Q. For the purposes of kiruv, I want to initiate unaffiliated Yiddin into reciting brochos, by saying them in English….What is the translation of the first word of a brocha? Is praised acceptable?
Is the Shem Havayah translated or the Shem HaAdnus? Is the Targum Sevim's (Septuagint) translation the Shem Havayah (a simple Greek word rendered into English) "The L-ord" acceptable? What is the translation of Elokanu?
A. There are two common acceptable translations for “Boruch Atto”, the most common being “Blessed are You” (Art Schroll, Metzuda et. al.) an adjective expressing tehila or praise, based on Avudraham, (p.33) Sefer Hashroshim (erech Berach, p. 49.) Even Ezra (Shemos 18: 10) and most Rishonim (Avodas Hatefilo p. 19) Others translate “Boruch Atto” as a noun or title “You are the Blesser” similar to “Rachum” the Compassionate (Nefesh Hachaim. 2: 2, Michtav M’Eliahu 3 p.273)
Other interpretations to the term “Boruch” have also been offered, such as kneeling down. (Genesis 24 :11.) Another use of the root of baruch is the Hebrew word "L'ehavrich" which refers to taking a vine and putting part of the growing branch under the ground so that it may sprout roots. Thus it would reflect that Hashem lowers Himself to this world and plants, as if it were, in it. (R’ Baruch Halevy) The word may also be related to the expression “Breicha” as a spring or pool, meaning that Hashem is the spring and source of all.
In regards to the names, some translate the Ha-vayah as L-ord (Birenbaum et. al.) most contemporary translations use the name Hashem and Elokenu as our G-d.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a
Important Numbers
