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Glossary of Jewish Terminology
# A B
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Following is a partial list of Hebrew, Yiddish and other Jewish terms used
on this web site. Unless otherwise specified, the terms are Hebrew.
I have attempted to provide pronunciations for most of these terms. Some
of the pronunciations may not be strictly, technically correct, but they
are the way I usually hear the terms pronounced. Unfortunately, what I usually
hear is a mix of Ashkenazic and Sephardic pronunciations. I have tried to
present the Sephardic pronunciation as much as possible, but some things
I never hear pronounced that way!
Guide to pronunciation:
-
' - a vowel that is not quite pronounced; a very short u or i
-
a - as in at
-
ah - as in father
-
ahy - as in my
-
aw -as in awe (often used as awr to sound like or)
-
ay - as in way
-
e - as in bet
-
ee - as in me
-
eh - as in bet
-
ehy - as in they
-
i - as in it
-
oh - as in hope
-
oo - as in food
-
uh - as in up
-
u - as in put
-
kh - as in Scottish or German, a throat clearing noise
-
tsch - as in chair
-
ts - as in paints
- # -
-
13 Principles of Faith
-
The most widely accepted list of Jewish beliefs,
compiled by Rambam.
-
613 Commandments
-
Judaism teaches that G-d gave the Jews 613 commandments, which are binding
on Jews but not on non-Jews. See Halakhah: Jewish
Law; A List of the 613 Mitzvot.
- A -
-
Aaron
-
Older brother of Moses. Founder of the priesthood,
and the first Kohein Gadol (High Priest). He helped Moses lead the Children
of Israel out of Egyptian bondage. See also Rabbis,
Priests, and Other Religious Functionaries - Kohein.
-
Abortion
-
Judaism permits abortion in appropriate circumstances, and sometimes even
requires abortion. See Kosher Sex - Abortion.
-
Abraham (Abram)
-
The first Jew, the founder of Judaism, the physical and spiritual ancestor
of the Jewish people. One of the three Patriarchs
of Judaism.
-
Adar
-
The twelfth month of the Jewish year, occurring in February/March. See
Months of the Jewish Year.
-
Adoption
-
There is no formal procedure for adoption in Judaism, but one who raises
another person's child is acknowledged as the parent in many important ways.
-
Adoshem
-
A substitute for a name of G-d.
-
Afikomen
-
From Greek meaning "dessert." A half piece of matzah set aside during the
Passover Seder, which is later hidden by
children and then ransomed by parents, or hidden by parents and found by
children. It is eaten as the last part of the meal.
-
Afterlife
-
Contrary to popular belief, Judaism does believe in an afterlife, but it
is not the primary focus of our religion and there is a lot of room for personal
opinion about the nature of the afterlife.
-
Agunah
-
Lit. anchoed. A woman whose husband disappeaed without
divorcing her.
-
Akiba (uh-KEE-buh)
-
One of the greatest rabbis recorded in the Talmud.
-
Al Cheit (AHL CHAYT)
-
Lit. for the sin. A confession of community sins recited repeatedly on
Yom Kippur. See Yom
Kippur Liturgy.
-
Alefbet (AH-lef-bet)
-
The Hebrew alphabet. The name is derived from the first two letters of the
alefbet.
-
Aliyah (uh-LEE-uh; ah-lee-AH)
-
Lit. ascension. 1) Reading from the Torah; (or
reciting a blessing over the reading) during
services, which is consideed an honor (generally
reffered to in English as having or getting an aliyah and pronounced uh-LEE-uh).
See also Bar Mitzvah. 2) Immigrating to
Israel (generally reffered to in English as making
aliyah and pronounced ah-lee-AH).
-
Amidah (uh-MEE-duh)
-
Lit. standing. A prayer that is the center of any Jewish religious service.
Also known as the Shemoneh Esrei or the Tefilah. See
Jewish Liturgy.
-
Amud (ah-MOOD)
-
A lower lectern found in some synagogues. Not to be confused with the bimah,
which is the primary podium from which the Torah is read. See
Synagogues, Shuls and Temples.
-
Animals
-
See Treatment of Animals;
Qorbanot: Sacrifices and Offerings.
-
Aninut
-
The period of mourning between the time
of death and the time of
burial.
-
Antisemitism
-
The term "antisemitism" comes from the roots "anti" (against) and "Semite"
(a term that applies to both Hebrews and Arabs). However, the word "antisemitism"
is used specifically to refer to hated of Jews and Judaism. Although the
Holocaust is the best-known example of antisemitism, it is only the latest
in a long and tragic history of expulsions, forced conversions, limitations
of civil and political rights, lies and slanders such as the infamous Blood
Libel and mass murders like the Russian pogroms and the mob violence incidental
to the Crusades. An entire website could be devoted to the subject. I have
made a conscious decision not to cover these subjects on this site, because
this site is about Jews and Judaism and I refuse to let my people be defined
by what others have done to us.
-
Arbah Minim
-
Lit. four species. Fruit and branches used to fulfill the commandment to
"rejoice before the L-rd" during Sukkot. See also
Blessing over the Arba
Minim.
-
Ark
-
The English translation of aron kodesh, lit., holy chest. The cabinet where
the Torah scrolls are kept. The word has
no connection with Noah's Ark, which is "teyvat" in Hebrew. See
Ritual Items in the Synagogue.
-
Aron Kodesh (AH-rohn KOH-desh)
-
Lit. holy chest. The cabinet where the Torah
scrolls are kept. See Ritual Items in the
Synagogue.
-
Asham (ah-SHAHM)
-
A guilt offering. A type of sacrifice used to
atone for sins of stealing things from the altar, for when you are not sure
whether you have committed a sin or what sin you have committed, or for breach
of trust.
-
Asher
-
1) Son of Jacob (Israel). Ancestor of one
of the tribes of Israel; 2) The tribe that bears his name.
-
Ashkenazic Jews
(ahsh-ken-AH-zik)
-
Jews from eastern France, Germany and Eastern Europe, and their descendants.
-
Assyrian Text
-
A style of writing the
Hebrew Alphabet, commonly used in books.
-
Av
-
The fifth month of the Jewish year, occurring in July/August. See
Months of the Jewish Year.
-
Avelut
-
The year of mourning after the
burial of a parent.
- B -
-
Ba'al Shem Tov (bahl shem
tohv)
-
Lit. Master of the Good Name. Rabbi Israel ben Eliezer. The founder of
Chasidic Judaism.
-
Bagel (BAY-g'l)
-
Donut-shaped bread that is boiled before it is baked.
-
Balfour Declaration
-
A letter from British foreign secretary Lord Balfour to Lord Rothschild
expressing the British governments commitment to creating a Jewish
state in Palestine. See Zionism and the Formation
of the State of Israel.
-
Bar Kokhba (BAHR KOHKH-buh)
-
Aramaic: Son of a Star. Simeon ben Kosiba, the leader of the last and most
successful Jewish rebellion against Rome in 132-135 C.E. He died in battle
when the rebellion was defeated. Rabbi Akiba
believed he was the Moshiach (Messiah).
-
Bar Mitzvah (BAHR MITS-vuh)
-
Lit. son of the commandment. A boy who has achieved the age of 13 and is
consequently obligated to observe the
commandments. Also, a ceremony marking the fact
that a boy has achieved this age.
-
Bashert (bah-SHAYRT)
-
Yiddish: fate, destiny. 1) A soul mate, an ideal, pedestined spouse. 2)
Any good or fortuitous match, such as the perfect job or the perfect house.
-
Bat Mitzvah (BAHT MITS-vuh)
-
Lit. daughter of the commandment. A girl who has achieved the age of 12 and
is consequently obligated to observe the
commandments. Also, a ceremony marking the fact
that a girl has achieved this age.
-
B.C.E.
-
Before the Common (or Christian) Era. Another way of saying B.C.
-
Beginning of Day
-
A day on the Jewish calendar begins at sunset. When a date is given for a
Jewish holiday, the holiday actually begins at sundown on the preceding day.
See When Holidays Begin.
-
Beit Din (BAYT DIN)
-
Lit. house of judgment. A rabbinical court made up of three
rabbis who resolve business disputes under Jewish
law and determine whether a prospective convert is ready for
conversion.
