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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