el, such as להתפלל.
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17. Past Tense + Review
In this unit we will learn the past tense conjugation of Hitpa'el (such as להתפלל), and review the past tense conjugations of all the verb groups we have studied.
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18. To be With You
In this unit we will learn the inflection of the preposition “עם”.
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19. Neighbors…
In this unit we will read about two neighbors – one of whom is rich and the other is poor. How do they get along?
Syllabus Summary
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1. Let’s Speak Hebrew!
Text: Eliezer Ben-Yehuda .Grammar: Attributive clauses with the conjunction “...ש” Direct and indirect speech.
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2. Lunch Break
Grammar: Binyan Pa'al, gizrat Ha-shlemim present, past and future: Ef'ol form.
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3. Buildings
Song: “Who Shall Build a House” / Levin Kipnis . Grammar: The verb system: the seven binyanim The gerund Binyan Pa'al, gizrat Ha-shlemim gerund.
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4. The First Kibbutz
Text: Degania. Grammar: The noun-adjective phrase versus the construct state Binyan Pa'al, gizrat Ha-shlemim gerund: construct state form and plural form.
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5. Do You Want to Volunteer in a Kibbutz?
Grammar: Binyan Pa'al, gizrat Ha shlemim future: first root-letter guttural The inflections of the prepositions “םע” ,“...ל”, “לש” and “תא”.
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6. What Will We Learn Today?
Grammar: Binyan Pa'al, gizrat Ha-shlemim future: Ef'al form Real conditional clauses.
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7. Bialik’s Poems
Text: Bialik House. Grammar: Binyan Pa'al, gizrat Ha-shlemim present: Pa'el form.
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8. Hebrew Verb Types
Grammar: The verb system: verb types (gzarot).
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9. Business People
Grammar: Binyan Pa’al, gizrat Ayin-Vav/Ayin-Yod–Not… but rather.
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10. A Café in Jerusalem
Text: Tmol Shilshom. Grammar: Binyan Pa’al, gizrat Pe-Yod–Not only… but also…
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11. Dinner Party
Grammar: Binyan Pa’al, gizrat Pe-Alef Binyan Pa’al, gizrat Pe-Nun The inflections of the prepositions “דיל” and “לצא”.
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12. Giving
Text: Giving. Grammar: The conjugation of the verb “תתל” The inflection of the preposition “...ב”–But: “לבא” versus “אלא”.
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13. Come to Me, Butterfly
Text: Fania Bergstein's songs. Grammar: The negative imperative construction Binyan Pa’al, the gzarot Ayin-Vav, Pe-Yod and Pe-Nun: imperative.
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14. Let’s Have Fun!
Text: Fresh Love Song / Shlomo Gronich. Grammar: Binyan Pa’al, gizrat Lamed-Yod Let's–Nominal clauses in the past and future third person.
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15. Once Upon a Time…
Text: The Sycamore Garden / Yitzhak Yitzhaky. Grammar: The copula–Existence sentences (ןיא/שי) and possession sentences (...ל ןיא/...ל שי) in the past and future The pronouns “הזכ”, “תאזכ” and “הלאכ”.
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16. Where Were You?
Grammar: The conjugation of the verb “תויהל” Nominal clauses in the past and future first and second persons Cardinal numbers and ordinal numbers Templates of profession holders.
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17. It's Wonderful to See You!
Grammar: The infinitive combination: impersonal and personal clauses in the present.
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18. Khan The Inn of Old Days
Text: The Khan of Sha'ar Ha-Gai. Grammar: The conjugation of the verb “לוכי תויהל” The inflection of the preposition “ןמ/...מ”.
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19. It's the Finishing Line!
Grammar: Review of the grammatical topics of the course.
Syllabus Summary
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1. Aleph Beth
Text:Aleph Beth. Grammar: The inflections of the numerals and other quantifiers.
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2. I Don't Know Why
Song: What's up with me? / Arik Einstein, Josie, Katz, Yankale Rotblit and Shalom Hanoch, Grammar: Binyan Pi’el, gizrat Ha-shlemim: present, past and infinitive Indirect speech containing interrogative sentences.
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3. I Would Like You to Talk Hebrew to Me
Grammar: Binyan Pi’el, gizrat Ha-shlemim: future and gerund Verbs expressing a wish or a request.
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4. I Waited and Waited…
Song: Michael / Miriam Yalan-Shteklis, Grammar: Binyan Pi’el, gizrat Lamed-Yod.
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5. Today We Are Cooking!
Grammar: The impersonal clause in present, past and future The comparative.
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6. I Washed Up, Dried Up and Combed My Hair
Grammar: Binyan Hitpa’el, gizrat Ha-shlemim: present, past and infinitive Letters that change places in Binyan Hitpa'el.
