Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers to common questions, so you can understand the process before getting started.
What makes the Shalom Hebrew method different from self-study apps?
Answer: Apps are great for vocabulary, but they can’t listen to you. At Shalom Ivrit, we focus on “Hebrew is the Way.” We don’t just give you words; we give you the logical foundation of the language. You get real-time feedback from a professional teacher who ensures you don’t just “know” Hebrew, but actually speak it correctly.
How much focus is put on grammar versus speaking?
Answer: We believe you can’t have one without the other. Grammar is the skeleton that holds your speech together. Without it, you’ll always feel “stuck” or sound “broken.” We integrate grammar naturally into every conversation, so you learn to speak fluently and accurately at the same time.
Will I learn modern "street" Hebrew or formal book Hebrew?
Answer: You will learn the Hebrew that Israelis actually speak. Our goal is to make you sound like a local, but an educated one. We bridge the gap between high-level grammar and the vibrant, everyday language of Tel Aviv’s streets.
Can I choose the topics we discuss in class?
Answer: Definitely. In fact, we encourage it! Research shows that you learn 3x faster when you talk about things you actually care about. Whether it’s technology, art, politics, or your daily life, we tailor the vocabulary to your world.
Do I need to buy any textbooks?
Answer: No extra purchases are necessary. We provide all the learning materials, custom-built for your specific level and interests. You’ll have access to digital resources that make practicing between lessons easy and fun.
How long is each lesson and how is it structured?
Answer: Our standard lessons are 45 minutes long. Each session is a dynamic mix of reviewing previous concepts, introducing new linguistic “building blocks,” and intensive conversational practice to make sure the new material “sticks.”
Are the lessons 1-on-1 or in a group?
Answer: We specialize in private, 1-on-1 sessions. This ensures 100% of the teacher’s attention is on you—your pace, your mistakes, and your goals. It’s the fastest and most efficient way to achieve fluency.
Can I prepare for a specific goal, like a job interview or relocation?
Answer: Yes. We have specialized modules for “Professional Hebrew.” If you have a specific deadline or goal, your teacher will build a dedicated roadmap to get you there, focusing on the exact vocabulary and scenarios you’ll encounter.
How do you track my progress?
Answer: We don’t believe in scary exams. Instead, we use a milestone system. Every few weeks, we review your “speech portfolio” to see how your accuracy and vocabulary have expanded, adjusting the curriculum as you grow.
I’m a complete beginner. Is this suitable for me?
Answer: Absolutely. We love starting the journey with you from letter one. Our “Zero-to-Hero” approach ensures you build the right habits from the start, avoiding the common mistakes that self-taught students often make.
Is there homework? I have a very busy schedule.
Answer: We prefer the term “Active Practice.” We provide short, high-impact tasks designed to fit into a busy lifestyle. While not mandatory, these exercises are key to solidifying the logic you learned during your 45-minute session and ensuring long-term retention.
What platform do we use for the lessons?
Answer: We use Google Meet exclusively. It is a reliable, high-quality platform that allows us to share materials, use digital whiteboards, and maintain a seamless, professional learning environment.
Are all the teachers native Hebrew speakers?
Answer: Yes, all our teachers are native speakers. More importantly, they are experts in the Shalom Ivrit methodology, ensuring they don’t just speak the language, but know exactly how to teach its structure and logic to English speakers.
What if I already know some Hebrew but I’m "rusty"?
Answer: That is very common. We start with a brief assessment to identify your “logic gaps.” Instead of wasting time starting from scratch, we fix your foundation and move you toward conversational fluency as quickly as possible.
Will I learn a specific Israeli accent?
Answer: We focus on a clear, standard Israeli accent. Our goal is for you to be understood by everyone—whether you are in a professional high-tech meeting or a casual social setting in Israel.
Do you offer lessons for children?
Answer: No. Our program is specifically designed for adults and teenagers aged 16 and older. Our structured and logical approach is tailored for mature learners who want to understand the “why” behind the language.
Can I record my lessons for later review?
Answer:Absolutely. We actually encourage it. Reviewing your own recordings is a powerful way to spot patterns, improve your pronunciation, and track your progress over time.
Do we use real-world materials like news or podcasts?
Answer: Definitely. Once we establish your grammar foundation, we dive into real Israeli culture—news, podcasts, and social media. This keeps the language “alive” and far more engaging than traditional textbooks.
