Jewish vs. Hebrew — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 3, 2024
"Jewish" refers to anything related to the religion, culture, or ethnicity of Judaism, whereas "Hebrew" primarily refers to the ancient language of the Jewish people, also used modernly in Israel.
Difference Between Jewish and Hebrew
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Jewish is an adjective that describes aspects related to Judaism, including religious practices, cultural traditions, and the ethnic identity of the Jewish people. In contrast, Hebrew originally refers to the language spoken by the Israelites historically and has been revived as the official language of Israel today.
Judaism, the religion of Jewish people, encompasses a wide range of spiritual and ritual practices based on the Torah. Hebrew, on the other hand, is the language in which much of the Jewish scriptures are written, including significant portions of the Torah and other religious texts.
Someone may identify as Jewish by heritage, participating in customs and traditions passed down through generations. Whereas Hebrew, besides being a language, also historically referred to the people and culture, but in modern times, it is more specifically about the language.
The term "Jewish" can apply to people regardless of their adherence to religious practices; it includes secular Jews who may not actively practice Judaism but still identify with the Jewish culture and people. On the other hand, Hebrew is used linguistically to describe the language used in daily life in Israel, as well as in religious, historical, and academic contexts.
Jewish thought and philosophy encompass a broad spectrum from religious to secular ideologies reflecting the diverse interpretations and practices within Judaism. Meanwhile, Hebrew literature and media reflect both ancient and modern expressions of Jewish life, encompassing religious texts, poetry, modern literature, and journalism.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Related to Judaism (religion, culture, ethnicity)
Language of the Jewish people
Religious Texts
Torah, Talmud
Written predominantly in Hebrew
Identity
Can be religious or cultural
Primarily linguistic
Usage
Describes people, practices, or objects
Used in speaking, writing, liturgy
Historical Context
Dates back to ancient times
Language revived in the 20th century
Compare with Definitions
Jewish
Pertaining to the religion of Judaism.
She observes Jewish holidays like Yom Kippur and Hanukkah.
Hebrew
Modern language of Israel, revived from ancient usage.
Hebrew is taught in various language courses around the world.
Jewish
Describes someone belonging to the Jewish people.
Several of her friends are Jewish.
Hebrew
Pertains to ancient Hebrew people and culture.
Archaeological sites in Israel contain inscriptions in ancient Hebrew.
Jewish
Related to the culture or ethnicity of the Jewish people.
His Jewish heritage is important to his family's traditions.
Hebrew
The Semitic language historically used by the Israelites.
The Hebrew Bible is a foundational text for several religions.
Jewish
Involves the philosophical or scholarly works of Judaism.
He studies Jewish theology at the university.
Hebrew
Used in religious contexts and ceremonies.
Hebrew prayers are recited during synagogue services.
Jewish
Associated with traditional Jewish cuisine.
Bagels and lox are considered classic Jewish foods.
Hebrew
Involves contemporary Hebrew literature and media.
Modern Hebrew literature includes works by authors like Amos Oz.
Jewish
Of or relating to the Jews or their culture or religion.
Hebrew
A member of an ancient Semitic people claiming descent from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; an Israelite.
Jewish
Of or pertaining to the Jews or Hebrews; characteristic of or resembling the Jews or their customs; Israelitish.
Hebrew
A descendant of this people; a Jew.
Jewish
Of, pertaining to, or characteristic of Judaism.
Hebrew
The Semitic language of the ancient Hebrews.
Jewish
Of or relating to Jews or their culture or religion;
He is Jewish
A Jewish wedding
Hebrew
Any of the various later forms of this language, especially the language of the Israelis.
Hebrew
Hebrews (used with a sing. verb) See Table at Bible.
Hebrew
An appellative of Abraham or of one of his descendants, esp. in the line of Jacob; an Israelite; a Jew.
There came one that had escaped and told Abram the Hebrew.
Hebrew
The language of the Hebrews; - one of the Semitic family of languages.
Hebrew
Of or pertaining to the Hebrews; as, the Hebrew language or rites.
Hebrew
The ancient Canaanitic language of the Hebrews that has been revived as the official language of Israel
Hebrew
A person belonging to the worldwide group claiming descent from Jacob (or converted to it) and connected by cultural or religious ties
Hebrew
Of or relating to or characteristic of the Hebrews;
The old Hebrew prophets
Hebrew
Of or relating to the language of the Hebrews;
Hebrew vowels
Common Curiosities
Is Hebrew only used in religious contexts?
While Hebrew has significant religious usage, it is also the everyday language of Israelis and is used in various secular contexts including media and literature.
What role does Hebrew play in Jewish religious practices?
Hebrew is crucial in Jewish religious practices; it is the language of most Jewish prayers and religious texts.
What is the main difference between Jewish and Hebrew?
"Jewish" refers to things related to Judaism—religiously, culturally, or ethnically, while "Hebrew" is primarily the language spoken by the Jewish people.
Are the terms Jewish and Hebrew interchangeable?
No, they are not interchangeable; "Jewish" is a broader term encompassing religion, culture, and ethnicity, while "Hebrew" specifically refers to the language.
Can someone be Jewish but not speak Hebrew?
Yes, a person can be Jewish by religion or ethnicity and not know Hebrew, as Hebrew language proficiency is not a requirement to be Jewish.
How did Hebrew become a modern language?
Hebrew was revived as a modern language in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, becoming the official language of Israel and spoken by millions today.
What does it mean to be culturally Jewish?
Being culturally Jewish means identifying with the customs, traditions, and values of the Jewish people, often independent of religious beliefs or practices.
What is the historical significance of the Hebrew language?
Historically, Hebrew was the language of the Jewish people in biblical times, and its revival is a unique example of a language's resurrection to everyday use.
Can Hebrew be considered a cultural identity?
Historically, yes, as it pertains to the Hebrew people and their culture, but in modern times, it is more accurately described as a linguistic identity.
How are Jewish educational systems incorporating Hebrew today?
Jewish educational systems, especially in Israel, incorporate Hebrew as the primary language of instruction, while diaspora Jewish schools often teach Hebrew for religious and cultural literacy.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
