How about: 'contented and to be rewarded'? Very wordy, yet it seems necessary to convey a more accurate rendering. Keep up the great work!
Shalom,
K.Gallagher

Pretty much the same as above but:

Content and to be Blessed

Why not just use the word "ashrei" within the English text? The Artscroll Siddur does this with words such as "chayot", "Tzitzis", "HaShem", "Shema", etc. This way rookies in the Hebrew language like myself can also learn more Hebrew words while praying in English. Many of us also do this ourselves when we read the scriptures in English. We get in the habit of replacing English words with the Hebrew (words like "Shalom", or names like "Yeshua" and "Yochanon", or even titles like "Messiah" and "Shaliach"). And then perhaps somewhere in the Siddur there can be a glossary or footnotes that explain what the words mean.

In my opinion, words like "ashrei" are better off left un-translated. When I'm reading, I'm ok with using most English translations (after all, I have no choice)...but when it comes to prayer, I want to incorporate as much Hebrew as I can...with the goal of eventually doing it all in Hebrew.

Anyway, I hope this helps some. My second vote would be for either "praiseworthy" or "blessed". I did like the last four possibilities you listed, but I think those would be better off used in a new Bible translation rather than for a Siddur...just my opinion.

Shalom

From a somewhat different approach, could "ashrei" not be used in reference to one's positive state of being--both present and furture--before G-d? If so, then "pleasing is" would be an option in the translation. If inserted in the above examples it fits the situations for usage, as well as addresses the dual tense applications. I also agree with Miguel that using the term "ashrei" solves the translation problems while connecting the reader to the Holy Tongue in prayer. Thanks for sharing your thought process with us. I now have a greater appreciation for what a tremendous undertaking the Siddur Project is. May the L-rd bless your efforts.

I like using the word "Ashrei" or words "Content and Blessed..."

my 2 cents

I like using Praisworthy and contented be together and I don't think it is too awkward sounding.
Also, the idea of leaving it un-translated is somewhat new to me, but interesting.

Whichever way you go, I think a footnote or even an excursis being included in the Siddur would be a good idea. This could lend itself to sticking with ashrei. But there is definitely something good about trying to render the meaning in English. Some folks will reflect over English words in ways that will escape them in Hebrew for years.

I like "Contented Are." However, "contented" just doesn't convey enough of the word.

Here are some other ideas that were provoked by reflecting on the concept of "perfect" as being complete, and true "perfection" being only possible in the future, while there is certainly a present tense aspect of "completely" ashrei as well.

"Perfectly satisfied"

"Wholly content"

Man, this is tough!

Can you connect ashrei with the concept of shalom shalom or "perfect peace"? As in, ashrei is the state of being in perfect peace?

"Perfectly content"

I think that is my favorite contender. It has present and future connotation, and expands the concept of "contentment"

Shalom Aaron, like the others, I want to say "thank you!", this is wonderful, and I'm really excited to know this project is "on the burner", cookin' now.

I have to disagree a little about your "take" on "Praiseworthy"... I think that word really carries the Torah concept well, let me explain why I think so, if we look in good old Webster’s, the explanation is "worthy of praise", it places the "ball in our court", we are to recognize and act, put our hand to it, to give "support" to those who are doing "praiseworthy acts" as defined by HaShem... and if we do not, We know HaShem will (in this life and the next, as Torah instructs us).

That being said, I like just using "Ashrei" with lexicon type explanation in the back of the Siddur.
Whatever you finally decide, it is Ashrei, and I thank you!
Shalom, Ed R.

I'm with Miguel Candia. When not sure stick with the Hebrew word. It's better to be careful than to come up with a word that doesn't properly fit every instance. Shalom.....Good job Aaron.

The more I think about it, the more I'm not sure you can really improve on "blessed." Granted, it may require some additional explanation, but so will any other option.

I keep trying various options in passages throughout Scripture, and the most universally appropriate option is "blessed."

One of the problems I have with "perfectly content," which I suggested earlier (and still like a lot), is that it doesn't convey the sense of having been bestowed, but seems to focus on the actions of the doer as the source of blessing.

While I understand the idea related to just using the Hebrew instead of finding an English word equivalent, the desire to pray with understanding would make me want to substitute some word that I understand in English. But I suppose a footnote would suffice.

