Hebrew words about Israel

A list of typical terms about Israel

Israel (יִשְׂרָאֵל) - Israel

Israel is our special Jewish land, which the Lord promised our people. Today, many Jewish people from all over the world live here together. Israel is like a great home for all Jews. It is a modern country with a very ancient history.

Yerushalaim (יְרוּשָׁלַיִם) - Jerusalem

Jerusalem is the most important and holiest city for the Jewish people. The Temple, to which all Jews made pilgrimages, once stood here. Jerusalem is also home to the Kotel, the sacred Western Wall. Jerusalem is the capital of Israel.

Degel Israel (דֶּגֶל יִשְׂרָאֵל) - Israel flag

The Israeli flag is white and blue, like a tallit (prayer shawl). The Star of David (Magen David) is depicted in the center. The flag represents Israel as a Jewish state. When we see the flag, we know: This is our country.

Yam HaMelach ( יָם הַמֶּלַח ) - Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is the saltiest lake in the world. The water is so salty that you can't sink in it—you float naturally. It lies at the lowest point on Earth. The Dead Sea contains many healthy minerals.

Midbar Negev ( מִדְבַּר נֶגֶב ) - Negev desert

The Negev Desert is a large part of southern Israel. Although it is a desert, Israelis have created cities and agriculture here. Many special animals and plants live in the Negev. Humans have made the desert flourish.

Zajit ( זַיִת ) - Olive

The olive is one of the seven important fruits of the Land of Israel. Olives produce healthy oil, which was once used in the Temple. Olive trees can live to a very old age and grow everywhere in Israel. They are a symbol of peace.

Tamar (תָּמָר) - date palm

The date palm is an important tree in Israel that bears sweet fruit. Dates are one of the seven species with which the Land of Israel is blessed. Palm trees provide shade in the heat. They are a symbol of the Land of Israel.

Kotel ( כֹּתֶל ) - Western Wall

The Kotel is the holiest place for Jews today. It is the last remnant of our holy temple in Jerusalem. Many people come here to pray and post small notes with wishes in the wall. The Kotel is like a large, open-air synagogue.

Har Chermon (הַר חֶרְמוֹן) - Mount Hermon

Mount Hermon is the highest mountain in Israel. In winter, there's snow here, and you can ski. From its summit, you can see far across the Land of Israel. The mountain is like a white sentinel in northern Israel.

Kibbutz (קִבּוּץ) - communal settlement

A kibbutz is like a big family where people live and work together. Everyone shares everything and helps each other. Kibbutz residents often have farms, animals, and a communal dining room. The first kibbutzim helped build the Land of Israel.

Falafel (פַלָאפֶל) - falafel

Falafel are small, round balls made from chickpeas that are fried until crispy. They are a favorite food of many Israelis and are usually served in pita bread. Falafel are kosher and healthy. You can buy them everywhere in Israel.

Chumus (חוּמוּס) - hummus

Hummus is a delicious chickpea spread. It's eaten with almost every meal in Israel. It's dipped in pita bread or eaten with vegetables. Hummus is freshly prepared and very healthy.

Tzabar (צַבָּר) - Prickly Pear/Sabra

A tzabaar is a sweet fruit that grows on cacti. Israelis born in the country are also called tzabarim because they are prickly on the outside but sweet on the inside. These cacti and their fruit can be seen everywhere in Israel.

HaTikvah (הַתִּקְוָה) - Hope

Hatikvah is the song of all Israelis—our national anthem. It speaks of the Jewish hope of returning to their own land. When the anthem is played, everyone stands. The song makes us proud of our country.

Kinneret (כִּנֶּרֶת) - Sea of Galilee

The Kinneret is Israel's largest freshwater lake. It resembles a harp (kinnor), hence its name. The water that many people in Israel drink comes from the Kinneret. The lake has always been an important place for the Jewish people.

Kippah (כִּפָּה) - Kippah

The kippah is a small, round head covering worn by Jewish men and boys. It reminds us that God is above us. It comes in many different colors and patterns. The kippah shows that we are Jewish.

Shuk (שׁוּק) - Market

The Shuk is a lively market with many stalls. Here you can find fresh fruit, spices, sweets, and much more. It's loud and colorful, and you can hear many different languages. In the Shuk, you get to know the real Israel.

Eged (אֶגֶד) - Bus

Eged is the largest bus company in Israel. Its green buses travel throughout the country. Eged buses allow you to travel from one city to another. The buses connect all parts of the country.

Aliyah (עֲלִיָּה) - immigration to Israel

Aliyah means "ascent" and refers to immigration to Israel. When Jews from other countries move to Israel, it is called "making aliyah." Every Jew in the world has the right to make aliyah.

Rimon (רִמּוֹן) - pomegranate

The pomegranate is a special fruit with many red seeds. It is one of the symbols of the Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashanah). It is said to have 613 seeds, like the 613 mitzvot (commandments) in the Torah. The pomegranate is also one of the seven species of the Land of Israel.