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7. Let's Correspond by E-mail!
Text: Communication, Grammar: Binyan Hitpa’el, gizrat Ha-shlemim: future Each other.
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8. Call Me, Please
Grammar: The inflection of the preposition “לא” The inflection of “...ל” versus The inflection of “לא” Expressing purpose using “ידכ + infinitive” or “...ש ידכ + future”.
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9. I Feel Great!
Grammar: Binyan Hif’il, gizrat Ha-shlemim Assimilation of the third root-letter נ in the first person plural past form.
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10. We're Going into the Cave!
Text: Avshalom Cave, Grammar: Binyan Nif’al, gizrat Ha-shlemim.
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11. You Remember…
Grammar: Expressing habitual actions in the past The word “ותוא” as a marker of sameness.
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12. When the Head Follows the Tail
Texts: Do not Do unto Others What You Do not Want Them to Do unto You; The Tail and the Head, Grammar: The inflections of the prepositions “לע”, “ינפל” and “ירחא”.
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13. We Studied Yesterday, We Are Studying Today, and We Will Study Tomorrow
Grammar: Binyan Pa'al, gizrat Ha-shlemim past, present and future.
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14. Departure at 6 AM, And Return at 9 PM
Text: Jericho, Grammar: The “pa’ul” passive participle The superlative.
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15. The Lowest City on Earth
Text: Jericho, Grammar: The “pa’ul” passive participle The superlative.
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16. Beit Alfa’s Ancient Synagogue
Text: Beit Alfa, Grammar: The construct form of the cardinal numbers The counter of hundreds and the counter of thousands.
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17. Up the Hill and Down the Valley
Grammar: Time expressions.
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18. Sweet Memories
Grammar: Irregular plural forms of nouns The adjectival suffix “ י ”.
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19. Good Night!
Song: Good Night / Yehonatan Geffen, Grammar: Review of the grammatical topics of the course The use of present tense for describing a situation.
Syllabus Summary
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1. The Woman Who Brought Cinema to Jerusalem
Text:Lia van Leer,Grammar: Pronouns with “...ש”,Adjectives with the prepositions “...ל” or “...מ”,The directional suffix.
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2. We Should Speak Hebrew
Grammar:Binyan Pi’el, gizrat Ha-shlemim: past, present and future,Binyan Pi’el: four-letter roots,Future tense after expressions with the conjunction “...ש”.
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3. Painting, Sculpture and Design
Text:Bezalel,Grammar:Binyan Pi’el, gizrat Ha-shlemim: gerund.
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4. Falling in Love and Getting Excited
Song:When I'm with You / Uzi Hitman,Grammar: – Binyan Hitpa’el, gizrat Ha-shlemim: past, present and future Binyan Hitpa’el: four-letter roots The inclination of the word “יניעב”.
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5. I Am Singing to Myself
Song: Until Tomorrow / Nathan Zach, Grammar: Binyan Hitpa’el, gizrat Ha-shlemim: gerund Typical meanings of Binyan Hitpa’el The inflection of the preposition “ימצע”.
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6. Listening to Music
Grammar: Binyan Hif’il, gizrat Ha-shlemim: past, present and future.
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7. Reading the Newspaper during the Break
Grammar: Binyan Hif’il, gizrat Ha-shlemim: gerund Typical meanings of Binyan Hif’il.
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8. We Shall Meet Again
Song: We'll Touch the Dream / Shalom Hanoch, Grammar: Binyan Nif’al, gizrat Ha-shlemim The construction “ךלוה/דמוע + infinitive” for future actions.
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9. This Little Love Affair
Song: Two Little Love Affairs / Arkadi Duchin and Micha Shitrit Grammar: – Construct chain + adjective Construct chain + demonstrative pronoun.
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10. So What Do You Think?
Text: Hyde Park Grammar: The possessive suffix.
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11. Who Wants to Be My Guest?
Grammar: The double construct The two models of preposition-inflections.
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12. I Was Reminded of You, I Missed You and Wanted to Talk to You
Grammar: Verbs and their appropriate prepositions.
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13. You Are the Best!
Song: Rabbi Akiva Said, Grammar: The combined conjugation of the verb “רמול/דיגהל” The inflections of the prepositions “ומכ” and “ןיב”.
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14. For the Sake of Freedom
Texts: The Crow and the Dove; The Bird in the Cage; The Songbird and the Hawk, Grammar: Conjunctions.
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15. Agriculture in the Desert
Text: Agriculture in the desert, Grammar: The conjugation of the verb “לוכי תויהל” The conjugation of “ךרטצהל/ךירצ”.
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16. It Will Be Nice to Go Biking
Grammar: The infinitive combination: impersonal and personal clauses in the past and future.
