Why Is the Game of Dodgeball Called 'Chai Sara'?
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
The game of dodgeball is known as "Chai Sara" in Jerusalem, a name whose origins are unclear. The Israeli Language Academy recognizes the name but offers no explanation, leading to speculation. One theory links it to the biblical portion "Parashat Chai Sara," while another connects it to Sarah's long life and the game's objective of survival. The name has been used in Jerusalem for generations, possibly without a need for further logical explanation.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- The game of dodgeball is called "Chai Sara" in Jerusalem, with unclear origins.
- The Israeli Language Academy acknowledges the Jerusalem name but provides no etymology.
- One theory links the name to the biblical portion "Parashat Chai Sara."
- Another theory connects the name to Sarah's longevity and the game's survival objective.
- The name has been used in Jerusalem for generations as a local term.
The origin of the Jerusalem-specific name "Chai Sara" for the game of dodgeball, also known as "Madan" or "Amodu," is explored in this article. While the game is widely known by its international name "Madan" (מחניים), in Jerusalem and its surroundings, it has been called "Chai Sara" for generations, with no clear explanation readily available.
The Israeli Language Academy has acknowledged "Chai Sara" as the Jerusalem name for the game, which involves hitting opponents with a ball to eliminate them from the field. However, the academy offers no further insight into the name's etymology, prompting the article to propose two speculative explanations.
One theory suggests the name "Chai Sara" (meaning "Sarah's Life" in Hebrew) might be linked to the biblical portion of the same name, "Parashat Chai Sara," which is often read around the time the game is played. Another, more philosophical explanation connects the name to Sarah's lifespan of 127 years mentioned in the Torah. This theory posits that the game's objective of staying "alive" and avoiding capture on the field for as long as possible mirrors the concept of longevity.
The article notes that the game, where players advance by throwing the ball and forming alliances, ends quickly. The unwritten folk legend claims it was first played on a Saturday afternoon during the "Chai Sara" portion reading, thus giving it its name. Ultimately, the article concludes that the name "Chai Sara" has been used in Jerusalem for so long that a logical explanation may not be necessary, as it has simply become the established local term.