Hebrew Translations

Just Words & Explanations

Shavuot in Hebrew means "weeks."

Shavuot also comes from the word "Sh'vuah" - "swearing."

When one is called to the Torah in synagogue (Aliya)

The expression used here for "engraved" is "chorut," which also means "freedom."

"Milk in Hebrew is "Chalav"

"Lehadlik" which means to "kindle,"

"Beha'alotcha" which literally means to "elevate" and to "rise."

"kavanah" (concentration)

"Sacrifice" in Hebrew is "Korban.

"Prayer" in Hebrew is "Tefilah.

"Torah" ("teaching")

"Tzedaka" - Charity

"Av" in Hebrew is "Father" and "Menachem" means "Comfort."

"Sinat Chinam" - "unjustified hatred" amongst the Jews

Re'ay" - "see,"

"Blood" in Hebrew is "damim"

Yom Hadin" - "Day of Judgment."

"Teshuva." While it is often translated as "repentance," the correct definition is "return."

"Shofar" comes from the same root as "Shapru" which means to "better" and "beautify."

"Teshuvah" (repentance).

"Lashon Hara" - "derogatory talk about others."

"Simcha" - "happiness."

"Shana Tovah Umetukah" - "Have a Good, Sweet New Year"

parnassah (livelihood)

Yomim Noraim (High Holidays).

Elul is called "Chodesh HaRachamim" the "month of mercy."

In the Torah, there are no vowels. So words can be read in various ways. In this case, the Hebrew "Davar Ra" can also be read as "Dibur Ra," which means, you shall keep away from "speaking evil."

Q. Why are round shaped Chalahs used for Rosh Hashana?

A. The round chalahs symbolize the shape of the universe, reminding us that the world is judged on this day. It also resembles the shape of a "crown". This signifies that on this day we proclaim G-d as the King of the Universe.

Each month begins with Rosh Chodesh, which means "head of the month." Some months have two days Rosh Chodesh while some have only one day Rosh Chodesh. Rosh Chodesh Av is just one day.

"Aseret Yemai Teshuva" - "Ten days of repentance."

As Jews, the numbers 9/11 are associated with one of the most tragic events in Jewish history. The saddest day in the Hebrew calendar is the fast day of Tisha B'Av (9th day of the 11th month, Av). On this day both Holy Temples were destroyed. Thus, Tisha B'Av, the day when the Holy Temples were destroyed and burnt to the ground, was the ninth day of the 11th month (9/11!!).

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