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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 Ancient and Modern Hebrew. Hebrew has a documented history spanning more than three millennia, from Biblical Hebrew and the Hebrew of the Dead Sea Scrolls, through Rabbinic Hebrew, Medieval Hebrew, Revival-period Hebrew, and Modern Hebrew (written and spoken). Hebrew is the official language of the State of Israel and is significant across culture, religion, politics, and scholarship.
Modern Hebrew is a two-year sequence. Year 1 (HEB 1, HEB 2, HEB 3) builds basic literacy and conversational competence in simplified Hebrew, through dialogues and texts. Year 2 (HEB 4, HEB 5, HEB 6) moves to authentic Hebrew, drawing on contemporary literature, scientific writing, and the press. Students who complete the Modern Hebrew sequence, or who have prior knowledge of Hebrew, may continue with Readings in Modern Hebrew Prose and Poetry (HEB 114A, HEB 114B, HEB 114C).
Students interested in Biblical Hebrew can take the three-quarter Introduction to Biblical Hebrew (RGST 17A, RGST 17B, RGST 17C), which covers orthography, phonology, syntax, and vocabulary of the Hebrew Bible. Those who complete this sequence may continue with Religious Literature in Hebrew (RGST 142A, RGST 142B, RGST 142C).
Hebrew language courses may satisfy requirements for the Jewish Studies minor. For details, see the Jewish Studies minor page: https://www.
These courses are taught by Dr. Richard Medina, a scholar of Hebrew language, the Hebrew Bible, and Second Temple Judaism. For questions about courses or placement, contact 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
