by
Rabbi Michael Laitner

Parshat Ki Tisa

Q: Should we speak Hebrew today?

'This they shall give, every one included in the census, a half shekel of the shekel of the sanctuary - a shekel is 20 'geras'- half a shekel as an offering for G-d'. (Shemot 30,13)

A: This verse is the source for a fascinating discussion between Rambam (Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon, also known as Maimonides) and Ramban (Rabbi Moshe ben Nachman, also known as Ramban), two of the most prominent medieval rabbis, as to the sanctity of the Hebrew language. Where do the words ‘shekel’ and ‘gerah’ originate from? Why does the shekel need defining in the verse itself? If it is a Hebrew word, what does this tell us about the Hebrew language?

The word ‘shekel’ appears in other places in the Torah, specifically in connection with monetary aspects of certain relevant mitzvoth. Ramban holds that the reason that the Rabbis call the language of the Torah ‘lashon hakodesh’ - the holy language - is because this was the language used for the Torah, the prophecies, and any other communication from G-d. It was also, by extension, a central component of all future Jewish learning.

Conversely, Rambam, in his seminal philosophical work, Guide to the Perplexed, (3:8), is quoted by Ramban, to hold that Hebrew is called ‘lashon hakodesh’, as it is a modest language, which only contains euphemisms for uncouth language. Ramban disagrees, and counters that if this is so, Hebrew should have been called ‘lashon nekiya’ - clean language.

Use of Hebrew as a modern, living language was a controversial issue as Jews returned to live in Israel. Some secularists initially preferred some of the major European languages, while some religious elements did not want Hebrew to be used for the rough and tumble of everyday life. The great linguist, Eliezer Ben Yehuda, revived Hebrew as a spoken language, and established its use amongst the Yishuv (pre-state community). It is now widely spoken by all sectors of the Jewish world.

A good reason to learn more! Check out our ‘ulpan’ on Monday nights, and the Hebrew reading crash courses - after all, it’s your language.