The Modern Hebrew Program

hikers in the desert — Photo by Udi Goren

Overview

The Hebrew Program at Yale University is widely recognized as one of the country’s leading programs, offering a comprehensive curriculum that spans from elementary to advanced Modern Hebrew. This well-rounded program also includes courses on Biblical Hebrew, as well as modern Israeli literature, film, and contemporary culture.

Small class sizes are a core feature of the program, allowing for personalized instruction and meaningful interactions. This immersive approach helps students build strong skills in speaking, reading, listening, and writing, while developing critical cross-cultural understanding.

Course Offerings

In addition to the L1-L4 Elementary and Intermediate language sequence, the program provides a range of advanced courses tailored to various levels of proficiency and goals.

Experiential learning opportunities such as film screenings, meeting with Israeli authors, Hebrew tables, and hands-on exploration of Yale libraries and arts collections are integrated into the curriculum to enhance cultural appreciation and expand language skills in real-world contexts.

Advanced courses in Hebrew are offered on an alternate basis and include:

Conversational Hebrew: Israeli Media (Goren)
Contemporary Israeli Art: 1948 until today (Yeret)
Languages in Dialogue: Hebrew and Arabic (Roginsky)
Contemporary Israeli Society in Film (Goren)
Israeli Popular Music (Roginsky)
Reading Between the Panels: The Culture of Hebrew Graphic Novels (Goren)
Israel in Ideology and Practice (Roginsky)
Advanced Modern Hebrew: Daily Life in Israel (Yeret)
Dynamics of Israeli Culture (Goren)
Creative Writing in Hebrew (Yeret)
Reading Academic Texts in Modern Hebrew (Roginsky)
The Classics of Modern Hebrew Literature (Hever)
Biblical to Modern: Hebrew for Reading Knowledge (Roginsky)

Students with reading proficiency in Hebrew have the opportunity of enrolling in advanced seminars and engage with texts in the original language with scholars such as Hannan Hever, Peter Cole and Sarit Kattan Gribetz.

Learning Experience

Students are exposed to a variety of authentic materials in all courses, including music, media, poetry, short stories, film and TV. At advanced levels, the curriculum also incorporates longer prose forms such as graphic novels, non-fiction and academic texts, ensuring a deep and immersive learning experience that covers both language and culture.

Placement Assessment

New students are encouraged to take a Modern Hebrew Placement Test to determine the appropriate course level.

Advanced Language Certificate

Students aiming to achieve an Advanced Language Certificate need to complete four courses beyond the L4 level, with at least three designated as L5 courses. All courses must be taken for a letter grade, with a minimum grade of B required. The program allows for the substitution of up to one credit earned during study abroad, provided the courses are taught in Hebrew and approved by the certificate adviser.

Students interested in the certificate must complete the Declaration of Candidacy though the Yale Hub.

young adults socializing outside — *Photo by Udi Goren*

Commitment to Excellence

The Hebrew Language Program at Yale University helps students build strong proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in Modern Hebrew, while also deepening their understanding and fostering an appreciation of Hebrew and Israeli culture. This dynamic four-year program, with its diverse and rigorous courses, is designed to equip students with the language skills and cultural knowledge needed for academic and professional success.

Contact Information

For more details or personalized guidance, please contact the Certificate Adviser and program Director Shiri Goren.