But as it has been presented above, it is not an easy task to cover the overall sense of the word in English. So I feel for Boaz [Ed.: Aaron] in trying to iron this issue out.

So here's my two cents offer:

"Filled with grace are those"....

While not exactly a literal translation, I thought it went to the heart of the matter and still had enough of a rythme to it for liturgical style. It also takes on both a here and now as well as future sense. And it's broad enough to cover most examples listed above and still make sense from those who mourn to those who walk in His ways.

While most of the time you could use "Filled with grace are those", a few instances one might opt to reverse the translation like the following...

O LORD of Legions! אשרי a man who trusts in You. (Psalm 84:13[12])

Example:
O LORD of Legions! A man who trusts in You is filled with grace.

or

O LORD of Legions! Filled with grace are those who trust in You.

In any case, because our joy/happiness is a direct result from our recieving grace, that is why I thought it might work out in addition to its ability to flow in rythme with the passage. It's certainly not perfect, but I thought I'd throw it out there.

Shalom in Messiah!

Thank you so much for all your work with this siddur!

If I had to put in an English translation, I am most likely to go with either "contented be" or "Praiseworthy are". I personally like the idea of leaving it as 'ashrei', transliterated with a footnote similar to your post above.

Shalom!

~Marie

In this world of chaos, being content in our Messiah and Elohim is certainly shalom. I, for one, feel that you have a good "translation". I also agree that a footnote would be helpful.

Thank you for you work!!!.

Aaron:

I think "blessed" is the best option and I would not worry about the overlap in semantic range with barukh. English translations will always have semantic overlap in one direction or another.

Praiseworthy is problematic in most contexts. The poor are not praiseworthy for being poor in Luke's sermon on the plain, but they are blessed, because God is about to reverse fortunes.

I did run across a synonym for blessed I briefly considered, "blissful."

I don't think you should use phrases to translate the word (e.g., "happy and contented," "praiseworthy and satisfied," etc.).

Derek Leman

Hey Aaron, Shalom all!

Great midrash. It's really makes me think. I deal with these problems often trying to find how to express my western thoughts in an Indian context. I have found you can usually say more by talking less.

From this discussion I see 5 points expressed by this word:

1. Contentment felt from the time of action continued till reward

2. Future blessing upon experiencing the fullness of reward

3. Comfort bestowed as opposed to inherent uncaused happiness

4. Implicitly positive but removed from irony in momentary hardships

5. Concise logic of a single concept not conjoined primitives

To meet this criteria considered: "Satisfied..." or "Satisfied is..."

- Speak of a deep positive that does not incite issues of ironic contradiction against momentaty discomfort.

- Is caused or gained but does not originate with the one experiencing it - thus, it must be bestowed.

- Does not imply clearly whether it happens from the moment of causitive action or only upon reward - thus, the original textual ambiguity is maintained.

- As a single word it does no introduce new complex logic more than what is supplied in the original text.

From your discription this seems to directly meet the mark. However, it is quite possible that I need to understand deeper before consulting a thesaurus.

...Rods ;-)

I also agree with Miguel Candia, to just use the Hebrew word "Ashrei" but also like content and blessed.

Shalom Aaron,
This is a it wordy but it conveys the present and future aspect of contentment:

Contentment awaits those in this world (and in the world to come) who abide in Your house; they will yet praise You—Selah. (Psalm 84:5)

Contentment awaits the people in this world (and in the world to come) to whom this is so; Contentment awaits the people in this world (and in the world to come) whose God is the LORD. (Psalm 144:15)

O LORD of Legions! contentment awaits the man in this world (and in the world to come) who trusts in You. (Psalm 84:13[12])

Taste and see that the LORD is good; contentment awaits the man in this world (and in the world to come) the man who relies upon Him. (Psalm 34:9[8])

Shalom,

-Pierre

After much thought, I see another perspective to your question. It is not only our shortcomings with Hebrew that present hurdles with understanding Scripture. Do we not also struggle with our own language at times? How many of us could thoroughly define the word "blessing," or "wisdom," or any other English word? Moreover, does the word "blessing" mean the same in 2007 as it meant in 1820?In that vein, I consider this a tremendous opportunity for you in that you have the option to define your terms in a way that will transcend time. Perhaps, as suggested, you should use the Hebrew word "ashrei" and present the reader with a full and complete definition. In this way you will have established a memorable understanding of a difficult concept that will stay with the reader for a lifetime. Never again will someone fail to see the fullness in this word. This is just my own perspective, but I really believe that whenever someone can convey a profound Biblical truth in fullness we will have communicated a sermon-in-a-word, and that is priceless. May the Lord guide and bless you in this effort.

