how to say “lonely” in Hebrew

Yesterday I joined Mekete, his brothers, his extended family and his friends at his Bar Mitzvah celebration in Holon. The people at Mekete’s school really went above and beyond to make sure that he had a fun, meaningful occasion – and that he would feel enveloped in love. 


After Meteke was called up to the Torah, the group went to the Wolfson Medical Center where they visited and delighted the sick in order to perform a mitzvah – מִצְוָה (meets-VAH) immediately after the “Bar Mitzvah” ceremony. Only after these activities did the group arrived at the hall (where I joined them), where, instead of dancing to music, the school administration and teachers showered Meteke with blessings and played with the crowd educational games designed to make everyone feel good about the Jewish tradition we were all taking part in.

Mekete and I at his Bar Mitzvah celebration

I can’t see into Mekete’s heart. I can only assume he missed his mother and father yesterday terribly. But I also assume that he didn’t feel alone – לְבַד (leh-VAHD) or בָּדָד (bah-DAHD – a more literally usage), or lonely – בּוֹדֵד. All these Hebrew words are adverbs; they stay the same regardless of whether it is a male or female, one or many people feeling lonely or alone. 


I’m still raising money for Mekete and his orphaned brothers, so if you’re able to do so, please consider making a donation. THANK YOU to those who have already contributed.


This week’s Torah portion prescribes the laws of the מְצֹרַע (meh-tsoh-RAH) – a person afflicted with a skin disease often referred to as leprosy – צָרַעַת (tsah-RAH-aht – related to psoraisis?). The Sages of the Midrash explain that people would become ill with צרעת as a result of antisocial speech – badmouthing others, speaking rudely, etc.


The treatment?
בָּדָד יֵשֵׁב מֵחוּץ לְמַחֲנֶה מוֹשָׁבו (bah-DAHD yeh-SHEV mee-KHOOTS leh-mah-khah-NEH moh-shah-VOH) – alone shall he dwell, outside the camp of his dwelling… By speaking antisocially, this person has put up a wall of pride between himself and his fellows. Thus his cure is to be completely isolated from them, where he can internalize the consequences of his action.


Here’s a song by Ehud Banai about pulling away… and drawing close again. Enjoy!


שבת שלום וסוף שבוע נעים לכולם!
Shabbat Shalom and a pleasant weekend to all!