If To the Edge of Sorrow, in Stuart Schoffman’s masterful translation, is not Aharon Appelfeld’s best and most accessible novel, it is certainly among his top three.

The Hebrew root kaf-heh-nun, to serve, officiate or hold high office, is the source of the noun כְּהוּנָָה (kehuna), priesthood, the family name Cohen and the term for…

The Hebrew word 'keter,' which means crown, is also used in discussing false teeth, the stem-winder of a watch and the decorative flourish on a pillar.

The Hebrew root samekh-khof-nun, to be of service, brings together travel agents, knives, danger and classic Israeli songs.

The root tsadi-heh-resh is used in the Hebrew words for light, lunch, declarations and day care.

The root kof-yod-tsadi, summer, leads to seasonal clothing, camps, vacations—and figs, which ripen in the hottest season.

Put your hands together for a root that can be applied to clapping and doubting as well as the rules of supply and demand.

The root tet, resh, feh can be scrambled, shuffled or torn to pieces.