What is yesh?

There are at least two meanings associated with the word "yesh":

  1. In Hebrew, "yesh" (יש) means "there is" or "there exists". It is often used to affirm or acknowledge the existence of something.

Example: "Yesh li chamuda al ha-kikar ha-zeh" ("I have a fondness for this square").

  1. In the context of Jewish philosophy and spirituality, "yesh" (יֵשׁ) refers to a sense of self or ego that can lead to negative emotions and actions. It is often contrasted with "ayin" (אין), which means "nothingness" or a state of being egoless.

Example: "The goal of spiritual practice is to transcend the yesh and attain ayin, or a state of pure awareness."

Overall, "yesh" has multiple meanings and uses depending on the context in which it is used.