Can I contact my teacher between lessons if I have a question?
Answer: Yes, you will have a direct line of communication for quick questions. We want you to feel supported throughout your entire Hebrew journey, not just during your scheduled 45 minutes.
How do I schedule my lessons?
Answer: Once you subscribe to a package, you will receive access to our private booking portal. There, you can view your teacher’s real-time availability and select the time slots that best fit your schedule. The process is fully automated and takes less than a minute.
What is your cancellation policy?
Answer: We value both our students’ and teachers’ time. You may cancel or reschedule a lesson up to 24 hours before the session starts at no cost. Cancellations made within less than 24 hours of the scheduled time will be charged in full.
Can I reschedule a lesson if something comes up?
Answer: Yes, as long as the change is made at least 24 hours in advance. You can easily move your lesson to any other available slot directly through the booking system without needing to contact us manually.
How do the lesson packages work?
Answer: To ensure consistency and progress, we work exclusively with recurring lesson packages. You can choose between a package of 4 lessons or 8 lessons. These packages automatically renew once your lessons are completed, allowing you to focus entirely on your learning journey.
How do I pay for my lessons?
Answer: Payments are handled securely online via credit card. When you sign up for a 4 or 8-lesson package, your payment method will be saved and charged automatically when a new cycle begins, ensuring your spot in the schedule is maintained.
Is there a long-term commitment?
Answer: While our packages are recurring to encourage consistency, there is no long-term “lock-in” contract. You can choose to pause or cancel your subscription at the end of any billing cycle, providing you with both structure and flexibility.
How does the system handle different time zones?
Answer: Our booking portal automatically detects your local time zone. When you go to book a lesson, all available slots will be displayed in your own time, eliminating any confusion or need for manual conversions.
Can I book a recurring time slot every week?
Answer: Yes. We highly recommend booking a recurring slot to build a routine. Once you have a package, you can reserve the same day and time every week to ensure you have a dedicated space in your teacher’s calendar.
What happens if I am late to a lesson?
Answer:Your teacher will wait for you in the Google Meet room for 15 minutes. If you arrive late, the lesson will still end at the originally scheduled time to ensure the next student’s session can begin on time.
Can I switch between the 4-lesson and 8-lesson packages?
Answer: Certainly. If you find that you need more or fewer sessions per month, you can easily upgrade or downgrade your package level for the next billing cycle through your account settings.
Can I pause my subscription if I go on vacation?
Answer: There is no need to manually pause your subscription. Since you are only charged for a new package only after your current lessons are completed, your account remains inactive and free of charge whenever you are not booking sessions. Your remaining credits will simply wait for you until you are ready to resume.
Do my lesson credits expire?
Answer: No. Your lessons do not expire as long as your account is active. This gives you the full flexibility to learn at your own pace without the pressure of a monthly deadline or “use it or lose it” policies.
Do you offer a trial or introductory lesson?
Answer: Yes. We offer a single introductory session at a special rate. This allows you to meet a teacher, experience our methodology, and receive a level assessment before deciding whether to purchase a 4 or 8-lesson package.
How do I stop the recurring billing?
Answer: If you wish to stop after your current package, you can easily disable the auto-renewal feature in your account settings. You will not be charged for a new package once your current 4 or 8 lessons are used up.
Will I have the same teacher for every lesson?
Answer: You have the freedom to choose. Our system allows you to book sessions based on teacher availability. While many students prefer to stay with one teacher for consistency, you are welcome to switch or try different instructors through the portal to find the best fit for your learning style.
What happens if the teacher has a technical issue?
Answer: In the rare event of a technical issue on our end, the lesson will not be deducted from your package. We will work with you to reschedule the session at a time that is convenient for you or credit the lesson back to your account.
Can I share my lesson package with a friend or family member?
Answer: Our packages are designed for personalized, 1-on-1 learning with a curriculum tailored specifically to one student’s progress. Therefore, lesson credits are non-transferable and cannot be shared between different accounts.
Will I receive reminders for my upcoming lessons?
Answer: Yes. Our system sends automated email reminders before every scheduled session. You can also sync your booking calendar with your personal Google or Outlook calendar to stay on top of your schedule.
Is my payment information secure?
Answer: Absolutely. We actually encourage it. Reviewing your own recordings is a powerful way to spot patterns, improve your pronunciation, and track your progress over time.
