Leveraging 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 seen this yet?
Learn on the go
Slow it down
Make a plan

What music moves you?

female with microphone looks like she is making a video 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 describes the lament of the Jews, who were far from home and longing for Zion (another name for Jerusalem). Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar conquered the Kingdom of Judah (circa 605 BCE), destroyed Jerusalem, and deported its inhabitants, as captives. Archaeological studies indicate that, although Jerusalem was destroyed, Jews remained and lived in other parts of Judah. History is ironic: Later that century, Babylon was conquered by the Persians, who permitted the exiled Jews return to their homeland. Lyrics

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

Speak to Me is the title of this song. דברי means “speak” in the imperative voice, and is used to address a female. The Israeli couples’ dance is co-demo’ed by its choreographer and my former teacher in New York. This song is a remake of a contemporary Greek song. Lyrics

Although this song does not originate in a traditional prayer book, it does contain ingredients that a contemporary person may look for in a prayer. Adapted into Hebrew from a Greek song in 1994, the words in this powerful composition are spoken by an individual addressing God. Lyrics

This song checks all of the boxes for a beginner user of Hebrew: It is relatable, the words are useful in everyday language, the message is universal and positive, and the video will keep your eyes peeled on the screen. (This version of the song was my second choice, since the poster added English translation (95% accurate). Also, you can hear this singer’s alternate pronunciation of the letter ח, and how it differs from his כ. Tip: You may want to slow this one down.) Lyrics

In this song, Josie singer Katz uses a boy’s (male) voice to bemoan that mom makes him go to bed at 8 pm. Listen carefully and pick out a good number of the starter words you already know.

This classic hit by the Kaveret band was also Israel’s 1974 entry to the Eurovision international song contest. The song is chosen for you because 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.

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.