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17. If We Could Turn Back Time…
Songs: Now / Yonatan Ratosh If I Were / Arik Einstein, Grammar: Unreal condition The definite article.
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18. Once There Was a Lake North to the Sea of Galilee
Text: Draining Lake Hulam, Grammar: The constructions “...ל ...מ” and “...ה ...ב” for expressing location “תויהל (past tense) + verb (present tense)” for expressing a wish or for polite speech.
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19. Approaching the Finishing Line
Grammar: Review of the grammatical topics of the course Adverbs composed of the preposition “..ב” and an abstract noun.
Syllabus Summary
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1. Nice to meet you
Our general introduction. People always want to make a good first impression, so in this class we’ll read a text that asks how do you make a good first impression.
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2. Any volunteers?
In all societies people volunteer for various jobs. We’ll look at volunteering in Israeli society and read an article about it.
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3. Israeli money
The way in which money is designed tells us a lot about a nation’s history and culture. Which people are printed on Israeli banknotes? And, perhaps, is it time to update those faces?
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4. Why a tomato is called a tomato (but in Hebrew!)
From where did the Israeli tomato originate? And how did it get the name “agvanya”? This lesson will examine how new words are developed in modern Hebrew.
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5. Polar bears and global warming
Global warming and melting ice are disturbing to habitants of the North Pole bears, reindeer and humans alike. What can be done? In this class we’ll be reading an article that discusses these issues.
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6. Home schooling
In recent years, more and more Israeli parents have decided to teach their children at home instead of sending them to school. In this lesson we’ll read an article about this phenomenon and various methods of home schooling.
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7. Bilingual schools
In Israel there are a number of bilingual schools where instruction is given in both Hebrew and Arabic. We will read an article that describes one of these schools and the experiences of its teachers and pupils.
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8. The Jewish museum for children
How should Jews be presented to children of the world – including non-Jewish children? How can this be done interestingly and entertainingly? In Brooklyn they’ve found a way: The Jewish Museum for Children!
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9. What, there are Jews outside Israel?
Many Israeli children are unaware that Jews also live outside of Israel. We’ll read an article about a new school program concerning the Diaspora.
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10. Watch your Hebrew!
In this lesson we’ll look at a newspaper article about modern spoken Hebrew. The article suggests that verbs are disappearing from the language and the language is becoming progressively poorer.
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11. The changing face of kibbutzim
The Kibbutz is a major symbol of Israel and Israeli agriculture. In the last few years Kibbutzim have undergone fundamental changes. This lesson’s text discusses these changes.
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12. Psychology and nature
Is it possible to undergo psychological treatment through appreciation of nature? How can psychological strength and wellbeing be drawn from the trees, the rocks and the streams? This lesson will look at treatment, developed in Israel, called “Nature Therapy”.
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13. Lions in Haifa
Three lions are being moved to Haifa’s zoo. What do the zoo’s bears make of this? And what about the zoo’s vets? And what about public opinion?
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14. Talkback for sale
In Israel, readers of online newspapers love commenting on what they just read. This is known as “talkback”. Today’s article discusses how politicians and commercial firms use “talkback”.
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15. Who are you, ”talkbacker”?
Should “talkbackers” be allowed to write whatever they like, even if it is offensive? If these comments are offensive, should it be possible to force the internet site to reveal the blogger’s name? And how does this affect free speech?
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16. Who likes ecology?
How can a huge trash pile be turned into a national park? How can rubbish be used to make furniture, shirts and even energy? This lesson’s text describes an important Israeli ecological project.
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17. All about olim and employment
It is not always easy to integrate into a new country. It is sometimes especially hard to find work. This is certainly true for Israel’s new immigrants. We’ll read about an Israeli project that is trying to deal with these issues.
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18. Why are we sad in winter?
Many people suffer from so called “winter depression”. What is winter depression? What are its symptoms? Why does it exist? How can it be overcome? Do people, even in hot Israel, also suffer from it? That’s what this lesson is about.
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19. Geese have rights too
In Israel, as in many other places in the world, geese are fattened in order to increase their liver size. Animal rights groups claim that this process causes intolerable suffering to the geese and should be outlawed. This lesson’s text looks at Israeli public discussion on this issue.
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20. I’m a feminist!
Why is it that Eden Halili, a nineteen-year-old Kibbutznik, doesn’t want to join the army? We’ll read an article in which Eden explains her feminist ideology.
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21. What are Israelis searching for in India?
Israeli youngsters love traveling the world for months, sometimes years, at a time. Many travel to the Far East, especially India. What are they looking for? And when they’re there – what do they find?
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22. Who likes to read the bible?
