Hebrew Audio and Video

You can pick up a lot through entertaining or educational videos. We’ve all listened to a favorite song over, and over again, and wound up knowing each word almost effortlessly. Here are some tips to help you to leverage videos so that you learn to speak Hebrew even faster:

What moves you?
Have you heard this yet?
Learn on the go
Slow it down
Make a plan

What music moves you?

Whatever you enjoy listening to, you can find in Hebrew. Have you any idea how GOOD it feels to sing along in another language? (even if you don’t fully understand everything yet!)

Explore these Israeli radio stations. Many play the music you already know, with just the announcements and talk in Hebrew.

Radio HaRokdim plays the songs of Israeli dance exclusively, 24/7.

Music Videos that Teach

Glykeria’s powerful remake of this song (initially recorded by Zohar Argov, AKA “The King”) will leave you breathless. Ironically, Glykeria, who is not a Hebrew speaker, sings Badad beautifully, using perfect diction and tone, making her very easy to follow. Lyrics

This lively melody captures the profound lament of the Jewish people exiled far from their homeland, yearning for Zion (another name for Jerusalem). The song reflects the anguish following their deportation from the Kingdom of Judah by Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar (circa 605 BCE). Archaeological studies suggest that after the destruction of Jerusalem, some Jews remained and resettled in other parts of Judah, preserving their cultural and spiritual connection to their homeland. History is ironic, though: Nearly 70 years later, Babylon was conquered by the Persians, who freed the exiled Jews, allowing them to return to their homeland. Lyrics

Speak to Me in Flowers is the title of this song. דבר, meaning “speak” in the imperative voice, is used to address a male. This is an original, Israeli song.

Speak to Me is the title of this song. דברי, meaning “speak” in the imperative voice, is used to address a female. The song is a remake of a contemporary Greek song. The Israeli couples’ dance is co-demo’ed by its choreographer, my former teacher Naftali Kadosh with his partner. Lyrics

This contemporary prayer, absent from traditional prayer books, offers elements that resonate universally. Adapted into Hebrew from a Greek song in 1994, this powerful composition features heartfelt words spoken by an individual addressing God. Lyrics

This song checks all of the boxes for a beginner user of Hebrew: It is relatable, its words are useful in everyday language, the message is universal and positive, and the video will keep your eyes peeled on the screen. Lyrics

In this song, Josie Katz portrays a boy bemoaning being sent to, preferring instead to stay up and watch cop shows on TV. Listen carefully and pick out a good number of the starter words you may already know.

This classic hit by Kaveret was also Israel’s 1974 entry to the international Eurovision song contest. I suspect you’ll recognize some words, as you rock out. Lyrics

How many words do you recognize in this song? We love this song because it is so catchy, plus the fact that it contains a good number of beginner words. Lyrics

This remake of a song from 1935 is also the basis of a choreographed Israeli dance. Israeli dancing is typically practiced in gyms, and includes circle, line and couples’ dances. Lyrics

This song is a classic, and the dance performance is pure fun! When you get to the chorus, you’ll recognize some words. Lyrics

By popular demand, since a good number of my students have have asked to learn this, I am sharing a recitation of the Shma prayer. This is not just any recitation. Very familiar to most 20th century Israelis, Kol Yisrael (TV & radio) newscaster Moshe Khovev broadcast this daily into our devices, into our lives.

This deeply moving ballad—performed by vocalist Roni Dalumi with the Idan Raichel Project—is dedicated to the victims of the October 2023 attacks.

The reflective nature of this song—its plea for peace, kindness, and meaning—mirrors the internal struggles and hopes of someone facing profound life challenges. Naomi Shemer, often referred to as the “First Lady of Israeli Song,” was a prolific Israeli songwriter and composer. She wrote Tfilati during a period when she was grappling with her battle with cancer. Lyrics

Download Waze to plan and map your trips. Be sure to choose a Hebrew-speaking voice for navigation. In no time, you’ll find yourself confidently saying in Hebrew “bear left” or “slight right in 300 meters!”

Use Waze in Hebrew for known routes and neighborhoods, and Waze in English (or any language you are fluent in) when you don’t know your route. This way, you will always receive directions you can understand, when you truly need them.

You’ll not only learn Hebrew effortlessly, but Waze will keep you informed of a traffic delay or speed trap!

Choose a video. Then, tap Settings (if using Youtube, that’s going to be at bottom right) to slow down the playback speed.

Depiction of a YouTube screen's speed settings

Be good to yourself! Schedule uninterrupted time to practice your Hebrew. When it is time, find a quiet room. Listen to and/or watch the relevant audio files. Pause and repeat what you hear. Keep on repeating what you hear until you are satisfied.