Online Courses in Biblical Hebrew
Affordable college classes taught by Randolph College’s nationally-ranked faculty
Elementary Biblical Hebrew
Course DescriptionHEBR 1111-1114 and HEBR 1121-1124
Our objective in the course is to take the first steps toward reading the Hebrew Bible in its original language.
Our goals are to attain proficiency in reading and writing the Hebrew letters and to gain fundamental vocabulary and grammar skills.
In addition to the textbook and videos, learning materials will include authentic Biblical verses and practical exercises in reading, writing, and grammar.
This course is designed for students with no previous knowledge of the language.
Course Materials:
The First Hebrew Primer by Simon,E., Motzkin, L., & Resnikoff, I. (2005). EKS Publishing, 3rd edition.
The First Hebrew Primer Answer Book by Simon, E. & Brandt-Finell, Dorey (2002). EKS Publishing, 3rd edition.
Other required materials will be provided on Google Classroom.
Tuition and Fees
Tuition: $375 per credit hour
Costs for textbooks and other course materials vary. These resources can be purchased separately from the source of your choosing.
Learn At Your Own PaceTake traditional courses or spread out modular courses over time.
We offer beginning Biblical Hebrew online in 8 sequential modules of 1 credit each.
The entire 8-module sequence totals 8 credits – the equivalent of two 4-credit semester-long courses – a full year of traditional coursework.
The courses are asynchronus and you can choose to enroll in as many modules as you want to complete in a 5-week session.
- HEBR 1111: Elementary Biblical Hebrew I, 1st module. 1 credit hour
- HEBR 1112: Elementary Biblical Hebrew I, 2nd module. 1 credit hour
- HEBR 1113: Elementary Biblical Hebrew I, 3rd module. 1 credit hour
- HEBR 1114: Elementary Biblical Hebrew I, 4th module. 1 credit hour
- HEBR 1121: Elementary Biblical Hebrew II, 1st module. 1 credit hour
- HEBR 1122: Elementary Biblical Hebrew II, 2nd module. 1 credit hour
- HEBR 1123: Elementary Biblical Hebrew II, 3rd module. 1 credit hour
- HEBR 1124: Elementary Biblical Hebrew II, 4th module. 1 credit hour
Sessions for 2024-2025 Academic Year
Fall A: Aug 22 – Oct 11, 2024
Fall B: Oct 21 – Dec 13, 2024
Spring A: Jan 16 – Mar 7, 2025
Spring B: Mar 17 – May 6, 2025
Summer A: May 26 – Jul 1, 2025
Summer B: Jul 14 – Aug 15, 2025
Your Instructor
Ruth SpivakInstructor
BA, Jewish Studies, McGill University; MA Greek and Roman Studies, University of Calgary
I am passionate about learning and teaching languages. I speak Spanish, French, Italian, English, and modern Hebrew. But my favourite language to teach and to read is biblical Hebrew.
Reading the Bible in its original language rewards us with beauty and depth. It is a pleasure to guide students in their journeys through the reading, writing, and grammatical intricacies of the language. I strive to communicate course material clearly and enthusiastically.
I received my BA (Hon.) in Jewish Studies followed by a teaching diploma from McGill University. Subsequently, I taught in the private Jewish school system for some years. I went on to receive my MA in Classics at the University of Calgary.
During my graduate studies, I co-authored a book The Latin of Science, and taught Latin and biblical Hebrew at the University of Calgary.
For the past year, I’ve been teaching biblical Hebrew online for a classical institute (Paideia).
I live in in Calgary, Alberta.
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