-
Beit Hillel (BAYT HIL-el; BAYT hil-EL)
-
Lit. House of Hillel. A school of thought during the
Talmudic period, generally contrasted with
the stricter, more legalistic views of Beit Shammai.
-
Beit Knesset (BAYT K'NESS-et)
-
Lit. house of assembly. A Hebrew term for a synagogue.
-
Beit Midrash (BAYT MID-rahsh)
-
Lit. house of study. A place set aside for study of saced texts such as
the Torah and the
Talmud, generally a part of the
synagogue or attached to it.
-
Beit Shammai (BAYT SHAH-mahy)
-
Lit. House of Shammai. A school of thought during the
Talmudic period, generally contrasted with
the more lenient, humanistic views of Beit Hillel.
-
Beliefs
-
Judaism has no dogma, no formal set of beliefs that one must hold to be a
Jew. In Judaism, actions are far more important than beliefs, although there
is certainly a place for belief within Judaism. See What
Do Jews Believe?; The Nature of G-d;
Human Nature; Kabbalah,
Olam Ha-Ba: The Afterlife.
-
Benjamin
-
1) Son of Jacob (Israel). Ancestor of one
of the tribes of Israel; 2) The tribe that bears his name.
-
Bentsch (BENTSCH)
-
Yiddish: bless. To recite a blessing. Usually refers to the recitation of
the birkat ha-mazon (grace after meals). See
Prayers and Blessings; Common
Prayers and Blessings.
-
Berakhah (B'RUHKH-khah; b'ruhkh-KHAH); pl:
Berakhot (b'ruhkh-KHOHT)
-
A blessing. A prayer beginning with the phrase "barukh atah..." (blessed
art Thou...). See Prayers and Blessings;
Common Prayers and Blessings.
-
Berurya
-
A woman of great learning, and the wife of Rabbi Meir. The
Talmud records several instances where her
opinions on Jewish Law were accepted over those
of her male contemporaries. See The Role of Women.
-
Beta Israel
-
The black Jews of Ethiopia, sometimes reffered to as Falashas. See
Ashkenazic and Sephardic Jews.
-
Betrothal
-
The first part of the two-part process of Jewish
marriage, which creates the legal relationship
without the mutual obligations. In Hebrew, it is called "kiddushin."
-
Bible
-
Also reffered to as the Tanakh. The Jewish Bible more or less corresponds
to what non-Jews call the "Old Testament." See Torah.
-
Bimah (BEE-muh)
-
The pedestal on which the Torah scrolls are
placed when they are being read in the synagogue;
i.e., the pulpit.
-
Binah (bee-NAH)
-
Intuition, understanding, intelligence. A quality that
women supposedly have in greater degree than men.
Also, in kabbalistic thought, one of the
Ten Sefirot.
-
Birkat Ha-Mazon (BEER-kaht
hah mah-ZOHN)
-
Lit. blessing of the food. Grace after meals. The recitation of birkat ha-mazon
is commonly reffered to as bentsching.
-
Birth
-
See Birth and the First Month of Life.
-
Birth Control
-
Jewish law permits certain methods of birth control in appropriate circumstances.
-
Blessing
-
A prayer beginning with the phrase "barukh atah..." (blessed art Thou...).
See Prayers and Blessings;
Common Prayers and Blessings.
-
Blintz (BLINTS)
-
Yiddish. A thin, crepe-like pancake rolled around a filling of potato and
onion, cheese, or fruit.
-
Block Print
-
A style of writing the
Hebrew Alphabet, commonly used in books.
-
B'nai Mitzvah (b'NEHY MITS-vuh)
-
Lit. children of the commandment. Plural of Bar Mitzvah. Children who have
achieved the age of 13 and are consequently obligated to observe the
commandments. Also, a ceremony marking the fact
that children have achieved this age.
-
B'nei Noach (b'NEHY NOH-ahkh)
-
A movement of non-Jews who have consciously accepted the responsibility of
following the Seven Laws of Noah.
-
Books
-
See Torah; Recommended Books
and Publishers.
-
Brit Milah (BRIT MEE-lah)
-
Lit. covenant of circumcision. The ritual circumcision of a male Jewish child
on the 8th day of his life or of a male
convert to Judaism. Frequently reffered
to as a bris.
-
Burial
-
Under Jewish law, the dead must be buried in the earth, not cremated, and
must be buried in a simple coffin, simply dressed. See
Care for the Dead.
-
Burnt Offering
-
A type of sacrifice that represented complete
submission to G-d's will. It was completely consumed by fire on the altar.
In Hebrew, it was called an olah.
- C -
-
Calendar
-
Judaism uses a lunar/solar calendar consisting of months that begin at the
new moon. Each year has 12 or 13 months, to keep it in sync with the solar
year. See Jewish Calendar;
Current Calendar;
Jewish Holidays.
-
Caro, Rabbi Joseph
-
Author of the Shulchan Arukh, the last of the
great medieval codes of Jewish law, and one of the most respected compilations
of Jewish law ever written.
-
C.E.
-
Common (or Christian) Era. Used instead of A.D., because A.D. means "the
Year of our L-rd," and we do not believe that Jesus is our L-rd.
-
Chag Sameach (KHAHG sah-MEHY-ahkh)
-
Hebrew. Literally, joyous festival. A greeting for any holiday, but especially
Sukkot, Shavu'ot and
Pesach (Passover). See Common
Expressions and Greetings.
-
Chai (KHAHY, rhymes with Hi!)
-
Lit. living or life. The word is often used as a design on jewelry and other
ornaments. Donations to charity are often made in multiples of 18, the
numerical value of the word.
-
Challah (KHAH-luh)
-
A sweet, eggy, yellow bread, usually braided, which is served on
Shabbat and holidays.
-
Chametz (KHUH-mitz)
-
Lit. leaven. Leavened grain products, which may not be owned or consumed
during Passover.
-
Chanukkah (KHAH-nik-uh;
KHAH-noo-kah)
-
Lit. dedication. An eight day holiday celebrating the ededication of the
Temple in Jerusalem after it was defiled by
the Selucid Greeks. See also
Chanukkah Candle Lighting
Blessings.
-
Chanukkat Ha-Bayit (KHAH-noo-KAHT hah BAHY-eet)
-
Lit. dedication of the house. A brief ceremony dedicating a Jewish household,
during which the mezuzah is affixed to the
doorposts. The procedure and prayers for
affixing the mezuzah is available.
-
Chanukkiah (KHAH-noo-KEE-ah)
-
A name sometimes use for a Chanukkah menorah.
-
Charity
-
In Judaism, helping the poor and needy is as much an obligation as any of
the more familiar ritual observances. It is reffered to as tzedakah
(righteousness).
-
Charoset (khah-ROH-set;
khah-ROH-ses)
-
A mixture of fruit, wine and nuts eaten at the
Passover seder to symbolize mortar used by the
Jewish slaves in Egypt.
-
Chasidism (KHAH-sid-ism);
Chasidic (khah-SID-ic)
-
From the word "Chasid" meaning "pious." A branch of Orthodox Judaism that
maintains a lifestyle separate from the non-Jewish world.
-
Chatat (khah-TAHT)
-
A sin offering. A type of sacrifice used to atone
for and expiate unintentional sins.
-
Chazzan (KHAH-zen)
-
Cantor. The person who leads the congregation in prayer. May be a professional
or a member of the congregation.
-
Chelev (KHE-lev)
-
The fat surrounding organs, as distinguished from the fat surrounding muscles.
Forbidden to be eaten under the laws of Kashrut.
-
Chevra Kaddisha (KHEV-ruh kah-DEESH-uh)
-
Lit. holy society. An organization devoted to caring
for the dead.
-
Children of Israel
-
The most common designation of the Jewish people used in Jewish literature.
It signifies the fact that we are descended from
Jacob, who was also known as Israel. See
The Jews are a Nation or a People
-
Chillul Ha-Shem (khil-LOOL hah SHEM)
-
Lit. profanation of the Name. Causing G-d or Judaism to come into disrespect,
or causing a person to violate a commandment. See The
Name of G-d.
-
Chol Ha-Mo'ed (KHOHL hah MOH-ed; KHOHL hah moh-AYD)
-
The intermediate days of Passover and
Sukkot, when work
is permitted.