It was interesting to learn that the root verb was "go straight, go on or advance." Perhaps the idea conveyed in the word "ashrei" is that being able to move forward on a "straight" path causes contentment, praiseworthiness, satisfaction, peace etc. Yeshua's sacrifice has set us on a "staight path." HaSatan tries to thwart us by trying to sidetrack us onto crooked, confusing, self-seeking etc paths. When we choose to do what is right and/or difficult we go straight, go on, advance. On word that comes to mind is that we are able to flourish because He has saved us and has given us instructions on how to live. Regardless of our temporal circumstances when we believe HaShem for our salvation and walk in His path, though we may mourn, be poor in spirit, when we trust in Him, and call Him "Lord," we are flourishing in His Kingdom. HaSatan's kingdom is of darkness and death. HaShem's Kingdom is of light and life where people thrive and flourish. The positive consequences are experienced now and in the world to come as it draws us closer to Him.

Hi,this is so great! I am not a scholar but if I may say. The words that seem to fit every instance to me
is "Contented; Contentment"
(A). "Contented" is the person who seeks the Kingdom of God first. "Contented" by doing so.
(B). and "Contentment": Is found in the person seeking the Kingdom of God first. " Contentment" in doing so. The KEY words are by__ and In___

My second choice would be The Hebrew word: "ASHREI" with the full lexicon type explanation. :)
What ever, it will be great to have the Siddur! Thanks for all the hard work you guys are doing. Blessings and Shalom in our Messiah.

Thanks for this great forum to discuss and have an input into the translation process. It's a shame that we have to be grammatically correct in these things as the thought crossed my mind that we also have a translation problem with the word 'shalom' - where there is also no equivalent in english to express its meaning in a comprehensive way. If we could only get away with:

"Shalomed is the man ...."
or "There awaits shalom for the one..."

I can see that the volume of footnotes may almost out-weigh the text of this project!

I pray that The Spirit leads you and blesses you in your endeavours.

To all of you who commented on this post:

Wow! What a great response. These are insightful and well reasoned ideas that will help me decide what to do.

I cannot respond to each one individually, but it sounds like the most common suggestion is to leave the word untranslated.

I had also actually considered this option, and I understand the reasons for it. The main problem is this: אשרי is just one case in point that I chose to mention because I was working on it at the time. It is only one of a whole host of words with the same type of difficulty. If this were my approach to translation, I might have dozens of words left untranslated, and then I would just not be doing my job as a translator. Along with accuracy I am also aiming for the Siddur to read smoothly, so that the worshiper does not need to concentrate heavily on figuring out what the translation means. That way, he or she can focus more effort on communicating with God.

All in all, I am happy that anything lacking in my translation will be covered by the fact that the Siddur will have the Hebrew on the facing page for those that can read it. It will also have extensive commentary and footnotes.

Thank you so much, everyone who commented!

Peace
Aaron

Hi!

This may be too late to comment on this blog, but here goes... I understand why many people want to keep the original Hebrew word, but I tend to agree with you that resorting to that too often amounts to avoiding the job of translating. For instance, I am fairly new to the Messianic movement. I recently bought a Complete Jewish Bible, which I enjoy, but occasionally I get frustrated with the Hebrew and Yiddish words being used instead of English. There are many words I am not yet familiar with, and it really causes a break in my concentration. I like the approach of having the Hebrew available for in-depth study, while using English words as much as possible for the translation.

As for suggestions, first I thought of using the phrase "Rewarded are..." This seems to express the meaning while keeping some of the time-ambiguity. However, it tends to make me think of when Yeshua spoke of those who pray "to be seen", saying that "they [already] have their reward." I think I prefer Rodney's suggestion, "Satisfied are..."

Good luck in your translation, and I look forward to the Siddur!