Beginner Hebrew
Start from the very beginning. At the Alef level you learn the Hebrew alphabet, begin to read, and pick up basic everyday phrases — no prior Hebrew needed.
Prerequisites and skills
Prerequisites
- No prior Hebrew needed
Skills you build
- The Hebrew alphabet
- Reading
- Basic everyday phrases
Courses available for Beginner
The Alef level is taught in these formats. Choose the one that fits how you want to learn.
After Beginner
Alef — beginner Hebrew for new olim, starting from scratch
Alef is the first rung of the Ulpan ladder and the place to start Hebrew from scratch: the level where you learn the Hebrew alphabet — Alef, Bet, Gimel, Dalet and the rest of the letters — sound out your first words in Hebrew and manage simple everyday exchanges. It is where most olim begin after Aliyah, whether they study in Tel Aviv or online. See how the Alef level fits the full ladder of Hebrew levels.
What you learn at the Alef level
Reading print and script letters, greetings, numbers, ordering at a café, asking directions — the practical survival Hebrew for absolute beginners in their first months in Israel. No prior Hebrew is needed to join, and free warm-ups like the Hebrew podcast and free videos ease you in.
Start Alef your way
Begin today with the self-paced video course, join a small group in the Ulpan in Tel Aviv, or study live on Zoom. When you finish, Alef+ is your next step. Unsure Alef is right? Take the free level test or request a call back.
Find your level, then your course
Take the quick level test, or browse all courses with dates and prices.