Hebrew-Speaking Countries

Hebrew is one of the few languages in the world that experienced a full-scale revival—from a primarily religious language to a modern, thriving spoken tongue. Today, Hebrew is spoken by over 9 million people globally. But is it only spoken in Israel? And how has it spread beyond its homeland into communities across the world?

In this guide, we go beyond simple country lists to explore where Hebrew is spoken natively, fluently, or in daily life. We’ll also cover why this language is worth learning. Curious? Read on!

Where Is Hebrew Spoken?

Israel is the only country in the world where Hebrew is the official and majority-spoken language. Today, about 63% of the people in Israel speak native Hebrew, and it's used mainly for government, education, law, and media.

Modern Hebrew, or Ivrit, was revived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by Zionist movements and officially adopted as the state language after Israel’s founding in 1948. While Arabic is also recognized as a language with special status in Israel, Hebrew is the dominant language of daily life, spoken by Jewish citizens and many Israeli Arabs alike.

In addition to native usage, Israel is home to thousands of Hebrew learners, including new immigrants (olim), international students, and religious pilgrims. Hebrew is taught to newcomers through state-sponsored programs called ulpanim, designed to help integrate them into Israeli society.

Where Is Hebrew Spoken Outside Israel?

While Israel is the only country where Hebrew is used in all aspects of public life, Hebrew is spoken and studied worldwide, primarily among Jewish communities, religious scholars, and Hebrew language students. In most other countries, Hebrew is not a national language, but it remains active in education, religion, and community life.

United States

The United States is home to the largest Hebrew-speaking population outside Israel. According to the U.S. Census American Community Survey, a substantial number of people report speaking Hebrew at home: Major communities can be found in cities like New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and Chicago.

In addition to native Israeli expatriates and heritage speakers, Hebrew is taught in hundreds of Jewish day schools, yeshivot, and synagogues. It is also commonly offered in universities and through programs like Birthright and Masa Israel, which promote language learning as part of cultural exchange.

Canada

Canada has a sizable Jewish population, particularly in Toronto and Montreal, where Hebrew is taught in Jewish day schools and supplementary Hebrew schools. While not widely spoken in daily life outside religious settings, Hebrew remains a core part of Jewish education.

Hebrew language instruction is also supported by various cultural and academic institutions, including Jewish studies departments at major Canadian universities.

France and the United Kingdom

France and the UK both have large Jewish communities that maintain Hebrew through religious and cultural education. In France, especially in Paris and Marseille, Hebrew is part of the curriculum in Jewish schools and is spoken among Israeli expats.

In the UK, Hebrew is offered in many Jewish schools, and some students prepare for the GCSE or A-level exams in Modern or Biblical Hebrew. London also hosts Hebrew language programs supported by cultural and religious organizations.

Argentina and Latin America

Argentina has the largest Jewish population in Latin America, and Hebrew is actively used in religious and community schools, particularly in Buenos Aires. Countries like Mexico, Brazil, and Chile also have Jewish communities where Hebrew is studied and sometimes spoken in communal or synagogue settings.

While Hebrew is not commonly used in the general population, it plays a vital role in Jewish education, heritage preservation, and Zionist cultural identity across Latin America.

Why Hebrew is Worth Learning

Hebrew might not be the first language that comes to mind when you're thinking about career advancement, but it absolutely should be. Israel has become a global tech powerhouse, and knowing Hebrew may provide opportunities that most people don't even know exist.

• Tech industry access: Israel's startup scene is booming – knowing Hebrew gives you an edge in one of the world's most innovative economies
• Translation opportunities: Careers in Hebrew translation (civil and military) can be lucrative, with steady demand for professional linguists
• Customer service roles: Many international call centers hire Hebrew speakers for remote jobs with competitive salaries
• Brain boost: Learning a new language like Hebrew exercises the brain, improving memory and problem-solving abilities – skills that transfer to every aspect of your career
• Salary premium: Hebrew-speaking professionals often receive higher salaries due to demand
• Global opportunities: Work remotely for Israeli companies or relocate – Hebrew speakers have options worldwide

Don't write off Hebrew as too niche or difficult. Learning Hebrew is fast-moving and fun.

Learn Hebrew With Lingopie

Whether you're learning Hebrew for cultural connection, travel, or faith, Lingopie is a modern tool that makes the process engaging. Watch real Israeli shows and movies, click on subtitles for instant translation, and build vocabulary naturally.

With Lingopie, you can:

• Learn grammar and common phrases in a real context
• Improve listening comprehension through native speech
• Study Hebrew through authentic, binge-worthy content

Perfect for beginners and intermediate learners looking to connect with modern Israeli culture while building their skills.

FAQ

1. Is Hebrew hard to learn?

Hebrew is moderately difficult for English speakers, rated as Category IV by the Foreign Service Institute, behind only languages like Chinese and Korean. The alphabet is unique and written right-to-left, and vocabulary and vowel absence can be challenging. However, its structure (SVO syntax) and logical root system make it learnable with consistent practice.

2. What are the benefits of learning modern Hebrew?

Modern Hebrew gives access to Israel’s dynamic culture, media, and economy. You'll understand popular shows like Fauda or Shtisel in the original, and tap into Israel's booming tech, culinary arts, and startup scene. Plus, Arabic, Aramaic, and other Semitic languages become more intuitive through its shared linguistic roots.

3. Is Hebrew only useful for religious purposes?

No. While Hebrew is essential in religious settings, it's also a living vernacular—spoken every day in homes, businesses, public services, and creative arts in Israel. Outside Israel, it’s used in casual conversation among Israeli expats and in cultural education.

4. Can learning Hebrew help with other languages?

Yes. Learning Hebrew can improve your grasp of Arabic, Aramaic, or Amharic. Its unique script and verb-root system boost cognitive flexibility, helping with vocabulary and grammar across related tongues

5. What are effective ways to learn Hebrew today?

Here are proven modern methods:

• Ulpan classes in Israel offer immersive, fast-paced learning.
• Language apps like Lingopie provide advanced language-learning features
• Immersive media—watch Israeli TV and films via platforms like Lingopie or Netflix.
• Community interaction, such as language meetups, online “chavrusas,” and Jewish day schools, provide real practice