-
Cholent (TSCHUH-lent)
-
A slow cooked stew of beef, beans and barley, which is served on
Shabbat.
-
Chukkim (khook-EEM)
-
Jewish religious laws for which no reason is given in the Torah. Some believe
that they are meant to show our obedience to G-d.
-
Chumash (KHUH-mish)
-
Lit. five. A compilation of the first five books of the Bible and readings
from the prophets, organized in the order of the weekly
Torah portions.
-
Chuppah (KHU-puh)
-
The wedding canopy, symbolic of the groom's home, under which the
nisuin portion of the
wedding ceremony is performed.
-
Circumcision
-
Removal of the foreskin, a commandment in Judaism performed on the 8th day
of a male child's life or upon conversion to Judaism. See
Brit Milah: Circumcision.
-
Clergy
-
See Rabbis, Priests and Other Religious Functionaries.
-
Clothing
-
Although Chasidic Jews wear special and
distinctive clothing, other Jews have no special requirements other than
dressing modestly and not cross-dressing. For information about ritual clothing,
see Tzitzit and Tallit;
Yarmulke.
-
Commandments
-
Judaism teaches that G-d gave the Jews 613 commandments, which are binding
on Jews but not on non-Jews. See Halakhah: Jewish
Law; A List of the 613 Mitzvot.
-
Confirmation
-
A ceremony performed in some Reform and
Conservative synagogues to replace or supplement the
Bar Mitzvah.
-
Conservative
-
One of the major movements of Judaism, accepting
the binding nature of Jewish law but believing
that the law can change.
-
Contraception
-
Jewish law permits certain methods of birth control in appropriate circumstances.
-
Conversion
-
Judaism does not seek out converts, and actively discourages converts (because
a person does not need to be a Jew to be righteous in G-d's eyes), but conversion
to Judaism is possible. See Who is a Jew?;
Jewish Attitudes Towards Non-Jews;
Conversion.
-
Cooking
-
See Jewish Cooking; Kashrut:
Jewish Dietary Laws.
-
Counting of the Omer
-
The counting of the days between Passover and
Shavu'ot.
- D -
-
Daf Yomi (DAHF yoh-MEE)
-
Lit. page of the day. Refers to the practice of studying a page of
Talmud every day.
-
Dagesh (dah-GEHSH)
-
A dot found in the center of some Hebrew letters in pointed text, used as
an aid to pronunciation. See Vowels and
Points.
-
Daniel
-
A book of the Torah, or the writer of that book. The book is included in
the Writings, not the Prophets, because by definition prophecies are meant
to be proclaimed, and his visions were meant to be written, not proclaimed.
See Prophets and Prophecy.
-
Dati (DAH-tee)
-
Orthodox Jews in Israel.
-
Dan
-
1) Son of Jacob (Israel). Ancestor of one
of the tribes of Israel; 2) The tribe that bears his name.
-
Daven (DAH-ven)
-
Yiddish: Pray. Observant Jews daven three times a day, in addition to reciting
blessings over many common activities. See Prayers and
Blessings; Jewish Liturgy;
Common Prayers and Blessings.
-
Days of Awe
-
Ten days from Rosh Hashanah to
Yom Kippur, a time for introspection and considering
the sins of the previous year.
-
Death
-
In Judaism, death is not a tragedy, even when it occurs early in life or
through unfortunate circumstances. Death is a natural process. See
Life, Death and Mourning.
-
Diaspora
-
Any place outside of the land of Israel where Jews
live. Refers to the fact that Jews were dispersed from the land of Israel
by the Romans after the last Jewish War. The Hebrew/Yiddish term for this
is "galut" (pronounced gah-LOOT or gah-LOOS).
-
Divorce
-
Judaism has always accepted divorce as a fact of life, albeit an unfortunate
one, and permits divorce for any reason, but discourages divorce. See
Divorce; Marriage.
-
Dreidel
-
A top-like toy used to play a traditional
Chanukkah game.
-
Dreyfus, Captain Alfed
-
A Jewish officer in the French military who was unjustly convicted of passing
secrets to the Germans. His trial sparked a wave of anti-Jewish sentiment
that inspied the early Zionist political
movement.
- E -
-
Ein Sof (ayn sohf)
-
Lit. without end. In Jewish mysticism, the true essence of G-d, which is
so transcendent that it cannot be described and cannot interact directly
with the universe.
-
Elokaynu
-
A substitute for a name of G-d. See The Name of
G-d.
-
Elul
-
The sixth month of the Jewish year, a time of repentence in preparation for
Rosh Hashanah and Yom
Kippur. See also Months of the Jewish
Year.
-
Ephraim
-
1) Son of Joseph. Ancestor of one of the
tribes of Israel; 2) The tribe that bears his name.
-
Esau
-
Son of Isaac; older twin brother of
Jacob (Israel). He had little respect for
the traditions of his ancestors, and sold his birthright for a bowl of lentil
stew.
-
Essenes
-
A movement of Judaism that began approximately
2200 years ago. It died out shortly after the destruction of the
Temple.
-
Esther
-
One of the heroes of the story of Purim. Also,
the book in the Bible that tells her story.
-
Ethics
-
Laws are at the heart of Judaism, but a large part of Jewish law is about
ethical behavior. See Love and Brotherhood,
Speech and Lashon Ha-Ra,
Tzedakah: Charity, and
Treatment of Animals.
-
Ethiopian Jews
-
The Jews of Ethiopia, whose customs and practices are somewhat different
than those of Ashkenazic or Sephardic Jews. See
Ashkenazic and Sephardic Jews.
-
Etrog (ET-rohg)
-
A citrus fruit native to Israel, used to fulfill
the commandment to "rejoice before the L-rd" during
Sukkot. See also
Blessing over the Arba
Minim.
-
Euthanasia
-
Euthanasia, suicide and assisted suicide are strictly forbidden by Jewish
law, because life is so precious. See Life, Death and
Mourning for more information.
-
Evil Impulse
-
Humanity was created with a dual nature: an impulse to do what is right an
a selfish (evil) impulse. Free will is the ability to choose which impulse
to follow.
- F -
-
Falashas
-
The black Jews of Ethiopia, who prefer to be known as the Beta Israel. See
Ashkenazic and Sephardic Jews.
-
Family Purity
-
Laws relating to the separation of husband and wife during the woman's menstrual
period. Also reffered to as the laws of niddah
or taharat ha-mishpachah.
-
Fast Days
-
Several Jewish holidays are fasts, upon which we may neither eat nor drink.
See Yom Kippur; Tisha
B'Av; Minor Fasts.
-
Festivals
-
See Jewish Holidays and pages following it, especially
Passover, Shavu'ot
and Sukkot.
-
Firstborn
-
If a woman's first child is a male child born by natural childbirth, then
the child must be edeemed from a kohein (priest)
by a procedure called Pidyon Ha-Ben. In addition,
firstborn males must observe a special fast the
day before Pesach (Passover), commemorating the
fact that they were saved from the plague of the first born.
-
Fleishig (FLAHYSH-ig)
-
Yiddish: meat. Used to describe kosher foods that contain meat and therefore
cannot be eaten with dairy. See Kashrut
- Separation of Meat and Dairy.
-
Food
-
See Jewish Cooking; Kashrut.
-
Four Species
-
Fruit and branches used to fulfill the commandment to "rejoice before the
L-rd" during Sukkot. See also
Blessing over the Arba
Minim.
-
Four Questions
-
A set of questions about Passover, designed to
encourage participation in the seder. Also
known as Mah Nishtanah (Why is it different?), which are the first words
of the Four Questions.
-
Free Will
-
Humanity was created with a dual nature: an
impulse to do what is right an a selfish (evil) impulse. Free will is the
ability to choose which impulse to follow.
-
Funerals
-
See Life, Death and Mourning.
- G -
-
G-d
-
A way of avoiding writing a name of G-d, to avoid the risk of the sin of
erasing or defacing the Name. See The Name of
G-d, The Nature of G-d.
-
Gad
-
1) Son of Jacob (Israel). Ancestor of one
of the tribes of Israel; 2) The tribe that bears his name.
