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-- Daniel, USA
Thank you for your new online quiz format. Your Hebrew Podcasts site gets better and better in amazing ways. You have made excellent improvements with each step!! This shows your devotion to those who wish to learn modern Hebrew, and to learn about Israel and Jewish culture and customs. Grade: A+
-- Andrew, Springfield, Missouri
Thank you so much for your fantastic program! Hebrew Podcasts is by far the best system for learning Hebrew that I have found - and I've searched extensively. The videos are fun and entertaining, and they work together beautifully with the flash-cards and the lesson guides. The new matching game is also a great addition. It's the highlight of my day when a new lesson comes out. When we go to services and as my daughter learns prayers for her Bat Mitzvah I have some insight as to the meaning of the the prayers. Thanks again!
-- David, La Quinta, California
Hebrew Podcasts are brilliant. The problem with most Israeli ulpans is that they refuse to speak any English to you even when explaining difficult concepts. A beginner needs some things explained in English if they are going to understand them. That's what makes your technique so great. There are explanations in English so I can understand the concepts. I am seeing a lot of improvement in my Hebrew skills very quickly. Thank you Hebrew Podcasts.
-- Ariella, Jerusalem, Israel
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Learn Hebrew. Enrich your mind with self-study lessons of contemporary Hebrew. Each lesson has a short Hebrew dialog that's explained and further practiced.
  Lesson Guides. Full transcript with translation, side bars, extras, vocabulary list, and exercises. Try the read-along lesson guides for lesson 1A, lesson 1 and lesson 2. Video Lessons. Each video includes the entire lesson with graphics, captions, and animation. Read along when you learn Hebrew online, or using a video-capable player such as an iPod or iPhone. Flash Cards! Try the flash cards for lesson 1. Build up your Hebrew skills by reading and listening and memorizing the meaning of words and expressions. Memory Game! Try the Memory Matching Game for lesson 1. Learn to recognize Hebrew words from each lesson by playing a fun memory matching game! New Quiz! Each lesson is supplemented by a quiz. Please try the Quiz for lesson 1. Practice each lesson by answering multiple-choice questions!Lesson 68 will be published on Friday, September 10, 2010.
Lesson 67 - The Great Rift Valley Aug. 20, 2010
Earthquakes and geological faults and rifts are the subject of today's lesson. In our role play, the geologist Dr. Yafa Levi is a guest on a TV science program. The interviewer asks about a recent earthquake that was felt in Eilat. He likes to know how the city's location on the Great Rift Valley has influenced the earthquake.
Lesson 66 - Magen David Adom Jul. 30, 2010
Magen David Adom is Israel's national emergency medical and ambulance service. In our lesson today Orna tells her neighbor why her son Danny has a giant bandage on his chin and how she had to rush him to Magen David Adom. While the injury was certainly an ordeal, the ambulance ride was quite a treat for Danny.
Lesson 65 - Scuba Diving in Eilat Jul. 9, 2010
Scuba diving is an exciting activity but you have to observe the safety rules. Iris is a scuba diving instructor in Eilat. Today she's taking a group of divers to Ras Mamlach, a beautiful coral reef in the Red Sea just across the border in Egypt.
Lesson 64 - Paying the Bills Jun. 18, 2010
Paying the bills is a chore that many people dread and often put off. Dorit comes home to find Yigal sitting in the dark. She wants to know whether they need to call an electrician, but Yigal solves the mystery by confirming that Dorit forgot to pay the monthly bills.
Lesson 63 - Driving in Israel May 28, 2010
Meyrav and Danny are driving to a party in Haifa. They are taking the freeway and debating if it will be quicker to take the toll road. In the dialog we'll hear and practice useful vocabulary on the topic of driving.
Lesson 62 - Soccer Practice May 7, 2010
Soccer is hugely popular around the world and in Israel. In our lesson we'll speak about soccer and learn how to say words like practice, goalkeeper, shin guards, and State Cup final. Nirit is the girls' coach and she is coming to pick up Sharon for a soccer practice. Sharon is not yet ready and Hagai, her father, complains that she was also late for school.
