Questions tagged [hebrew]
Questions pertaining to the Hebrew language, as related to Judaism. See the help center: http://judaism.stackexchange.com/help/on-topic
675
questions
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22 views
Maaneh Lashon - Book
My grandfather used to use this book when he was alive to daven at the cemeteries of his relatives each year.
https://i.stack.imgur.com/RMNwb.jpg
(The first pages are different but the rest looks ...
0
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1answer
79 views
Looking for the Lost tribes : Are Bantus speaking Ancient Hebrew? [closed]
On YouTube many videos link the Bantu languages to the ancient Hebrew. Would you know if any scholar ever studied the link between both languages do understand how they influence each other? Could the ...
0
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2answers
116 views
Ambiguity in the Rambam: Who Is Pursuing Whom?
The following has already been translated, but upon closer examination, something seems amiss:
אֲבָל יִשְׂרָאֵל הַבָּא עַל הַכּוּתִית ... כֵּיוָן שֶׁבָּא עַל הַכּוּתִית בְּזָדוֹן הֲרֵי זוֹ נֶהֱרֶגֶת ...
0
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2answers
61 views
What would be an alternative to the Reuben Alcalay Hebrew-English Dictionary?
I've been looking for a decent copy of the well-known Reuben Alcalay dictionary, at a price that I can live with and in good condition. Unfortunately, I haven't found much. So now I'm looking for an ...
1
vote
2answers
117 views
Original Nikud for Raphael?
רָפָאֵל or רְפָאֵל
What is the original nikud? I have seen some variation before and wonder if the name should begin with Kamatz or Sheva?
Thank you for any help you can give.
0
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1answer
71 views
How do I pronounce the words יוׁ״ד קֵ״י בְּוָא״ו קֵ״י after “For the sake of the unification of the Holy One…?”
Title. I'm not sure how to find out about it so I'll ask in here.
Shalom!
4
votes
0answers
84 views
Foreign language words similar to Hebrew words [closed]
I started compiling a list about a year ago of all of the times I noticed that an English word was very linguistically similar to a Hebrew word phonetically and semantically (i.e. in meaning). Many ...
3
votes
1answer
107 views
What does the name “Sirach” mean?
The apocryphal text dubbed "Eccleasiaticus" (also known as The Book of Sirach) is purported to be written by a man by the name of Ben Sira or Shimon ben Yeshua ben Eliezer ben Sira. I was ...
0
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2answers
52 views
How to safely write a name of G-d in Hebrew?
I noticed that in English it is preferred by some to say G-d. What is the preferred way to write the/a name of G-d in Hebrew? For example, if you were to title a paper "G-d", how would you ...
4
votes
2answers
97 views
Lashon Hakodesh Reveals Essence of Item
Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch writes in his commentary to Tehillim (72:11) that Hebrew shows the essence of each item. For instance, "כסא" defines and reveals the essence of something designed ...
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0answers
47 views
Hebrew script and the inconsistent views over history of the usage of the paleo Hebrew script [duplicate]
Can someone tell me where I found this opinion- that the modern Hebrew script was used for holy texts, and the Paleo-Hebrew script was used for secular texts. However all ancient Hebrew writing have ...
0
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1answer
122 views
Separating Torah study from Hebrew study
I once heard there is a requirement to separate learning Hebrew from the learning of Torah; that there is an assur on doing basic Hebrew learning based on what one wants or has to study in the Torah ...
0
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1answer
58 views
What does the name Nemuel mean? [closed]
I looked at the Strong's Concordance and it says perhaps "Day of EL/God". Any insight into what this name may mean?
0
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1answer
149 views
Reason for different punctuation of the prefix vav?
In the Siddur, the prefix vav is seen with various punctuations (e.g., shva, kamatz, patah, shuruk). When is each of these different punctuations used with a prefix vav and how does each affect the ...
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0answers
73 views
Do the words menorah and Torah have the same root in Hebrew?
I'm studying the parashat Behaaloscha, the part where Aharon kindle de Menorah. I read that the meaning of Menorah has to do with 'Tora Study. I'm from Brazil where we speak Portuguese and the words ...
0
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1answer
112 views
What is the correct translation of Exodus 6:3?
According to BHS, Exodus 6:3 reads:
וָאֵרָ֗א אֶל־אַבְרָהָ֛ם אֶל־יִצְחָ֥ק וְאֶֽל־יַעֲקֹ֖ב בְּאֵ֣ל שַׁדָּ֑י
וּשְׁמִ֣י יְהוָ֔ה לֹ֥א נוֹדַ֖עְתִּי לָהֶֽם׃
This all almost universally translated as ...
-1
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1answer
54 views
Translation of an Hebrew phrase [closed]
What does "shalom shalom wekhol Tuv" mean? This was said at the closing of an email. I have researched on the internet for an explanation and I could not find an answer. Thank you in advance.
