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"Learning Hebrew is more than words—it’s a journey into culture, history, connection, and community. In my classroom, Hebrew isn’t just taught; it’s lived, spoken, and felt."
-Richard Medina, UCSB's Professor of Hebrew
The Department of Religious Studies offers courses in both Ancient and Modern Hebrew. Modern Hebrew is one of the two official languages of Israel and is a language with cultural, religious, and political importance.
Hebrew has its origins dating back over three thousand years ago and is the language of composition of the Tanakh (the Hebrew Bible or the Old Testament in the Christian tradition), the Mishnah, and important Jewish legal commentaries in the development of Rabbinic Judaism. Today, the Hebrew language is used in the composition of modern novels, poetry, and religious commentary.
Modern Hebrew is taught over a two-year period. The Elementary Hebrew courses (HEB 1, HEB 2, and HEB 3) are taught in the first-year and introduce students to the alphabet, basic grammar, and basic vocabulary. Intermediate Hebrew courses (HEB 4, HEB 5, and HEB 6) are taught in the second-year. For students interested in Biblical Hebrew, the three-quarter series Introduction to Biblical Hebrew (RGST 17A, RGST 17B, and RGST 17C) introduce students to the orthography, phonology, grammar, and lexicon the Hebrew Bible. Students who have taken the Hebrew series or have prior knowledge of Hebrew can take courses such as Religious Literature in Hebrew (RGST 142A, RGST 142B, and RGST 142C), Introduction to Rabbinic Literature (RGST 131J), Readings in Modern Hebrew Pose and Poetry (HEB 114A, HEB 114B, and HEB 114C), and Non-Castilian Literatures of Spain (SPAN 112A).
Hebrew Language courses can also fulfill certain requirements for the Jewish Studies minor. More information about the Jewish Studies minor and its requirements, can be found at https://www.jewishstudies.ucsb.edu/minor.
Hebrew language courses are taught by Dr. Richard W. Medina, a scholar of the Hebrew Language, Hebrew Bible, and Second Temple Judaism. All inquires related to the Hebrew Language Courses, placement, etc. can be brought to Dr. Medina at richardmedina@ucsb.edu.
Student Testimonials
"I have really enjoyed my experience learning Hebrew at UCSB. I started Hebrew 1 barely knowing anything, but I feel like I have already learned so much about the language in a short amount of time. I have also made some amazing friends in the class!"
-Ishika
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"Hebrew with Medina is a fully immersive experience into another world of language, culture, and community, where one can engage in dynamic conversations and develop deep connections to the Hebrew language. לחיים!"
-Hailey
"I’m very grateful for the opportunity to take Hebrew at UCSB. While it has been challenging, it has also been very fulfilling and rewarding. I am now able to communicate with more people, dissect primary sources of text, and most importantly, further connect with Jewish history and culture. All of this is all due to Dr. Medina’s commitment to his students’ success and passion for the Hebrew language."
-Hannah
"Studying Hebrew at UCSB has been an amazing experience! My professor's enthusiasm and engaging teaching style make it one of my best classes. I am learning the language faster than I ever imagined, fulfilling a lifelong dream, and loving every step of the way!"
-Anna
