Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the scope of assets included when a gift giver uses the word nechasim—an umbrella Aramaic term for possessions and assets. Does this term encompass movable property, cattle, and cash, or is it restricted to real estate?
The word nechasim has an ancient and enigmatic etymology, lacking clear Hebrew or Aramaic roots. The Maharal (Nesiv HaOsher 2) highlights this and notes that there are four primary terms for money in Hebrew and Aramaic: maos, mammon, zuz, and nechasim. Each of these words emphasizes the ephemeral nature of wealth.
- Maos and mammon share the prefix mah (what) and respective suffixes os (time) or mon (count). The words rhetorically ask, “What is this time or count?”—implying that money is fleeting and transitory.
- Zuz stems from the Hebrew and Aramaic root for movement (zaz), further hinting at money’s tendency to come and go.
- Nechasim, through its phonetic similarity to the Hebrew root kisuy (cover), suggests that money is merely a façade or distraction.
These linguistic subtleties underscore the fleeting and often deceptive nature of wealth. Unlike other Hebrew words, terms for money carry an inherent “surgeon general’s warning,” embedded in their meaning, reminding us of the pitfalls of material pursuits.
Translations Courtesy of Sefaria, except when, sometimes, I disagree with the translation 
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Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, LCSW-R, DHL is a psychotherapist who works with high conflict couples and families. He can be reached via email at simchafeuerman@gmail.com