lechem mishne

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Definitions

  • n. The two loaves of bread required for the blessing over bread on Shabbat.

Example Sentences

  • "Did you bring enough for all the guests to bless over lechem mishne?"

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Languages of Origin

  • Textual Hebrew

Etymology

  • לחם משנה lehem mishne 'double bread'

      • Who Uses This

      • Orthodox: Jews who identify as Orthodox and observe halacha (Jewish law)

      Regions

      • North America

      Dictionaries

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

      Alternative Spellings

      lehem mishna, lechem mishna, lehem mishne, lechem mishneh, lehem mishneh

Notes

  • "When the Israelites wandered in the desert following the Exodus and until they entered the Promised Land, G‑d provided them daily with heavenly manna. In order to enable the Jews to observe Shabbat (and not have to carry and prepare the manna on the Day of rest), G‑d provided them with a double portion on Friday. To commemorate this miracle, the Sages instituted that we break bread over two complete loaves at the start of every Shabbat meal." (source)

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