What if I want to change from a 4-lesson to an 8-lesson package?
Answer: You can update your package preference at any time through your dashboard. The change will take effect automatically the next time your current lessons are completed and a new package cycle begins
How much does a lesson package cost?
Answer: We offer two main options: a 4-lesson package and an 8-lesson package. You can find the specific current pricing for each on our “Services” page. The 8-lesson package is our most popular choice as it offers a better rate per session.
When exactly will I be charged?
Answer: You are charged for your first package upon sign-up. After that, the system will only charge you for a new package once you have completed your final lesson of the current cycle. There are no fixed monthly fees; you only pay when you are ready for more lessons.
Is there a discount for buying more lessons?
Answer: Yes. Our 8-lesson package is designed to reward commitment. By choosing the larger package, you receive a discounted rate per lesson compared to the 4-lesson option.
What payment methods do you accept?
Answer: We accept all major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. All transactions are processed through a secure, encrypted system to ensure your data is protected.
Are there any hidden fees or registration costs?
Answer: No extra purchases are necessary. We provide all the learning materials, custom-built for your specific level and interests. You’ll have access to digital resources that make practicing between lessons easy and fun.
Can I get an invoice for my employer or company?
Answer: Certainly. After every purchase, an automated receipt is sent to your email. If you require a formal tax invoice with specific company details for reimbursement, please contact us and we will provide one for you.
In which currency will I be charged?
Answer: Our standard pricing is listed in USD. If you are paying from a different country, your bank or credit card provider will handle the conversion to your local currency based on the current exchange rate.
What happens if I want to upgrade to a larger package mid-cycle?
Answer: If you started with 4 lessons and want to move to the 8-lesson rate, you can change your preference in your account settings. The new rate and package size will be applied automatically as soon as your current 4 lessons are finished.
Do you offer refunds if I change my mind?
Answer: We want you to be happy with your choice. If you decide after your first session that the method isn’t right for you, you can request a refund for the remaining unused lessons in your package within 14 days of the initial purchase.
Do I have to pay for learning materials?
Answer: No. All digital learning materials, worksheets, and resources used during the lessons are included in the package price. You will never be asked to purchase external textbooks.
What happens if my payment fails?
Answer: If a recurring payment for a new package fails (e.g., due to an expired card), the system will notify you via email. Your ability to book new lessons will be temporarily paused until your payment information is updated in your dashboard.
How can I update my credit card information?
Answer: You can update your payment details at any time through your personal account settings. Once updated, the new information will be used for your next package renewal.
Do you offer gift cards or the option to pay for someone else?
Answer: Yes. If you would like to purchase a lesson package for a friend or family member, please contact our support team. We can arrange a one-time payment and provide you with a digital gift certificate.
Are there any taxes or VAT added to the price?
Answer: The price listed on our services page is the total price you will pay. We believe in transparency, so there are no surprises or additional taxes added at the checkout.
Is there a way to track my payment history?
Answer: Yes. You can access your full payment history and download all past receipts directly from your account dashboard at any time.
What is the cost of the introductory trial lesson?
Answer: The introductory lesson is offered at a one-time, reduced rate. You can find the current price for this session on our booking page. It is a great way to start without a larger initial investment.
Will I be notified before my package renews and I am charged?
Answer: Yes. Our system is designed to keep you informed. You will receive an automated notification when you reach your last lesson, letting you know that a new package cycle is about to begin.
Who is the ideal student for Shalom Ivrit?
Answer: Our method is designed for serious learners—adults and teenagers (16+)—who want more than just to memorize phrases. If you are someone who wants to understand the “logic” of Hebrew and is looking for a structured, professional environment to achieve true fluency, this is for you.
Is this for people who just want to learn "slang" and basic survival Hebrew?
Answer: While we do teach modern, everyday Hebrew, we don’t stop there. If you only want to learn a few words for a vacation, there are apps for that. Our school is for those who want to speak correctly and sound intelligent, which requires a solid foundation in grammar and structure.
I hate grammar. Is this still the right place for me?
Answer:
Probably not. We believe that grammar is the “skeleton” of the language. Many schools claim “grammar isn’t important” to make their courses easier to sell, but this often leaves students sounding “weird” or “broken.” If you aren’t willing to learn the rules that make the language work, our method won’t be a good fit.
Do you offer lessons for children?
