So not only are there all these
Hebrew words and phrases that people expect you to understand, there are ABBREVIATIONS for them. In Hebrew, and, thanks to Facebook and texting, in English. Yes. That’s right. Obscure Hebrew and Yiddish phrases, abbreviated into English. What, you find that confusing?
So for the benefit of all my readers, here goes:
*Note: the quotation marks are an approximation of two small lines that appear in the Hebrew abbreviations, similar to the apostrophe used for a contraction in English. The difference is that these abbreviations are not really contractions OR abbreviations, but rather acronyms. However, in Facebook and textese, the quote marks are generally dropped. What, you find that confusing?
1. BDE
It stands for:
Baruch dayan emes, which means “Blessed is the true judge” in Hebrew.
Usage:
This phrase is used when you’ve heard that someone has passed away. The following Facebook post, for example: “So sorry to hear about your grandpa! BDE! How are you guys doing??”
When you are in the know, you will know exactly what happened to Grandpa and not be stuck posting things like: “???” “What happened??” “Does he need help?”
The significance:
Judaism teaches that we must bless God for the bad as well as the good. Quintessential bad news is that someone has died; therefore the custom has arisen to bless God, as the true Judge, even when the news is truly lousy.
2. BSH”T or BSHT”UM or some such combo
It stands for:
B’shaah tova, which is Hebrew for “may it be in a good [fortunate] moment,” or “Bshaah tova u’mutzlachas/t” which means “may it be in a good and successful moment.”
Usage:
This phrase is used when you hear that someone is pregnant, or when they tell you they are. NOTE: Not when you see someone and think they’re pregnant. Just ignore that thought right off the bat. Example:
Text – hey do u know any birthing coaches im like due any day
Reply – seriously!!! bsht! I had no clue!
The significance:
Most people think you wish “Mazel tov” here but that is actually an error. Mazel tov is said when the baby is born – the notion here is that we, ah, don’t count our chickens before they hatch. Put another way, it’s considered presumptious to just assume that everything will be fine – so we wish that when the good news does, actually happen – it should be just the right time, not too soon and not too late.
3. B”H, IY”H, B”N – see #1, 2, 3 respectively here.
4. BS”D
It stands for:
B’siyata d’shmaya, which is Aramaic (oh yeah, I forgot to mention there is a third language to contend with here…) for “with the help of Heaven.”
Usage:
This phrase is used in abbreviated form in either Hebrew or English letters at the top of a page to indicate that the work or planning that went into whatever is written on the paper was done with God’s help; or it’s used conversationally, indicating that God’s help is needed in our lives.
Example: “The whole renovation was literally b’siyata d’shmaya – every time I needed to pick something out, I found it on sale somewhere!”
The significance:
Judaism teaches that we need God’s help for success in any endeavor. This phrase reminds us and others that we don’t take credit for our achievements – God’s help was and is key.
5. ZT”L/OBM/A”H
I KNOW THESE DO NOT LOOK LIKE SYNONYMS.
They don’t even look remotely related. Yet they all refer to roughly the same thing.
It stands for:
ZT”L: Zecher tzaddik l’vracha – Hebrew for “may the righteous one be remembered for a blessing.” Used more when referencing a known scholar or Torah sage.
OBM – Of blessed memory. That was an easy one.
A”H: Alav (or aleha) hashalom – Hebrew for “may peace rest upon him/her” – you got it, it’s what we say when referencing someone that has passed away.
Usage:
This phrase is used both in speech and writing. You may notice the ubiquitous OBM on a yahrtzeit plaque, whereas ZTL or AH would appear in a publication more geared for the Hebrew-and-Yiddish-familiar-public. Example: can’t believe today is my grandpa’s ah yarhtzeit already… miss him so much!!!
The significance:
Judaism teaches that a person who passes away does not disappear – his/her memory brings blessings to the world. Also, his/her soul, we pray, finds peace in the world to come. Yes, Judaism believes in heaven and hell – another talk for another day.
6. FFB
It stands for:
Frum from birth. “Frum” is a Yiddish word that is synonymous with religiously observant, or Orthodox.
Usage:
This phrase is used identify oneself as having grown up Orthodox one’s whole life, as opposed to BT – see #7.
The significance:
Not so much significance here, other than eating your pasta with ketchup instead of marinara and drinking seltzer and having pizza with fries (I’m learning). Also talking like a New Yorker even if you’re not one, and bungling various prepositions due to your ancestors having spoken Yiddish as their first language.
7. BT
It stands for:
Baal teshuva, or baalas/t teshuva. This literally means “master of return” – returning to one’s authentic self, or to the ways of one’s ancestors. It refers to someone who becomes observant in their adult life.
Usage:
“Hey – are you FFB or BT?”
Note: some people don’t mind being organized this way, and some do. If you find that people are vague while you’re trying to play Jewish geography, keep this in mind. Some people find their background and history cool, and some would rather bury some of the memories. Tread carefully.
The significance:
Judaism teaches that people who make significant changes in their lives in order to reach a deeper spiritual place, will merit unprecedented reward. I find that kind of cool. I get no credit for bypassing McDonald’s, but someone who still craves it, gets lots.
That having been said, I’ll wish you all a lovely Shabbat… ttyl, ffb’s, bt’s, and jig (jews in general)!
