the Hebrew (and Arabic) connection between “west” and “evening”
.ע.ר.ב
In Hebrew, Sabbath Eve or the day right before the Sabbath, is called עֶרֶב שַׁבָּת (EH-rev shah-BAHT) – the eve of Sabbath.
How do you say west in Hebrew? מַעֲרָב (mah-ah-RAHV). If you look closely, you’ll see that it’s got the same three-letter root as ערב.
What’s the connection?
Think about it – the sun sets in the west – the sun evenings in the west.
Likewise, the sun rises – or, זוֹרַחַת (zoh-RAH-haht) in the east; the word for east is מִזְרַח (meez-RAH).
Now, check out this Hebrew love song called An Evening of Roses by HaParvarim. The lyrics are based loosely on שִׁיר הַשִּׁירִים (sheer hah-shee-REEM) – the great biblical multi-meaning love poem, Song of Songs.
Listen to the song, and repeat after the singers as they translate the title for you into Hebrew.
Listen to the song, and repeat after the singers as they translate the title for you into Hebrew.