Jewish Learning Circle: Old/New Hebrew

Embark on an immersive journey into the world of Hebrew language and literature with the Jewish Learning Circle: Old/New Hebrew course.

This course uniquely blends the study of classical Hebrew texts with the development of modern Hebrew language skills, offering a comprehensive exploration of how the language has evolved over thousands of years.

Participants will engage with a variety of classical Hebrew literature, including biblical texts, ancient poetry, and philosophical writings. These timeless works will serve as a foundation for enhancing your understanding and proficiency in modern Hebrew. Through guided readings and discussions, you will uncover the linguistic connections between ancient and contemporary Hebrew, gaining insight into the evolution of vocabulary, grammar, and syntax.

The first three classes will focus on the upcoming Jewish holidays—Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot. Each session will explore texts and traditions associated with these holidays, providing a culturally relevant context to engage with the language while deepening your understanding of these significant observances.

This course is ideal for students who wish to deepen their knowledge of Hebrew while engaging with the cultural and intellectual heritage of the Jewish tradition. Whether you’re a beginner or have some prior experience with Hebrew, you will emerge with a stronger grasp of modern Hebrew and a greater appreciation for its historical roots.

Learning Outcomes:

• Proficiency in Modern Hebrew: Develop your modern Hebrew language skills through the study of classical Hebrew texts.
• Language Evolution: Gain an understanding of the evolution of Hebrew, including changes in vocabulary, grammar, and syntax over time.
• Classical Text Interpretation: Learn to engage with and interpret a variety of classical Hebrew literary genres.
• Cultural Connections: Connect the linguistic and cultural aspects of ancient and modern Hebrew.
• Holiday Texts and Traditions: Explore Hebrew texts and traditions related to Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot.

Prerequisites: No prior knowledge of Hebrew is required, though familiarity with basic Hebrew is beneficial.

Format: Weekly sessions that combine lectures, discussions, and interactive language exercises.