Quick Answer: How to Say Christmas in Hebrew
Christmas in Hebrew is:
Meaning: Festival of the Birth
How to Pronounce Chag HaMolad
The Hebrew phrase חג המולד (Chag HaMolad) is pronounced khag hah-moh-LAHD.
Pronunciation Breakdown
- חג (chag) - Sounds like "khag" (the "ch" is a guttural sound like in "Bach", the "a" as in "father")
- המולד (ha-molad) - "hah-moh-LAHD" (the "ha" means "the", "mo" as in "mow", "lad" as in "ladder", emphasis on the final syllable)
Stress: The emphasis is on the final syllable: khag hah-moh-LAHD
Practice Saying Chag HaMolad
Try saying it slowly: khag (pause) hah-moh-LAHD
Then say it faster: khag hah-moh-LAHD
Tip: The "ch" in "chag" is a guttural sound made in the back of the throat, similar to the "ch" in the German "Bach" or Scottish "loch."
What Does Chag HaMolad Mean?
The phrase חג המולד (Chag HaMolad) literally means "Festival of the Birth" or "Holiday of the Birth." Let's break it down:
🎉 חג (Chag)
Festival, holiday, or feast. This word is used for all major Jewish holidays and celebrations.
ה (Ha)
The definite article "the" in Hebrew. It's attached to the beginning of the next word.
👶 מולד (Molad)
Birth, nativity, or the act of being born. This word comes from the root י.ל.ד (y.l.d) meaning "to give birth."
Key Insight: Chag HaMolad is a modern Hebrew phrase specifically created to refer to Christmas. The word מולד (molad) comes from the root י.ל.ד (y.l.d), which means "to give birth" or "to bear." This same root appears in the Hebrew Bible in connection with the birth of important figures, making it a fitting term for celebrating the birth of Jesus.
How to Use Chag HaMolad
Chag HaMolad is used to refer to Christmas in Hebrew. Here's how to use it in various contexts:
1. In Greetings
Common ways to greet someone during Christmas:
Merry Christmas: חג מולד שמח (Chag Molad Sameach) - "Happy Festival of Birth"
Happy Christmas: חג המולד שמח (Chag HaMolad Sameach)
Note: "Sameach" (שמח) means "happy" or "joyful" and is commonly used in Hebrew holiday greetings.
2. In Conversation
Using Chag HaMolad in everyday speech:
When is Christmas? מתי חג המולד? (Matai Chag HaMolad?)
I celebrate Christmas: אני חוגג את חג המולד (Ani chogeg et Chag HaMolad)
Christmas is coming: חג המולד מגיע (Chag HaMolad magi'a)
3. Biblical Context
While Christmas itself is not mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, the concept of birth (molad) and the root word appear in significant biblical passages:
Isaiah 9:6:
כִּי יֶלֶד יֻלַּד לָנוּ
ki yeled yulad lanu
"For to us a child is born"
The word יֻלַּד (yulad) comes from the same root as molad, meaning "he was born." This prophetic verse points to the birth of the Messiah.
Biblical Significance of Birth (Molad)
While Christmas is a Christian holiday not found in the Hebrew Bible, the concept of birth and the root word י.ל.ד (y.l.d) appear throughout Scripture in connection with significant births:
Isaiah 9:6 - A Child is Born
כִּי יֶלֶד יֻלַּד לָנוּ בֵּן נִתַּן לָנוּ
ki yeled yulad lanu, ben nitan lanu
"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given"
This Messianic prophecy uses the root י.ל.ד (y.l.d) to describe the birth of the coming Messiah, making it deeply significant for Christians celebrating Christmas.
Micah 5:2 - Birth in Bethlehem
וּמִמִּךְ יֵצֵא לִי אֲשֶׁר יִהְיֶה מוֹשֵׁל בְּיִשְׂרָאֵל
umimkha yetze li asher yihyeh moshel beYisrael
"From you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel"
This prophecy about the ruler coming from Bethlehem connects to the Christmas story of Jesus' birth in that city.
Practical Tips for Using Chag HaMolad
How to Practice
- Practice pronunciation: Say "khag hah-moh-LAHD" slowly, emphasizing the final syllable
- Use it in greetings: Try saying "Chag Molad Sameach" (חג מולד שמח) to wish someone a Merry Christmas
- Learn the root: Study words from the root י.ל.ד (y.l.d) to understand the concept of birth in Hebrew
- Study biblical passages: Look up Isaiah 9:6 and other verses about birth to see the root in context
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