Passing Phrase - www.learnhebrew.org.il
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Neshimah Aruka |
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Literally: A long breath It is pretty common knowledge that when you are tense, the best thing to do is to take a deep breath. Evidently, when under stress, we tend to hold our breath, causing our heart to work harder which raises our blood pressure. The word "Neshima" comes from the verb, "nasham," meaning to take air in and out (Isaiah 44:12). Interestingly enough, there is also a connection with "Neshamah" or soul. One way of stating that someone dies is "Yatzah Nishmato," which can be translated as "one's last breath" or "one's soul left." Neshimah is similar to "nashav" to blow (Isaiah 40:7) though "nashav" is only blowing and not taking anything in which can lead to "kotzer neshima" or breathlessness. In any case, just remember Friday afternoon an hour before Shabbat when your son shows up with two friends which he forgot to warn you about - take a deep breath! |
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