How do Jews pronounce Sarah in Hebrew and/or Yiddish?? This is part of a new series – How to Speak “Jewish”! Share in the comments your ideas and/or needs down in the comments! Which words or phrases trip you up?
Sara שָׂרָה is generally believed to mean “princess” but can also mean noblewoman or lady. It is derived from the word sar שַׂר (chieftain, chief, ruler, captain, prince). It is a very common Jewish/Hebrew name both in Israel and in the Jewish diaspora. It is also a very common name in English and for Christians and Muslims. You can find the story of Sarai, whose name was changed by G-d to Sarah, in the Biblical book of Bereshit / Genesis.
Sarah is also used as the “mother” part of a Jewish convert’s Hebrew name. A full Hebrew name is always in the format of NAME ben/bat (son/daughter of) Avraham v’Sarah (Abraham and Sarah), though only one “parent” might be used with your name for a particular purpose. For example, the father’s name for calling to the Torah, but the mother’s name for praying for healing. So a female would be “bat Sarah,” and a male “ben Sarah.” Check out my videos for a video on how to pronounce Avraham Jewishly!
You might see Sarah written any number of ways – Sara, Sora, Sorah, Sura, Surah, etc etc etc, whatever new spelling someone invents.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.