1
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1answer
151 views
Function of a dagesh
Occasionally Hebrew letters in Tanach have a dagesh mark. I saw one in a khaf sofit, as at the end of the second line of the Priestly Blessing and the 4th line of Ashrei, and it sparked my interest. ...
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3answers
216 views
What are the rabbinic (hebrew) words that could equate to “Anti-Torah”?
What are the rabbinic (hebrew) words that could equate to "Anti-Torah"?
I am hoping there is only one. In English, I would say the word "Anti-Torah" equates to "lawless" or "lawlessness".
When I ...
2
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0answers
137 views
Is ‘kol tuv’ a religious phrase?
I often hear religious people saying the phrase ‘Kol tuv’ - May everything be good by you.
Is there any history behind the wide usage in religious communities, other than it being said in Hebrew?
0
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1answer
50 views
Tzitzit an appearance in visible form
Rabbi Hirsch seems to have written something like: “tzitzit; indeed it is called tzitzit from the Hebrew root meaning “to appear in physical form.”
Which root is that? And what does this mean in ...
1
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1answer
43 views
Help with two Yehudah Ya'aleh responsa
there are two Yehudah Ya'aleh responsa on the same topic (Orach Chaim no 35 and no 37) and each has a passage that I'm struggling to work out what it means.
In number 35:
שמספר את זקנו ע"י משיחה ...
0
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1answer
52 views
The Nikud of the word תמות in the sentence תמות נפשי עם פלישתים
In the Tanach, Shoftim טז Pasuk ל:
וַיֹּאמֶר שִׁמְשׁוֹן, תָּמוֹת נַפְשִׁי עִם-פְּלִשְׁתִּים, וַיֵּט בְּכֹחַ, וַיִּפֹּל הַבַּיִת עַל-הַסְּרָנִים וְעַל-כָּל-הָעָם אֲשֶׁר-בּוֹ; וַיִּהְיוּ הַמֵּתִים, ...
0
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0answers
26 views
How is מְצַוְּךָ pronounced? [duplicate]
A simple question for the users here. I have just started learning how to read Hebrew to read the Scriptures so I am finding difficult words for me. I am confused about the וְּ in it.
Thanks
Andy
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0answers
122 views
Does ehad mean “one” or “first” when used together with “rishon”?
How should ehad be translated in this phrase and why?
וְשַׂ֣ר׀ מַלְכ֣וּת פָּרַ֗ס עֹמֵ֤ד לְנֶגְדִּי֙ עֶשְׂרִ֣ים וְאֶחָ֣ד י֔וֹם וְהִנֵּ֣ה מִֽיכָאֵ֗ל אַחַ֛ד הַשָּׂרִ֥ים הָרִאשֹׁנִ֖ים בָּ֣א לְעָזְרֵ֑נִי ...
2
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0answers
44 views
Where can I find how many roots the author needs to compose for each book of the Tenach
For example: I am reading now the book of Joshua in Hebrew. It looks to me quite simple language. The author uses often the same terms. Poetry and wisdom-litterature is much more complex. My ...
1
vote
1answer
39 views
Translating וידבר using BDB Lexicon and Gesenius' Grammar
Context
I am practicing my biblical Hebrew by translating the weekly Parshah. As resources, I have the Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB) Lexicon (coded with Strong's concordance numbers) and Gesenius' ...
1
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1answer
553 views
Why is sleep spelled with an aleph in Tehillim 127?
In Tehillim 127:2, the author spells the word for sleep as שנא:
Source: Wikisource
I found this unusual, as the word is usually spelled שנה in Tanach (Tehillim 90:5, Mishlei 6:4, and Mishlei 20:13). ...
0
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1answer
63 views
What does “mazik the rabim” mean?
The Va’ad HaRabbonim of Greater Cleveland has issued a statement about the COVID-19 virus that contains the following paragraph:
Additionally, anyone who was exposed to someone who tested positive ...
2
votes
1answer
148 views
What or is there a difference in Adonai and Adonoy?
I have just started learning Hebrew and I found a transliteration for the after meal blessing which includes Adonai and Adonoy; what is the difference between the two?
“Baruch ha-gever asher yivtach ...
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0answers
59 views
What is a 'potential convert' called in hebrew/yiddish?
I know that a convert is called a ger tzedek. While a righteous non-Jew/goy is called a goy tzedek. From what I have found so far online, most just say/use "potential convert" when referring to ...
0
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0answers
61 views
Is there any research available for the original 'Hebrew' 3rd & 5th month names?
I'm looking at a question that was posted here 7 years ago about the original name of the months.
First-Temple-Era names of the Hebrew months?
There is mention of a possible month called, "Tzach."...
0
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2answers
67 views
How does “Israel” mean to struggle with G-d?
