	AllExperts > Hebrew Language
	Search

About Gaddy Yaari
Expertise
What I do: I'll help you understand Hebrew phrases or single words, as well as answer questions about Jewish practices. What I don't do: Tattoo translations. For that, try http://www.stars21.com/translator/english_to_hebrew.html

Experience
I am a columnist for a Hebrew-language newspaper, and a graduate of the Jewish Theological Seminary.

Education/Credentials
MBA BA in the US, Grade school and high school in Israel

You are here: Experts > Cultures > Israeli Culture > Hebrew Language >

Hebrew Language -

Expert: Gaddy Yaari - 11/2/2009

Question
Hi Gaddy,

In the phrase שבת אחים גם יחד:

1. Is שבת אחים in the construct state? I.e. “the sitting i.e. living OF brothers”?

2. What is the force of the word גם? Does it emphasize the word יחד, stressing the togetherness? I.e. “in complete harmony” or something?

All the best, and many thanks,

Simon

Answer
Simon,

This is the type of question that comes up in the Talmud (and in modern-day yeshivas) quite often. The best I can do is give you my take on it:

1. Yes

2. Without the gam, we get שבת אחים יחד , which has the same meaning. The gam, then, is used to emphasize the 'togetherness'. Since 'gam' means 'also', I'd read it as 'brothers being together, whether they are physically close or not.' (Notice that 'hinneh ma tov', the song that contains that phrase, is often sung in reunions.)

All the best,

Gaddy

Add to this Answer Ask a Question