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Hebrew Slang: 15 Words and Expressions You Should Know

Hebrew Slang: 15 Words and Expressions You Should Know

That are unique to Israeli culture and society.

Joshua Hoffman's avatar
Joshua Hoffman
Nov 17, 2022
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Future of Jewish
Hebrew Slang: 15 Words and Expressions You Should Know
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Future of Jewish is an audience-supported publication by people passionate about the Jewish future. To receive new premium content and support our mission to make Judaism one of the world’s bright spots, become a subscriber!

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When I moved to Israel in 2013, I was shocked at how an entire society functions in Hebrew — a language I had, for the first 23 years of my life, relegated to synagogues.

The only time I heard the language, growing up, was in some form of prayer or another. But now, in Israel, I was encountering Hebrew in rap songs, train stations, advertisements, doctors’ offices, TV shows, and dance clubs. It blew me away.

As I learned the modern-day language, I came across a variety of slang words and expressions that are unique to Israeli culture and society. Here are 15 of them you should know:

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