What do Passover, the Chosen People, the color purple, a vowel sound, bees, a hamsa and university faculty have to do with each other?

One of the fiercest quarrels in the history of Jewish linguistics was between medieval Hebrew lexicographers.

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.