How Do You Spell TERUMAH?

Pronunciation: [tˈɛɹuːmə] (IPA)

Terumah is a Hebrew word that is often pronounced as "Ter-oo-mah". In the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription, the word is written as /tɛruˈma/. The first syllable is pronounced as "teh", with a short "e" sound, and the second syllable is pronounced as "roo", with a long "u" sound. The final syllable is pronounced as "ma", with a short "a" sound. The word Terumah refers to a biblical offering of a portion of a harvest or flock to a religious authority.

TERUMAH Meaning and Definition

1. Terumah is a Hebrew term that holds significant meaning in Jewish religious practice and tradition. In the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the Book of Exodus, terumah refers to a specific portion or donation given to the priests, the descendants of Aaron, by the Israelites. This donation, usually in the form of agricultural produce, was considered holy and set apart for the service of God in the Tabernacle or Temple.

   Etymologically, the term terumah is derived from the Hebrew root "ramah," which means to elevate or lift up. The act of giving terumah was seen as an act of elevation, both physically and spiritually. The offering was meant to sanctify and elevate the material world by setting aside a portion for God.

   Terumah is not limited to agricultural produce but also includes other offerings of value, such as silver, gold, or livestock. The importance of terumah lies in its voluntary nature, as it was given willingly by individuals as an expression of gratitude and devotion to God. It was a symbol of their acknowledgement that all possessions ultimately belong to God and that they were giving back a small portion to support the priestly service.

   In contemporary Jewish practice, terumah is no longer given directly to the priests since the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. However, the concept of terumah continues to be relevant as a metaphorical gesture of giving back and setting aside a portion for God within the realm of religious and ethical obligations.

Etymology of TERUMAH

The word "terumah" (תְּרוּמָה) is a Hebrew term that has its origins in the Hebrew Bible (the Torah). The etymology of the word can be traced back to the Hebrew root רִימָה (rimah), which means "to lift up" or "to elevate".

In the biblical context, "terumah" refers to a type of offering or contribution given by the Israelites for various sacred purposes. It was a voluntary gift brought by individuals to the tabernacle or the temple, and it could include offerings of grain, animals, or other valuable items.

The concept of terumah can also symbolize the act of uplifting or elevating oneself spiritually by making a sacred offering.