neshama

Neshama is a Hebrew word meaning soul or life force, used in modern Hebrew to denote the inner life or spirit of a person. The term derives from Hebrew roots associated with breathing and vitality and is often used metaphorically to signify a person’s essential being.

In Jewish thought, neshama is part of a traditional model of the soul that appears in Kabbalistic and hasidic writings. Many systems describe a layered soul, typically including nefesh, ruach, neshama, chaya, and yechidah. In these frameworks, the neshama is commonly associated with intellect, moral reasoning, and the ethical dimensions of character, and is viewed as a higher or more refined aspect of the soul, sometimes described as a divine spark that connects the individual to God. Interpretations vary by tradition.

In liturgy and Hebrew literature, neshama appears as a term for the soul or inner spiritual life. It is used in prayers, poetry, and contemporary songs to evoke inner feeling, longing, and spiritual identity.

As a given name, Neshama is used in Jewish communities for girls. Notable bearers include the Israeli-American singer Neshama Carlebach.

See also: nefesh, ruach, chaya, yechidah.