Practical Guidance
Learning Hebrew is one of the most important things you can do as a new oleh. While you can get by with English in many areas, Hebrew opens doors — literally and figuratively. New olim are entitled to free ulpan (Hebrew language school), and there are many apps and resources to supplement classroom learning.
You can live in Israel with limited Hebrew.
But life becomes considerably easier as your Hebrew improves.
The problem for many dads isn't motivation. It's finding time between work, children and everything else.
Ulpan
For new Olim, ulpan should be one of the first options you investigate.
Courses vary by:
- Level.
- Intensity.
- Location.
- Morning/evening schedule.
- Online/in-person delivery.
- Specialist vocabulary.
The government also runs specialist Hebrew initiatives; for example, the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration announced professional online ulpan cohorts for medical and paramedical professionals in 2026.
Government services for new Olim
Don't Only Study Hebrew
Use it.
Try:
- Ordering coffee in Hebrew.
- Reading school WhatsApps before translating them.
- Children's books.
- Hebrew podcasts.
- Apps.
- Israeli television with subtitles.
- Speaking to other parents.
Your kids may overtake you surprisingly quickly.
Accept it.
Then use them as free translators.
Anglo Dad tip: Twenty minutes every day is more sustainable than a heroic three-hour session every second Sunday.
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