Modern Hebrew
Hebrew is a vibrant language spoken in Israel and by Jews around the world. It was revived as a spoken mother-tongue language at the end of the nineteenth century, and it has continued to evolve and change quickly since then. Hebrew is a central language for anyone interested in Jewish Studies, Middle East Studies, or Religious Studies, as it opens windows to Jewish tradition, Jewish culture, the field of Jewish Studies, and the language of the Bible. Hebrew is the language of Israel, one of the world’s fastest-growing high-tech economies and of constant importance on the world stage. Knowledge of Hebrew therefore opens prospects to careers in politics, journalism, Jewish education, Jewish community services, business, international relations, and international law.
Hear from a current UW-Madison student about their experience learning Hebrew:
MAJORS & CERTIFICATES
Jewish Studies Major (Track in Modern Hebrew Language, Literature, and Israeli Culture), Jewish Studies Certificate, Middle East Studies Certificate.
ADVISING
Judith Sone, jsone@wisc.edu
STUDY ABROAD
You can study Hebrew in Israel. Contact International Academic Programs for more information.
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
UW Hillel, TAMID; browse the Wisconsin Involvement Network for more information.
INTERNSHIPS
Consider an internship where you can use Hebrew, either in the US or abroad. An internship in any field can complement your language study and can provide valuable professional experience.
DEPARTMENT
Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew is the language in which most of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament is written. No longer spoken colloquially, it is related to the other Semitic languages (including Modern Hebrew, Aramaic, Arabic, and the Ethiopic languages). Studying Biblical Hebrew is usually an entry-point into two disciplines: studying the languages and literatures of the ancient Near East and entering various confessional professions (e.g., rabbi, priest, or pastor). Study of Biblical Hebrew opens up the horizon of the ancient world and equips students with the basic tools to learn other Semitic languages, read the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible in its original language, and engage more competently with theological and historical literature.
ADVISING
Jeremy Hutton, jmhutton@wisc.edu
Toni Landis, tlandis@wisc.edu
STUDY ABROAD
You can study Biblical Hebrew in Israel. Contact International Academic Programs for more information, and check out the Study Abroad Page for Classical & Ancient Near Eastern Studies.
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
UW Hillel; browse the Wisconsin Involvement Network for more information.
