Courses & Programs
We offer a variety of courses and programs to choose from. Scroll down or click to the specific program you are interested in.
Semester Long Courses
This academic course focuses on Hebrew as the source language of the Bible. The translator is also introduced to the context of the Bible, the land in which was written. This unique combination equips translators to provide a more accurate and natural translation into their own mother tongue as the target language. The program has been offered in conjunction with the Rothberg International School for Overseas Students of the Hebrew University since 1995.

The Language and the land: 6 semester courses
Advanced Study Program
for Translation Consultants
and Consultants-in-Training
Hebrew University, Jerusalem
JCBT Spring Semester: February 1 – June 30, 2023
Five-month program: 2 months online & 3 months in Israel
PART A: ONLINE - FEBRUARY/MARCH
1. Advanced Reading of Biblical Hebrew Texts - online (3 cr.) - February 1 – 28
2. Discourse Analysis of Biblical Hebrew - online (3 cr.) - March 1 – 31
3. Living Biblical Hebrew - online in February and March, and continued live in Israel (6 cr.) - February 1 – March 31
PART B: IN ISRAEL – APRIL/MAY/JUNE
Upon arrival in Israel the students will be given immersive a 10-day course in modern Hebrew along with a first tour around Jerusalem. Modern Hebrew will be continued by weekly informal tutorials (no credits). - April 3 – 14
4. Historical Geography and Cultural Backgrounds of the Land of the Bible (6 cr.) - April 3 – June 30, alongside the other courses.
RESULTS of the study program in terms of 24 Hebrew University credits:
18 credits in Biblical Hebrew and 6 credits in Historical Geography of the land of the Bible.
Short Term Courses
Fourteen Days of Eye Opening Insights into the Hebrew Scripture and its Context
We offer several insightful courses on the historical, archaeological and geographical context of Scripture and how this understanding can impact translations. With Bible in hand trips to Biblical sites throughout the Land are experienced with an eye toward Bible translation issues.
Since translation consultants check and approve the Biblical accuracy of the mother tongue translations, they must be knowledgeable in not only the text of the Bible but also of the context in which the words were written.
Translation consultants should have a minimum of one study experience in the Land of the Bible to learn about its geography, archaeology, flora, fauna, etc., forming an experiential dictionary of Biblical terms and resulting in improved expertise in advising toward a more accurate and natural translation.
Participation in the “Land of the Bible” Course is for Bible Translators & Consultants
The awareness of how knowing the external “context” of Scripture enhances the ability to better understand the Text has increased tremendously over the past two decades. Short term “Land of the Bible” courses designed specifically for Bible translators or scholars throughout the year. Each study tour can be tailor made and typically includes both class lectures as well as field trips throughout the Land of Israel.
Preferences
The course is open to all but certain preferences apply:
1. Preferably currently consulting in a Hebrew Bible (OT) translation project. National consultants are encouraged to apply as JCBT can help in the visa process.
2. Preferably under 55 years of age.
Short-term courses by JCBT:
- Are tailor made for consultants and translation groups.
- Focus on how the context impacts the understanding of the original Text.
- Are inexpensive and flexible for each group.
Sample Schedule of Study Trips
Independent Studies
Private Tutorials in Hebrew
Private tutorials in either Biblical or Modern Hebrew, tailor made to individual needs, can be arranged through JCBT for visiting students or scholars.
Residence Studies for Scholars
JCBT also provides inexpensive residence for scholars and translators on study sabbaticals. Available only when space permits between each of the official study programs.
COURS INTENSIF SUR LA NARRATION ET LA POESIE EN HEBREU BIBLIQUE
INVITATION COURS INTENSIF SUR LA NARRATION ET LA POESIE EN HEBREU BIBLIQUE
- des études de DISCOURS de deux genres littéraires dans la Bible hébraïque : les textes narratifs et les textes poétiques. Les textes de référence seront le livre de Jonas et le livre de Psaumes (une sélection avec d’autres textes poétiques).
- Un survol GEOGRAPHIQUE du pays d’Israël, concentré sur des sites et des éléments en rapport avec les textes choisis.
AN INVITATION TO an intensive course on NARRATIVE and POETIC TEXTS in the HEBREW BIBLE
- Discourse studies of two biblical genres in the Hebrew Bible: narrative and poetic texts. Our reference texts will be the book of Jonah and the book of Psalms (selections with a few other poetic texts)
- An overview of the historical geography of the land of the Bible, concentrating on sites and elements related to the texts under study.