Jewish Languages and Hebrew Language
JTS offers a wide array of languages needed for the study of classical Jewish texts and for engaging in dialogue with contemporary Jewish communities throughout the world. Every year JTS offers at least eight levels of Hebrew language study. Depending on the program needs in any given year, additional languages offered can include Akkadian, Aramaic, Judeo-Arabic, Ladino, Syriac, Ugaritic, Yiddish, and languages for inscriptional literature.T
Core Instructors
- Miriam Meir, Senior Lecturer of Hebrew Language
- Sarah Hochfeld, Lecturer of Hebrew Language
Associated Instructors
- Cila Alon, Adjunct Instructor of Hebrew Language
- Ilona Ben-Moshe, Adjunct Instructor of Hebrew Language
- Orna Goldman, Adjunct Instructor of Hebrew Language
- Hagit Halperin, Adjunct Instructor of Hebrew Language
- Aaron Koller, Adjunct Professor of Rabbinic Literatures and Cultures (Aramaic)
- Nachum Lerner, Adjunct Instructor of Yiddish
- Nina Nesher, Adjunct Instructor of Hebrew Language
- Rebecca Rydel, Adjunct Instructor of Hebrew Language
- Achia Anzi, Adjunct Instructor of Hebrew Language
- Hannah Zalis-Anzi, Adjunct Instructor of Hebrew Language
- Nitza Krohn, Assistant Professor Emerita of Hebrew Language Instruction
Hebrew Language Program
The goal of the Hebrew Language program at JTS is to develop Hebrew language literacy in students whose native language is not Hebrew. Through this program, students acquire linguistic knowledge and competence in the use of Hebrew for academic, professional, and conversational purposes.
While acquiring proficiency in modern Hebrew is at the core of the program—and classes are conducted in Hebrew—biblical, rabbinic, and other premodern Hebrew texts are also studied.
The use of educational technology at the Hebrew Language Lab and other online resources for linguistic and cultural enrichment is an integral part of the program. In addition to required courses, the Hebrew Language program offers a number of electives designed to meet an array of needs and interests.
Every Hebrew course at JTS has a robust set of level-specific learning outcomes that are shared with enrolled students each semester. Writing, reading, and speaking skills are all developed and assessed through frequent assignments and lessons. Instructors work closely with students to develop their language skills, accommodate learning needs, and ensure that all students at JTS are able to achieve their language goals.
The program offers semester-long courses at the beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. Most of the regular courses are also offered during the summer. The program also offers intensive live, interactive online courses. For more information, please contact hebrew@jtsa.edu.
A free tutorial service, Hebrew-On-Demand (HOD), is offered three hours weekly by Hebrew Language faculty; affordable short-term individual tutoring is available as well.
Each JTS school determines the course level its students must complete in order to fulfill its Hebrew language requirements.
In order to be placed in the appropriate-level Hebrew course, all incoming students 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.
Sample List of Courses in Hebrew Language:
- HEB 1001: Alef 1
- HEB 1101: Alef 2
- HEB 2103: Alef 3
- HEB 2201: Bet 1
- HEB 5203: Bet 2
- HEB 5205: Gimel 1
- HEB 5206: Gimel 2
- HEB 5300: Advanced Hebrew Skills
- HEB 5301: Dalet 1
- HEB 5303: Dalet 2
- HEB 5009: Intensive Hebrew Grammar
- HEB 5221: Advanced Comprehension and Communication
- HEB 5572: Hebrew Poetry in Song
- HEB 5998: Introduction to Reading Academic Hebrew
- HEB 5999: Reading Academic Hebrew
Hebrew Fellows Program (םירחוש)
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 Hebrew reading groups, a parashat shavu’a club, and a lunchtime Hebrew Table, as well as 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.
Requirements for Admission to the Hebrew Fellows Program by School
List College
Students may apply for admission to the program after completing HEB 5203: Intermediate Hebrew II or if they are exempted from Hebrew on the basis of the Hebrew placement exam. Hebrew Fellows will take three courses taught in Hebrew and participate regularly in Hebrew Fellows events. 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 GPA (B+) average.
William Davidson Graduate School of Jewish Education
Hebrew Fellows will complete a Hebrew language course on level Gimel or higher (HEB 5205 or 5221) and take three courses taught in Hebrew, achieving at least a 3.33 GPA (B+) average in them.
Gershon Kekst 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 advisor.
Summer Hebrew Program
For those who would like to take their Hebrew language skills to the next level, JTS offers a highquality, intensive Hebrew language program during the summer. Seven-week sessions are offered on three elementary levels; five-week sessions are offered at intermediate and advanced levels.
All incoming summer students take the Hebrew Placement Exam to be placed in the appropriate course.
Hebrew Courses are offered during JTS Summer Sessions. Students in our Nishma program may also take Hebrew.
Who It’s For
Summer Hebrew courses are for anyone interested in improving their Hebrew language skills. The program is particularly useful for undergraduate and graduate students working toward fulfillment of their Hebrew language requirement, as well as for prospective Rabbinical School and Cantorial School students who are working toward achieving the prerequisite Hebrew language proficiency level for their program.
Students may enroll in Summer Hebrew courses on a non-credit basis. Tuition costs differ for noncredit and for-credit enrollments. Students enrolled on a non-credit basis are expected to meet all course requirements, including attendance and assignments.
What It Is
The summer Hebrew courses are equivalent to the Hebrew courses offered at JTS during the academic year. Courses develop all aspects of Hebrew language proficiency—reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension—including the ability to independently read Hebrew texts of various periods and genres, from biblical to modern.
Course materials include textbooks from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, supplemented with a diverse selection of readings from a variety of Hebrew texts.