As we say farewell to 2009 and become excited about 2010, is it appropriate to say Shana Tovah? Can I wish a fellow Jew happy new years in Hebrew? Or is that something that is reserved only for Rosh Hashanah and the Jewish New Year?
Is it bad taste to take a Jewish New Year wishes and use it again during a secular New Year?
I tried googling it and found no references. Surely I’m not the first to ask this? Perhaps some folks who are more “learned” than I am can answer that question.
In any case–Happy New Years! Shana Tovah! May the new year bring you and your family peace and blessings! May 2010 be only the first of many prosperous love-filled years ahead.
Advertisement
December 31, 2009 at 8:34 pm |
Hmmm. Interesting question. I think it’s a language question, not a religious one. If I use the language of Hebrew to say Happy New Year does that mean I’m an Israeli? Clearly not. If I say Happy New Year in ASL, am I deaf? You get my point? So the language we use is just our way of conveying a message and has nothing to do with the religion.
That’s my 2c.
Shana tova! Happy New Year! Bonne Année Feliz Año Nuevo
Gott Nytt Ar
See: http://www.freelang.net/expressions/newyear.php for how to say it in many languages!
Hugs,
Aunt Judy
January 6, 2010 at 4:17 am |
Shana tova! I hope 2010 is off to a great start for you.
January 6, 2010 at 3:44 pm |
To my fellow Jews I would say: Shana Tova and then Happy New Year.
To my Gentile friends I am then saying: Happy New Year and afterward Shana Tova.
That is simple!
January 7, 2010 at 3:45 am |
Actually it is Hebrew pronunciation. Shana means “Year” and Tovah means “Good” Click the link below for your more information.
http://www.dmmmedia.com/shanatova/
January 11, 2010 at 2:02 am |
Compliment for Dave for showing Hebrew characters (letters) the beautiful way!