The Program in Jewish Culture and Society

The Jewish and Hebrew Studies program has gained national and international recognition for scholarly excellence, educational initiatives and cultural outreach.

Unknown. Prophet Ezekiel First quarter of the 18th century, Russian icon (detail)
Prophet Ezekiel, artist unknown, Russian icon (detail), 1700-1725.

Hebrew was first taught at the University of Melbourne in 1946 and continues to be a significant influence on scholarly thought and the teaching of Hebrew in Jewish schools and communities throughout Australia.

It is the only program in Australia that teaches Hebrew language from beginners to advanced levels and places great emphasis on it as the language of the Bible and the language of modern Israel. Students can explore a variety of topics that draw on some of the most comprehensive Hebrew and Jewish archival resources available in Australia.

Learn more about the history of our program

View our staff

Old Arts Clocktower Aerial View Sunrise
Old Arts Clocktower Aerial View Sunrise.

Study with us

Our teaching program is varied and broad. At Undergraduate level, students explore Hebrew language (at beginner, intermediate or advanced) and literature, Jewish history, film, culture, religion, literature, thought, society and politics. Students can take subjects from History and Politics disciplines as part of their major, and undertake exchange at accredited overseas universities.

Learn more about studying:

Study overseas

Second and third year students can complete some of their studies at an accredited overseas university we have formal arrangements with, such as:

These institutions offer a wide range of courses in Jewish Studies.

Hebrew University, Jerusalem
Hebrew University on Mt. Scopus, Jerusalem, Israel.
Image courtesy of Grauesel at q373 shared, Wikimedia Commons.

Meet our Jewish and Hebrew Studies staff

Dr Dvir Abramovich is Director of the Program in Jewish Culture and Society at the University of Melbourne and holds the Israel Kipen Senior Lectureship in Hebrew and Jewish Studies. He served as president of the Australian Association of Jewish Studies and was editor of the Australian Journal of Jewish Studies. He is also the author and editor of six books.

Profile picture of Dvir Abramovich

Dr Dvir Abramovich

Director of The Program in Jewish Culture and Society; The Israel Kipen Senior Lecturer in Hebrew Studies; Undergraduate Coordinator and Graduate Studies Coordinator
dvir@unimelb.edu.au +61383443789