There are some Hebrew and Yiddish words you just might never master like a FFB (frum from birth). That’s ok. If you get close enough, people will understand what you mean. But as a practical matter, I avoid saying the words I have difficulty with simply so I don’t look like a n00b. Chutzpah Tzedakah […]
Words You Might Never Pronounce Correctly Read Post »
The Talmudic story of the four who entered Pardes sticks with me. It’s definitely in my Jewish Story Top 10. I couldn’t tell you why. Maybe it shows I’ve got a 1/4 chance of making it out of this conversion alive and mentally/emotionally/religiously intact. Four men entered pardes: Ben Azzai, Ben Zoma, Acher [“the other
Interpretation of the Torah, Pardes, and Kabbalah Read Post »
Appropriately enough after my last post, today’s word is “b’seder.” This word/phrase is ubiquitous in Israel. That means it is everywhere. Israelis say “b’seder” more than teenage girls say “like.” Literally, it means “in order.” It generally means “ok” or “fine” or “everything will be ok.” You can even end your sentences with it, like
Phrase of the Day: B’Seder Read Post »
A gabbai is a person, usually someone with a high level of Jewish learning. A synagogue may not have a “set” gabbai, but a different one every week. However, some synagogues do have a person who (either voluntarily or as a kind of employment) acts as gabbai every Shabbat and maybe also on Monday and
What Is a Gabbai and What Does He Do? Read Post »
It’s annoying that so many Hebrew words have multiple meanings in English. Most of the time, this is because multiple Hebrew spellings could have the same sound. Today, let’s talk about the English word “aliyah,” which literally means “ascent.” A. You “receive an aliyah” when you are called up to the Torah to chant the
The Various Meanings of Aliyah Read Post »
You’ll hear this Hebrew phrase a lot. You may also see/hear it as “yishar koah.” It literally wishes the person strength. “May you have strength!” In short, it means something along the lines of “Good job!” It congratulates someone who has had the merit of performing a mitzvah or some other good Jewish task. Most often,
Phrase of the Day: Yasher Koach Read Post »
Tonight is the first seder! If all goes as planned, you’re going to have a great time! And if not, ur doin it wrong. (If you don’t know this internet meme, check out this, this, and this. All are “safe for work,” assuming you’re supposed to be on the internet at all!) In all seriousness,
What to Expect at the Seder Tonight and Tomorrow Night Read Post »
A commenter had a great question, and I decided to write about it in a longer form and make it accessible to the rest of you! Basically, what is the point of a Hebrew name? When, where, and why is it used? First, what is a Hebrew name? At its most basic, it’s your Jewish
What Is a Hebrew Name, and What Does It Do? Read Post »
In my trial advocacy class, our fake state/jurisdiction is “Nita.” This is because our materials are created by the National Institute for Trial Advocacy. Humorously enough, “Nita” is pronounced “niddah” thanks to the American accent that pronounces middle Ts like Ds. We are in the state of niddah. Facepalm.
Adventures in Semantics: Class Terminology that Sounds like Jewish Things Read Post »
Choosing a Hebrew name can be the hardest part of your official conversion process. After all, you have to live with it for only the rest of your LIFE. Some people make it their everyday name. Or even adopt it as their legal first or middle name. And some people never use them ever again
Convert Questions: How to Choose a Hebrew Name Read Post »