That is interesting. The Hebrew version does not mention that etymology. I
wonder if it's a sort of etiology, since that root does mean "to pray" in
both Aramaic and in Arabic.
Aramaic, of course, is NOT "vulgar Hebrew". That's like saying that German is
vulgar Yiddish. Aramaic is a totally independent language, with several
well-defined dialects, and was spoken in the past by millions of people who
had no connection to Hebrew. it has a lot in common with Hebrew, but also a
lot that is not.
The root CLA is once example. In Aramaic it means "to pray". In Hebrew a
homonymous root means "to roast". Which is a good reason to pray.
Yigal Levin
From: Isaac Fried [mailto:if AT math.bu.edu]
Sent: Wednesday, August 08, 2012 4:36 PM
To: Yigal Levin
Cc: b-hebrew AT lists.ibiblio.org
Subject: Re: [b-hebrew] baal
1. Lo and behold! The all knowing הידעונית Wikipedia says:
Interestingly enough, Sali is written in Arabic with a saad.
2. That baba (or papa) is child's talk for AB = ABA, we all know.
3. Aramaic is but vulgar Hebrew.
4. The act CLA in Daniel 6:11(10), is to my understanding, 'pray'.
Isaac Fried, Boston University
On Aug 8, 2012, at 8:28 AM, Yigal Levin wrote:
I often ask myself if Sir Isaac is serious in his musings, or if he's just
having fun. Baba Sali is not a biblical term. It is the nickname of the late
Rabbi Yisrael Abuhatzera (1890–1984), who was a leading kabbalist (and
reportedly a miracle-worker) who lived in the southern Israeli town of
Netivot. The "Sali" is short for "Yisrael", and the Baba is a term of respect
and endearment, like "papa". Had he lived in New York he might have been
called "Papa Izzy". Have a look at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baba_Sali
The word that Isaac misquotes from Dan. 6:11 is Aramic, not Hebrew.