Biblical Hebrew

Teachers

• Rabbi A. Landau (Co-ordinator)
• Miss R. Stern
• Miss R. Gelley
• Rabbi M. Cohen
• Rabbi Y. Sliw
• Mr C. Fierstone

KS4

Years 9-11 (GCSE)

Traditionally, Biblical Hebrew GCSE is taken by many Hasmonean students at the end of Year 10, although there are groups for whom it is more appropriate to sit the examination along with their other subjects at the end of Year 11.

The course generally aims to make students aware of the impact of the Hebrew Bible on the Israelite and later Jewish societies, as well as on the wider western cultural heritage. Specifically, it aims to develop, at an appropriate level, a disciplined attitude to the study of, and a competence in, the Biblical Hebrew language.

The course permits the study of selected parts of the Bible in some considerable depth, and provides the linguistic learning skills of observation, analysis of information and application. Hebrew grammar in all its aspects is studied in order to provide students with the basic skills. This course is very helpful as a preparation for Yeshivos and Seminaries where Biblical Hebrew is studied.

Students will enjoy the intellectual stimulation provided by the in-depth study of the Hebrew language and its literature.

Post 16

In order to gain entry to the course, it is desirable that candidates should have attained at least a grade B at GCSE in the subject, and display a certain aptitude for the language. Results have been impressive in this subject in the last two years and above the school average.

Year 12 (A/S)

A/S Level Biblical Hebrew, offered in Year 12, gives students the opportunity to study the elements of the language and literature of the Biblical world as presented in the Tenach. Literature outside the Tenach will also be studied.

The course is designed to enable candidates to:

• Acquire an understanding of the linguistic structures of Biblical Hebrew
• Read and make a personal response to a selection of texts from the Tenach
• Consider the spiritual, moral and cultural issues that emerge from the texts studied.

The A/S Level consists of one paper taken in Year 12. A further A2 paper may be taken to gain the full A Level qualification in Year 13.

Year 13 (A2)

The A2 course is designed to increase students' appreciation and love of the Tenach, and inspire them to reflect on its beauty and the majesty of Biblical Hebrew. Both the A/S and A2 qualifications are in the same academic group of subjects as Latin and Greek and are extremely well-thought of by universities.