-
Galut (gah-LOOT or gah-LOOS)
-
Lit. exile or captivity. Any place outside of the land
of Israel where Jews live. Refers to the fact that Jews were exiled from
the land of Israel by the Romans after the last Jewish War.
-
Gan Eden
-
Lit. Garden of Eden. A place of spiritual reward for the righteous dead.
This is not the same place where Adam and Eve lived.
-
Gefilte Fish (g'-FIL-tuh)
-
Yiddish: lit.stuffed fish. A traditional Jewish dish consisting of a ball
or cake of chopped up fish.
-
Gehinnom (g'hee-NOHM); Gehenna
(g'HEHN-uh)
-
A place of spiritual punishment and/or purification for a period of up to
12 months after death. Gehinnom is the Hebrew name; Gehenna is Yiddish.
-
Gemara (g'-MAHR-uh)
-
Commentaries on the Mishnah. The Mishnah and Gemara together are the Talmud.
-
Gematria (g'-MAH-tree-uh)
-
A field of Jewish mysticism finding hidden meanings
in the numerical value of words.
-
Gentiles
-
See Jewish Attitudes Toward Non-Jews;
Non-Jews Visiting a Synagogue.
-
Gesundheit (g'-SUND-hahyt)
-
Yiddish. Literally, health. This is the normal response when somebody sneezes.
See Common Expressions and Greetings.
-
Get (GET)
-
A writ of divorce. Also called a sefer
k'ritut.
-
Gezeirah
(g'-ZAY-ruh)
-
A law instituted by the rabbis to prevent people from unintentionally violating
commandments.
-
Glatt Kosher (GLAHT KOH-sher)
-
A standard of kashrut that requires an additional degree of stringency in
the inspection of the lungs of cattle, to determine whether the lungs are
free from adhesions. See Kashrut: Jewish Dietary
Laws.
-
Golem (GOH-luhm)
-
Lit. an unformed thing. 1) A term used in the
Talmud to describe Adam before he had a soul.
2) A creature of Jewish folklore, a man made of clay and brought to life.
See Kabbalah and Jewish Mysticism.
-
Gossip
-
Gossiping is a serious sin in Judaism. See Speech and
Lashon Ha-Ra.
-
Goy
-
Lit. nation. A non-Jew, that is, a member of one of the other nations. There
is nothing inherently insulting about the term; the word "goy" is used in
the Torah to describe Israel. See Jewish Attitudes
Toward Non-Jews.
-
Grace After Meals
-
reffered to in Hebrew as Birkat Ha-Mazon.
It is one of the most important prayers in Judaism, one of the very few that
the Bible commands us to recite.
-
Grager (GREG-er; GRAG-er)
-
A noisemaker used to blot out the name of Haman during the reading of the
Megillah on Purim.
-
Guide for the Perplexed
-
Rambam's masterpiece of Jewish philosophy
and theology, written from the perspective of an Aristotelian philosopher.
-
Guilt Offering
-
A type of sacrifice used to atone for sins of
stealing things from the altar, for when you are not sure whether you have
committed a sin or what sin you have committed, or for breach of trust.
-
Gut Shabbes (GUT SHAH-biss)
-
Yiddish. Literally, good Sabbath. A general, all-purpose
shabbat greeting. See Common
Expressions and Greetings.
-
Gut Yontiff (GUT YAHN-tiff)
-
Yiddish. Literally, good holiday. A general, all-purpose
holiday greeting. See Common
Expressions and Greetings.
- H -
-
Haftarah (hahf-TOH-ruh)
-
Lit. conclusion. A reading from the Prophets, read along with the
weekly Torah portion.
-
Haggadah (huh-GAH-duh)
-
The book read during the Passover Seder,
telling the story of the holiday.
-
Halakhah (huh-LUHKH-khuh)
-
Lit. the path that one walks. Jewish law. The complete body of rules and
practices that Jews are bound to follow, including biblical commandments,
commandments instituted by the rabbis, and binding customs. See also
Torah, A List of the 613 Mitzvot.
-
Hallel
-
Lit. praise G-d. Psalms 113-118, in praise of G-d, which are recited on certain
holidays. See Jewish Liturgy.
-
Haman (HAY-men)
-
The villain of the story of Purim.
-
Hamentaschen (HAH-men-TAH-shen)
-
Lit. Haman's pockets. Triangular, fruit-filled cookies traditionally served
or given as gifts during Purim.
-
Hamesh Hand; Hamsa Hand
-
An inverted hand with thumb and pinky curling outward. A popular motif in
Jewish jewelry.
-
Haedi
-
Ultra-Orthodox Jews in Israel.
-
Ha-Shem (hah SHEM)
-
Lit. The Name. The Name of G-d, which is not pronounced.
The phrase "ha-Shem" is often used as a substitute for G-d's Name.
-
Hatafat Dam Brit (hah-tah-FAHT DAHM BRIT)
-
A symbolic circumcision of a person who has already been circumcised or who
was born without a foreskin. It involves taking a pinprick of blood from
the tip of the penis. See Brit
Milah: Circumcision.
-
Ha-Tikvah
-
Lit. The Hope. The anthem of the Zionist
movement and the state of Israel.
-
Havdalah (Hahv-DAH-luh)
-
Lit. separation, division. A ritual marking the end of
Shabbat or a holiday.
See Havdalah Home Ritual.
-
Heaven
-
The place of spiritual reward for the righteous dead in Judaism is not reffered
to as Heaven, but as Olam Ha-Ba (the World to Come) or Gan Eden (the Garden
of Eden). See Olam Ha-Ba: The Afterlife.
-
Hebrew
-
The language of the Torah, in which all prayer should be recited. See
Hebrew Alphabet; Hebrew Language:
Root Words.
-
Hebrew Fonts and Word Processors
-
See Hebrew Alphabet.
-
Hell
-
The place of spiritual punishment and/or purification for the wicked dead
in Judaism is not reffered to as Hell, but as Gehinnom or She'ol. According
to most sources, the period of punishment or purification is limited to 12
months, after which the soul ascends to Olam Ha-Ba or is destroyed (if it
is utterly wicked). See Olam Ha-Ba: The Afterlife.
-
Herzl, Theodor
-
The founder of the Zionist political movement
in the late 1800s.
-
High Holidays
-
The holidays of Rosh Hashanah,
the Days of Awe and Yom
Kippur are commonly reffered to as the High Holidays or the High Holy
Days.
-
Hillel (HIL-el; hil-EL)
-
One of the greatest rabbis recorded in the
Talmud. His more liberal views of Jewish law
are often contrasted with the stricter views of Shammai. Also: a Jewish college
student organization under the auspices of B'nai Brith.
-
Hiloni
-
Secular Jews in Israel.
-
History
-
See The Patriarchs and the Origins of Judaism;
Moses, Aaron and Miriam.
-
Holidays
-
Judaism has over a dozen holidays, ranging from deeply solemn fast days like
Yom Kippur to all-out parties like
Purim. See Jewish
Holidays and pages following it.
-
Holishkes (HOH-lish-kuhs)
-
Cabbage leaves stuffed with meatballs served in a tomato-based sweet and
sour sauce.
-
Homosexuality
-
Homosexual orientation is not a sin in Judaism, but homosexual acts are.
Male-male sex is forbidden by the Torah. Lesbian sex is not prohibited by
the Torah, but is generally consideed prohibited as "licentiousness."
-
Hoshanah Rabba (hoh-SHAH-nuh RAH-buh)
-
Lit. great hosanna. The seventh day of Sukkot,
on which seven circuits are made around the synagogue reciting a prayer with
the refrain, "Hosha na!" (please save us!).
-
Human Nature
-
Humanity is in the image of G-d, in that we have the ability to think, reason
and understand. Humanity was created with a dual nature: an impulse to do
what is right an a selfish (evil) impulse. Free will is the ability to choose
which impulse to follow.
- I -
-
Image of G-d
-
Humanity was created in the image of G-d, which
means we have the ability to reason and discern; however, G-d has no physical
form or image. See The Nature of G-d.
-
Interfaith
Marriage
-
Marriage to a non-Jew is not recognized as "marriage" in Jewish law. The
increasing frequency of intermarriage is a source of great concern to traditional
Jews. See also Marriage.
