by Shahaf Feinkuchen, Israel Emissary
Hebrew Language Day (יום הלשון העברית) is an Israeli national holiday celebrated annually on the 21st of the Hebrew month of Tevet (this year it falls on January 21, 2025). It coincides with the birthday of Eliezer Ben-Yehuda, famously known as the “reviver” of the Hebrew language.
The revival of Hebrew is a remarkable linguistic and cultural achievement. This process transformed Hebrew from being a sacred language used primarily in religious contexts into a vibrant, modern language spoken by millions in daily life. Such a transformation—from a liturgical language without native speakers to a national spoken language—is unparalleled in history.
While the revival of Hebrew was the result of efforts by countless Jewish scholars, authors, poets, and educators over centuries, Eliezer Ben-Yehuda is often credited as the movement’s visionary. He was the first to articulate the idea of reviving Hebrew as a spoken language, publishing articles on the subject, and initiating the monumental project of creating the Ben-Yehuda Dictionary in 1908. This dictionary laid the foundation for modern Hebrew vocabulary, blending ancient roots with contemporary needs.
A significant turning point in the revival of Hebrew came during the First and Second Aliyah waves (1882–1914 and 1904–1914) to Israel. Jewish settlers established the first Hebrew-speaking schools in these communities, integrating Hebrew into everyday life. Over time, Hebrew transitioned from a language of aspiration to a systematic, national language.
In 1949, the Academy of the Hebrew Language was founded as Israel’s premier institution dedicated to the study and cultivation of Hebrew. Tasked with guiding the development of the language, the academy ensures Hebrew evolves while respecting its historical and linguistic roots. The institution researches Hebrew’s past and present, shaping its future for generations to come.
One of the academy’s engaging initiatives for Hebrew Language Day is the selection of the “Hebrew Word of the Year.” The public nominates and votes for their favorite words, celebrating the creativity and vibrancy of modern Hebrew. What will this year’s word of the year be?
For more fun and informative content about the Hebrew language, you can follow the Academy of the Hebrew Language on Facebook, Instagram, or their official website.
Yom Ivrit Sameach! (Happy Hebrew Day!)