Israel Institute of Biblical Studies Reviews 

Updated review:
I spoke to a representative of the Israel Institute of Biblical Studies after posting the last review. She clarified that the amount of marketing I received was due to an error in switching between marketing systems, and it has now been resolved.

As I shared during that conversation, I still do not recommend this organization because their marketing materials and affiliation with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem do not reflect the specific theological bent of the communications students receive under the name of Dr. Eli Lizorkin-Eyzenberg, the head of school. If you are yourself a conservative, evangelical Christian, I suspect you will not find much to object to in them. If you're Jewish or approaching the subject from a secular standpoint, you might find them more objectionable, as I did.

Original review:
The content of the courses is fine, but students are subscribed without consent to a number of Christian Zionist email newsletters that have no unsubscribe function. I am still getting marketing calls from them four years after taking a course. They do not stop even though I have told them repeatedly to leave me alone

Beware of Deceptive Advertising and Predatory Sales Practices by Israel Institute of Biblical Studies (IIBS). In January, a sales representative (REP) from IIBS contacted me regarding enrolling in Hebrew study courses. During several lengthy conversations, the REP understood that I am interested in learning more about Judaism, as I am seriously considering conversion. Moreover, as a former yet knowledgeable and serious practitioner of Christianity, I made it explicitly clear to the REP that I had no interest whatsoever in anything related to Christianity. He assured me that that would not be a problem in the 3 courses in which he strongly encouraged me to enroll. I was unsure about enrolling for many reasons, but the REP continued to pressure me until I relented. Upon entering my online student page, I was immediately inundated with courses related to Christianity. These notifications covered the screen every time I opened my page. IIBS aggressively promotes Christian thought and teaches its Hebrew courses with a heavy influence of Christianity, using terms such as Old Testament and New Testament... they are not light terms to Jews, as those terms strongly suggest that Judaism is a religion of the past.
I shared my concerns with my mentor and the school and have been ignored. I requested to unenroll and receive a refund as classes only just started. I also made it clear I only wanted to be contacted via email. Again, my concerns are being ignored. They are most uncooperative. Initially, after my having requested email communication only, they called my cell day after day. I let it ring and did not answer. I do not trust IIBS. Moreover, in the last couple of days, IIBS has called me and then have hung up after the first ring... that is harassment!

Great experience. I feel very well

The teacher is engaging and exceedingly knowledgeable. She creates a collaborative atmosphere where students feel comfortable and inspired. I have learned a tremendous amount.

So far, it has been encouraging and enlightening to know about the land, the people, the customs, and how life was then and now. It is truly opening my eyes to a better understanding of the Scriptures.

I really enjoy our teacher and Dr. Joel makes it a lot of fun while learning the beginning stages of Hebrew words in the Bible. The only thing i struggle is with the pronunciation as I have taken and continue to take Modern Hebrew and so that makes it a little difficult for me but I still love the class and the knowledge I am gaining especially as I prepare a message for my church on Sunday's.

Pursuant to taking our class on the Books of Enoch, the insights, knowledge, and teaching skills of our Professor, my understanding, development of biblical studies and education has tremendously progressed and increased. I am very grateful this class on the Books of Enoch has been offered because of our opportunity as students to digest the course material, gain insights and understanding from our professors who have researched, reviewed, studied and taught the course material which allows salient insights. As a result of the Professor and course material, my awareness, knowledge, experience and understanding of biblical studies, the Hebrew Bible, Abrahmic faiths, Judaism, Christianity, Pauline doctrine and the New Testament have manifestedly increased.

Wonderful indeed. There are concepts that were alien to me but were made clear in the course of study.

I am blessed to be taking Biblical Hebrew Course B with Lucia Zanetti Lima Negro. Lucia is a lovely teacher, explaining the points very well and carrying everyone along kindly! I really enjoy the interaction that she brings to the activities and that she encourages everyone to participate and to study. She brings cheer and fun to our class! I recommend her as a teacher!

Eric is so knowledgeable. He shares additional slides and information that enhances the material we already have. It's very interesting!

So glad I can take this course over again, the concepts are really sinking in this time.

I have always loved Hebrew language, and Israel in general, they are my very people who I adore them. Even if this is the truth there is much more ,starting my course with Rabbi Don, it has been the greatest achievement ever

amazing teaching that none of the books I have explain in this way, so profound. Thanks to our amazing instructor - Chana Vesela.

My student ID is 11268993. I originally had a bad experience regarding sales for the Voice of the Bible, and I was very skeptical about their classes. I thought this was like another online course where they don't care about the us. But I had Customers relationship Manager Jessica part of Chris Abram contacted me within 72 hours and resolved the issue with immediate effect. Never expected to call and resolve this, I just thought these just AI generated. But surprised and amazed they escalated the issue and admit to the issue and took responsibility. Definitely recommend them to anyone

I'm in the Kabbalah course and I'm paying quite a bit for an hour a week for 8 months to have Kabbalah explained to me through slides. It's not even authentic Kabbalah and the guy teaching isn't even a Kabbalist so he's often confused when someone raises a question. I expressed I wasn't happy and wanted to drop out but was told I had to still pay for the course. I started out with a 1 star review but have changed it to a 4 star for the absolute and deepest concern they had to resolve the issue and understand what my expectations were. Overall my experience was not bad, the computer format is nice and easy to navigate. Now that I have an understanding of what the program is, it's definitely worth trying if your wanting to learn the theoretics of Kabbalah and not the practical.

Excellent courses and instructors. The only reason I’ve given 4 instead of five stars is the time limit. It makes it difficult to get through the language course as learning an entirely different way to communicate takes time, and I understand many may have no problem retaining all the information, but other senior citizens I’ve observed seem to have the same problem for these classes. Otherwise, an expensive but great program.

Thank you for the opportunity to provide a feedback. I am very excited to attend the level A of the Hebrew Study. The professor, Mr. Juan Sebastian Mora ha rendered an outstanding Performance by simplifying the complex platform of the Hebrew language in a simple way to understand. His positive reinforcement has enabled me to create an easy atmosphere in class when the learning and speaking of the basic grammar becomes overwhelming for me.
I am deeply grateful of his leadership and caring attitude while promoting a positive learning environment for the students.
Thank you Sir for your service and support!!

I like the classes. The teachers are very nice and very helpful. They teach the lessons great and will help you with clear explanations when you ask,give you the resources you need to progress.

Rabbi Don consistently gives additional insights into the background of the Hebrew meanings in biblical passages.

great teachers and all the information received during classes is priceless !!!