Jew to helm Hebrew studies at Cambridge

(JTA) - Since 1540, a prestigious chain of scholars has held the title of the Regius Professor of Hebrew at the University of Cambridge.

But not one of these scholars of Hebrew and Semitic studies was Jewish - until this year.

In September 2025, Aaron Koller will become the first Jew to join the university's department of Middle Eastern Studies as the Regius Professor of Hebrew, a role established by King Henry VIII. Koller is packing up from New York City, where he has taught at Yeshiva University, specializing in Hebrew from biblical to medieval texts, since earning his doctorate there in 20...