Subject Overview

The aims of this course are to enable students to read and understand Classical and early post-Biblical Hebrew and to acquire a general understanding of the history, religion and civilization of the Hebrew people from its origins up to the Bar Cochba revolt (including the Maccabean revolt, even though the syllabus does not include any Hebrew texts on this period)

Content

The syllabus aims are pursued primarily through the study of prescribed Hebrew texts which focus upon major chronological events.

The syllabus is divided into four sections, A, B, C, and D, each of which covers two major topics on the history of the Hebrew people. The texts prescribed for the study in each section are:

Section A
1. Israel in Egypt: Gen 45: 4-20; Gen 46: 26-34; 48
2. Israel's Election: Gen 17:26; Ex 3: 1-17; 6: 2-8

Section B
1. Conquest of the Land: Josh 1: 1-11; 3; 6: 1-7; 8: 3-7
2. Judges and the Rise of Monarchy: Judg: 3: 12-30; 4; 1 Sam 11

Section C
1. Division of the Kingdoms: 2 Sam 19: 9-20:2; 1 Kings 5: 1-8; 5: 27-32 (Hebrew numbering); 11: 26-12:17
2. Exile and Return: 2 Kings 24; 25; Ps 126; 137; Ezra 1; 7: 6-10; Lam 4

Section D - Mishnah
1. Hillel and Shammai and the Early Mishnaic Period: Berachot 1m.3; 8m. 1, 2, 5, 6, 7; 9; Avot 1m.12, 14, 15; 2m. 4, 5; 5m. 17
2. Elisha Ben Abuyah (Aher) taken from Sefer Ha'Aggadah (Edited by H.N. Bialick)

Assessment

Assessment is at two levels, Ordinary level and Higher level. Assessment at both levels is by examination paper. The paper has two parts:

Part I (280 marks) has four sections corresponding with the four sections of the syllabus. Questions within each section (which may include Hebrew grammar) are based on two passages of prescribed Hebrew texts, one relating to each of the topics in the corresponding section of the syllabus. Candidates must deal with one passage only.

Part II (120 marks) has four general essay questions, one on each of the four sections of the syllabus. Candidates must attempt two questions

Current status

A revised syllabus in Hebrew Studies is currently under development by NCCA.

Documentation

  Junior Certificate Hebrew Studies Syllabus

Related links

State Examinations Commission
Department of Education and Science