-
Isaac
-
Son and spiritual heir of Abraham. Father
of Jacob (Israel). One of the three
Patriarchs of Judaism.
-
Ishmael
-
Firstborn son of Abraham by Sarah's Egyptian
maidservant, Hagar. According to both Muslim and Jewish tradition, he is
the ancestor of the Arabs.
-
Israel
-
1) The land that G-d promised to Abraham and his
descendants. 2) The northern kingdom that was home to the "ten lost tribes."
3) Alternate name for Jacob. 4) A country
in the Middle East located in the ancient homeland that has a pedominantly
Jewish population and government.
-
Issachar
-
1) Son of Jacob (Israel). Ancestor of one
of the tribes of Israel; 2) The tribe that bears his name.
-
Iyar
-
The second month of the Jewish year, occurring in April/May. See
Months of the Jewish Year.
- J -
-
Jacob (Israel)
-
Son of Isaac. Father of twelve sons, who
represent the tribes of Judaism. One of the three
Patriarchs of Judaism.
-
Jew
-
A person whose mother was a Jew or who has converted to Judaism. According
to the Reform movement, a person whose father is a Jew is also a Jew. Although
the term is derived from the term "Judahite" (meaning a member of the tribe
of Judah or a citizen of the kingdom of
Judah), it has historically been applied to the
patriarchs, the matriarchs and all of the descendants
of Jacob and all converts to their faith.
See Who Is a Jew?
-
Jewish Law
-
The complete body of rules and practices that Jews are bound to follow, including
biblical commandments, commandments instituted by the rabbis, and binding
customs.
-
The Jewish People
-
Another name for the Children of Israel. It is a reference to the Jews as
a nation in the classical sense, meaning a group of people with a shaed
history and a sense of a group identity rather than a territorial and political
entity. See The Jews Are a Nation or a People.
-
Jewish Race
-
The Jews are not a race. See What is Judaism?;
Are Jews a Race?
-
Jewish Religion
-
Judaism is the religion of the Children of Israel, that is, the Jewish people.
Most of the pages on this site deal with the Jewish religion to one extent
or another. See especially What is Judaism?;
What Do Jews Believe?
-
Jewish Star
-
The six-pointed star emblem commonly associated with Judaism, also known
as the Magen David, the Shield of David or the Star of David.
-
Joseph
-
Son of Jacob (Israel). Ancestor of two of
the tribes of Israel. He was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, but
became powerful in Egypt and paved the way for his family's settlement there.
-
Judah
-
1) Son of Jacob (Israel). Ancestor of one
of the tribes of Israel; 2) The tribe that bears his name; 3) The Southern
Kingdom after the death of Solomon when Israel was split into two kingdoms;
the Kingdom of Judah included the tribes of Judah, Benjamin and part of the
tribe of Levi.
-
Judah Ha-Nasi (JOO-duh hah NAH-see)
-
Compiler of the Mishnah.
-
Judaism (JOO-dee-ism; JOO-duh-ism)
-
The religion of the Children of Israel, that is, the Jewish people. See
What is Judaism?; What Do
Jews Believe?
- K -
-
Kabbalah (kuh-BAH-luh)
-
Lit. tradition. Jewish mystical tradition.
-
Kaddish (KAH-dish)
-
Aramaic: holy. A prayer in Aramaic praising G-d, commonly associated with
mourning practices. See also Jewish Liturgy. Full
text of the Mourner's Kaddish
is available.
-
Kapparot
-
Lit. atonements. A custom during the Days of Awe.
-
Kareit (kah-REHYT)
-
The penalty of spiritual excision, imposed by G-d. Certain sins, such as
failure to circumcise, are so severe that one
who violates them has no place in the World to Come.
-
Kashrut (KAHSH-rut; KAHSH-root;
kahsh-ROOT)
-
From a root meaning "fit," "proper" or "correct." Jewish dietary laws.
-
Kavanah (kuh-VAH-nuh;
kah-vah-NAH)
-
Concentration, intent. The frame of mind requied for
prayer or performance of a
mitzvah.
-
Kavod Ha-Met (kuh-VOHD hah MAYT)
-
Lit. respect for the dead. One of the purposes of Jewish practices relating
to death and mourning.
-
Keriyah (k'REE-yuh)
-
Lit. tearing. The tearing of one's clothes upon hearing of the
death of a close relative. See
Mourning.
-
Ketubah (k'TOO-buh)
-
Lit. writing. The Jewish marriage contract.
-
Kiddush (KID-ish)
-
Lit. sanctification. A prayer recited over wine sanctifying
Shabbat or a holiday.
See also Common Prayers and Blessings.
-
Kiddush Ha-Shem (ki-DOOSH hah SHEM)
-
Lit. sanctification of The Name. Any deed that increases the respect accorded
to G-d or Judaism, especially martyrdom. See The Name
of G-d.
-
Kiddushin
-
Lit. sanctification. The first part of the two-part process of Jewish
marriage, which creates the legal relationship
without the mutual obligations.
-
Kippah (KEY-puh)
-
The skullcap head covering worn by Jews during services, and by some Jews
at all times, more commonly known as a yarmulke.
-
Kislev
-
The ninth month of the Jewish year, occurring in November/December. See
Months of the Jewish Year.
-
Kitniyot (kit-NEE-yot; kit-NEE-yos)
-
Foods that are prohibited during Pesach (Passover)
by the rulings of Ashkenazic rabbis.
Sephardic Jews do not follow these restrictions.
Includes rice, corn, peanuts, and legumes (beans).
-
Kittel (KIT-'l, rhymes with little, but the t is pronounced distinctly)
-
The white robes in which the dead are buried, worn by some during
Yom Kippur services.
-
Knaydelach (KNAY-duhl-ahkh)
-
Yiddish: dumplings. Commonly refers to matzah balls. Can also be used as
a term of affection for small children. See Jewish
Cooking.
-
Knish (KNISH)
-
Yiddish. A potato and flour dumpling stuffed with potato and onion, chopped
liver or cheese.
-
Kohein; (KOH-hayn) pl: Kohanim
(koh-HAHN-eem)
-
Priest. A descendant of Aaron, charged with
performing various rites in the Temple. This
is not the same thing as a rabbi.
-
Kol Nidre (KOHL NID-ray)
-
Lit. all vows. The evening service of Yom Kippur,
or the prayer that begins that service.
-
Kosher (KOH-sher)
-
Lit. fit, proper or correct. Describes food that is permissible to eat under
Jewish dietary laws. Can also describe any other ritual object that is fit
for use according to Jewish law.
-
Kugel (KOO-gul; KI-gul)
-
Yiddish: pudding. A casserole of potatoes, eggs and onion, or a dessert of
noodles, fruits and nuts in an egg based pudding.
- L -
-
Ladino (Luh-DEE-noh)
-
The "international language" of Sephardic Jews,
based primarily on Spanish, with words taken from Hebrew, Arabic and other
languages, and written in the Hebrew Alphabet.
-
Lag b'Omer (LAHG BOH-mayr)
-
The 33rd day of the Counting of the Omer. A minor
holiday on which the mourning restrictions of the Omer period are lifted.
-
Latkes (LAHT-kuhs; LAHT-kees)
-
Potato pancakes traditionally eaten during
Chanukkah.
-
Lashon Ha-Ra (LAH-shohn HAH-rah;
luh-SHOHN hah-RAH)
-
Lit. the evil tongue. Sins against other people committed by speech, such
as defamation, gossip, swearing falsely, and scoffing.
-
L'Chayim (l'-KHAHY-eem)
-
Lit. to life. A common Jewish toast. See Common Expressions
and Greetings.
-
Leah
-
Wife of Jacob. Mother of six of his
sons. Sister of Rachel. One of the Matriarchs
of Judaism.
-
Leap Year
-
A year with an extra month, to realign the Jewish lunar calendar with the
solar year. See Jewish Calendar.
-
Levi (LAY-vee); Levite
(LEE-vahyt)
-
1) A descendant of the tribe of Levi, which was set aside to perform certain
duties in connection with the Temple; 2) Son
of Jacob (Israel). Ancestor of the tribe
of Levi.
-
Liberal
-
One of the most liberal movements of Judaism in the United Kingdom, but somewhat
more traditional than the American Reform Movement.
