This was the perfect way for me to begin to learn Hebrew. I came with only Shalom and Todah, and within 2 weeks I am talking and (almost) reading and am excited about learning more, continuing to speak with people, and, with language in my mind and heart, further integrating into life here in Jerusalem. 

The pedagogy is excellent, with the one-on-one attention and the great sympathy and sensitivity of my teacher who gently pushed and stretched me but who also made sure that I was comfortable and learning with joy, and curiosity, rather than stress! When I was having trouble understanding something, she would stop to focus in on it. We would practice together until I understood enough for us to move forward.  She was very clear, very patient, warm and encouraging.  Miri is an excellent and very talented teacher!  Everyday, I looked forward to seeing her, learning with her and talking with her.

I found the classes exciting because I could tell I was learning; I found myself integrating what I had already learned into the next lessons and being inventive and experimental with the language – I was not afraid to try things because I felt very supported and safe.  In particular, I was learning words, sentence structures, and ways of communicating that were meaningful to me and that I could use and experiment with right away in my daily life.

Coming to Ulpan-Or everyday was a joy!  There is a wonderful, warm and hospitable atmosphere here which is inviting, very professional and offers a real incentive to talk with the people here, to stick around and study. One of the reasons I chose Ulpan-Or was because I felt so comfortable and happy in the space, and with the welcome I received from Sharon and Michal.  The warmth and encouragement, the cookies and tea, and the eagerness to help out, and the general enthusiasm for people and learning makes for an excellent learning environment!

Todah rabah!