Answer: No. We specialize exclusively in teaching adults and teenagers aged 16 and older. Our methodology is built on logical explanations and deep conversation, which is much better suited for mature learners.
Is this for someone who wants to learn entirely on their own?
Answer: No. Our approach is centered on 1-on-1 interaction with a professional teacher. While we encourage “Active Practice” between sessions, the core of our method is real-time feedback and personalized guidance that you simply cannot get from a self-study program.
I’ve tried other Hebrew courses and failed. Should I try this?
Answer:
Yes. Many of our students come to us after being frustrated by methods that were either too academic and boring or too “casual” and lacked structure. If you felt like you were learning words but didn’t know how to put them together, our logic-based approach is likely exactly what you’ve been missing.
Is this for people who want to study 4 or 5 times a week?
Answer:
Actually, no. We recommend only 1–2 lessons per week. We believe in efficiency and giving you space to process the logic and complete your “Active Practice.” If you are looking for an “intensive” program that requires daily sessions, our philosophy of “long-term consistency over short-term intensity” might not match your expectations.
Can advanced speakers benefit from these lessons?
Answer:
Definitely. Many advanced students have “logic gaps”—they can speak but make recurring mistakes or feel “stuck” at a certain level. We help advanced learners clean up their grammar, expand their vocabulary in specific areas of interest, and achieve a professional level of fluency.
Is this for people who want a "quick fix" or a "magic pill"?
Answer:
No. Learning a language takes time and commitment. While our method is highly efficient and avoids wasting time on unimportant things, it still requires you to show up, listen to your teacher, and do the work. If you are looking for a “shortcut” that doesn’t involve effort, this isn’t it.
Is this for people who have specific interests (Tech, Art, Business)?
Answer:
Yes! This is exactly what we mean by “Hebrew is the Way.” If you have a passion or a professional field you care about, we will use that as the content for our lessons. This ensures you are always engaged and learning the vocabulary that is actually relevant to your life.
What equipment do I need for the lessons?
Answer: All you need is a computer (laptop or desktop), a reliable internet connection, a webcam, and a microphone. While most modern laptops have built-in mics and cameras, using a dedicated headset can often improve the sound quality and help you focus.
Do I need to install any software to use Google Meet?
Answer: No. Google Meet works directly in your web browser (like Chrome, Firefox, or Safari). You don’t need to download or install any specific software. If you are joining from a tablet or smartphone, you might be prompted to download the Google Meet app for a better experience.
How do I join my scheduled lesson?
Answer: Joining is easy. You will receive a unique Google Meet link via email before your lesson starts. You can also find the link to your upcoming session directly in your personal booking dashboard. Just click the link at the scheduled time, and your teacher will be there to let you in.
What should I do if my internet connection fails during a lesson?
Answer: If you experience a temporary disconnect, try refreshing your browser or clicking the link again. If the issue persists, contact your teacher immediately via the direct communication line provided to you. We will help you troubleshoot or reschedule if the disruption lasts more than a few minutes.
Can I take my lessons on a smartphone or tablet?
Answer: Yes, though we highly recommend using a computer. A larger screen makes it much easier to see shared documents, the digital whiteboard, and the teacher’s facial expressions, which are all vital for learning pronunciation and grammar.
Do I need a Google account to join the lessons?
Answer: While having a Gmail or Google account is helpful, it is not strictly required. You can join the Google Meet session as a guest. However, having a Google account allows for better integration with shared learning materials and calendar invites.
How do I access my learning materials?
Answer: All worksheets, digital resources, and personal notes are shared through a dedicated folder or platform. You will receive a link to your personal learning space during your first session, where everything will be organized and accessible 24/7.
Can I use the interactive whiteboard features on Google Meet?
Answer: Yes. Our teachers use digital whiteboards to explain complex grammar and logic. You will be able to see exactly what the teacher is writing in real-time, and in some cases, you’ll be able to interact with the board yourself to practice.
What if I have trouble logging into the booking portal?
Answer: If you forget your password or have trouble accessing your dashboard, use the “Forgot Password” link on the login page. If you still can’t get in, please contact our technical support, and we will restore your access within 24 hours.
What are the recommended browser settings for a smooth experience?
Answer: For the best experience, we recommend using the latest version of Google Chrome. Ensure that your browser has permission to access your microphone and camera when prompted by Google Meet.
Still have questions?
If something isn’t clear yet, feel free to reach out and we’ll help you figure it out.