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Jun 20, 2010

how do you say "I believe" in Hebrew?

להאמין

I think I've already done this word a while ago, but after a wonderful Shabbat that was wonderful as a result of certain acts of אמונה (see below for Hebrew explanation) on my part, I feel it's nice to reprise.

I believe that אֶמוּנָה (eh-moo-NAH) is important for a happy, healthy life. There are even studies that attest people with אמונה - faith - living longer than those without. 

To believe is לְהַאֲמִין (le-hah-ah-MEEN). I believe, stated by a male is אֲנִי מַאֲמִין (ah-NEE mah-ah-MEEN); stated by a female, it's אני מאמינָה (ah-NEE mah-ah-mee-NAH).

The root of the verb is א.מ.נ (a.m.n), the same root as the Hebrew word for Amen - אָמֵן (ah-MEN).

Here's Eyal Golan (and here are the lyrics) - listen for the word and repeat it.
(can't see the video?)







One of the things he sings about in the song is that the Jewish nation is a family, and that's our secret - many individuals. I get now that what he's probably referring to is accepting our other family members for exactly who they are at this moment as well as  accepting ourselves thus - all with an eye for their and our potential - and therefore loving them fully.

That takes אמונה.