Learning a new language starts with basics: “hello, my name is ….” “do you speak English?” … the all-important “where is the bathroom?” Or the one that always gives me a chuckle when I say it in Hebrew, “I’m sorry, I don’t speak Hebrew.”

There is so much practice, way too many grammar rules (not my specialty) and lengthy lists of words to memorize. I listen to advertisements and kid shows on tv and while I don’t understand very much, I feel as if I’m getting somewhere because here and there I can actually distinguish an individual word. This is no small feat given the supersonic speed of spoken Hebrew.

There are times when I have to guilt-trip myself into spending the minuscule at least 10 minutes a day I promised I would commit to learning Hebrew. So many people here speak English that I certainly could survive if I never learned another Hebrew word or phrase, especially those in the language app such as “The cat does not want a cucumber sandwich for lunch.” Can’t wait to use that one somewhere….

But then, unexpected, a small portal opens – a doorway into speaking the language not with my brain, but with my soul. Hebrew words that resonate from Jewish ritual and studying Torah seep into the meanings of everyday words and phrases. I learn something that isn’t necessary to speak the language correctly, but is important for becoming part of the culture itself. (See my earlier post on the word Shalom.)

I have known how to say good morning in Hebrew for quite a while (boker tov). But just the other day I learned how to respond when someone says that to me – not from a textbook or app, but from experiencing life. When wishing someone boker tov, it is common to have them respond boker or, which means “morning light.”

That makes my heart sing. What an absolutely lovely way to respond – by turning what might otherwise remain just a polite social interaction into a blessing for light to shine in our lives on this day.

(c)2026marthahurwitz