im eshkachech yerushalayim, tishkach yemini

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Definitions

  • sent. 'If I forget you, Jerusalem, let my right hand forget how to work'.

Example Sentences

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Languages of Origin

  • Textual Hebrew

Etymology

  • TH אם אשכחך ירושלים תשכח ימיני 'im eshkakhekh yerushalim eshkakh yemini' "If I forget you, Jerusalem, I will forget my right [hand]."

      • Who Uses This

      • Religious: Jews who are engaged in religious observance and have some Jewish education

      Regions

      • North America

      Dictionaries

      • The Joys of Hebrew, by Lewis Glinert (New York, 1992).

      Alternative Spellings

      im eshkochech yerusholayim, tishkach yemini, im eshkakhekh yerushalim eshkakh yemini

Notes

  • Originating in Psalm 137, these words are a classic representation of Jewish longing for Zion from the Diaspora. The expression is also recited at weddings as an expression of devotion to Jerusalem as well as to one's betrothed.

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