So you want your kid to learn Hebrew, huh? As a parent, you want to encourage their curiosity and love for learning, but let’s face it, you’re also worried about screen time. Luckily, YouTube can be an excellent tool to teach your kids while still being entertaining. We’ve rounded up 7 YouTube channels that’ll help your little ones learn Hebrew without putting them into a screen time coma. We promise, it’s not all boring grammar drills and vocab lists!
Hop!
Hop! (הופ in Hebrew) is an Israeli children’s television channel that was launched in 2010. It is owned by the Hop! Media Group and is aimed at children aged 2-12 years old.
Hop! offers a variety of programs for children, including animated shows, live-action series, educational programs, and game shows. Many of the shows are locally produced in Israel, but Hop! also airs international shows dubbed into Hebrew, such as Paw Patrol, Peppa Pig, and SpongeBob SquarePants.
In addition to its television channel, Hop! also has a website and a mobile app that offer games, videos, and other interactive content for children. The channel has won several awards for its content and has become a popular destination for children’s entertainment in Israel.
The Kids Channel (ערוץ הילדים in Hebrew), also known as Kidstv, is an Israeli YouTube channel that provides educational and entertaining content for children. It can improve American kids’ Hebrew language skills and introduce them to Israeli culture. The channel features a variety of content including animated shows, Hebrew songs, and educational videos. The animated shows teach valuable life lessons and cover topics like friendship and problem-solving. The Hebrew songs are catchy and easy to follow, helping children with pronunciation and vocabulary. It could also include interactive elements like quizzes or games that involve Hebrew language usage, making the learning experience more engaging.
Rinat and Yoyo
Rinat and Yoyo (רינת ויויו) is a popular Israeli children’s television show that first aired in 1995 and ran for six seasons. The show features the adventures of Rinat and Yoyo, two young siblings who explore the world around them and learn about different cultures and traditions.
The show is known for its catchy songs, colorful animation, and engaging storylines. Each episode focuses on a different theme, such as friendship, family, or environmentalism, and teaches children valuable life lessons in a fun and accessible way.
One of the unique aspects of Rinat and Yoyo is its focus on Israeli and Jewish culture. The show often features Israeli folk songs and dances and explores different Jewish holidays and traditions. It also touches on important historical events and figures, such as the founding of the State of Israel and the life of Israeli astronaut Ilan Ramon.
Rinat and Yoyo have been widely praised for their educational and cultural value. The show has won numerous awards, both in Israel and internationally, and has been translated into several languages for broadcast around the world.
Hebrew Arthur
Arthur is an animated television show that has been popular among children and families for over two decades. Originally produced in English, the show has been dubbed into Hebrew for Israeli audiences.
Watching Arthur in Hebrew can be a great way for kids to improve their language skills. By watching a show they already enjoy and are familiar with, children can practice their Hebrew in a fun and engaging way. They can learn new vocabulary, practice listening and comprehension skills, and improve their overall fluency in the language.
In addition to the language benefits, watching Arthur can also provide educational and social-emotional value for children. The show covers a range of topics, from science and history to social skills and emotional development. It can help children learn about different cultures and perspectives, and teach them important life skills like problem-solving, empathy, and kindness.
Parents can feel confident in letting their kids watch Arthur in Hebrew, knowing that they are exposing their children to quality programming that is both entertaining and educational. With its lovable characters, engaging storylines, and valuable life lessons, Arthur is a great choice for children of all ages.
Yuval Hamebulbal
Yuval HaMebulbal (יובל המבולבל) is a beloved Israeli children’s character and television personality, played by actor Yuval Shem Tov. Yuval HaMebulbal, which roughly translates to “Yuval the Confused,” is known for his comedic antics and childlike personality.
Yuval HaMebulbal first gained popularity in the late 1990s as a recurring character on the Israeli children’s program “Parpar Nechmad.” He later starred in his show, “Yuval HaMebulbal Boded BaBayit” (Yuval HaMebulbal Alone at Home), which featured him navigating the world around him with childlike wonder and humor.
The character of Yuval HaMebulbal is often associated with innocence and a lack of pretense and is beloved by children and adults alike. He speaks in unique and playful language that includes made-up words and phrases, and his antics often involve slapstick comedy and physical humor.
In addition to his television work, Yuval HaMebulbal has also released several albums of children’s music and has appeared in numerous live performances and events. He has become an iconic figure in Israeli children’s media, and his influence can be seen in the work of other Israeli children’s performers and personalities.
Shaboom!
Shaboom! is a Jewish kids’ YouTube channel created by the non-profit organization, BimBam. The channel offers a range of animated videos for young children, aimed at teaching Jewish values and traditions in a fun and engaging way.
The Shaboom! videos follow the adventures of Gabi and Rafi, two siblings who are visited by the magical sparks, “Shaboomers”, who teach them about different Jewish values and how to apply them in their daily lives. The episodes cover topics such as kindness, gratitude, patience, and responsibility, and are accompanied by catchy songs and colorful animations that appeal to young viewers.
One of the unique aspects of Shaboom! is its focus on inclusivity and diversity. The channel features characters from different backgrounds and abilities, promoting the idea that everyone is welcome in the Jewish community.
In addition to its YouTube channel, Shaboom! also offers a range of resources for parents and educators, including discussion guides, printable activities, and songs. The resources are designed to help adults facilitate conversations with children about the values and ideas presented in the videos.
Shalom Sesame
Shalom Sesame is a spinoff of the popular children’s television program Sesame Street, with a Jewish twist. The program was produced in the 1980s and 1990s and was created to help teach Jewish children about their culture and traditions.
Like Sesame Street, Shalom Sesame features a cast of colorful characters, including Big Bird, Cookie Monster, and Grover, as well as new characters like Moishe Oofnik (a Grouch who lives in a garbage can in Tel Aviv) and Kippi Ben Kippod (a hedgehog who loves to sing and dance).
The episodes of Shalom Sesame cover a range of topics related to Jewish culture and tradition, including Jewish holidays, the Hebrew language, Israeli geography, and Jewish history. The show uses music, storytelling, and humor to engage young viewers and make learning fun.
Shalom Sesame was produced with the support of the Jewish Television Network and the Sesame Workshop and was widely distributed in Jewish communities throughout the United States and around the world. The program was praised for its educational value and its ability to promote Jewish learning and pride among young viewers.
