[Messianic Jews Net]

1) Bnei Kohath (buh NAY kuh HAHTH), sons of Kohath (who was the son of Levi), singular Ben Kohath (BAIN kuh HAHTH). This was the clan who carried the ark with the holy book. Synonym: Kohathi (ko huth EE), Kohathites. Kohath himself may be translated as ally (noun) or confederate (noun or adjective). Numbers 3-4. (Spelled beth nun yod, qof he taw.)

2) Shomrim Torah (shome REEM tor RAH), law keepers, singular Shomer Torah (show MARE tor RAH); or same with Hatorah (ha means the). This is a more generic word meaning any obedient one(s) because they keep or guard the Torah. Torah really means instruction rather than law, which is nice if the business's holy book is an instruction manual. (Shin mem resh yod mem-sofith, taw waw resh he.)

3) Knesseth Hagdolah (kuh NESS eth hog doh LAH), great assembly (like Israel's congress the Knesset); usually requires the ha. This is the Talmudic name (Aboth 1.1-2) for the protectors of the Torah after Ezra, until the Times of the Messiah (cf. Daniel 9:26 for that). (Kaf nun samech taw, he gimel daleth lamed he.)

Much as I like the others, I recommend Knesset(h) Hagdolah as the most Dilbertesque expression of your concept (predecessors of sofrim/scribes, somewhat looseleaf compilers when you consider the Apocrypha, etc.). To them is ascribed the compilation of Daniel, Esther, Ezekiel, and the Scroll of the Twelve Prophets. Israel-lovers will like the "big Knesset" meaning. Shalom.

[freedumb2003]

Thanks so much!

I keep learning (inadvertent, but ain't that best kind?)

Shalom!