Lesson 61 - Lag BaOmer Apr. 23, 2010
The most well-known custom of Lag BaOmer is the lighting of bonfires. In today's dialog, Noam is planning a bonfire with her friends on Lag Ba'omer. She wants the bonfire to be the biggest and tallest in the neighborhood so she wants to enlist her father's help.
Lesson 60 - Jerusalem Neighborhoods Apr. 9, 2010
Sarit is developing a software version of a treasure hunt game through the neighborhoods of Jerusalem. She asks her friend Uri, a serious gamer, to try the game. The treasure hunt takes the player through various neighborhoods and the old city and concludes downtown where the player finds the treasure and a traveler can find a choice of shops and restaurants.
Lesson 59 - Made in Israel Mar. 19, 2010
Flower export is an important industry in Israel. Noam is a flower grower who wants to ship his flowers to Europe in time for Christmas. He calls Wings, an import export shipping company to ask about their service. Orna is glad to help him and offer him options to ship by sea or by air.
Lesson 58 - Daily Newspaper Mar. 5, 2010
In this first advanced-level lesson we'll hear Ariela and Yonatan discuss their daily newspapers. Ariela points out that Yonatan looks very tired, and Yonatan complains that his dog wakes him up very early when he barks at the newspaper delivery person. Ariela suggests changing to another newspaper and tells Yonatan about her family's newspaper habits.
Lesson 57 - HaMovil HaArtzi Feb. 19, 2010
Fresh water is a scarce resource across the world and in Israel. In our dialog, Maya takes a long shower as many teenagers do, and her mother is trying to convince her to preserve water. She tells her about HaMovil HaArtzi, The National Water Carrier of Israel, that delivers drinking water to most of the population. Let's listen and learn how to speak about this important topic.
Lesson 56 - Brit Milah Feb. 5, 2010
The excitement surrounding the birth of a new baby is the topic of today's lesson. Ilana announces that she's going on maternity leave and asks her boss Amnon to bring a substitute so she can train her. Amnon wants to know if they are invited to the Brit and whether she picked a name for the baby. Let's find out what happens and learn some new and useful expressions.
Lesson 55 - Tu Bishvat Jan. 22, 2010
Buying a tree at the nursery is the topic of today's lesson. Eyal's wife wants to plant a fruit tree for Tu Bishvat and he is looking for ideas. The salesperson at the nursery helps Eyal choose a lemon tree so that his wife can enjoy it for cooking and for making lemonade. She also gives him advice about watering the tree and conserving water by using drip irrigation.
Lesson 54 - Judaica Gift Jan. 8, 2010
Choosing gifts for the relatives is the topic of today's lesson. Gila and her husband Shai are going to stay with her aunt and uncle in New York for Passover. Gila is suggesting various Judaica gifts but Shai wants to buy something a little more practical. At the end they settle on some gifts and also buy themselves a hamsa, a good luck charm, to bring them good luck on the long trip.
Lesson 53 - At the Vet Dec. 25, 2009
Caring for pets is the topic of today's lesson. Aliza brings her dog Bonnie to see the veterinarian Dr. Levi. She thinks that Bonnie swallowed something that made her sick. Bonnie is also due for her vaccinations. Dr. Levi inquires about Aliza's other pets, and she tells him how much work they all are, especially training Bonnie.
Lesson 52 - Car Question Dec. 11, 2009
Live call-in radio programs are great entertainment. In our role play today, Ariela calls in with a car question. She wants to ask Shlomo, the expert mechanic, about her problem starting the car this morning. In fact she had to tow it to the garage because it won't start. Shlomo describes the possible reasons and discovers that Ariela neglected to take the car in for regular maintenance.
Lesson 51 - Israel Electric Company Nov. 27, 2009
Generating electricity can be a fascinating and often controversial subject. Today Ariel is going on a tour of Orot Rabin, the Israel Electric Corporation site in Hedera. Ora is the tour guide and she explains how electricity is generated at this site. Ariel is worried about pollution and Ora explains that the electric company built tall chimneys to reduce air pollution at this coal power plant.
