Yiddish Names of God
Most names for God in Yiddish come directly from Hebrew, but in the process of their translation, they take on connotations that are unique to the Yiddishe Neshomeh, the Jewish Soul. These Hebrew names, when translated to English, retain a sense of loftiness and power. In Yiddish, they mostly become more approachable.
דער אַלמעכטיקער
Der Almekhtiker
The Almighty, which is taken from El Shaddai, has a Yiddish version, almekhtiker. This is a rare example of a word that is not softened in Yiddish. Mekht, the core of the root, is related to “power” or “might.” Der Almekhtiker is used most commonly in direct translations from El Shaddai, like in Torah translations.
דער אײבערשטער
Der Eibershter
The Lord, which is taken from Adonai, is taken with reverence in Yiddish, but not with fear, as might be the case in its English connotation. Eibershter is related to “the One Above us,” which is related to superiority.
דער באַשעפֿער
Der Bashefer
The Creator, which is taken from HaBoreh Olam, the Creator of the World, is taken in Yiddish to be very intimate, like a father. In this sense, the Creator, who in English is understood to relate more with the Universe than a person, is understood to have a deep, personal relationship with their child.
דער בורא־עולם
Der Boyreh-Oylam
Yiddish takes names directly from Hebrew and keeps them in Hebrew form. There are many names for God like this. However, the pronunciation, even from Ashkenazi Hebrew, changes, as does the connotation. Hebrew names in Yiddish usually retain a certain loftiness that their Germanic counterparts don’t have. The Boyreh-Olam, while meaning the same thing as bashefer, is usually referring to the God who creates the Universe. Here, there is distance from the human being, but there is still a sense of protection — one can call out to this Name, and be heard, but on a grander scale.
די הענט ניט געװאַשן
Di hent nit gevashn
This is an example of euphemism for God, of which there are relatively few of. It means, “I have not washed my hands,” a reference to not mentioning God’s Name in a blessing until one washes their hands. This is an organic Yiddish name, not coming from a Hebrew source, but rather a ritual experience.
