Why Study Hebrew?
The rebirth of the Jewish State and the revival of Hebrew after nearly two millennia of dormancy represent two of the most dramatic social and linguistic revolutions of the twentieth century. However, Israeli culture and society, while on the one hand very new phenomena, evince marked continuity with the past; moreover, knowledge of Hebrew is an essential window into Jewish and Western civilization. Courses in the Program emphasize the language and culture of contemporary Israel, but also provide a sound basis for further work in the classical texts of the Jewish tradition. In addition to being a valuable part of a liberal arts education, our courses prepare students for Jewish educational and community work, academic Jewish or religious studies, and positions in international affairs, government, and NGOs. Hebrew Studies at MSU are a central component of the University’s Jewish Studies Program, and all Hebrew courses with the exception of the first year sequence may be applied to the 20-credit requirement for the Specialization in Jewish Studies.
