Language

0 Education Language

The changing field of synagogue Hebrew education comes into focus

eJewishPhilanthropy · 8 Dec

The 2025 Hebrew Snapshot Survey highlights the significant shifts occurring in synagogue Hebrew education, emphasizing a move from a singular focus on prayer decoding to a broader, more engaging approach.

0 Language Culture

Hebrew is the coolest language so many people don't know about.

Future of Jewish in Future of Jewish · 5 Dec

Hebrew is more than just a language; it is an essential element of Jewish civilization and identity.

0 Communities Language

Leading with ‘y’all’

eJewishPhilanthropy · 26 Nov

Jason Plotkin, executive director of Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan, explores the power of language in fostering connection and belonging in Jewish communities, emphasizing the impact of the phrase "Shalom Y'all."

0 Politics Language

Grok said Hebrew translation was disabled on X — but it's not

Mira Fox in Forward · 19 Nov

The AI chatbot Grok on the platform X (formerly Twitter) erroneously claimed that Hebrew translation was disabled because it encouraged violent content, leading to widespread misunderstanding.

0 Culture Language

I Embody This Yiddish Word More Than Any Other

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller · 18 Nov

Lior Zaltzman explores the Yiddish word "klutz," which describes a clumsy or awkward person, and reflects on how she embodies this term's spirit.

0 Culture Language

This Jewish Name Is in the Top Ten Baby Names for the First Time

Daci Platt in Kveller · 11 Nov

The name Eliana, which means "my God has answered" in Hebrew, has climbed into the top ten baby names for girls on BabyCenter's list, marking a significant milestone.

0 Culture Language

Social media activist asks Jerusalemites why Yiddish is important

Rukhl Schaechter in Forward · 27 Oct

Yirmiyahu Danzig, a social media activist of Caribbean and Ashkenazi descent, explores the relevance of Yiddish in Israel through interviews with Orthodox Jews in Jerusalem.

0 Communities Language

Could dementia be the key to saving endangered Jewish languages?

Lauren Hakimi in Forward · 11 Oct

The revival and preservation of endangered Jewish languages, such as Judeo-Kashi and Judeo-Tuyserkani, are finding unexpected allies in older generations affected by dementia.

0 Language Culture

A Hebrew Root With Flower Power

Joseph Lowin in Hadassah · 3 Oct

Exploring the Hebrew root "peh-resh-het," which means to flower, Joseph Lowin delves into its rich metaphorical and cultural uses throughout Hebrew literature and tradition.

0 Culture Language

Kacey Musgraves’ Horse Has a Beautiful Jewish Name

Daci Platt in Kveller · 28 Aug

Kacey Musgraves, Grammy-award-winning country musician, recently introduced her new horse named Nava, a name rich with multicultural significance.

0 Holocaust Language

They tried to steal our language, too

Jonathan H. Schwartz in Forward · 14 Aug

In 1944, the Nazi-supported Hungarian regime not only plundered Jewish homes for valuables but also targeted Jewish cultural heritage by confiscating Yiddish books, stripping a community of its language and memory.

0 Culture Language

This Yiddish Word Is Good for My Mental Health and Bad for My Bank Account

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller · 6 Aug

Lior Zaltzman shares a playful exploration of the Yiddish word "tchotchke," which describes decorative trinkets that spark joy despite their lack of practical function.

0 Language Culture

In the Write Places

Joseph Lowin in Hadassah · 6 Aug

The article explores the significance of the Hebrew root (khaf, tav, bet), which relates to writing, across various Jewish texts and traditions.

0 Culture Language

The Forverts is on vacation. Here’s how to access our content while we’re away.

Forverts Staff in Forward · 4 Aug

The Forverts has announced a brief hiatus from August 4 to August 8, during which their regular content updates will be paused.

0 Culture Language

Jewish Baby Names Inspired by Flowers

Daci Platt in Kveller · 31 Jul

Jewish floral-inspired baby names are gaining attention with a resurgence of both old-fashioned and modern appeal.

0 Culture Language

It's a classic Yiddish saying — but did it come from a biblical story about Jesus?

Aviya Kushner in Forward · 30 Jul

The Yiddish saying "mit eyn tokhes ken men nit tantsn af tsvey khasenes," meaning "you can't dance at two weddings with one behind," is explored for its rich cultural resonance and possible origins.

0 Language Communities

VIDEO: When Yiddish rang throughout the streets of Mexico

פֿאָרווערטס־רעדאַקציע in Forward · 4 Jul

Before World War II, Yiddish was a prominent language in the Jewish communities of Mexico, reflecting a rich cultural tapestry of Eastern European Jews who migrated there.

0 Language Culture

From 1975 | Mazal Tov?

Jacob Forman in Moment · 25 Jun

This reflective piece explores the various Jewish congratulatory phrases beyond the widely recognized 'mazal tov,' urging a renaissance of these rich expressions that capture nuanced meanings.

0 Culture Language

The Yiddish Word I Can’t Stop Saying All Summer Long

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller · 23 Jun

As summer heats up, the Yiddish term 'shvitzing' becomes a relatable and humorous expression for sweating, introducing a cultural connection to the word's playful usage.

0 Politics Language

Want to know what Trump sounds like in Hebrew? Just listen to Netanyahu.

Aviya Kushner in Forward · 23 Jun

Benjamin Netanyahu's Hebrew speeches reveal linguistic parallels with Donald Trump, especially in framing political actions as promises kept and emphasizing strength and loyalty.

0 Politics Language

Zohran Mamdani is right about what 'intifada' means — well, kind of

Nora Berman in Forward · 18 Jun

New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani stirred controversy by failing to condemn the phrase 'globalize the intifada,' often seen as inciting anti-Jewish violence.

0 Literature Language

VIDEO: In conversation with Yiddish literature scholar Dov Ber Kotlerman

פֿאָרווערטס־רעדאַקציע in Forward · 12 Jun

Moderating a conversation with Yiddish literature scholar Dov Ber Kotlerman, the article provides insights into the current state and future prospects of Yiddish literature.

0 Language Jewish Law

An important Yiddish learning tool has been added to the Forward website

Rukhl Schaechter in Forward · 11 Jun

The Forward has enhanced its Yiddish-language content by introducing a new feature that provides pronunciation guides for Hebrew and Aramaic words in their articles.

0 Culture Language

That time Yiddishists met extraterrestrials a short while ago in a galaxy not far away

Clara Shapiro in Forward · 7 Jun

Clara Shapiro reflects on her surreal summer experience at the Steiner Program, where a group of eclectic students immersed themselves in Yiddish language and culture at the Yiddish Book Center in Amherst, Massachusetts.

0 Politics Language

Though sworn enemies, Hamas and Donald Trump seem to share a common language

Aviya Kushner in Forward · 13 May

Aviya Kushner explores the parallels in rhetoric used by Donald Trump and the late Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar regarding sacrifice for perceived greater gains.

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