Page 11 - Shalom: The Peace That Comes From Being Whole

CHAPTER 2

A HEBREW WORD
ALMOST EVERYONE
KNOWS

When I am teaching, I often ask the congre-
gation, “What do you think is the most well-
known Hebrew word?”
“Hallelujah!” they usually shout back with
heartfelt enthusiasm.
But Hallelujah is not the most often used
Hebrew word. The correct answer is Amen.
Let’s let the Hebrew teacher, Mr. Edward
Horowitz explain:
AMEN
AMEN is a root of unusual interest. ...it...
shows how far and wide a word can travel.
The Hebrews loved the word “Amen.” In it
they expressed their every hope that God
would be merciful to them and grant them
their heart’s desire. From Hebrew the word
spread to over a thousand languages. It now en-
joys an unusual distinction. It has entered more
languages and is used in more countries than

9