Cambridge University has made a historic appointment, naming Professor Aaron Koller as its first Jewish Professor of Hebrew since the professorship was established by Henry VIII almost 500 years ago. This landmark decision marks a significant shift in the academic landscape surrounding the ancient language, which for centuries has been studied within a predominantly Christian theological framework in the UK.
Professor Koller expressed his ambition to broaden the appeal and perception of Hebrew, moving away from it being solely viewed as 'a political thing'. He hopes to encourage a wider range of students and scholars to engage with the language, exploring its rich cultural, historical, and linguistic dimensions beyond contemporary geopolitical associations.
The original establishment of the royal professorship in Hebrew by Henry VIII occurred during a period when Jews were officially banned from England. This historical context made the idea of a Jewish scholar holding such a position at Cambridge, dedicated to studying the ancient language of the Israelites, an impossibility. Professor Koller himself acknowledged this historical barrier, stating, “It’s not surprising, if you know that at the time of Henry VIII Jews were banned from England. So that was quite a technical obstacle.”
His appointment signifies a profound evolution in academic inclusivity and the de-politicisation of language studies within British higher education. It reflects a modern approach to scholarship that values diverse perspectives and aims to make academic fields accessible and relevant to a broader global community. The move is expected to foster new research directions and interdisciplinary collaborations within the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at Cambridge.
Professor Koller's vision for the professorship includes highlighting the multifaceted nature of Hebrew, from its biblical origins to its modern usage, and exploring its extensive literary and cultural heritage. This approach is anticipated to attract a more diverse cohort of students, enriching the academic discourse surrounding one of the world's oldest continuously used languages.