Ulpan

A Ulpan ( Hebrew: אולפן, plural: ulpanim, Hebrew: אולפנים ) is an intensive Hebrew course. Ulpan means teaching, instruction or studio. The visit of the ulpanim lays an important foundation for integration into Israeli society for new immigrants. Here, important basic knowledge is provided in order to the very near future in Hebrew, and read the language and can write. Most ulpanim also provide an introduction to Israeli culture, history and geography. So the goal is to be able to help the new citizens of Israel to get involved as soon as possible in the social, cultural and economic life of their new country.

The emergence of the concept

The concept of Ulpans was introduced in 1948, shortly after the founding of Israel. The newly established State found itself soon a massive influx of immigrants, refugees from the wars drawn from Europe, Africa or the Middle East and anywhere else in the world over. And although they all were recognized as Jews, they differed greatly from one another in language as culture. The common learning the Hebrew language Ulpan in served as the first common link among themselves and helped to build a new common identity.

The presence

Still play an important role ulpanim for new immigrants. It offered numerous private courses that most of the Jewish Agency, Municipal authorities, kibbutzim and universities. The attendance of courses is free for new Olim. Their equipment such as concepts of language teaching are up to date since the first Ulpan in 1949 in Jerusalem, went through more than 1.3 million immigrants who ulpanim.