Hebrew Greetings and Expressions

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On Shabbat mornings at Beth Yeshua you will hear funny sounding words.  These are heart felt greetings, but what do they mean? Here are some of the greetings you may hear.


Shabbat Greetings:


Shabbat Shalom (shah-BAHT shah-LOHM) Hebrew. Literally, Sabbath peace or peaceful Sabbath. This is an appropriate greeting at any time on Shabbat. 


Gut Shabbes (GUT SHAH-biss; gut rhymes with put) Yiddish. Literally, good Sabbath. Like Shabbat shalom, this is a general, all-purpose Shabbat greeting. 


Shavua Tov (shah-VOO-ah TOHV) Hebrew. Literally, good week. This greeting is used after Havdalah (the ceremony marking the conclusion of Shabbat), to wish someone a good forthcoming week.


Holiday Greetings:


Chag Sameach (KHAHG sah-MEHY-ahkh) Hebrew. Literally, joyous festival. This is an appropriate greeting for just about any holiday, but it's especially appropriate for Sukkot, Shavu'ot and Pesach (Passover), which are technically the only festivals (the other holidays are holidays, not festivals).


Gut Yontiff (GUT YAHN-tiff; gut rhymes with put) Yiddish. Literally, good holiday. This greeting can be used for any holiday, not necessarily a festival.


L'Shanah Tovah (li-SHAH-nuh TOH-vuh; li-shah-NAH toh-VAH) Hebrew. Lit. for a good year. A common greeting during Rosh Hashanah and Days of Awe. It is an abbreviation of L'shanah tovah tikatev v'taihatem (May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year).


Other Expressions


Shalom (shah-LOHM) Hebrew. Literally, peace. A way of saying "hello" or "goodbye."


Mazel Tov (MAH-zl TAWV) Yiddish/Hebrew. Literally, good luck. This is the traditional way of expressing congratulations. 


Yasher koach (YAH-shehyr KOH-ahkh) Hebrew. Literally, straight strength. Figuratively, may you have strength, or may your strength be increased.