From Bible to Buzzword
(Spines, 2025)
From Bible to Buzzword, an exciting new book by Dr. Avraham Roos, explores the fascinating journey of Torah portions, Jewish festivals, and Haftarah readings as sources of modern English words and expressions. This collection uncovers the deep-rooted connections between ancient scriptures and everyday language, tracing familiar terms like "scapegoat", "amen", "abracadabra", "jacket", and "macabre" back to their Hebrew origins. Whether you're a Torah reader seeking new insights, an educator sparking classroom debate, or simply a lover of language, this book offers a rich, pluralistic exploration of how biblical texts have shaped the way we speak today.
Reviews
Readers Say
“In a time when many seek fresh ways to connect with Torah texts and Jewish tradition, this book adds a lively and original voice to the conversation”
Chief Rabbi of Ireland, Rabbi Yoni Wieder
"Perfect for educators, linguists, and anyone curious about the divine fingerprints on language"
Rabbi Leo Dee, Author of Eco Bible: An Ecological Commentary.
Efrat, Israel
Dr. Avraham J. Roos uncovers the hidden linguistic links between the Hebrew Torah and the everyday English we speak. From Bible to Buzzwords is a revelatory journey through etymology, culture, and faith, offering fresh insights into how biblical Hebrew has shaped our modern vernacular.
Structured around the parashat hashavua, this book is both a scholarly treasure and an accessible guide—perfect for educators, linguists, and anyone curious about the divine fingerprints on language.
Dr. Roos’s engaging language and fascinating research make this work extremely valuable for Torah study groups, classrooms, and interfaith dialogues. A brilliant fusion of scholarship and storytelling that will leave readers seeing words—and the weekly Torah portion—in a whole new light.
I feel honored that Dr. Roos, who was one of the lecturers at Herzog Academic College at the time my late wife Lucy z”l studied there, has decided to include a tribute to her in this wonderful book.
“I encourage anyone seeking to deepen their appreciation of both scripture and language to delve into this enlightening read”
Colonel Rabbi D.M. Sebbag Chief Chaplain (Jewish) NL Armed Forces The Netherlands
As a rabbi deeply invested in both tradition and the dynamics of contemporary language, I wholeheartedly endorse “From Bible to Buzzword.” This remarkable work offers a captivating exploration of the relationship between each week's parasha and the evolution of the English language.
The author skillfully weaves together ancient wisdom and modern vernacular, illuminating how biblical themes continue to resonate in our everyday speech. This book not only enriches our understanding of the Torah's timeless teachings but also highlights the profound influence of these texts on our cultural discourse.
I encourage anyone seeking to deepen their appreciation of both scripture and language to delve into this enlightening read.
“By revealing the connections between Biblical Hebrew and contemporary English, the author educates and entertains, all while remaining grounded in mainstream linguistic theory.”
Rabbi Gil Student Editor, TorahMusings.com
“I really appreciate the interdisciplinary approach: alongside classic etymology the book touches on translation history, sociolinguistics, and cultural semantics.”
Dr. Angelina Firstein (geb. Keuschnig)
Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiterin
Professur Germanistische Linguistik und Sprachdidaktik
Germanistisches Institut Ruhr-Universität Bochum
Germany
The author has made this academic subject feel inviting and accessible for readers of all
backgrounds.
I really appreciate the interdisciplinary approach: alongside classic etymology, the book touches on translation history, sociolinguistics, and cultural semantics. Even technical topics like the "schwa" are unpacked in a way that links linguistic theory to vivid examples, especially nice for readers without a background in linguistics.
This book shows how phrases we take for granted - let my people go, give up the ghost, babble - carry deep biblical and linguistic legacies. I can easily see teachers using it to spark classroom discussions, perhaps interdisciplinary lessons that connect language, history, and culture in a fresh way.
Overall, it’s an excellent case study of how language preserves, transforms, and transmits cultural and religious narratives across centuries.