חַג מוֹלָד שָׂמֵחַ
Chag Molad Same'ach
“Merry Christmas”
Chag Molad Same'ach (חַג מוֹלָד שָׂמֵחַ) is a Hebrew phrase meaning “merry christmas,” pronounced “khag mo-LAD sa-ME-akh.” The literal translation is “happy holiday of the birth.” Used by Hebrew-speaking Christians and when wishing Christian friends a Merry Christmas in Hebrew.
| Hebrew | חַג מוֹלָד שָׂמֵחַ |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Chag Molad Same'ach |
| English Meaning | Merry Christmas |
| Literal Translation | Happy holiday of the birth |
| Pronunciation | khag mo-LAD sa-ME-akh |
| Category | Celebrations & Holidays |
| Origin | Modern Hebrew. The phrase combines the biblical 'chag' (festival/holiday) with 'molad' (birth, from the root י-ל-ד meaning to give birth) and 'same'ach' (happy/joyful). It was coined to give Hebrew-speaking Christians a native way to express the Christmas greeting. |
Christmas in the Holy Land has a texture found nowhere else on earth. In Bethlehem, worshippers descend into the Church of the Nativity to touch the silver star marking the traditional birthplace of Jesus. In Nazareth, Arabic-speaking Christians process through the streets. And in Hebrew, the greeting is Chag Molad Same'ach — literally 'Happy Birth Holiday.' The word molad means 'birth' or 'nativity,' giving the greeting a directness that 'Merry Christmas' (with its obscured meaning of 'Christ's Mass') lacks. For the growing community of Hebrew-speaking Christians in Israel, this phrase bridges ancient faith and modern language.
Where Does “Chag Molad Same'ach” Come From?
Modern Hebrew. The phrase combines the biblical 'chag' (festival/holiday) with 'molad' (birth, from the root י-ל-ד meaning to give birth) and 'same'ach' (happy/joyful). It was coined to give Hebrew-speaking Christians a native way to express the Christmas greeting.
When and How to Say “Chag Molad Same'ach”
Used by Hebrew-speaking Christians in Israel, by Israelis wishing their Christian friends well, and in interfaith settings. Less commonly heard than English 'Merry Christmas' in Israel, since Christmas is primarily celebrated by Arab Christians, foreign workers, and the small Hebrew-speaking Christian community.
Cultural Context of Chag Molad Same'ach
Christmas in Israel is primarily an Arab Christian celebration, centered in cities like Nazareth and Bethlehem. Hebrew-speaking Israelis generally don't celebrate Christmas, but Israeli culture has become more familiar with it through globalization. The Jaffa Road area in Jerusalem and the German Colony in Haifa display Christmas decorations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say “Merry Christmas” in Hebrew?
“Merry Christmas” in Hebrew is Chag Molad Same'ach (חַג מוֹלָד שָׂמֵחַ), pronounced “khag mo-LAD sa-ME-akh.” The literal translation is “Happy holiday of the birth.” Used by Hebrew-speaking Christians and when wishing Christian friends a Merry Christmas in Hebrew.
How do you pronounce Chag Molad Same'ach?
Chag Molad Same'ach is pronounced “khag mo-LAD sa-ME-akh.” The literal meaning is “Happy holiday of the birth.”
Do Israelis celebrate Christmas?
Most Jewish Israelis do not celebrate Christmas, but Israel's Arab Christian minority (about 2% of the population) celebrates it with deep devotion, especially in Nazareth and Bethlehem. A small but growing community of Hebrew-speaking Christians also celebrates. Secular Israelis may participate in 'Novy God' (Russian New Year) traditions brought by immigrants.
What is Christmas called in Hebrew?
Christmas in Hebrew is called 'Chag HaMolad' (חַג הַמּוֹלָד), meaning 'The Festival of the Birth/Nativity.' The word molad comes from the root י-ל-ד (to give birth). It's a straightforward, descriptive name that focuses on the birth of Jesus rather than using a transliteration.
Where is Christmas celebrated in Israel?
The main Christmas celebrations are in Nazareth (Jesus's childhood home) and Bethlehem (birthplace). Nazareth hosts a spectacular Christmas market and procession. Bethlehem's Manger Square draws tens of thousands. Haifa and Jaffa also have notable celebrations. Jerusalem's Christian Quarter has midnight mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
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