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Parashat Derachim

Literally and Idiomatically: Crossroads / intersection

This phrase can refer to an actual crossroads or to a turning point in one's life. It is similar to the term "Tsomet Derachim" which is a place that two roads meet. The phrase comes from a wonderful story in the Talmud (Eruvin 53b) where Rabbi Yehoshua bar Chanina finds a child at a crossroads and asks him which is the shortest road to town. The word "Parash" (root: Pei-Reish-Shin פ'ר'ש) means to separate (Ethics 2:4). It can also be used to describe someone who quits (separates from) his job – "Parash MeiAvodato."

הוא מצע את עצמנו על פרשת דרכים.

"Hu matsa et atzmo al parashat derachim." He found himself at a crossroads.

This phrase always reminds me of the poem "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost. Or in Hebrew "השביל שלא נבחר".

In any case, be careful to look both ways.

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