Lesson 50 - Sports Nov. 13, 2009
Getting kids away from screens and doing physical activity is the topic of today's lesson. Talia loves to watch television during her vacation but her mom wants to persuade her to participate in a sport. She knows that her daughter isn't a sport enthusiast so she lets her choose. After much negotiation they agree to try dancing.
Lesson 49 - Sizes and Measurements Oct. 30, 2009
A common challenge for world travelers is converting units of measure. Today Tami calls Eitan to wish him bon voyage for his upcoming trip to America. Eitan asks if she wants him to bring her anything. Tami wants some clothes for her husband but is surprised to learn that sizes in the US are different from sizes in Israel. At the last minute she also asks for a mixer and learns that appliances in the US use a different voltage.
Lesson 48 - Touring Israel Oct. 16, 2009
In this fourth and last part of Yael's adventures in Israel she tells Uri about their travels throughout the country. While hearing about how they crisscrossed Israel, we learn some new expressions such as how to say to crisscross or that something doesn't seem possible.
Lesson 47 - Wedding Oct. 2, 2009
Weddings are a reflection of culture and the one that Yael attended in the Kibbutz is no exception. In the previous two lessons we heard Yael describing her trip to Israel. Now we get to the best part of the trip, her cousin's wedding in the Kibbutz. Let's hear how it went.
Lesson 46 - Flight to Israel
Sep. 18, 2009
In our previous lesson Yael was planning a trip to Israel. Now she's just returned and we get to hear all about her many adventures. She recounts to Uri the experiences of flying with the kids, collecting the luggage and eating airplane food. Let's hear how it all went.
Lesson 45 - Trip to Israel
Sep. 4, 2009
Traveling to Israel is an annual tradition for many Israelis who live abroad. Yael is planning to go to Israel with her family as she does every summer. This year it's especially exciting since they're invited to her cousin's wedding and have the opportunity to reunite with the extended family. In the dialog, Yael shares the details of her plan with her friend Uri.
Lesson 44 - Renting in Haifa
Aug. 21, 2009
Haifa, a beautiful port city built on the slopes of mount Carmel is the largest city in northern Israel. Ronit lives in Haifa and she just moved to a new apartment downtown. In the dialog between Ronit and Eli who wants to come and help her unpack, we learn about Haifa and the Carmelit, a unique underground railway. We also learn some new words and expressions related to moving.
Lesson 43 - Job Interview
Aug. 7, 2009
Our subject today is the all too common and often dreaded job interview. Yaron is looking for a new challenge and he is coming for a job interview with Tami, the bank branch manager. She wants to know about his background and experience and his reason for leaving his former bank. Through the dialog we'll learn some words like a resume, position, salary, and benefits.
Lesson 42 - Chutzot Hayotzer
Jul. 24, 2009
The international art fair at Chutzot Hayotzer is a Jerusalem summer tradition. Sarit is one of the local artists who'll present at the fair and her friend Arie is keen to come and see the fair. In their conversation Arie is surprised to learn of Sarit's artistic talents and he wants to come and see her ceramic art exhibit. Sarit describes the attractions that the fair has to offer.
Lesson 41 - New Hairdo
Jul. 10, 2009
Going to the hair salon is always an experience full of possibilities. Ronit has an appointment with her hairdresser Uri who's been wanting to give her a new look for some time. Today might be his chance. Ronit wants a change, but she still wants to recognize herself in the mirror. In the end, she puts her trust in Uri.
Lesson 40 - At the Pharmacy
Jun. 26, 2009
Today at the pharmacy, Reuven comes in to buy painkillers for his back and he is helped by the salesperson. Reuven doesn't have a prescription, but that's not a problem for our salesperson. While at the pharmacy, Reuven picks up various items for his wife. Through the dialog between Reuven and the salesperson we'll learn how to talk about pain and how to ask for medication, band-aids and other items.
Lesson 39 - Ordering at a Restaurant
Jun. 12, 2009
In today's dialog, Danny is at a restaurant and he is having a hard time choosing what to order from the menu. The helpful waitress describes the choices and makes recommendations, and Danny negotiates with her. Through the dialog we'll learn how to order at a restaurant.
