Facts & figures
Modern Languages
- #1 in NSW
- 2024 QS World University Rankings
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
- Hebrew (Modern) (Introductory)*
- Hebrew (Modern) (Intermediate)*
- Hebrew (Modern) (Advanced)*
- Hebrew (Modern) (Honours)
- Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Languages)
- Diploma of Language Studies
- Bachelor of Languages
*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.
Our partners
Our people
- Dr Michael Abrahams-Sprod
- Associate Professor Avril Alba
- Dr Yona Gilead
- Undergraduate – Jewish Civilisation, Thought and Culture: Email michael.abrahams-sprod@sydney.edu.au
- Undergraduate – Hebrew (Modern), including language level assessment: Email yona.gilead@sydney.edu.au
- Honours: Email chiewhui.ho@sydney.edu.au
- Postgraduate research: Email michael.abrahams-sprod@sydney.edu.au
- Exchange: Email yona.gilead@sydney.edu.au
- Emeritus Professor Rifaat Ebied
- Professor Emerita Suzanne Rutland OAM
- 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
- Dr Simon Burke
- Dr Marianne Dacy
- Dr John Dickson
- Dr Benjamin Elton
- Dr Rachelle Gilmour
- Dr David Graham
- Professor Zehavit Gross
- Dr Gili Kugler
- Dr Peter Lau
- Dr Louise Pryke
- Dr Robert Rezetko
- Dr Ruth Sheridan
- Dr Martin Shields
- Rabbi Aryeh Solomon
- Dr Joseph Toltz
- Dr Robyn Vern
- Dr Gareth Wearne
- Associate Professor Ian Young
- Dr Hilla Karas (Sept 2024–August 2025)
Contact
Address
-
School of Languages and Cultures, Room 506, Brennan MacCallum Building A18, The University of Sydney NSW 2006