Blog

What Does Mazel Tov Mean? This popular Jewish phrase of congratulation is a literally a comment on the alignment of the stars. The Hebrew phrase mazel tov (also spelled mazal tov, or […]

Jewish Languages 101 What happens when a people has no land of its own? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHWr8r-8QWY Language and land are intricately connected. Indeed, languages and dialects tend to get their names

Praying in Hebrew Sometimes not understanding the words can actually enhance the experience of prayer. Praying in Hebrew, reciting words that are familiar but untranslatable, helps reinforce the sense of

7 Things You Should Know About Hebrew The Jewish people’s traditional language has a storied past. Hebrew is the language of the Bible, Jewish prayer and — since the early

Hebrew Literature in Translation: A Reader’s Guide You don’t have to know Hebrew to enjoy some of Israel’s best books. Approximately 5,000 books are published annually in Israel. Considering that

How to Greet Someone in Hebrew Shalom and beyond. Hebrew is the language of the Jewish Bible and the modern state of Israel. Jews have traditionally referred to it as lashon

How To Read the Hebrew Alphabet Known as the Aleph Bet, the Hebrew alphabet contains 22 letters. The Hebrew alphabet, or the Aleph Bet, consists of 22 letters. The Aleph

Why is Hebrew Written from Right to Left? Most languages are written from left to right. Hebrew is one of the exceptions. Most languages are, like English, written from left

Guide to Jewish Food Terms Commonly used words and phrases for “noshers” and “fressers.” Whether you’re stepping into a Jewish deli for the first time, shopping at a kosher supermarket or going to a

A Guide to Jewish Acronyms and Abbreviations Common Hebrew (and Aramaic) shorthand translated and explained. For centuries before text-messaging and emailing birthed ubiquitous linguistic shorthand terms like LOL, TTYL and

What Is the Meaning of Chai? The Hebrew word for life is a popular symbol and toast — and is linked to the number 18. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4TO8UufSoo Chai  (חי) is the

Similar Jewish Words You Don’t Want to Mix Up From kibbitz/kibbutz to mitzvah/mikveh, we round up some easily confused Hebrew and Yiddish terms. It can be hard to pronounce and