Baruch Hashem Meaning
"Baruch Hashem" means "Blessed is God" or "Thank God" in Hebrew. The Hebrew word "baruch" (pronounced bah-rook) means "blessed,", while "Hashem" (pronounced how it's spelled) translates to "the Name." Jews and some non-Jews use this phrase to thank God when speaking about news, health, finances, work, school, and personal matters in casual conversation. It's one of the ways they constantly thank God for His blessings in their daily lives. Jews refer to God as Hashem (or "the Name") in casual conversation or personal prayer to avoid saying His holy names (i.e., Adonai and YHWH). Using a word with a vaguer meaning is also a way for them to acknowledge God's depthless wisdom and unknowable nature.
How to Say Baruch Hashem in Casual Conversation
Say "Baruch Hashem" in answer to someone asking how you are. When you talk to someone else and they politely ask you how you've been or how you're doing in a specific area of your life (i.e., health, job, family), you can say "Baruch Hashem" to acknowledge God and thank Him for your blessings. You can either say it before or after your answer. Below are some appropriate ways to use "Baruch Hashem" in response to a "How are you" question. "Baruch Hashem, I'm doing good!" "Baruch Hashem, I'm in good health." "Baruch Hashem, I'm alive." "Baruch Hashem, I've been very blessed." "Baruch Hashem, all is well and my work is coming along great." "School is going well, baruch Hashem." "I have much to be grateful for, baruch Hashem." "I've been in good spirits, baruch Hashem." "My family and I are prospering, baruch Hashem." "I've been feeling better, baruch Hashem."
Say "Baruch Hashem" when you hear someone say good news. When someone brings you good news – i.e., they got a new job, they came through a medical procedure successfully, or they passed a hard test at school – thanking God is a beautiful and heartfelt way to acknowledge the blessing in the moment. Saying "Baruch Hashem" also reminds us that God is the source of all our prosperity, abundance, and good fortune. According to Jewish teachings, it's also important to thank God when you hear bad news. This blessing reads, "Baruch Dayan HaEmet," which translates to, "Blessed is the Judge of truth" or "Blessed is the true Judge" (the "Judge" being God). It's an affirmation of the Jewish belief that God knows best and that whatever happens in life is for our benefit.
Is it appropriate to say "Baruch Hashem Adonai"?
It isn't appropriate to say "Adonai" outside of formal prayer. Adonai is a name for God that means "Lord" or "my Lord." It's used primarily in blessings spoken at Shabbat (the Jewish Sabbath), during the ceremonies for Jewish holidays, and when reading the Torah. It's not appropriate for casual conversation. Another reason to avoid saying "Adonai" after "Baruch Hashem" is it doesn't make sense. The word "Hashem" already refers to God; there's no need to add a second name for Him in the same phrase.
Can anyone say "Baruch Hashem"?
Anyone can say "Baruch Hashem" with the right intention and respect. As long as you're using the phrase to thank God sincerely and not saying it flippantly or just to sound pious, it's certainly appropriate to say "Baruch Hashem." It's also acceptable for non-Jews to say it, though they must take care not to try to pass themselves off as Jewish. Non-Jews who use this phrase can communicate they're not Jewish in other ways, such as by not donning a head covering and not wearing tzittzit. If you're not Jewish and don't feel comfortable saying the Hebrew version of "Baruch Hashem," you can say "Thank God" instead.
Torah Verses That Say "Baruch Hashem"
In Genesis 14:20, King Malchizedek blesses God for delivering Abraham. Prior to this passage in Genesis, Abraham – forefather of the Jewish people – fought against a foreign king and rescued his nephew, Lot, from captivity. Another king, Malchizedek of Salem, praises God and says, "And blessed be the Most High God [baruch Hashem], Who has delivered your adversaries into your hand."
Abraham's servant Eliezer says "Baruch Hashem" after finding Rebecca. In Genesis 24, Abraham sends Eliezer to his home country to find a wife for his son, Isaac. Upon arriving, Eliezer finds the woman he feels God has destined for Isaac, and he says, "Blessed be Hashem, the God of my master Abraham, who has not withheld steadfast faithfulness from my master." The rest of the verse continues as follows: "For I have been guided on my errand by Hashem, to the house of my master's kin." Genesis 24:27
Jethro says "Baruch Hashem" when he reunites with Moses, his son-in-law. Jethro is the non-Jewish father-in-law of Moses, the famous Israelite who led his people out of Egypt where they were slaves and received the 10 Commandments. After he reunites with Moses after the Israelites' escape from Egypt, Jethro praises God for delivering them safely. "Here is the full verse: "'Blessed be Hashem,' Jethro said, 'who delivered you from the Egyptians and from Pharaoh, and who delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians.'" Exodus 18:10
Similar Hebrew Phrases
B'ezrat Hashem ("With God's help") This phrase (pronounced beh-ehz-raht ha-shem) is a good one to say when you're planning to do something or you have a goal you're trying to achieve. For example, if you want to attend college in the fall, you could say, "B'ezrat Hashem, I will be accepted in college this year."
B'hatzlacha ("With success") "B'hatzlacha" (pronounced beh-hahtz-lakha) is another Hebrew version of "good luck." It's a good idea to say it when you hear that someone you know is going to undertake a new challenge or pursue an objective. For example, if your friend is going to propose to his girlfriend, you can say, "B'hatzlacha!" to wish him well.
Gam zu l'tovah ("This, too, for the good") Jews say this phrase when something unpleasant has happened. The sentiment behind it is that no matter what we go through in life, God sends everything to us for a reason and for our ultimate good. For example, if you just had a car accident, you can say, "Gam zu l'tovah" (pronounced gahm-zoo-leh-tovah) as a way of coping and acknowledging God's will.
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