-
Life
-
In Judaism, life is valued above almost all else, and almost any commandment
can be violated to save a life.
-
Life after Death
-
Contrary to popular belief, Judaism does believe in an afterlife, but it
is not the primary focus of our religion and there is a lot of room for personal
opinion about the nature of the afterlife.
-
Liturgy
-
Observant Jews pray three times a day, and Judaism has an extensive liturgy.
See Prayers and Blessings;
Jewish Liturgy; Yom
Kippur Liturgy; Common Prayers and Blessings.
-
L-rd
-
A way of avoiding writing a name of G-d, to avoid the risk of the sin of
erasing or defacing the Name. See The Name of
G-d.
-
Love and Brotherhood
-
Laws are at the heart of Judaism, but a large part of Jewish law is about
love and brotherhood, the relationship between man and his neighbors.
-
Lox (LAHKS)
-
Smoked salmon. Commonly served on a bagel.
-
L'Shanah Tovah (li-SHAH-nuh TOH-vuh; li-shah-NAH toh-VAH)
-
Lit. for a good year. A common greeting during Rosh
Hashanah and Days of Awe. See
Common Expressions and Greetings.
-
Lubavitch (luh-BUH-vitsh)
-
A sect of Chasidic Judaism that is active
in outreach to other Jews and has a high media presence.
-
Lulav (LOO-lahv)
-
Lit. palm branch. A collection of palm, myrtle and willow branches, used
to fulfill the commandment to "rejoice before the L-rd" during
Sukkot. See also
Blessing over the Arba
Minim.
- M -
-
Ma'ariv (MAH-reev)
-
Evening prayer services. See Jewish Liturgy.
-
Machzor (MAHKH-zawr)
-
A special prayer book for the High Holidays of Rosh
Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
-
Maftir (MAHF-teer)
-
Lit.The person who reads or blesses the reading of the last part of the
Torah reading and the entire haftarah reading.
-
Magen David (mah-GAYN
dah-VEED; MAH-gen DAH-vid; MOH-gen DAY-vid)
-
Lit. shield of David. The six-pointed star emblem commonly associated with
Judaism.
-
Mah Nishtanah
-
Lit. Why is it different? A set of questions about
Passover, designed to encourage participation
in the seder. Also known as the Four Questions.
-
Maimonides
(mahy-MAH-ni-dees)
-
Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon, one of the greatest medieval Jewish scholars. Commonly
reffered to by the acronym 'Rambam'.
-
Mamzer (MAHM-zer)
-
Lit. bastard. The child of a marriage that is prohibited and invalid under
Jewish law, such as an incestuous union.
-
Manasseh
-
1) Son of Joseph. Ancestor of one of the
tribes of Israel; 2) The tribe that bears his name.
-
Marriage
-
Marriage is vitally important in Judaism, and refraining from marriage is
consideed unnatural. Marriage is not solely for the purpose of procreation,
but is primarily for the purpose of love and companionship. See also
Interfaith Marriages;
Kosher Sex; Divorce.
-
Masekhtot
-
A subdivision of the Mishnah and Talmud.
-
Mashgiach
-
A person who certifies that food is kosher.
-
Masorti
-
Jews in Israel who are traditionally observant but
not Orthodox.
-
Masturbation
-
Jewish law strictly prohibits male masturbation. Female masturbation is a
matter of less clarity, but it is also frowned upon.
-
Matzah (MAHTZ-uh)
-
Unleavened bread traditionally served during
Passover.
-
Matzah Ball Soup
-
Thin chicken soup with dumplings made from matzah meal.
-
Matzah Meal
-
Crumbs of matzah, commonly used in Jewish Cooking
in much the same way that other cultures use flour or bread crumbs.
-
Mazel Tov (MAHZ-z'l TAWV)
-
Lit. good luck. A way of expressing congratulations. Note that this term
is not be used in the way that the expression "good luck" is
used in English. See Common Expressions and
Greetings.
-
Meal Offerings
-
An offering of meal or grain.
-
Mechitzah (m'-KHEETZ-uh)
-
The wall or curtain separating men from women during
religious services.
-
Megillah (m'-GILL-uh)
-
Lit. scroll. One of five books of the Bible (Esther, Ruth, Song of Songs,
Lamentations, and Ecclesiastes). The remaining books are reffered to as sefers
(books). Usually refers to the book of Esther. See
Purim. In Yiddish, the term can be used to refer
to something that is long, drawn out and excessively detailed.
-
Melachah (m'-LUH-khuh)
-
Lit. work. Work involving creation or exercise of control over the environment,
which is prohibited on Shabbat and certain
holidays.
-
Menorah (m'-NAW-ruh; me-NOH-ruh)
-
A candelabrum. Usually refers to the nine-branched candelabrum used to hold
the Chanukkah candles. Can also refer to the
seven-branched candelabrum used in the Temple.
See also Chanukkah Candle Lighting
Blessings; Ritual Items in the Synagogue.
-
Messiah
-
Anglicization of the Hebrew, "moshiach" (annointed). A man who will be chosen
by G-d to put an end to all evil in the world, rebuild the
Temple, bring the exiles back to
Israel and usher in the world to come. It is better
to use the Hebrew term "moshiach" when speaking of the Jewish messiah, because
the Jewish concept is very different from the Christian one.
-
Messianic Age
-
A period of global peace and prosperity that will be brought about by the
messiah when he comes.
-
Mezuzah (m'-ZOO-zuh;
m'-ZU-zuh)
-
Lit. doorpost. A case attached to the doorposts of houses, containing a scroll
with passages of scripture written on it. The procedure and prayers for
affixing the mezuzah is available.
-
Midrash (MID-rash)
-
From a root meaning "to study," "to seek out" or "to investigate." Stories
elaborating on incidents in the Bible, to derive a principle of Jewish law
or provide a moral lesson.
-
Mikvah (MIK-vuh)
-
Lit. gathering. A ritual bath used for spiritual purification. It is used
primarily in conversion rituals and
after the period of sexual separation during
a woman's menstrual cycles, but many Chasidim immerse themselves in the mikvah
regularly for general spiritual purification.
-
Milchig (MIL-khig)
-
Yiddish: dairy. Used to describe kosher foods that contain dairy products
and therefore cannot be eaten with meat. See
Kashrut - Separation of Meat and Dairy.
-
Minchah (MIN-khuh)
-
1) Afternoon prayer services. See Jewish Liturgy.
2) An offering of meal or grain. See
Food and Drink Offerings.
-
Minhag (MIN-hahg)
-
Lit. custom. A custom that evolved for worthy religious reasons and has continued
long enough to become a binding religious practice. The word is also used
more loosely to describe any customary religious practice.
-
Minyan (MIN-yahn; MIN-yin)
-
The quorum necessary to recite certain prayers, consisting of ten adult Jewish
men. See Group Prayer.
-
Miriam
-
Older sister of Moses and
Aaron, and a
prophetess in her own right. She helped Moses and
Aaron lead the Children of Israel out of Egyptian bondage.
-
Mishnah (MISH-nuh)
-
An early written compilation of Jewish oral tradition, the basis of the Talmud.
-
Mishneh Torah (MISH-ne TOH-ruh; MISH-nay TOH-ruh)
-
A code of Jewish law written by Rambam. One
of the most respected compilations of Jewish law ever written.
-
Mitnagdim (mit-NAG-deem)
-
Lit. opponents. Orthodox Jews who are not Chasidic.
-
Mitzvah (MITS-vuh); pl: Mitzvot (mits-VOHT)
-
Lit. commandment. Any of the 613 commandments that Jews are obligated to
observe. It can also refer to any Jewish religious obligation, or more generally
to any good deed. See Halakhah: Jewish Law
- The 613 Mitzvot; A List of the 613 Mitzvot.
-
Mohel (Maw-y'l; rhymes with oil)
-
Lit. circumciser. One who performs the ritual circumcision of an 8-day-old
male Jewish child or of a convert to Judaism. See Brit
Milah: Circumcision.
-
Mordecai (MOR-duh-khahy)
-
One of the heroes of the story of Purim.
-
Moses
-
The greatest of all of the prophets, who saw all that all of the other prophets
combined saw, and more. See also Prophets and
Prophecy.