In this lesson we will read a short excerpt from the Bible – about the tower of Babel. We’ll remind ourselves why there are so many languages in the world, and look at the special language of the Bible and how it compares to modern Hebrew.
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23. Anyone for Jewish legends?
In this lesson we’ll read a few examples of traditional Jewish legends. We’ll read about a mosquito, a frog and a fox and try to understand what Jewish scholars thought about humanity and humankind’s relation to the world.
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24. Bialik, the national poet
Haim Nachman Bialik is considered to be Israel’s “national poet”. In this lesson we will read some of his poems and study the relationship between Bialik and the country of Israel.
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25. Rachel the poet
One of the most popular poets in Israel is Rachel. She wrote about life in Israel before the state was established, about the Kinneret, the Golan and the biblical matriarch Rachel. We’ll read a selection of her poems in this class.
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26. Yehuda Amichai’s “tayarim”
Perhaps Israel’s most loved poet is Yehuda Amichai. In this class we will read a poem/prose piece called “Tayarim”. This poem offers an insight into Amichai’s humane outlook.
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27. Ravikovitch’s loves
Dahlia Ravikovitch is another beloved Israeli poet. In this lesson we will read her poems and learn what she thought of love: romantic love and motherly love.
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28. Two stories about shadows
In this lesson we’ll read two short stories written by Israeli author Yosl Birstein. He lived for many years in Jerusalem, loved the city and wrote many short stories about it, its streets, its buses and its inhabitants.
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29. Where do you pray on Yom Kippur?
Israel’s many ancient synagogues can tell us a lot about the land’s settlement and architecture. In this lesson we’ll read about a few interesting synagogues.
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30. What is a Jerusalem Hanukah lamp?
Why is it worthwhile visiting Jerusalem and walking through its neighborhoods during Hanukah? Well the answer is that in Jerusalem’s religious neighborhoods there is a tradition of lighting special menorahs and streets are full of Hanukah lights.
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31. The blossoming almond tree
Why do we eat dried fruit on the 15th of Shvat? When was this festival first celebrated? How was it celebrated in Europe? What is the “amendment for the night of the 15th of Shvat”?
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32. Why do we wear costumes on Purim?
Purim is the most joyous festival in the Jewish year: fancy dress, eating and drinking. This lesson’s text explores Purim’s origins.
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33. Why is this night different?
Passover, the time when the whole family sits together around the Seder table, is perhaps the most family-oriented festival of all. This lesson’s article discusses Pesach’s origins, the Haggadah, traditions and customs.
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34. A farewell song
This is the last lesson of the course, so we will be saying our farewells. We’ll read a song, sung by Israeli singer Chava Alberstein. One line of the song reads “Now we can say shalom and part in song”.
Syllabus Summary
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1. Course's summary
This course serves a summary and a practical tool to the material taught in all previous courses in the aspects of vocabulary, grammar and syntax. In Modern Hebrew – level 8, the students will implement all the previous knowledge and skills they have acquired to handle texts in Hebrew about current affairs happening in Israel and around the world. The students will be reading texts on different topics such as society, environment, religion and state, nature, archeology and science. The lessons will also include caricatures that will help the students to find their way around policy and politics in Israel.
Our faculty
Get to know our faculty members, experts in Modern Hebrew with degrees from prestigious universities worldwide, demonstrating their commitment to excellence.
Have a Question?
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How does the course work?
We teach live classes online: a teacher and a small group of students meet once a week through their home computer. We use video conference technology that allows live student-teacher interaction. You can fully participate in the lesson by using the microphone or the chat box.
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What if I miss a lesson?
Don’t worry, all the live lessons are also recorded and available on-demand. You can review them at any time.
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What qualifications do your teachers have?
All our teachers have a teaching certificate and are approved by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. They are all native Hebrew speakers, providing students with a well-rounded education in Hebrew language and Israeli culture.
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What is your cancellation policy?
To read our full cancellation policy, click here.
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Class time zones – what time do your classes start?
We teach Sunday to Friday according to your local time zone. You are welcome to check the schedule and assign yourself to a time that’s most suitable for you.
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Do I need to purchase special equipment for the courses?
All you need is a working computer with an internet connection and you’re set. We work with Windows and Mac operating systems.
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How much does it cost?
The total tuition for the course is $1295.
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Can I pay in installments?
Yes, you can pay in 9 monthly installments.
Register online and get exclusive access to extra content
In addition to the course you will gain access to both our live and recorded webinars discussing fascinating Israeli topics. It’s time to deepen your connection to Israel through modern Hebrew.
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Modern Hebrew - Level 1
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Summary - Modern Hebrew - Level 1
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Course duration: 32 weeks, 9 monthsLesson duration: 60 min
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