Facts & figures
Modern Languages
- #1 in Sydney
- Top 30 in the world
- 2020 QS World University Rankings
Faculties and schools_
Department of Hebrew, Biblical and Jewish Studies
The only Hebrew, Biblical and Jewish study of its kind in Australia
Specialising in the Bible, Jewish and Christian exegesis, Jewish history and thought, Holocaust studies and the modern Middle East.
From the complexities of the Old and the New Testament to the challenges of the breadth of Jewish History, our academic expertise explores the foundational texts and histories of Western civilisation.
Founded in 1945, the Department of Hebrew, Biblical and Jewish Studies teaches programs in Classical and Modern Hebrew, Biblical Studies and Jewish Civilisation.
Our graduates have established careers in Australia and abroad in fields as varied as education, government, international relations, media, museums, science and the law.
Our programs are generously supported by our benefactors including the Stefan and Felicia Einhorn Bequest, the Henroth Foundation, and numerous sponsors of prizes and scholarships.
Our study offerings
Biblical Studies and Classical Hebrew will allow you to explore some of the foundational texts and histories of Western civilisation. Encountering the Bible in translation or learning to read these texts in Hebrew, you will consider the themes and message of the biblical books, experiment with new approaches to texts and ideas and challenge common assumptions.
Undergraduate
- Biblical Studies and Classical Hebrew*
- Biblical Studies and Classical Hebrew (Honours)
- Diploma of Language Studies
*Available as a major and minor within the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Visual Arts, as well as all combined Bachelor of Advanced Studies degrees.
For FAQs and insights about study options, visit Languages at Sydney.
Research
Hebrew (Modern) covers listening, speaking, reading, writing and cultural awareness. You will develop and expand your proficiency in these five language and cultural skills with the opportunity to complete some of your studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.
Undergraduate
- Hebrew (Modern) (Introductory)*
- Hebrew (Modern) (Intermediate)*
- Hebrew (Modern) (Advanced)*
- Hebrew (Modern) (Honours)
- Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Languages)
- Diploma of Language Studies
*Available as a major and minor within the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Visual Arts, as well as all combined Bachelor of Advanced Studies degrees.
For FAQs and insights about study options, visit Languages at Sydney.
Research
Explore two millennia of Jewish civilisation focusing on the historical evolution of Judaism, and how Jewish identity has been moulded by key Jewish thinkers and the Jewish historical experience. Gain insights into the rich cultural heritage of a small minority and their significant contributions to broader world culture in both the Christian and later Muslim worlds.
Undergraduate
*Available as a major and minor within the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Visual Arts, as well as all combined Bachelor of Advanced Studies degrees.
Research
Our research
Our department has a strong research focus across these areas:
- Australian Jewish history
- Holocaust studies
- Jewish culture and education in the Diaspora
- Language and text of the Hebrew Bible
- Northwest Semitic languages
- Daniel and Jewish apocalyptic writings
- Narrative and law in Torah
- Modern Hebrew language and literature
Exchange
Our advanced exchange program provides life-changing experiences in Israel with our partner university, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where students exercise their language skills and develop an understanding of cultural intricacies first hand.
Learn more: Study abroad and student exchange
Our partners
Our people
- Dr Avril Alba
- Dr Yona Gilead
- Dr Gili Kugler
- Associate Professor Ian Young
Undergraduate coordinators
- Classical Hebrew and Biblical Studies: ian.young@sydney.edu.au
- Jewish Civilisation, Thought and Culture: michael.abrahams-sprod@sydney.edu.au
- Hebrew (Modern): yona.gilead@sydney.edu.au
Honours coordinators
- Classical Hebrew and Biblical Studies: ian.young@sydney.edu.au
- Jewish Civilisation, Thought and Culture: avril.alba@sydney.edu.au
- Hebrew (Modern): yona.gilead@sydney.edu.au
Postgraduate research: ian.young@sydney.edu.au
Exchange: yona.gilead@sydney.edu.au
- Emeritus Professor Rif Ebied
- Professor Emerita Suzanne Rutland OAM
- Dr Michael Abrahams-Sprod
- William Allington
- Emma Baynie
- Yulia Berlin
- Eddie Bridge
- Paul Byun
- Greg Clarke
- Stephen Cook
- David Freeman
- Simon Holloway
- Matthew Jensen
- Tim Rafferty
- Murray Smith
- Lynne Swarts
- Jonathan Thambyrajah
- Shelly Triffon
- Dr Michael Abrahams-Sprod
- Dr Marianne Dacy
- Ms Lucy Davey
- Dr John Dickson
- Dr Benjamin Elton
- Dr Rachelle Gilmour
- Dr David Graham
- Professor Zehavit Gross
- Dr Peter Lau
- Dr Louise Pryke
- Dr Robert Rezetko
- Dr Ruth Sheridan
- Dr Martin Shields
- Rabbi Aryeh Solomon
- Dr Joseph Toltz
- Dr Robyn Vern
Events
See our school's calendar for a full listing of upcoming events.
NOTE: Some of our events are transitioning to online delivery and will be advertised accordingly. Let us know what event you're interested in via our online form, and we'll update you as the situation changes. Learn more about the University’s COVID-19 advice.
Venue: Sydney Jewish Museum
Date: 9–10 February 2020 (Sunday–Monday)
Ranging from philosemitic fantasies through to longstanding anti-Jewish caricatures, understanding how Jews have been ‘imagined’ across time and place can shed new light on both historic and contemporary views of Jews and Judaism. This conference seeks to focus on these imaginings and asks how they have shaped views about Jews within and beyond the Jewish world, over time and in the present.
Contact
Address
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School of Languages and Cultures, Room 506, Brennan MacCallum Building A18, The University of Sydney NSW 2006
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