Why Do Some People Pronounce the Hebrew Letter 'Vav' as 'Waw'?

The difference in pronunciation of the letter "vav" (ו) as either "vav" with a "v" sound or "waw" with a "w" sound in Hebrew primarily stems from historical, linguistic, and regional variations within the Hebrew language and Jewish communities.

Historically, the ancient pronunciation of the letter was closer to "w," as in "waw." This is supported by comparisons with other Semitic languages, where the cognate letter is pronounced with a "w" sound. Over time, however, the pronunciation of this letter in Hebrew has shifted in different Jewish communities.

The "v" sound for "vav" is predominant in Modern Hebrew, which is heavily influenced by the Ashkenazi pronunciation tradition, particularly as it developed in Europe. The Ashkenazi community, which includes Jews of Central and Eastern European descent, adopted the "v" sound, and this pronunciation was carried into the revival of Hebrew as a spoken language in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, leading to its dominance in Israel.

On the other hand, some Sephardic, Mizrahi, and Yemenite Jewish communities, which trace their origins to Spain, the Middle East, and Yemen, respectively, may retain the "w" sound in their pronunciation of the letter, reflecting a closer adherence to older or different linguistic traditions. These communities have historically had varying degrees of influence on the pronunciation norms within Israel, leading to some regional and sectarian variability.

The variation between "vav" and "waw" thus reflects a broader tapestry of Jewish diaspora linguistic heritage, including differences in pronunciation that have been preserved or adapted by different communities over time. In contemporary Israel, while the "v" pronunciation is standard, the presence of diverse Jewish communities means that variations, including the "w" sound, can still be heard, depending on factors such as familial lineage, community practices, and personal preference.