Professors

Edna Nahshon, Hebrew Language

Joel Roth, Talmud and Rabbinics

Assistant Professor

Nitza Krohn, Director of Hebrew Language Program

Lecturer

Miriam Meir

Adjunct Instructors

Ilana Davidov
Nina Nesher
Michal Nachmany

Adjunct Lecturers

Yitzhak Lewis
Tsipi Rubin
Nadav Sabar

The Hebrew Language program serves the varied needs of the entire JTS student body. The overall goal of the program is to develop Hebrew language literacy in students whose native language is not Hebrew. Through this program, students acquire linguistic knowledge and competency in the use of Hebrew for academic, professional, and conversational purposes.

While the study of modern Hebrew is one core of the program and classes are primarily conducted in Hebrew, biblical and rabbinic texts are also read and linguistically analyzed. The focus of Hebrew Language study at the advanced level is based upon the student's degree and program. The use of the Hebrew Language Lab and other online resources for linguistic and cultural enrichment is an integral part of the program.

The program offers semester-long courses at the beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. Some of the regular courses are also offered during the summer.

In addition to required courses, the Hebrew Department offers a number of electives designed to meet particular needs and interests.

A free tutorial service, Hebrew-On-Demand (HOD), is offered four hours weekly by Hebrew language faculty; affordable short-term individual tutoring is available as well.

Each school of JTS determines the level of courses its students must complete in order to fulfill its Hebrew language requirements.

In order to be placed in the appropriate level Hebrew course, incoming students must take a written Hebrew Language placement examination prior to the beginning of the new academic year. Advancement to the next Hebrew level depends upon satisfactory achievement and is based on multiple assessment measures. In addition, students are required to demonstrate proficiency in reading aloud voweled and unvoweled texts.

Hebrew Fellows Program (שוחרים)

Students in the Hebrew Fellows Program commit to taking a certain number of courses taught in Hebrew (according to individual schools; see below). The program also incorporates lunchtime programs with visiting Israeli speakers and volunteer opportunities to help promote Hebrew within the culture of JTS. Students who successfully complete the program graduate with the distinction "with honors in Hebrew" on their diplomas and become eligible for a substantial subsidy toward a trip to Israel.

If you are interested in participating, please send an email to Miriam Meir, who is coordinating the program (fall, 2012).

Requirements by School:

List College: Students may apply for admission to the program after having completed Intermediate Hebrew II (HEB 5203R and HEB 5203O). Hebrew Fellows will take five courses taught in Hebrew. One course may be transferred from another institution, e.g., a school in Israel.

The Rabbinical School: After returning to JTS from their year in Israel, students will take three courses of their own choosing taught in Hebrew, achieving at least a 3.33 (B+) average in them.

William Davidson Graduate School of Jewish Education: Hebrew Fellows will complete Advanced Hebrew I (HEB 5301R and HEB 5301G) and take three courses taught in Hebrew, achieving at least a 3.33 (B+) average in them.

The Graduate School: Hebrew Fellows will complete the Hebrew language requirements for the degree, and take three courses taught in Hebrew, achieving at least a 3.33 (B+) average in them. Courses will be selected in consultation with the academic adviser.

Below is a sample list of the courses in the Hebrew Language Department:

HEB 1001: Foundations of Hebrew
HEB 1101: Intensive Elementary Hebrew I
HEB 2103: Intensive Elementary Hebrew II
HEB 2201: Intermediate Hebrew I
HEB 5203: Intermediate Hebrew II (this course has to be complemented with Hebrew 5220, an oral-aural lab)
Heb 5204: Intermediate Hebrew II for Mikraot Gedolot (in conjunction with Bible 6070)
HEB 5301: Advanced Hebrew I
HEB 5303: Advanced Hebrew II
HEB 5009: Hebrew Grammar: an overview of the verb system
HEB 5220: Oral/Aural Lab
HEB 5221: Advanced Comprehension and Communication
HEB 5105: Liturgical Hebrew I
HEB 5106: Liturgical Hebrew II
HEB 5117: Workshop in Hebrew Fluency

HEB 5998: Introduction to Reading Academic Hebrew
HEB 5999: Reading Academic Hebrew

Search the Course Catalog for HEB courses