Shabbos vs Shabbat: Why Jews Pronounce Hebrew Differently

🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcastsIn this episode of Dear Rabbi, I answer a fascinating question about Jewish pronunciation: Why do some people say "Shabbos" while others say "Shabbat"? Is Shabbos actually Yiddish? The answer reveals a deeper story about Jewish history, migration, and the diversity within the Jewish people.I explain that both "Shabbos" and "Shabbat" are equally Hebrew - the difference comes from where Jews historically lived. Ashkenazi Jews (from Eastern European descent - the word literally means Germany) tend to say "Shabbos," while Sephardi Jews (from Spain, North Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Europe) say "Shabbat." The Sephardi story includes the famous 1492 expulsion from Spain - the same year Columbus sailed - when Jews were kicked out and spread to North Africa and the Ottoman Empire.The pronunciation difference stems from how each community treats the Hebrew letter "tav." Ashkenazim differentiate between tav with a dot (pronounced like "T") and without a dot (pronounced like "S"), which is why they say "Shabbos." Sephardim pronounce tav as "T" regardless of the dot, resulting in "Shabbat." I explain why many Jews today use Sephardi pronunciation even if they're Ashkenazi: When Israel was established, and Hebrew became a spoken language again, most founders were Sephardi, so modern Hebrew adopted their pronunciation. It's also simpler with fewer rules to remember. Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,Please email us at [email protected]📧Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟Follow us for more:Website - https://www.joidenver.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/joidenverFacebook - http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenverYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenverPinterest - http://pinterest.com/jewishdiySubscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️