Hebrew name for US "Lands of the Covenant" remains mystery

IMRA ^ | 1-12-05

[SJackson]

Hebrew name for US "Lands of the Covenant" remains mystery Aaron Lerner Date: 11 January 2005

The United States is called "Lands of the Covenant" (Artzot Habrit) in Hebrew.

It is commonly thought that this name was given in order to avoid confusion with the Hebrew name for the United Nations.

IMRA asked Israel Radio's "Moment of Hebrew" program for the source of the name.

They find that the term appears in Hebrew papers as early as 1857 - in the Hamagid L'Israel weekly.

[nmh]

Thanks for replying - it was well worth the wait!

;)

Best Regards too!

[timestax]

ping

[Danae]

Makes sense if you think of the constitution as a covenant between the Government and her peoples. Thereby the "Lands" (states) "of the Covenant" (United as separate lands under one agreement, the constitution). Kinda cool really.

[timestax]

bttt

[brazzaville]

Good morning.

The Covenant books were absolutely the most depressing works of fiction I have ever read. I read the entire series and asked myself why after each book.

By the end of the last one I was feeling so bummed that I quit reading entirely for at least a week. I think I was embarrassed that I had continued to read something that just made me want to curl up in a fetal position in a dark room.

Oh well, lessons learned.

[timestax]

bumperoonie

[timestax]

bttt

[gobucks]

WOuld you mind putting back on your ping list?

Many thanks.

[gobucks]

Thank you for this post.

[The Red Zone]

Artzot HaBrit is quite apt. The Artzot -- "lands" (states) are United in a common Covenant (Brit) - the Constitution.

I'd wonder if the name goes back in American Jewish scholarship well before the founding of the modern land of Israel, after all there is a biblical command to Jews to pray to God for the welfare of whatever nation they are in, and they would need a name for the country in order to do so in the liturgical Hebrew.

But anyone who knows the history could perhaps enlighten us.

[colonialhk]

See the reports of a five legged calf...oh dear

[Bear_Slayer]

Could this mean the covenant the US has always had with/about Israel?

More accurately, it could mean "Land of the New Covenant, for America's Christian heritage.

[SJackson]

I'd wonder if the name goes back in American Jewish scholarship well before the founding of the modern land of Israel...

Per the article, earliest known use.

They find that the term appears in Hebrew papers as early as 1857 - in the Hamagid L'Israel weekly.

[gobucks]

I read through about half the link; once again, I must say thanks. One branch of my family is linked to the Mayflower...; but if someone were to ask me why that was a big deal, I wouldn't have had much to say. Now, at least, I have a tidbit.

[Drammach]

Now, at least, I have a tidbit.

More than a tidbit..
When you finish reading the link you will realize that, beginning with the Mayflower Compact, the essence of the American Constitution is born..
Winthrop, especially, outlines the idea that it is more the people's covenant with God than those mundane contractual agreements among men that must govern our actions and determine our responsibilities..

I am glad you have found something of use in the article..
It was hoped it would help to clarify some of the questions that arose in this thread..

[Eepsy]

As someone who just finished the first book, and is about to start the second, I'd like to thank you for spoiling the ending for me.



Do I really need a "/sarc" tag, here?

[righttackle44]

"Maybe because that is where Indiana Jones brought the Arc??"

Is that the arc on the end of the welding torch? (J/K)

[Bella_Bru]

I had leaned that Covenant in this case meant the binding together of the states with the Constitution.

[Bella_Bru]

More accurately, it could mean "Land of the New Covenant, for America's Christian heritage. Nope, Jews aren't really into Replacement Theology.

[Sloth]

It is commonly thought that this name was given in order to avoid confusion with the Hebrew name for the United Nations.

Unlikely, since the UN has only been around since, what, WWII?