Putting conversation first: Jerusalem ulpan founder reflects on 18 years of teaching Hebrew to olim

Ami Steinberger, founder of Ulpan La-Inyan, reflects on 18 years of teaching conversational Hebrew to olim. Starting in his living room in 2008 with four students, his ulpan now employs 80-90 teachers and serves roughly 2,000 students annually. Steinberger emphasizes a conversation-first method over traditional grammar drills, a trend he helped pioneer. The ulpan has shifted to 50% online learning post-corona, serving students globally, including non-Jewish clients like Jerusalem Arabs. Steinberger discusses the role of AI in language learning, common pitfalls for learners, and the growing importance of Hebrew for Jewish identity in the Diaspora.

Ami Steinberger, founder of Ulpan La-Inyan, reflects on 18 years of teaching conversational Hebrew to olim. Starting in his living room in Katamon, Jerusalem, on August 18, 2008, with four students, the ulpan now employs 80-90 teachers and serves roughly 2,000 students annually. Steinberger emphasizes a conversation-first method over traditional grammar drills, a trend he helped pioneer. The ulpan shifted to 50% online learning post-corona, serving students globally, including non-Jewish clients like Jerusalem Arabs. Steinberger discusses the role of AI in language learning, common pitfalls for learners, and the growing importance of Hebrew for Jewish identity in the Diaspora.