Sister Victoria Wambui Mweu shakes hands with Prof. Yael Levin during the Pontifical Biblical Institute (PBI) graduation ceremony
Hebrew University's annual joint program with the Pontifical Biblical Institute of Rome (PBI) concluded on January 14th, 2025, with a commencement ceremony in the Rothberg building. Graduates and faculty gathered to mark the occasion, reflecting on their experiences in the program and the significance of studying the Christian Bible in Israel - a land that is both ancient and modern.
The Roots of Christian Scripture
The joint HUJI and PBI program is designed to deepen students' understanding of biblical Hebrew and its historical and cultural context. Running from Autumn through January, the program combines language study with courses in biblical archaeology, geography, texts, and the history of the ancient Near East. Typically attended by theology students, clergy, and scholars, the program attracts those preparing for roles in religious leadership, academia, or biblical research.
The program was deeply meaningful for the students, many of whom are members of the Christian clergy. “I’ve heard of Jerusalem since I was young, and I wanted to come study and experience the life here in Jerusalem and see how Christianity developed in this land,” Father Deusdedit Eliezer Nzota shared. Students also said that although the ongoing war and negative media initially made them hesitant to come to Israel, they're grateful that their faith and open mindset led them to such a positive experience.
“I wanted to come study and experience the life here in Jerusalem and see how Christianity developed in this land,” - Father Deusdedit Eliezer Nzota
The Commencement Ceremony
The 2024-2025 cohort of the PBI program successfully completed their studies in Israel on January 14th. The PBI graduation included a diploma ceremony, a musical performance, and speeches and reflections about the program by the graduates, Prof. Yael Levin, Associate Provost for Academic Affairs at the Rothberg International School, and the Rev. Dr. Josef Mario Briffa SJ, Director of PBI Jerusalem.
The 2024-2025 joint PBI and HUJI cohort poses with faculty and administrative staff
During the ceremony, Sister Victoria Wambui Mweu shared how her studies in Jerusalem were very exciting, adding how being able to visit the places mentioned in the Bible renewed her faith. “My overall takeaway of the program is that Israel, the Holy Land, is worth visiting; it's worth coming.”
“My overall takeaway of the program is that Israel, the Holy Land, is worth visiting,” - Sister Victoria Wambui Mweu
Standing in History
Students enjoyed learning about subjects such as biblical archaeology, monarchy in the Second Temple Period of Judaism, and the geography of the Bible. They visited important sites such as the caves of Qumran near the Dead Sea in the Judean Desert, where the oldest copies of the Hebrew Bible have been found; Bethlehem, where the Bible says Jesus was born; and the Galilee, where it is believed that Jesus did his first ministry. “Being there was like standing in history,” Father Martin Dicuangco said of his impressions of Qumran.
“Being there was like standing in history,” - Father Martin Dicuangco
Prof. Yael Levin addresses the graduates
The PBI program offered graduates a rare opportunity to engage with the historical and spiritual roots of the Bible in the land where its stories unfolded. Students shared that this transformative experience has left them with a deeper understanding of their faith and the ancient world.
For a century, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has been a beacon for visionary minds who challenge norms and shape the future. Founded by luminaries like Albert Einstein, who entrusted his intellectual legacy to the University, it is dedicated to advancing knowledge, fostering leadership, and promoting diversity. Home to over 23,000 students from 90 countries, the Hebrew University drives much of Israel’s civilian scientific research, with over 11,000 patents and groundbreaking contributions recognized by nine Nobel Prizes, two Turing Awards, and a Fields Medal. Ranked 81st globally by the Shanghai Ranking (2024), it celebrates a century of excellence in research, education, and innovation. To learn more about the University’s academic programs, research, and achievements, visit the official website at http://new.huji.ac.il/en.