-
Moshiach (moh-SHEE-ahkh)
-
Lit. anointed. A man who will be chosen by G-d to put an end to all evil
in the world, rebuild the Temple, bring the
exiles back to Israel and usher in the world to
come. Generally translated as "messiah," but the Jewish concept is very different
from the Christian one.
-
Motzaei Shabbat (moh-tsah-AY shah-BAHT)
-
The night after Shabbat. Shabbat ends at nightfall on Saturday; the term
motzaei shabbat is used to refer to the period on Saturday night after shabbat
ends. See Shabbat; When
Holidays Begin.
-
Motzi Sheim Ra (MOH-tsee SHAYM RAH)
-
A person who "spreads a bad report"; that is, who tells disparaging lies.
It is the worst of the sins involving speech. See Speech
and Lashon Ha-Ra.
-
Mourning
-
Judaism has extensive mourning practices broken into several periods of
decreasing intensity.
-
Movements
-
The denominations, branches or sects of Judaism, although the distinctions
between Jewish movements are not as great as those between Christian
denominations.
-
Musaf (MOO-sahf; MU-sahf)
-
An additional prayer service for Shabbat and
holidays. See Jewish
Liturgy.
-
Music
-
See The Music of Pesach (Passover);
Chanukkah Music.
-
Mysticism
-
Mysticism and mystical experiences have been a part of Judaism since the
earliest days, but specific beliefs in this area are open to personal
interpretation.
- N -
-
Nachman of Breslov
-
An 18th century Chasidic
tzaddik and founder of the Breslover Chasidic
sect.
-
Nachmanides
-
Rabbi Moshe ben Nachman, one of the greatest medieval Jewish scholars. Commonly
reffered to by the acronym 'Ramban'.
-
Name of G-d
-
Judaism has a wide variety of names for the Creator; however, these names
are not casually written down because of the risk that someone might destroy
the writing, an act of disrespect for G-d and His Name.
-
Names
-
Jewish children are ordinarily given a formal Hebrew name to be used for
religious purposes. See Naming a Child.
-
Naphtali
-
1) Son of Jacob (Israel). Ancestor of one
of the tribes of Israel; 2) The tribe that bears his name.
-
Nation
-
Throughout this site, the term "nation" is used in the classical sense, meaning
a group of people with a shaed history and a sense of a group identity.
As the term is used in this site, a nation is not necessarily a territorial
or political entity. When referring to a territorial or political entity,
this site uses the term "country" or "state." The Jewish People are consideed
to be a nation, contrasted with the other nations of the world. See
The Jews Are a Nation or a People.
-
Navi (nah-VEE); pl. N'vi-im (n'-vee-EEM)
-
From niv sefatayim meaning "fruit of the lips." A
prophet. A spokesman for G-d, chosen to convey
a message or teaching. Prophets were role models of holiness, scholarship
and closeness to G-d. Also: A section of the
Tanakh containing the writings of the prophets.
-
Ne'ilah (n'-EE-luh)
-
Lit. closing. The closing service of Yom Kippur.
-
Ner Tamid (NAYR tah-MEED)
-
Lit. continual lamp. Usually translated "eternal flame." A candelabrum or
lamp near the ark in the synagogue that symbolizes
the commandment to keep a light burning in the Tabernacle outside of the
curtain surrounding the Ark of the Covenant.
-
Nesekh
-
An offering of undiluted wine.
-
New Year
-
See Rosh Hashanah.
-
Niddah (nee-DAH)
-
The separation of husband and wife during the woman's menstrual period. Also
refers to a woman so separated. Also reffered to as taharat ha-mishpachah
or family purity.
-
Nihum Avelim
-
Lit. comforting mourners. One of the purposes of Jewish practices relating
to death and mourning.
-
Nikkud; pl. N'kkudim
-
A system of dots and dashes used to indicate vowels and other pronunciation
in Hebrew.
-
Nissan
-
The first month of the Jewish year, occurring in March/April. See
Months of the Jewish Year.
-
Nisuin
-
Lit. elevation. The second part of the two-part Jewish
marriage process, after which the bride and groom
begin to live together as husband and wife.
-
Noahic Commandments
-
Seven commandments given to Noah after the flood, which are binding on both
non-Jews and Jews.
-
Number of Followers
-
There are approximately 13-14 million Jews in the world. For details and
links to population resources, see Jewish
Population.
-
Numbers
-
In Hebrew, all letters have a numerical value, and numbers are written using
letters. See Numerical Values of Words.
-
Numerology
-
See Kabbalah and Jewish Mysticism;
Numerical Values of Words.
- O -
-
Offerings
-
Jewish practices of sacrifices and offerings were extensive in ancient times,
but have not been practiced since our Temple was destroyed, because we are
not permitted to bring offerings anywhere else.
-
Olah (oh-LAH)
-
Derived from a root meaning ascention. A burnt offering, a type of
sacrifice that represented complete submission
to G-d's will. It was completely consumed by fire on the altar.
-
Olam Ha-Ba (oh-LAHM hah-BAH)
-
Lit. The World to Come. 1) The messianic age;
2) the spiritual world that souls go to after death.
-
Old Testament
-
The Jewish Scriptures more or less correspond to what non-Jews call the "Old
Testament." Jews call it Written Torah or the Tanakh.
-
Omer (OH-mayr)
-
A unit of measure, often translated as "sheaf." The period between Passover
and Shavu'ot is known as the Omer period, because we count the days from
the time that the first omer of barley was brought to the Temple. See
The Counting of the Omer.
-
Onah
-
The wife's right to have regular sexual relations with her husband, a right
that is fundamental to every Jewish marriage and that cannot be diminished
by the husband. See Kosher Sex;
Marriage.
-
Oral Torah (TOH-ruh)
-
Jewish teachings explaining and elaborating on the
Written Torah, handed down orally until the
2d century C.E., when they began to be written down in what became the Talmud.
-
Order
-
A division of the Mishnah and Talmud.
-
Original Sin
-
Judaism completely rejects the doctrine of original sin. See
Birth; The Dual
Nature.
-
Origins of Judaism
-
According to Jewish tradition, the religion now known as Judaism was founded
by our ancestor, Abraham, almost 4000 years ago.
-
Orthodox
-
One of the major movements of Judaism, believing
that Jewish law comes from G-d and cannot be changed.
- P -
-
Parah Adumah (Pahr-AH ah-doo-MAH)
-
Lit. ed heifer. An animal used as an offering
in an unusual and mysterious ritual to purify from the defilement of contact
with the dead.
-
Pareve (PAHR-ev)
-
Yiddish: neutral. Used to describe kosher foods that contain neither meat
nor dairy and therefore can be eaten with either. See
Kashrut - Separation of Meat and Dairy.
-
Parokhet
-
The curtain inside the Ark (cabinet where the Torah
scrolls are kept).
-
Parshah (PAHR-shah)
-
A weekly Torah portion read in synagogue. To find
this week's portion, check the
Current Calendar.
-
Passover
-
Holiday commemorating the Exodus from Egypt. The holiday also marks the beginning
of the harvest season.
-
Patriarchs
-
Abraham,
Isaac and
Jacob. The forefathers of Judaism.
-
Peace Offering
-
A type of sacrifice expressing thanks or gratitude.
-
Pentecost
-
A festival commemorating the giving of the Torah and the harvest of the first
fruits, known to Jews as Shavu'ot.
-
Perutah (pe-ROO-tuh)
-
A small copper coin, sufficient to acquire
a wife by money.
-
Pesach (PEH-sahkh, PAY-sahkh)
-
Lit. exemption.1) Holiday commemorating the Exodus from Egypt, known in English
as Passover. The holiday also marks the beginning
of the harvest season. 2) The paschal lamb that, in
Temple times, was
sacrificed on this holiday.
-
Pharisees
(PHAR-i-sees)
-
A movement of Judaism that began approximately 2200 years ago. It is the
forerunner of rabbinic Judaism, which encompasses all of the movements of
Judaism in existence today.
-
Phylacteries
-
Leather pouches containing scrolls with passages of scripture, used to fulfill
the commandment to bind the commandments to our hands and between our eyes.
Jews refer to them as tefillin. The Greek term "phylacteries" literally means
"amulets" and is offensive to some.
