Have you ever found yourself at a loss for words in Israel, struggling to communicate with the locals in their native language? Fear not — Olim Paveway is here to help! In this blog post, we’ll be introducing you to 10 common Hebrew expressions that will have you sounding like a true sabra (Israeli-born) in no time. Learning these phrases is one of the first practical steps of daily life in Israel, long before your Ulpan classes get you to full fluency.
So grab a falafel, pour yourself a glass of freshly squeezed pomegranate juice, and let’s get started!
- Shalom — The most famous Hebrew word: “peace,” “hello,” and “goodbye” all in one. In Jewish tradition it’s associated with the idea of wholeness and completeness.
- Todah — “Thank you” in Hebrew. Simple, polite, and used constantly.
- Baruch Hashem — “Blessed be God” or “thank God.” Often used as a response to “how are you?” You’ll hear this constantly in Israel, regardless of the speaker’s level of religious observance.
- B’ezrat Hashem — “With the help of God” or “God willing.” A way of expressing hope for something while acknowledging it’s ultimately up to God.
- Sababa — Slang for “cool” or “great.” One of the most-used words in everyday Israeli Hebrew, particularly among younger Israelis.
- Yalla — “Let’s go” or “come on.” Can also mean “hurry up” or express mild impatience. You will hear this approximately 40 times a day in Israel.
- Kol Hakavod — “All the respect” or “well done.” A way of expressing admiration or appreciation for someone’s accomplishments.
- Chutzpah — A Yiddish word adopted into Hebrew referring to a kind of audacity or nerve. The quality that drives Israeli entrepreneurs and startup founders — and that many new Olim develop quickly after a few encounters with Israeli bureaucracy.
- Mazal Tov — “Congratulations.” Used at weddings, births, bar mitzvahs, and whenever someone makes Aliyah.
- L’chaim — “To life.” Used as a toast when raising a glass to celebrate something. One of the first expressions new Olim learn and one of the most used.
Understanding and using these expressions can help you connect with Hebrew speakers and deepen your appreciation for Israeli culture. For new Olim, learning Hebrew — starting with phrases like these and building up through Ulpan — is one of the most important investments you can make in your absorption into Israeli life.
Now, of course we couldn’t just let you off without telling you some fun facts about Israel you probably didn’t know. Israel is a country steeped in ancient history and yet also at the forefront of modern innovation. Here are 20 fun facts about Israel — some of which are directly relevant to life in Israel as a new Oleh.
- Israel is the only country in the world that has more trees today than it did 100 years ago, due to a massive reforestation effort that began in the early 20th century — over 240 million trees planted.
- Israel is home to the world’s only underwater restaurant, “The Red Sea Star,” located 5 meters below the surface of the Red Sea in Eilat.
- Israel has more museums per capita than any other country in the world — over 200 museums, including the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, and Yad Vashem.
- Israel is the only country in the world where the number of native Hebrew speakers is increasing, due to a language revival effort that began in the early 20th century. New Olim who complete Ulpan become part of this living language story.
- Israel has the highest number of startup companies per capita in the world — the “Startup Nation.” Waze, Mobileye, and Check Point Software are among the most famous Israeli startups. This directly creates job opportunities in Israel for English-speaking Olim with tech backgrounds.
- The Dead Sea, on the border between Israel and Jordan, is the lowest point on Earth, with a surface elevation over 420 meters below sea level. Its mineral-rich waters are a popular destination for both tourists and new residents.
- Israel has the world’s only university where all classes are taught in sign language — at the University of Haifa.
- Tel Aviv is home to the world’s largest collection of Bauhaus architecture — over 4,000 buildings — and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for this reason.
- Israel is the only country in the world with mandatory military service for both men and women — three years for men, two for women, with exceptions for religious and other reasons.
- Israel is home to one of the world’s largest solar power plants, located in the Negev Desert — the Ashalim Solar Power Station, covering 3.15 square kilometers.
- The cherry tomato was developed in Israel in the 1990s through a breeding program aimed at creating a disease-resistant tomato with a long shelf life.
- Israel has the world’s largest collection of biblical manuscripts — over 225,000 manuscripts in Israeli institutional collections.
- Israel is the only country in the world with a mandatory Holocaust education curriculum in its schools.
- The world’s oldest continuously operating winery is in Israel — Carmel Winery, established in 1882.
- Israel is home to the world’s largest underground salt cave near the Dead Sea — the Malham Cave, over 10 kilometers long.
- Tel Aviv has been ranked as one of the world’s top cities for vegan food, with over 400 vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants.
- Israel has the world’s highest concentration of technology startups outside of Silicon Valley — Tel Aviv is a recognized global hub for cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and biotech, creating consistent demand for English speakers in Israel’s job market.
- Israel’s average salary in the tech sector is competitive globally — senior engineers and product managers at Israeli tech companies earn salaries that rival equivalent roles in the US and UK.
- Israel is the only country in the Middle East where Arabic, Hebrew, and English are all widely spoken — making it highly accessible for new Olim from English-speaking countries even before their Hebrew is fluent.
- The national bird of Israel is the hoopoe — a brightly colored bird with a distinctive crest, mentioned several times in the Bible and a popular symbol of good luck in Middle Eastern cultures.
We love helping people explore this amazing country and discover all the incredible things it offers, from its rich culture and history to its cutting-edge technology and innovation.
As the leading organization that helps people make Aliyah to Israel, we know that learning Hebrew expressions can be a key part of feeling at home in your new country. Whether you’re considering making Aliyah or simply planning a visit to Israel, we hope this post has given you a taste of what this incredible country has to offer. Until then, we’ll be here to help you learn Hebrew expressions, answer your questions, and cheer you on as you explore all the wonders of this remarkable country.