how to say “wholeness” in Hebrew

This one’s for my friend Mark in Palo Alto.


Jewish tradition associates the number seven with nature, while the number eight is connected with that which transcends nature. The number eight is also associated with wholeness. The word for that in Hebrew is שְׁלֵמוּת (sheh-leh-MOOT). The root is שׁ.ל.מ (sh.l.m), the same as the root of שָׁלוֹם (shah-LOHM). 


Look for a variation of this word in Idan Raichel and Rita’s song, מְחַכֶּה (meh-khah-KEH) – Waiting.


And don’t miss my show tomorrow! Regardless of your level, you’re almost guaranteed to learn some Hebrew… and enjoy some of Israel’s best music.


Happy eighth day of חֲנֻכָּה (khah-noo-KAH)!