Hebrew Language Courses

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Hebrew Language Courses at PSU

Learning the Hebrew language will open you to the complexities of a culture that is as passionate about art, media, and technology as it is about history and archaeology.  Modern Hebrew is a language that is written in the same alphabet as the Hebrew Bible, and uses mostly the same words and grammatical structures, but oftentimes with different meanings.  How does Modern Hebrew maintain continuity with an ancient language and yet stay viable in the realities of the 21st century?  By using grammar creatively and coining new vocabulary to express modern concepts.  The result is a language that is poetic, multi-layered, dynamic, and expressive.

Learning a new language is so valuable because any language and every language is full of metaphors. Metaphors enrich your view of life and help you understand the thinking patterns of people from other cultures. - Laureen Nussbaum, PSU Professor Emerita, World Languages and Literatures

The renaissance of the Hebrew language is one of the greatest cultural rebirths in recent history. During the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, a largely unspoken liturgical and sacred tongue was revived as a vernacular language of modern life. Today, Hebrew is used by millions of Israelis: poets, social workers, activists, college students and rabbis.

Studying Modern Hebrew not only gives you access to the riches of traditional Jewish religious texts from the Bible onward, but also to the fascinating literary and intellectual products of modern Jewish and Israeli culture. From the Bible to the internet, from Tsarist Russia to twenty-first century Tel Aviv, the Hebrew language is a key to knowledge, beauty, and inspiration.

Take five minutes to hear a succinct history of Modern Hebrew. This video features Joshua Mallett, and is written by Dr. Liora Halperin.

BimBam, a 501(c)3 non profit organization, uses digital storytelling to spark connections to Judaism for learners of all ages. 

 

 

Tanya Huyard ('16) JST alum third upload
Tanya Huyard ('16), Judaic Studies program graduate

 

"I’m really glad I was required to learn Hebrew for my degree. I think about it almost every day that my knowledge of Hebrew opens a door...  It’s knowing what all the little expressions mean.... Most students who pursue a degree in Judaic Studies have interests, personal or otherwise, that put them in spaces where Hebrew is likely to be a dominant language in the room. It simply makes communication more seamless and, as I mentioned before, opens doors." - Tanya Huyard ('16)⁠

 

PSU currently offers three years of Modern Hebrew. Majors in Judaic Studies must complete three years of Modern Hebrew (or the equivalent). Students may also use Hebrew to fulfill their general language requirement as well as the language requirement for International Studies. Thanks to the generosity of the Aspen Mitzvah Fund, we offer scholarships to qualified students taking second or third year Hebrew.

Please visit the Department of World Languages and Literatures for more information about the Hebrew Language program.

 

HEBREW 101 | First-Year Hebrew
INSTRUCTOR: Galia Peleg or Moshe Rachmuth
 

Dive into the vibrant world of Modern Hebrew! This engaging first-year course offers a dynamic introduction to the language, utilizing cutting-edge AI tools like Gemini and NotebookLM to enhance your reading, writing, and pronunciation skills. You'll explore the Hebrew alphabet, build essential vocabulary, and practice conversational basics in a supportive learning environment. Beyond language acquisition, we'll journey back in time to explore captivating Ancient Near Eastern flood myth narratives, such as the stories of Noah’s ark, the Epic of Gilgamesh, and the Greek Myth of Deucalion. Discover the cultural and historical context of these powerful tales, enriching your understanding of human civilization’s deep roots. Get ready to unlock a new language and explore ancient stories in a whole new light!

Hebrew 101 emphasizes modern media Hebrew, including translation and writing.  No prerequisite.  For non-native speakers of Hebrew only.  This is the first course in a sequence of three: HEB 101, HEB 102, HEB 103. 

Hebrew 101
 

 

Israeli fruit stand

HEB 201, 202, 203 | Second-Year Hebrew
INSTRUCTORS: Moshe Rachmuth
 

Second-year Hebrew emphasizes modern media Hebrew. Translation and writing. Recommended prerequisite: Heb 103. For non-native speakers of Hebrew only. Courses taught in a sequence of three: HEB 201, HEB 202, HEB 203. 

magazine cover in Hebrew

HEB  301, 302, 303 | Third-Year Hebrew
INSTRUCTOR: Moshe Rachmuth
 

Third-year Hebrew emphasizes modern media Hebrew. Translation and writing. Recommended prerequisite: Heb 203. For non-native speakers of Hebrew only. Courses taught in a sequence of three: HEB 301, HEB 302, HEB 303.