Origin

• Coined in the Middle Ages, the word teva originated in Hebrew, a Semitic language of the Afro-Asiatic family. It is one of the official languages of Israel and is generally considered a Jewish language. Since ancient times, Hebrew has been referred to by Jews as Leshon HaKodesh or "The Holy Tongue."
  
  

Definition

• Teva is the Hebrew word for "nature" or "of nature." The word teva was also used in reference to the pulpit in Sephardic synagogues. However, this word was never adopted by Ashkenazim.
  
  

Historical Facts

• Since its inception in the Middle Ages, the hebrew word teva has had a deep meaning that alludes to Judaism's take on the modern world. The word teva signifies that Judaism sees no conflict between the world of nature and the world of God. According to the Torah, the more a person understands teva, the more they can understand God.
  
  

Cambodian Culture

• Teva is also a popular name in Cambodia. Although it is spelled the same, the name Teva means "angel" instead of "nature" in Cambodian culture.
  
  

Fun Fact

• Teva is also the name of various successful companies, including Teva Pharmaceutical Industries. Headquartered in Petah Tikva, Israel, they are one of the top 20 pharmaceutical companies in the world. The term teva has been adopted as the name for a well-known Jewish learning center. The Teva Learning Center focuses on environmental education and engaging the mind, body and spirit.