Lesson 38 - My Son the Actor
May 29, 2009
Being a mother often means worrying about the children even when they're grown up. Yuval calls his mom but she complains that he doesn't call her often enough. Yuval is a busy actor and he tells his mom about the production and the rehearsals. Through the dialog we'll learn how to speak about theater production and how to be kind to mom.
Lesson 37 - Shavuot Blintzes
May 15, 2009
Shavuot is approaching and Gila wants to prepare the traditional blintzes, or cheese crepes, for the holiday dinner. She wants her mother to teach her how to prepare them. Listening to the dialog between Gila and her mother we get to learn how to make blintzes and learn the vocabulary for giving a recipe.
Lesson 36 - Remodeling
May 1, 2009
Home remodeling projects can be quite challenging. In our dialog, Ariel wants to remodel his apartment and he is asking Ronit to recommend a contractor. Ronit recently remodeled her apartment and she shares with Ariel the joys and difficulties of remodeling.
Lesson 35 - Volunteering in Degania
Apr. 17, 2009
The kibbutz is a unique Israeli institution established on socialistic ideals. We learn about it today from Ronit who tells Avi about the book that she wrote. The book is about her experience volunteering at Kibbutz Degania, the first kibbutz, founded near lake Kinneret in the north of Israel in 1909.
Lesson 34 - Tel Aviv Celebrates 100
Apr. 03, 2009
In this lesson we hear Yossi calling Tel Aviv City Hall for information. He is planning to visit Tel Aviv with his family in April and wants to inquire about interesting events that are happening during his visit. His timing couldn't be better as Tel Aviv celebrates its 100th birthday in April. Let's listen to the dialog between Yossi and the city information agent.
Lesson 33 - Cell-Phone Repair
Mar. 20, 2009
Jeffrey, a listener from New Jersey, sent us a lesson idea about dealing with a cell-phone service provider. In our lesson, a customer calls a cell-phone repair service to ask about unlocking their phone and checking a problem with the keypad. Through the dialog we'll learn how to ask for service and consider the question of whether to admit that our cell phone got wet.
Lesson 32 - Purim Costume Party
Mar. 06, 2009
Purim is a fun holiday celebrated by exchanging gifts of food and drink and giving charity to the poor. An entertaining tradition of Purim is masquerading, dressing up in masks and costumes. This is not only for children and is great fun for adults too. In this lesson, we discuss going to a Purim costume party and dressing up as historical figures.
Lesson 31 - Buying a Car
Feb. 20, 2009
Buying a car can be an exciting occasion. Ronit had saved for two year and is now planning to order a new car from the importer. Ariel is surprised that it takes so long to get a new car. In America, you can buy a new car and drive it home with you. In the dialog between Ronit and Ariel we learn some new expressions.
Lesson 30 - High-Tech Startup
Feb. 06, 2009
Haim, a listener from Israel, requested that we dedicate a lesson to business dialog. In this lesson, we'll hear from Yoram who works for a venture capital fund in Tel Aviv about his recent investment in a high-tech startup and his meeting with their new CEO.
Lesson 29 - Bike Riding
Jan. 23, 2009
Bike riding is a great father and daughter activity. In this lesson Rina is asking her father to go biking together on the path that runs along the stream all the way down to the sea. Through the dialog we'll learn some new words related to biking and photography.
Lesson 28 - The Dead Sea (Part 2)
Jan. 9, 2009
In the first part of this lesson we heard about Noa's recent vacation in Israel and her trip to the Dead Sea. We left off as Noa described how they covered their body in black mud that's rich in minerals and is said to be good for your health.
Lesson 27 - The Dead Sea (Part 1)
Dec. 26, 2008
In this lesson we're going to talk with Noa about her recent vacation in Israel and her trip to the Dead Sea. This lesson introduces new vocabulary, expressions, and verb structures.
Lesson 26 - Making a Hanukiah
Dec. 12, 2008
Hanukkah, the festival of lights, lasts eight days with each day marked by lighting candles on a Hanukiah. In this lesson, Dina is taking her children to the Israel museum in Jerusalem where they will make Hanukiyot from clay. We'll learn some useful verbs such as to make, to build, and to prepare.
