Mizrach
/ˈmɪz.rɑːx/noun
A Hebrew term for east, especially a decorative sign indicating the direction of Jerusalem for Jewish prayer.
Did you know?The word comes from the Hebrew root ז־ר־ח, meaning “to rise” or “shine,” linking east with the daily appearance of the sun and with sacred orientation.
Etymological Timeline
Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew
מִזְרָח (mizrāḥ)
“East; the direction of sunrise, from a root meaning “to rise” or “shine””
Late Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew
זָרַח (zāraḥ)
“Rose, shone, or appeared—especially of the sun”
Rabbinic Hebrew
Hebrew
מִזְרָח (mizrāḥ)
“East, including the direction used for religious orientation”
Medieval Jewish tradition
Hebrew/Yiddish usage
Mizrach
“An inscription or plaque marking the eastern wall, directing worshippers toward Jerusalem”
19th Century
English
mizrach
“A Jewish decorative sign indicating the east or the direction of Jerusalem”
Modern English
English
mizrach
“A Jewish wall plaque or artistic object bearing the word “east,” often used to indicate the direction of prayer”