The programme in Hebrew and Jewish Studies concentrates on both the old and the modern Israel, as well as the long history of Judaism. Students are introduced to the fascinating world of the different Christian churches, as they have grown and developed in the Middle East since early days. In the first year, the main focus is on language learning. Students are taught Classical Hebrew (the language of the Old Testament), Rabbinical Hebrew (the language of all the medieval, Jewish-religious texts), but also Modern Hebrew (the language of modern Israel) and its literature. In addition, students are given an extensive introduction to Aramaic, together with all its many language variants corresponding to different periods, and particular emphasis on Syriac (the liturgical language of the Syrian-Orthodox Church). Alongside the learning of language, the program includes classes on the culture and history of Ancient and Modern Israel, Judaism and Christianity in the Near East.

This programme takes you to the deepest roots of western civilization. After all, these roots do lie for a large part in the Near East, there where both Judaism and Christianity were born and where the alphabet was invented.