Lesson 25 - Jerusalem Biblical Zoo
Nov. 27, 2008
The Jerusalem Biblical Zoo is a beautiful botanical and zoological garden that was rebuilt in a new location in Jerusalem in 1993. In this lesson we'll hear a man asking his friend who works at the zoo to tell him about the place. We'll hear how to give facts and figures and learn how to say large numbers.
Lesson 24 - Dentist Appointment
Nov. 14, 2008
In this lesson, Danny complains to Noa that his tooth aches and asks her what to do. We learn that Danny hates going to the doctor and spending time in the waiting room. Noa tells him that there's no choice and that he has to go. She also reminds him that he needs to get his teeth cleaned.
Lesson 23 - Caesarea
Oct. 31, 2008
In this lesson, Yael tells her friend Yuval about going to Caesarea with her archeology professor to participate in the ongoing archaeological digs. They are going to live in Caesarea and dig in the Roman city, and Yael invites Yuval to come along.
Lesson 22 - Sukkot
Oct. 15, 2008
In this lesson, Rina, Noa and Danny discuss the sukkah that they are going to build. Rina is very excited because the family will have all their meals in the sukkah and Rina wants to decorate the sukkah and sleep there during the holiday.
Lesson 21 - Surprise Party
Oct. 3, 2008
In this lesson, Noa and Danny are planning a surprise party for their friend Ehud. Noa is making a grocery list for the party, and Danny is suggesting various things to buy. We'll learn how to speak about drinks, appetizers, fruits and desserts.
Lesson 20 - Shana Tova
Sep. 19, 2008
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year's holiday, is approaching. Dina is calling her nephew Alon to invite him over to celebrate the holiday with her family. It's important to her that the family is together for the holiday and that Alon is included. In this lesson we'll learn some new words related to the customs of Rosh Hashanah.
Lesson 19 - Back to School
Sep. 5, 2008
It's back to school time. Rina is back and she's going to tell us about her first day of school and about her new classmate Shira. Noa is also here and she'll play the role of Rina's mother in the dialog. We'll learn some new vocabulary and expressions related to describing a person.
Lesson 18 - The Dead Sea Canal
Aug. 16, 2008
In this lesson we'll hear a dialog between Ronit, a journalist, and her old friend Ariel, in which they discuss the Dead Sea Canal project. This project aims to run sea water to the Dead Sea to prevent it from drying, and to make electricity by taking advantage of the big difference in sea level.
Lesson 17 - A Visit to the Knesset
Aug. 8, 2008
In this lesson, Danny is calling the visitor information office of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament. Danny wants to bring guests to Jerusalem to see the Knesset and perhaps even watch the assembly in session. Through the dialog between Danny and the visitor information agent we'll learn some useful new words and expressions.
Lesson 16 - Beijing Olympics
Jul. 25, 2008
The Olympic games in Beijing are rapidly approaching. In this lesson, Noa and Danny discuss the Israeli delegate and their prospects of winning a medal at the Olympics. In particular, Danny is interested in the doubles tennis where Israel has strong players for both the men and the women.
Lesson 15 - Eating Out
Jul. 11, 2008
In today's lesson, we'll hear a young couple discuss going out to eat. They talk about various kinds of food, where to go, and how to get there. Food related vocabulary is always useful for learners of a new language. You'll find it especially useful if you plan to visit Israel.
Lesson 14 - Ski at Mt. Hermon
Jun. 27, 2008
In this lesson Ilan receives a phone call from his aunt Dina. She wants to take him skiing on Mount Hermon, Israel's only ski resort. Ilan raises objections, but Dina can be quite persuasive. Through the dialog we'll learn how to answer the phone, ask questions, and use some new expressions.
Lesson 13 - Seasons and Weather
Jun. 13, 2008
In today's Hebrew lesson we'll hear from Noa about her summer vacation in Spain. We'll talk about the weather in Spain, and the weather back home, and learn some new words and expressions related to speaking about the weather.
Lesson 12 - Zimmer
May 30, 2008
Today Danny is going to make reservations for a Zimmer in a kibbutz. A Zimmer is a popular type of bed-and-breakfast vacation house in the Israeli countryside. In recent years this form of vacation has become very popular in Israel, and you can find luxurious cabins and vacation homes in beautiful locations such as Mount Carmel and the Galilee in the north of Israel.
