Meet the language of ancient texts and living traditions.
Hebrew connects students with both the ancient world and contemporary Israeli culture. At UW–Madison, you can study Biblical Hebrew, the language of the Hebrew Bible, or Modern Hebrew, the language spoken in Israel today.
Whether you’re interested in ancient history, religious texts, literature, or learning a modern language, Hebrew offers a new way to explore the subjects that interest you.
Hebrew courses are offered less frequently than some other languages at UW–Madison. Check the course listings below and contact the department to learn about upcoming offerings and how Hebrew may fit into your degree.
Discover Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew
Learn to read the Hebrew Bible in its original language.
Explore the vocabulary and grammar of Biblical Hebrew and learn how to translate and interpret passages from ancient texts. Studying the language can help you better understand how these texts were written and how their wording contributes to their meaning.
Explore Biblical Hebrew Courses
Modern Hebrew
Learn a language used in everyday life today.
Build your Hebrew skills through reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension. As you advance, you can explore Hebrew literature and contemporary Israeli culture while developing your ability to understand and use the language.
Why study Hebrew?
Ancient texts and history
Explore Biblical Hebrew as a way to engage with ancient texts in their original language and develop a deeper understanding of their vocabulary, grammar, literary features, and historical context.
Modern language and literature
Develop skills in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding Modern Hebrew while exploring literary works and contemporary Israeli culture.
Language, culture, and interpretation
Studying Hebrew can complement interests in history, literature, religion, Jewish Studies, and the ancient Mediterranean world, offering new perspectives on texts and traditions.
Where could Hebrew take you?
From ancient texts to contemporary culture, studying Hebrew opens new ways to explore the stories, ideas, and traditions that have shaped our world. Reading in the original language can reveal new layers of meaning, bringing new context to the texts and people you study.
Hebrew can deepen the questions you ask, the sources you explore, and the way you understand perspectives beyond your own—enriching your studies and broadening how you see the world.
Start learning Hebrew
New to Hebrew?
UW–Madison’s course offerings include both Biblical and Modern Hebrew. Course availability varies, so students interested in studying Hebrew should consult the current course listings for the latest information.
Modern Hebrew
Courses develop language skills from the introductory level through advanced reading in Hebrew literature and Israeli culture.
Biblical Hebrew
Courses focus on the language of the Hebrew Bible, including grammar, vocabulary, translation, and reading ancient texts.
Studied Hebrew before?
Your previous language experience may help determine an appropriate starting point. Complete the CANES Language Background Questionnaire to share your background and support the language placement process.
Complete the Language Background Questionnaire