Jerusalem

The name that is transliterated as “Jerusalem” in English is signed in French Sign Language with a sign that depicts worshiping at the Western Wall in Jerusalem:


“Jerusalem” in French Sign Language (source: La Bible en langue des signes française )

While a similar sign is also used in British Sign Language, another, more neutral sign that combines the sign “J” and the signs for “place” is used as well. (Source: Anna Smith)


“Jerusalem” in British Sign Language (source: Christian BSL, used with permission)

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: Jerusalem .

Translation commentary on 1 Maccabees 1:14

So they built a gymnasium in Jerusalem, according to Gentile custom: The connector So introduces this verse as a result of the previous one. In response to Antiochus’ permission to follow Gentile customs, the Hellenizing Jews built a stadium in Jerusalem similar to those in Gentile cities. Good News Bible omits this connector, but in many languages translators will find it helpful to use an equivalent for it. The Greek word for gymnasium does not refer to a building in which sports were played indoors. It was an enclosed outdoor area where men did both physical and intellectual training together. Good News Bible says “stadium,” and New English Bible has “sports-stadium.” In areas where “stadiums” or “gymnasiums” are nonexistent, translators may render this verse as follows:

• So these Jews built a place in Jerusalem just like those in Gentile [or, non-Jewish] cities where men could learn and exercise.

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on 1-2 Maccabees. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2011. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.