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Sprechen Hebrew?
I love foreign languages, and like to use them whenever I can. Recently I was playing a round of disc golf with my friend Dave (Doc) who is Jewish. At one point he handed me one of my discs that was laying on the ground and I responded with a prompt "danke" ('thank you' in German). The comedy of me saying "thank you" in German to a Jew didn't quite hit me, but evidently he caught it and replied "bevakasha". Having no idea what bevakasha meant, or even what language it was, I inquired of him. Doc then told me that bevakasha means "you're welcome" in Hebrew, at this point the joke hit and I started laughing pretty badly.
So today I have broadened my understanding of Hebrew to four words:
Shalom (greeting/peace)
Bevakasha (please/you're welcome)
Toda Roba (thank you very much)
Hesed (compassion)
I probably won't be able to carry on a conversation in Hebrew anytime soon, but every bit counts. At least now I don't have to say "thank you" in German when I am speaking to my Jewish friends. 
4 comments
Ryan...you crack me up. I am so glad that "Doc" could laugh along with you - - or did he?
ood gay ay day o tay ou yay on say
"ood gay ay day o tay ou yay on say"
My thoughts exactly.
He lauged, it was funny for both of us.
Wow, I was totally unaware of that!
Thanks!
Hesed is one of the most important concepts from the Old Testament carried forward into the New Testament.
It was part of every contractual relationship between humans and between humans and God. Consider the Samaritan, the woman at the well, the woman who tugged at Jesus' hem believing she would be healed. They each received hesed. I know that my relationship with God is dependent on His hesed for me!
The coolest thing I remember about hesed is this - it is an act that is never completed. One must "practice" hesed not "do" hesed. Practice implies our own imperfections and the need to continuously improve.
Gwillberto! Thanks for reminding me of hesed.
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