Biblical Hebrew as a Living Language (Level 1)
Speaking, Reading and Writing
SH BHLL 101 4 Credits*
Using the unique and cutting edge immersion method for Biblical Hebrew instruction, this course will sharpen and greatly expand the student’s ability to engage with the original Hebrew texts of the Bible. Taught by native Hebrew speaking Israelis that have graduated from Jerusalem Seminary’s School of Hebrew: Hebrew for the Nations teacher’s course, students will receive an holistic method, exposing them to language and culture simultaneously. These methods dramatically improve flow in the reading and translation of Biblical Hebrew.
Auditing of JS language classes is not possible as it demands full student participation and thus is the same amount of work for the instructors, but most School of the Bible courses can be audited.
Overview Syllabus – Biblical Hebrew as a Living Language (Level 1)
Course Instructors: Two certified JS School of Hebrew: Hebrew for the Nations Israeli teachers.
Class Times: The course meets live for two two-hour sessions a week (on Mondays and Thursdays) for 12 weeks, starting March 9th, 2023 through June 12th, 2023. The sessions will be recorded and made available in the days following the classes for those who cannot make the live sessions.
• Mondays & Thursdays: 16:00-18:10 Jerusalem Time (9:00-11:10 AM Eastern Time)
Course description: This Beginner’s Biblical Hebrew class is immersive and contextual: serious about learning the language but in an enjoyable way. Learn to speak, read and write Biblical Hebrew! Key verses and phrases from the Hebrew Bible will be our guide.
Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Recognize and use the most common vocabulary in the Hebrew Bible in various contexts and forms.
- Identify basic linguistic structures, including noun and adjective endings, verb roots, conjugations, and parts of speech.
- Communicate simple thoughts and ideas, describe scenes, and ask comprehension questions, all in basic spoken Biblical Hebrew.
- Recite several verses from the Hebrew Bible from memory (e.g. Psalm 117) and know a few common Hebrew blessings.
- Know Hebrew songs based on Biblical Hebrew.
- Know (in Hebrew!) basic regions, cities, and land features of the Hebrew Bible that provide crucial tacit information for the reader of the Tanakh.
Requirements: Attendance of the course sessions and timely completion of assignments and quizzes.
*Jerusalem Seminary (JS) courses are engagingly academic and taught by experts in their field living in Israel. While JS’ courses are not externally accredited, they can be taken for internal JS credit. Any internal JS credit will accrue and at a later time would hopefully, through articulation agreements and accreditation bodies, receive official accreditation; a process that JS has begun.
