Hebrew in New York City

Home to one of the largest Hasidic Jewish communities in the world. Yiddish dominates here, but Hebrew is the liturgical language used in synagogue services and studied in the many yeshivot (Jewish schools).

Large Satmar Hasidic community. Hebrew is taught and used in religious contexts; Yiddish is the primary spoken language of daily community life.

Center of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement. Hebrew is both a liturgical and increasingly spoken language here, with a significant Israeli presence as well.

One of NYC's most densely Jewish neighborhoods, with a mix of Israeli-Americans, Modern Orthodox, and secular Jewish residents. Modern Hebrew is widely spoken in Israeli cafés and businesses.

Known as 'Little Israel' — a significant Israeli immigrant community. Modern Israeli Hebrew (the same Hebrew spoken in Tel Aviv) is the primary community language here.

Large Iranian Jewish and Israeli-American community. Persian and Hebrew are spoken alongside English; a major center for the Sephardic Jewish community.

Is Hebrew widely spoken in New York?

Yes. New York City has one of the largest Jewish communities outside of Israel — over 1 million Jewish residents in NYC and over 2 million in the metro area. Hebrew is spoken in synagogues, Jewish schools, Israeli businesses, and increasingly in daily community life across neighborhoods like Borough Park, Crown Heights, Williamsburg, the Upper West Side, and Great Neck.

What is the difference between Hebrew and Yiddish in the NYC Jewish community?

Hebrew and Yiddish are two distinct languages used in NYC's Jewish community. Hebrew is the language of Israel, the Torah, and modern Israeli culture. Yiddish is a Germanic language historically spoken by Ashkenazi Jews in Eastern Europe — still widely spoken in Hasidic communities in Brooklyn (Williamsburg, Borough Park). Many NYC Jews speak both; Israeli-Americans typically speak Hebrew.

Where can I hear Hebrew spoken in New York City?

Hebrew is widely spoken in NYC's Israeli community, particularly in neighborhoods like Rego Park (Queens), the Upper West Side (Manhattan), and parts of Brooklyn. Hebrew is also the liturgical language used in many Modern Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform synagogues across the city.

Does baba work for Hebrew spoken by the NYC Israeli community?

Yes — baba is built for modern Israeli Hebrew as it is spoken today, including slang and expressions used by Israeli-Americans in New York. It's the same Hebrew spoken in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, and it's what you'll encounter in NYC's Israeli businesses, restaurants, and communities.

Is there a free Hebrew translator app for New York community members?

Yes — baba is free to download on iOS and Android, with no login required. It's used by Hebrew learners, Israeli expats, and Jewish community members across New York who need accurate, culturally-aware Hebrew translation.