Word of the Day- - Israel News | Haaretz Daily Newspaper

Word of the Day

The American-Israeli alliance is eternal, stated Barack Obama upon his arrival - using the eternal Hebrew word, lanetzah.

By Shoshana Kordova | Mar 21, 2013 | 10:23 AM

Word of the Day / Gingi גִ'ינְגִ'י

When much of the population of Israel tends to the 'dark and mysterious' type, anyone else easily stands out – especially the fiery redheads. And like one of the Spice Girls, they're identified with a certain zesty root.

By Shoshana Kordova | Dec 5, 2012 | 09:07 AM | 2

Word of the Day / Beitzim

To bring a guy to his knees in English, you'd kick him in the groin and watch him cry. In Hebrew, that sensitive zone is more like a nest. But instead of the female standing watch, it's the man protecting his eggs.

By Shoshana Kordova | Dec 3, 2012 | 08:54 AM

Word of the Day / Havera חברה

Last week, the UN upgraded the status of Palestine to nonmember observer state. The Hebrew word for 'member' is also the one used for 'girlfriend,' which certainly puts a new spin on diplomatic relationships.

By Shoshana Kordova | Dec 2, 2012 | 02:17 PM

Word of the Day / Avdu alekha

If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. And if you fall for it, you've been had or, in Hebrew terms, they've worked one over you. Not easy to see when the wool is has been pulled over your eyes, is it?

By Shoshana Kordova | Nov 30, 2012 | 09:23 AM

Word of the Day / Azov

If you ask an Israeli to repeat herself, she might ask you to leave.

By Shoshana Kordova | Nov 29, 2012 | 09:26 AM

Word of the Day / Al hapanim עַל הַפָּנִים

A bright smile or a refreshing facial are always welcome on the face. But in Hebrew, when things are a bit messed up, they can be found on the face, too.

By Shoshana Kordova | Nov 27, 2012 | 08:17 PM

Word of the Day / Pa’am shlishit glida פַּעַם שְׁלִישִׁית גְּלִידָה

Should you run into a friend frequently within a short time span, you could employ this phrase for a good laugh. Or, if you wanted to be German about it, you could insist she pay up with an ice cream.

By Shoshana Kordova | Nov 27, 2012 | 01:32 PM

Word of the Day / Dubon דֻּבּוֹן

This word refers to two different warm and fuzzy items, which can lead to some confusion.

By Shoshana Kordova | Nov 26, 2012 | 09:31 AM

Word of the Day / Levarekh לברך

Though Americans are wary of referencing religion in daily speech, the phrase 'bless you' slips under the radar. The Hebrew word for blessing is similarly welcome, and widely used, in the public sphere.

By Shoshana Kordova | Nov 25, 2012 | 09:17 AM

Word of the Day / Protekzia פְּרוֹטֶקְצְיָה

In Israel, more often than not, it's all about who you know.

By Shoshana Kordova | Nov 23, 2012 | 08:44 AM | 2

Double Take

African migrants looking through the fence at the Egyptian-Israeli border on August 4, 2012.

Double Take / African asylum seekers out of the spolight but not in the clear

By Joel Greenberg | 08:39 AM

Double Take / A month after Gaza war, Hamas still rides a wave of popularity

By Joel Greenberg | 07:22 AM | 4

Double Take / The politics of potholes in East Jerusalem

By Joel Greenberg | 09:41 AM

Someone Else's Simcha

Someone Else's Simcha / Amit and Nili's wedding - Don't stop believing

By Ron Ben-Tovim | 06:29 PM

Someone Else's Simcha / Sharon Shaya's bat mitzvah – Logging off long enough to grow up

By Ron Ben-Tovim | 06:33 PM

Someone Else's Simcha / Pnina and Yitzhak's 50th anniversary – Indian love, set in gold

By Ron Ben-Tovim | 01:56 PM

On Root

Keep the pita, lose the hummus and pickles for Passover.

On Root / In search of breadcrumbs, oxygen and pickles

By Jeremy Benstein | 07:41 PM

On Root / How 'Europe' and 'Maghreb' both come from Hebrew

By Jeremy Benstein | 12:08 PM | 4

On Root / Cowboys home on the Israeli range at dawn

By Jeremy Benstein | 12:27 PM