How does "Israel" mean to struggle with G-d? https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/israel-means-to-struggle-with-god/
This is what I could find in the Hebrew text:
בראשית לב כט
וַיֹּאמֶר לֹא ...
3
votes
1answer
125 views
What is the difference between Vayomer and Vayomar?
In Chumash, sometimes it says vayomer, but other times it says vayomar. What is the difference? Don't they both just mean "he said"?
2
votes
2answers
129 views
What is the etymology of the name Jesse?
I can find multiple possible etymologies for the name Jesse/יִשַׁי Yishai:
"King"
"Wealth/Abundance"
"G-d's gift"
"G-d Exists" [From יש Yesh ("there is&...
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0answers
53 views
קָמָץ vs. קָמַץ in Ashkenazi pronunciation
All Ashkenazi readers/minhagim/etc. I've seen call this vowel קָמַץ, while there is considerable variation on whether the second syllables of the other vowel names (except for סֶגּוֹל, though there is ...
3
votes
2answers
271 views
Is a gentile permitted to learn the original Hebrew of the Torah?
I've been reading the Divine Code by Rabbi Moshe Weiner and came across this in Part I 5:2 note. 91
"...(1) It is also prohibited for a Jew to teach Torah to gentiles in the canonised Hebrew or ...
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votes
1answer
54 views
Is “covet” in the tenth Commandment more than a mental attitude? [duplicate]
In halacha - Stoning of homosexuals - Mi Yodeya, mbloch recently said:
In a nutshell, the Torah is not so concerned and doesn't judge how people feel or what their desires are. It prohibits actions ...
1
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0answers
68 views
Where is a free online copy of the Torah with the “correct” number of letters in it?
First off, my intention is to create a pretty decent replica of the Hebrew text close to the formatting of the Sefer Torah or a Tikkun, for personal documentation purposes. My question though is 2-...
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votes
1answer
30 views
Explanation of the Term “פירוד הלבבות”
I looked up the term "פירוד הלבבות" and it comes out literally as "separation of hearts". What is the interpretation of this term in Yiddishkeit generally? Thanks in advance.
0
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1answer
63 views
What's the Literal translation of these basic words?
What do the words Mishnayos, Gemara, & Torah literally mean?
1
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1answer
90 views
Is the English “YHWH” a valid equivalent to the Tetragrammaton?
What is the halachic stance on the Tetragrammaton transliterated into English as YHWH or Yawheh or Jehovah? Is it accurate to use the English letters YHWH as the Hebrew equivalent? We see this ...
0
votes
1answer
73 views
What is the Chidush that Parashat Hamelech is read off the Torah scroll in Hebrew?
ואלו נאמרין בלשון הקודש: מקרא ביכורים, וחליצה, ... ברכת כהנים,... ופרשת המלך... (Sotah 32a)
these are recited only in the sacred tongue, Hebrew: Bikkurim and Chalitzah and the blessings and curses ...
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2answers
83 views
Is “breath of life” in Genesis 2:7 is the same as spirit?
Does this mean that God breathed his spirit into Adam giving him life.
1
vote
1answer
69 views
In the Al Cheit prayer, do we say bagalui or b'galui?
In the Al Cheit prayer, is it
Al cheit shechatanu l'fanecha bagalui uvasater
or is it
Al cheit shechatanu l'fanecha b'galui uvasater
I get about the same number of hits whichever of the two ...
4
votes
0answers
60 views
Does Pharaoh's daughter speak Hebrew in Exodus 2:10 or is the book of Exodus simply translating what she said in Egyptian into Hebrew? [duplicate]
Exodus 2:10 says: "And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses, and said: ‘Because I drew him out of the water.’" Is the text ...
1
vote
2answers
183 views
Alternative spelling for El*him
According to Wikipedia, the spelling for El*him is aleph-lamed-he-yud-mem
But in a book I found the following spelling:
(This is from the first line at p.171 at https://archive.org/details/...
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votes
1answer
58 views
Why the first ה in יהודה?
וַתַּהַר עוֹד וַתֵּלֶד בֵּן וַתֹּאמֶר הַפַּעַם אוֹדֶה אֶת־ה' עַל־כֵּן קָרְאָה שְׁמוֹ יְהוּדָה וַתַּעֲמֹד מִלֶּדֶת׃
She conceived again and bore a son, and declared, “This time I will praise the LORD....
3
votes
0answers
68 views
What software to use to write a multi-section sefer?
What software is available that allows Hebrew and English and multiple sections? i.e. the main section and then a footnote/pirush (section #2) on that, and then a 3rd section which footnotes items ...
3
votes
0answers
84 views
Does Hebrew allow for this conception of the pronunciation of the “Tetragammaton”?
Disclaimer: I know no Hebrew.
I'm trying to find out if the Hebrew argument that this article makes concerning the pronunciation of the divine Name is cogent or not. As an outsider they seem to know ...
