haolam

Haolam is a Hebrew term meaning “the world” or “the universe.” It is written in Hebrew as העולם and formed from the base noun olam (עֹלָם) with the definite article ha- to yield ha-olam, “the world.” In everyday Hebrew, ha-olam can refer to the planet Earth or to the global community, depending on context.

In religious and philosophical usage, ha-olam often appears in discussions about the nature of the world and its relationship to other realms. The expression ha-olam hazeh means “this world,” as opposed to ha-olam haba, “the world to come,” a concept found in eschatological and doctrinal contexts. In classical rabbinic literature, olam can also denote a long duration or an era, with ha-olam used to reference the earthly sphere within broader metaphysical ideas.

In modern culture, ha-olam is commonly used in journalism, literature, and media to evoke a global or universal scope. It may appear in titles, organizational names, or mission statements that emphasize worldwide perspectives or concerns about the planet. The term also appears in prayers and liturgical language when referring to the created order or the world at large.

See also: Olam, Haolam hazeh, Ha-olam haba.