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What do all those abbreviations like BS"D mean?

judaism |judaism | March 16, 2003

“ B“H (Baruch Hashem) Translation: Blessed be G-d (occasionally) (B’Ezras/Ezer Hashem) Translation: With G-d’s help (i.e. at top of papers, sometimes with an ayin following the beis)

" B”N (B’li Neder) Translation: Without taking a vow. Used after a promise, since failure to fulfill a promise is a serious violation of Jewish law. For example, ‘I’ll check that reference tomorrow, B“N.’ (i.e., if I forget, I don’t want to be liable under Jewish law).

” BS”D (B’siyata d’shmaya) (Aramaic) Translation: With the help of heaven (common)

“ IY“H, IYH (Im Yirtzeh Hashem) Translation: If it be G-d’s will (very common) Used for referring to future actions: ‘I’ll see you tomorrow IY”H.’

” ShLIT”A (SHe’yikhye Lirot Yamim Tovim ve’Arukim) Used for living prominent Jewish scholars. Translation: That he/she should live to see good and full days (long life).

Many more from Manhattan Midrash, a site I just discovered just today, but which has some high–quality shuirim in mp3 (and streaming).

Posted March 16, 2003 01:31 PM