shoshincal

Worth Doing – Nothing Like Living in Israel — 4 hours ago

Great warmth in the people, amazing history, truly diverse population from Arab to Jewish – from all over the world – Russia, Ethiopia, Western Europe, Morroco, Tunisia, Eastern Europe, South America…I could go on and on. Its a melting point similar to the US… pros and cons abound, but you cannot compare the experience of living in Israel to any other place in the world.

The people are tough on the exterior, with the warmest hearts you’ll ever experience. Raising kids here is special, neighborhoods are truly neighborhoods where kids can run in and out of each other’s homes. People know how to live and cherish life. They have a tough reality, but a great deal of energy, a zest and thirst for knowledge.

Hebrew is the language of the country – learn it. Not sure where to go to do it if you’re in the diaspora? Turn to the Israelis to teach you online or a local ulpan. Here are a few resources: http://ivritbivrit.blogsome.com/category/adult-ulpan/

Its hard, to catch up with language. I started a program for toddlers in San Diego for this reason so my kids could learn to speak now not as adults. http://www.jenniestarr.com/ivrit.htm

I have to say for me though as an adult, I’ve tried Hebrew Online listed already and am a fan. They do a great job. The teachers I had were terrific, the classes are real-time so even though you’re in your room, the teacher, the other students are online with you. You get called on to read, you talk with other students. The teachers even write the words others are saying on their white board to help you phoenetically and in Hebrew so you can follow. I was very impressed. Just bummed when they couldn’t accomodate a later evening class 8:00 pm for us in CA.
My classmates were from all over the world, which was nice.

Here’s a link to my summary of the experience with Hebrew Online as well as a link to a San Diego ulpan if you’re in the area . I’ve heard good things about it, though the methods are a little unorthodox. http://ivritbivrit.blogsome.com/category/adult-ulpan/

The other key is of course finding ways to communicate with other people in the language. This is really tough to do outside of Israel as your community may not have what you need. Gatherings with Hebrew activities. I created a bunch in San Diego because I couldn’t find it. http://www.jenniestarr.com/chevratyisrael.htm But, for teenagers especially, what you need is a real Tsofim I think to make it work. Some cities have them, others don’t.

Listening to radio and TV in Hebrew is great too. I don’t have links handy, but if you can tolerate not understanding a lot its still a great way to learn; reinforce what you don’t know and gain new words.

Its hard, to catch up with language. I started a program for toddlers in San Diego for this reason so my kids could learn to speak now not as adults. http://www.jenniestarr.com/ivrit.htm

I have to say for me though as an adult, I’ve tried Hebrew Online listed already and am a fan. They do a great job. The teachers I had were terrific, the classes are real-time so even though you’re in your room, the teacher, the other students are online with you. You get called on to read, you talk with other students. The teachers even write the words others are saying on their white board to help you phoenetically and in Hebrew so you can follow. I was very impressed. Just bummed when they couldn’t accomodate a later evening class 8:00 pm for us in CA.
My classmates were from all over the world, which was nice.

Here’s a link to my summary of the experience with Hebrew Online as well as a link to a San Diego ulpan if you’re in the area . I’ve heard good things about it, though the methods are a little unorthodox. http://ivritbivrit.blogsome.com/category/adult-ulpan/

The other key is of course finding ways to communicate with other people in the language. This is really tough to do outside of Israel as your community may not have what you need. Gatherings with Hebrew activities. I created a bunch in San Diego because I couldn’t find it. http://www.jenniestarr.com/chevratyisrael.htm But, for teenagers especially, what you need is a real Tsofim I think to make it work. Some cities have them, others don’t.

Listening to radio and TV in Hebrew is great too. I don’t have links handy, but if you can tolerate not understanding a lot its still a great way to learn; reinforce what you don’t know and gain new words.