A section of old Israel in the daytime

Hebrew, Biblical and Jewish Studies

The only Hebrew, Biblical and Jewish study of its kind in Australia
Specialising in the Bible, Jewish and Christian exegesis, Jewish history and thought, Holocaust studies and the modern Middle East.

From the complexities of the Old and the New Testament to the challenges of the breadth of Jewish History, our academic expertise explores the foundational texts and histories of Western civilisation. 

Founded in 1945, the discipline of Hebrew, Biblical and Jewish Studies teaches programs in Classical and Modern Hebrew, Biblical Studies and Jewish Civilisation.

Our graduates have established careers in Australia and abroad in fields as varied as education, government, international relations, media, museums, science and the law.

Our programs are generously supported by our benefactors including the Stefan and Felicia Einhorn Bequest, the Henroth Foundation, and numerous sponsors of prizes and scholarships.

Our study offerings

Biblical Studies and Classical Hebrew will allow you to explore some of the foundational texts and histories of Western civilisation. Encountering the Bible in translation or learning to read these texts in Hebrew, you will consider the themes and message of the biblical books, experiment with new approaches to texts and ideas and challenge common assumptions.

Undergraduate

*Available in the shared pool of majors and minors

Postgraduate

Research

Hebrew (Modern) covers listening, speaking, reading, writing and cultural awareness. You will develop and expand your proficiency in these five language and cultural skills with the opportunity to complete some of your studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.

Undergraduate

*Available in the shared pool of majors and minors

Postgraduate

Research

Explore two millennia of Jewish civilisation focusing on the historical evolution of Judaism, and how Jewish identity has been moulded by key Jewish thinkers and the Jewish historical experience. Gain insights into the rich cultural heritage of a small minority and their significant contributions to broader world culture in both the Christian and later Muslim worlds.

Undergraduate

*Available in the shared pool of majors and minors

Postgraduate

Research

Our research

Our discipline has a strong research focus across these areas: 

  • Australian Jewish history
  • Holocaust studies
  • Jewish culture and education in the Diaspora
  • Language and text of the Hebrew Bible
  • Northwest Semitic languages
  • Daniel and Jewish apocalyptic writings
  • Narrative and law in Torah
  • Modern Hebrew language and literature

Exchange

Our advanced exchange program provides life-changing experiences in Israel with our partner university, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where students exercise their language skills and develop an understanding of cultural intricacies first hand.  

Learn more: Study abroad and student exchange

Our partners

Our people

  • Dr William Allington
  • Dr Racheline Barda
  • Emma Baynie
  • Yulia Berlin
  • Dr Eddie Bridge
  • Dr Paul Byun
  • Dr Greg Clarke
  • Dr Stephen Cook
  • Rabbi David Freeman
  • Dr Simon Holloway
  • Dr Matthew Jensen
  • Dr Tim Rafferty
  • Dr Murray Smith
  • Dr Lynne Swarts
  • Dr Jonathan Thambyrajah
  • Shelley Triffon

 

 

Report

Read the latest biennial review of our highlights

Events

See our school's calendar for a full listing of upcoming events.

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