Jun 14 2024

Words with Meaning….

Hebrew Vocabulary List for Beginners in the Hebrew Roots Movement

Understanding key Hebrew terms is essential for those new to the Hebrew Roots movement. This vocabulary list provides foundational words and phrases commonly used in worship, family life, and festivals. Knowing these terms can deepen your connection to the faith and enhance your spiritual journey.

Common Words and Phrases

Hebrew	Meaning	Usage
Shalom (שָׁלוֹם)	Peace, hello, goodbye	A common greeting and farewell.
Yeshua (יֵשׁוּעַ)	Jesus	Refers to Jesus in the Hebrew Roots movement.
Yehovah (יְהֹוָה)	God, the Lord	The name of God used in the Hebrew Roots movement.
Ruach HaKodesh (רוּחַ הַקֹּדֶשׁ)	The Holy Spirit	Refers to the Holy Spirit in the Hebrew Roots movement.
Torah (תּוֹרָה)	Teaching, instruction, law	Refers to the first five books of the Bible.
Mitzvah (מִצְוָה)	Commandment	Refers to commandments given in the Torah.
Shabbat (שַׁבָּת)	Sabbath, Saturday	The day of rest and worship from Friday evening to Saturday evening.
B’rit Hadashah (בְּרִית חֲדָשָׁה)	New Covenant, New Testament	Refers to the New Testament.
Kippur (כִּפּוּר)	Atonement	Used in contexts like Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.
Moedim (מוֹעֲדִים)	Appointed times, festivals	Refers to the biblical festivals and holy days.
Shema (שְׁמַע)	Hear	Refers to the Shema prayer, a central declaration of faith.

Family and Community

Hebrew	Meaning	Usage
Mishpacha (מִשְׁפָּחָה)	Family	Refers to both biological family and faith community.
Ach (אָח) / Achot (אָחוֹת)	Brother / Sister	Used to refer to fellow believers in a familial sense.
Chaver (חָבֵר) / Chaverah (חֲבֵרָה)	Friend	Common term for a close friend or companion.

Worship and Practices

Hebrew	Meaning	Usage
Tefillah (תְּפִלָּה)	Prayer	Refers to the act of praying.
Mezuzah (מְזוּזָה)	Doorpost	A small case containing scripture, affixed to the doorposts of a house.
Tallit (טַלִּית)	Prayer shawl	Worn during prayer services.
Tzitzit (צִיצִת)	Fringes	The fringes worn on the corners of garments as a reminder of the commandments.
Havdalah (הַבְדָּלָה)	Separation	The ceremony marking the end of Shabbat.

Spring Festivals

Hebrew	Meaning	Usage
Pesach (פֶּסַח)	Passover	The festival commemorating the Exodus from Egypt.
Matzot (מַצּוֹת)	Unleavened Bread	A festival following Passover, lasting seven days, where no leaven is eaten.
Bikkurim (בִּכּוּרִים)	First Fruits	A celebration of the first fruits of the harvest, occurring during the Feast of Unleavened Bread.
Shavuot (שָׁבוּעוֹת)	Weeks, Pentecost	The festival marking the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai.

Fall Festivals

Hebrew	Meaning	Usage
Rosh Hashanah (רֹאשׁ הַשָּׁנָה)	Head of the Year, New Year	The Jewish New Year, also known as Yom Teruah (Day of Trumpets).
Yom Kippur (יוֹם כִּפּוּר)	Day of Atonement	The holiest day of the year dedicated to atonement and repentance.
Sukkot (סֻכּוֹת)	Tabernacles, Booths	The festival commemorating the Israelites’ journey in the wilderness.
Hanukkah (חֲנֻכָּה)	Dedication	The festival of lights, commemorating the rededication of the Temple.

Expressions of Faith

Hebrew	Meaning	Usage
Emunah (אֱמוּנָה)	Faith	Refers to faith or trust in God.
Teshuvah (תְּשׁוּבָה)	Repentance	The act of returning to God and seeking forgiveness.
Chesed (חֶסֶד)	Loving-kindness	Refers to acts of kindness and mercy.
Tzedakah (צְדָקָה)	Righteousness, charity	Refers to charitable giving and acts of justice.

Summary

This vocabulary list is designed to help those new to the Hebrew Roots movement familiarize themselves with essential Hebrew terms. From common phrases and family terms to worship practices and festivals, these words form the foundation of understanding and participating in the faith. By learning these terms, you can deepen your connection to the Hebrew Roots movement and enhance your spiritual journey.

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