Berakhah
/bɛˈrɑːxɑː/noun
A Hebrew blessing or benediction, especially one recited in prayer or as a formula of praise.
Did you know?In Jewish tradition, a berakhah is not just a nice sentiment: it is a formal act of sanctifying speech, and many blessings begin with the ancient formula “Barukh atah…” (“Blessed are You…”).
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Semitic
PS
*brk
“to bless; to kneel”
Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew
בְּרָכָה (berakhah)
“a blessing; praise; a blessing formula”
Late Antiquity
Hebrew/Aramaic
בְּרָכָא / בִּרְכְּתָא
“blessing, benediction in Jewish and related Semitic usage”
Modern English
English
berakhah
“a Jewish blessing or blessing prayer”
Explore more surprising origins