MODERN HEBREW: HEADLINES AND BEYOND – EXPLORING THE NEWS (ONLINE)

This course is designed for those who are already fluent in spoken and written Hebrew, and who wish to maintain and deepen their knowledge of the language by reading and discussing news articles and current events. During the course, we use material from various Hebrew-language newspapers, as well as TV reports and news programs.

We read texts on topics such as politics, society, culture and global events, and discuss the content together in the group. Active participation is important, as is the willingness and ability to engage in conversations in Hebrew about what we read. The classes are taught in Hebrew and welcome participants who speak both English and Swedish in addition to Hebrew.

The course is given in collaboration with Paideia – the European Institute for Jewish Studies in Sweden.

Bruchim habaim, welcome!

Click here to see a compilation of all courses in Hebrew that the school offers for the fall semester of 2025.

 

Course structure

Participants are expected to have regular attendance at the course sessions and participate in discussions and exercises with other participants. Your active presence is important, as well as the willingness and ability to participate in conversations in Hebrew about what we read. Homework between sessions is part of the course structure.

Prior knowledge

The course is taught in Hebrew and welcomes participants who speak both English and Swedish in addition to Hebrew. 

The course is aimed at those who are already fluent in spoken and written Hebrew, and who want to maintain and deepen their knowledge of the language. You need to be able to read a newspaper article in Hebrew (for sample please see below), understand the content you read and be able to discuss the article in the group. 

Please indicate prior knowledge in your application. You can test your level by reading a sample article in Simanim magazine

To apply for this course, you need basic computer skills and knowledge of how to use the digital platform Zoom. The school offers Zoom manuals and a training opportunity before the start of the course.

Course material

Course material in the form of digital material is included in the cost. The teacher will provide digital copies of articles. You can choose to take out your own subscription (not included in the course cost) to the digital magazine Simanim, which you will then purchase yourself. You will receive more information if you are accepted to the course.

About the teacher

Anat Samuelson was born and raised in Jerusalem, where she studied vocal studies at the Academy of Music and pedagogy at David Yelin College. She has been teaching Hebrew to adults, youth and children for over 10 years. Anat has a passion for the Hebrew language and a special interest in the origins and roots of Hebrew. Anat sings and performs in various ensembles and studies Kabbalah at Mishkan Hakavana in Israel.

Photo: Pixabay.

The cycle of the Jewish year is one of the keys to understanding Jewish practice. Each of the signal events in the calendar from Pesach to Yom Kippur, rather than being isolated events in a sea of time, are intimately related to each of the others, and define relationships that govern every aspect of the Jewish experience. We will learn to understand the mechanics of the Jewish year, familiarise ourselves with its details, and derive real meaning from its structure to apply in our own lives.

 

Prior knowledge

The course is given in English.

No prior knowledge about the subject is needed.

Course material

Course material is included in the cost for this course.

About the teacher

Eiran Davies is a rabbi with roots in London, England. He has studied at Montefiori endowment in London, Midrash sepharadi in Jerusalem and Yeshivat hamivtar in Efrat. He is also an artist, beekeeper and trained goldsmith.

Photo: Canva

Frequently Asked Questions

We continue to develop vocabulary and knowledge of Hebrew together. You will have the opportunity to converse and try working with longer texts. By the end of the course, you will feel more confident in describing contexts and expressing yourself in Hebrew.

In grammar, we work, among other things, to master comparing adjectives and conjugating verbs in the imperfect tense.

The course is organized by the Jewish Community of Gothenburg and Paideia folkhögskola.

Note that the Modern Hebrew courses semester 1-5 can only be taken at one level per semester. If you are unsure which level is right for you, please contact the administration at info@paideiafolkhogskola.se.

Click here to see a compilation of all courses in Hebrew that the school offers for the fall semester of 2025.

 

Course structure

The course is given in central Gothenburg. You will be informed of the address in your admission letter if you are offered a place on the course.

You are expected to be active during the course sessions and participate in discussions and exercises with other participants. Homework assignments between the course sessions are included.

Prior knowledge

The course is aimed at those who have completed two semesters of Hebrew studies at Paideia folkhögskola or have equivalent knowledge.

The teacher is an English speaker. Participants speaking both Swedish and English are welcome to apply.

Course material

All course material is not included in the cost for this course. The course uses the book:

  • Barosh Uvarishonah, First and Foremost, Hebrew for beginners and more”, workbook and textbook.

Participants have the option to buy the book from the school. You indicate in your application whether you want to buy a book from the school or acquire the book yourself.

 

Photo: Paideia/Canva.

Frequently Asked Questions