Lesson 11 - Clothes and Colors
May 23, 2008
In today's lesson we'll hear Noa and Rina discuss a favorite topic, buying clothes. Rina's birthday is coming up and she wants new clothes in the colors of the latest fashion. We'll learn how to speak about clothes and colors, and pick up some useful expressions.
Lesson 10 - Ulpan
May 16, 2008
In today's lesson we'll hear from Noa about her job teaching Hebrew at the ulpan. An ulpan is a school for the intensive study of Hebrew that is designed for adult new immigrants to Israel. Noa will tell us about her students and the program.
Lesson 9 - Yom Ha'atzmaut
May 2, 2008
In this Hebrew lesson we'll hear a dialog between Talia and her mom about celebrating Yom Ha'atzmaut, the Israeli Independence Day. This year on May 8, Israel will celebrate its sixtieth anniversary. Many world leaders are planning to come to Israel to participate in the celebrations. In our lesson however, we'll focus on the plans of one family.
Lesson 8 - Passover Seder
Apr. 18, 2008
In this lesson Noa will tell us about her plans and preparations for the Passover Seder. We'll hear about some of the Passover Seder customs and how to wish someone a happy Passover. As we do so, we'll also be learning Hebrew pronouns.
Lesson 7 - Meals and Food
Apr. 4, 2008
In this lesson we'll speak with Noa about her meals and what she likes to eat for breakfast, lunch, and supper. The dialog introduces vocabulary related to meals, food and drinks. We'll also learn how to say usually and sometimes.
Lesson 6 - Directions
Mar. 21, 2008
In this lesson we'll hear a dialog between a hotel guest and the front desk clerk. The guest is asking for directions to the beach. The dialog introduces vocabulary related to requesting and giving directions and planning to go to the beach.
Lesson 5 - Telling Time Mar. 14, 2008
In this lesson we'll practice telling time. We'll hear a dialog between Danny, Noa, and Rina about their schedule. We'll see how to ask "what time is it?" and how to answer for various times of day. And as always, we'll pick up some new vocabulary and expressions.
Lesson 4 - Family Visit Feb. 22, 2008
In this beginner-level lesson we're going to talk with Noa about her recent visit with her sister Dahlia in Tel Aviv, and about her nephew Yoni. In this conversation, we'll hear some useful expressions, learn how to ask questions, and get introduced to the possessive form and some new vocabulary.
Lesson 4A - Prelude to Lesson 4 Mar. 10, 2008
This special lesson sets the ground for lesson 4 and prepares you for the dialog there by teaching the necessary vocabulary. You should take this lesson before taking lesson 4. It would then make studying lesson 4 easier and more fun.
Lesson 3 - School Feb. 8, 2008
In this beginner-level lesson we'll meet Noa again and talk with her about her school. We'll learn some new vocabulary related to school and we'll touch on the subject of counting and ordinal numbers.
Lesson 3A - Prelude to Lesson 3 Mar. 9, 2008
This special lesson is designed to prepare you for the dialog in lesson 3 by teaching the vocabulary that's needed for that lesson. This lesson should therefore make studying lesson 3 easier and more enjoyable.
Lesson 2 - Alphabet Jan. 25, 2008
In this beginner-level lesson we'll learn the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet. We'll say the name of each letter and hear a word or two that begin with that letter. We'll then discuss pronunciation.
Lesson 1 - Introduction Jan. 11, 2008
Welcome to the first lesson of Hebrew Podcasts. In this beginner-level lesson we'll meet Rina. She'll help us practice some greetings such as saying hello and "how are you?" Rina will tell us about her school and her favorite teacher. Through the dialog with Rina you'll learn some new words.
Lesson 1A - Prelude to Lesson 1 Mar. 7, 2008
If you are just starting to learn Hebrew and find that our lesson 1 goes too fast, then this easy-level lesson is for you. It's designed to prepare you for lesson 1 by covering the basic vocabulary that you'll need in that lesson.
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