“Rosh Ir” and “Rosh Iriyah” — Which Term Is Correct?

In modern Hebrew, both expressions ראש עיר (Rosh Ir) and ראש עירייה (Rosh Iriyah) are used to refer to the leader of a city. Hebrew learners often ask which term is more correct. The answer is that both are acceptable, but the nuance between them is important.

The difference is not grammatical but conceptual. ראש עירייה emphasizes the official administrative position within the municipal government. It aligns with the modern governmental structure and parallels expressions like ראש מועצה (head of a municipal council) and ראש ממשלה (prime minister). This is also the term used in legal language and formal documents.

On the other hand, ראש עיר, highlights the idea of the leader chosen by the people of the city, someone responsible for representing the city and its interests. It is similar to the expression ראש מדינה, referring to a head of state. This form has a long historical tradition in Hebrew.

Historically, ראש עיר is the older expression. It appears as early as the Second Temple period and in rabbinic literature, such as in the Book of Ben Sira and the Babylonian Talmud. Over the centuries, the term was used alongside other traditional expressions for city leadership, including זקני העיר, שר העיר, and גדולי העיר.

The term עירייה entered Hebrew only in the early twentieth century, modeled on the Arabic بلدية (baladiyya), and was introduced by Eliezer Ben-Yehuda. Only then did ראש עירייה become common, reflecting the emergence of the modern municipal system.

Which Should You Use?

Both expressions are correct. However, if the goal is to use language that reflects official administrative structure, the term ראש עירייה is slightly preferable.

Understanding distinctions like this is part of developing confidence and accuracy in Hebrew. At UAB, we emphasize not only speaking Hebrew, but understanding where the language comes from and how it works in different contexts—modern and historical.