When the Jews started building their modern state it was acknowledged that a shared language was the cornerstone of nation-building. There was no question that this language would be Hebrew. The vision was that with our return to our land, the revival of our language was an integral part of Jewish national renaissance. Though virtually no one spoke Hebrew in everyday life, in the 1880's the language was revitalized and modernized by Eliezer Ben-Yehuda. Today it is the national language of Israel, used in all spheres of life. A key instrument in this remarkable revival is the ulpan (pl. ulpanim). The word ulpan means teaching, instruction and studio. This Hebrew language school rapidly teaches adults basic Hebrew skills, including speaking, reading, writing and comprehension, along with the fundamentals of Israeli culture.

Study is a participation activity, where students speak, practice and repeat, absorbing the rules of the language as they go along. Each chapter of study is built around a practical situation, such as riding a bus, visiting a supermarket, or a restaurant. Students make natural use of the language as they act out these situations in class, learning the vocabulary and learning coping skills in their new environment. Hebrew is not taught only as a way of understanding and managing in Israeli society, but as an intensive immersion into the language as well as into the historical, cultural and religious legacy of the Jewish people. Jewish festivals are celebrated at ulpan and class activities include music appreciation, radio and TV broadcasts and outings around the country.

For more background information on ulpanim in Israel, click here.