-
Pidyon Ha-Ben (peed-YOHN hah-BEHN)
-
Lit. edemption of the son. A ritual edeeming the firstborn son from his
obligation to serve in the Temple.
-
Pirkei Avot (PEER-kay ah-VOHT)
-
Lit. Ethics of the Fathers. A tractate of the
Mishnah devoted to ethical advice from many
of the greatest rabbis of the early
Talmudic period.
-
Points
-
Marks used to indicate vowels and other pronunciation tips in certain Hebrew
texts. Texts with such marks are reffered to as "pointed texts."
-
Population
-
There are approximately 13-14 million Jews in the world. For details and
links to population resources, see Jewish
Population.
-
Pork
-
One of the many foods forbidden under Jewish dietary
laws. The prohibition against eating pork is the one best known, because
throughout history people have oppressed Jews by forcing us to eat pork.
-
Prayer
-
Prayer is a central part of Jewish life. Observant Jews pray three times
daily and say blessings over just about every day-to-day activity. See
Prayers and Blessings; Jewish
Liturgy; Common Prayers and Blessings.
-
Pre-Marital Sex
-
Although the Torah does not prohibit pre-marital sex, Jewish tradition strongly
condemns the irresponseibility of sex outside of the context of marriage.
-
Priest
-
A descendant of Aaron, charged with performing
various rites in the Temple. This is not the
same thing as a rabbi. See
Kohein.
-
Promised Land
-
The land of Israel, which G-d promised to Abraham
and his descendants.
-
Pronunciation
-
Historically, Ashkenazic Jews have had a somewhat
different pronunciation of certain Hebrew letters than
Sephardic Jews; however, the Sephardic pronunciation
is becoming pedominant because it is the one used in
Israel. See Hebrew
Alphabet.
-
Prophets
-
1) A spokesman for G-d, chosen to convey a message or teaching. Prophets
were role models of holiness, scholarship and closeness to G-d; 2) A section
of Jewish scripture containing the writings
of the Prophets.
-
Purim (PAWR-im)
-
Lit. lots (as in "lottery"). A holiday celebrating the rescue of the Jews
from extermination at the hands of the chief minister to the King of Persia.
-
Pushke (PUSH-kuh)
-
A box in the home or the synagogue used to collect
money for donation to charity.
- Q -
-
Qorban (Kawr-BAHN); pl. Qorbanot (kawr-BAHN-oht)
-
From a root meaning to draw near. A sacrifice or offering.
- R -
-
Rabbi (RA-bahy)
-
A religious teacher and person authorized to make decisions on issues of
Jewish law. Also performs many of the same functions
as a Protestant minister. When I speak generally of things that were said
or decided by "the rabbis," I am speaking of matters that have been generally
agreed upon by authoritative Jewish scholars over the centuries.
-
Rabbinical Judaism (ruh-BIN-i-kul)
-
A general term encompassing all movements of Judaism descended from
Pharisaic Judaism; that is, virtually
all movements in existence today.
-
Rachel
-
Favorite wife of Jacob. Mother of
Joseph and Benjamin. One of the Matriarchs
of Judaism.
-
Rakheel (Rah-KHEEL)
-
A tale-bearer. Derived from a word meaning trader or merchant. Tale-bearing
is a serious sin in Judaism. See Speech and Lashon
Ha-Ra.
-
Rambam
-
Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon, one of the greatest medieval Jewish scholars. Also
known as Maimonides.
-
Rashi (RAH-shee)
-
Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki, one of the greatest medieval Jewish scholars.
-
Rashi Script
-
A style of writing used to distinguish
commentary from the text it comments upon. Named for
Rashi, the greatest commentator.
-
Rebbe (REHB-bee)
-
Usu. translated Grand Rabbi. The leader of a
Chasidic community, often believed to
have special, mystical power.
-
Rebbetzin (REB-i-tsin)
-
The wife of a rabbi. See The Role of Women.
-
Rebecca
-
Wife of Isaac. Mother of
Jacob and Esau. One of the Matriarchs of
Judaism.
-
Recipes
-
See Jewish Cooking.
-
Reconstructionism
-
One of the major movements of Judaism, an outgrowth
of Conservative that does not believe in a personified deity and believes
that Jewish law was created by men.
-
ed Heifer (ed Cow)
-
An animal used as an offering in an unusual and
mysterious ritual to purify from the defilement of contact with the dead.
-
ed Magen David (mah-GAYN dah-VEED; MAH-gen DAH-vid; MOH-gen DAY-vid)
-
The Israeli equivalent of the ed Cross. "Magen
David" is the Hebrew name of the six-pointed Jewish star.
-
Reform
-
One of the major movements of Judaism, believing
that Jewish law was inspied by G-d and one can choose which laws to follow.
-
Reincarnation
-
Belief in reincarnation is not in conflict with Judaism. Many
Chasidic sects and other mystically-inclined
Jews believe in reincarnation, either as a routine process or in extraordinary
circumstances.
-
Responsa
-
Answers to specific questions of Jewish law, written by the most respected
rabbis of their time.
-
Responsa Project
-
A project at Bar-Ilan University in Israel, to compile the vast body of responsa
literature into a computer database. For more information, see their
website.
-
Resurrection
-
Belief in the eventual resurrection of the dead is a fundamental belief of
traditional Judaism.
-
Reuben
-
1) Son of Jacob (Israel). Ancestor of one
of the tribes of Israel; 2) The tribe that bears his name.
-
Rituals
-
See Shabbat, Jewish
Holidays and specific holidays listed under it,
Brit Milah: Circumcision,
Bar Mitzvah, Bat Mitzvah and Confirmation,
Marriage, Divorce,
Life, Death and Mourning, Prayers
and Blessings, Common Prayers and Blessings,
and Qorbanot: Sacrifices and Offerings.
-
Root Word
-
A set of (usually) three consonants that conveys the central meaning of a
Hebrew word. Prefixes, suffixes and vowels added to the root clarify the
precise meaning.
-
Rosh Chodesh (ROHSH CHOH-desh)
-
Lit. first of the month. The first day of a month, on which the first sliver
of the new moon appears. See Jewish Calendar.
-
Rosh Hashanah (ROHSH hah SHAH-nuh;
RUSH-uh SHAH-nuh)
-
Lit. first of the year. The new year for the purpose of counting years.
-
Rules
-
See Halakhah: Jewish Law, A
List of the 613 Mitzvot (Commandments), or pages dealing with specific
rules, such as Shabbat or
Kashrut.
- S -
-
Sabbath
-
A day of rest and spiritual enrichment. See
Shabbat; Shabbat Evening
Home Ritual; Havdalah Home Ritual.
-
Sacrifice
-
Jewish practices of sacrifices and offerings were extensive in ancient times,
but have not been practiced since our Temple
was destroyed, because we are not permitted to bring offerings anywhere else.
-
Sadducees
(SAD-yoo-sees)
-
A movement of Judaism that began approximately 2200 years ago. It died out
shortly after the destruction of the Temple.
-
Sages
-
Refers generally to the greatest Jewish minds of all times. See
Sages and Scholars.
-
Sandek (SAN-dek)
-
The person given the honor of holding the baby during a ritual
circumcision. Sometimes reffered to as a godfather.
-
Sarah
-
Wife of Abraham. Mother of
Isaac. One of the Matriarchs of Judaism.
-
Script
-
A style of writing the Hebrew Alphabet.
-
Scriptures
-
The Jewish Bible, also reffered to as the Tanakh. More or less corresponds
to what non-Jews call the "Old Testament." See Torah.
-
Second Day of Holidays
-
An extra day is added to many holidays because in ancient times, there was
doubt as to which day was the correct day.
-
Seder (SAY-d'r)
-
Lit. order. 1) The family home ritual conducted as part of the
Passover observance. 2) A division of the
Mishnah and Talmud.
-
Sefer K'ritut (SAY-fayr KREE-toot)
-
Lit. scroll of cutting off. A writ of
divorce. Also called a get.
-
Sefirot (se-fee-ROHT)
-
Lit. emanations. In Jewish mysticism, the emanations from G-d's essence that
interact with the universe.
-
Sekhakh (s'-KHAHKH)
-
Lit. covering. Material used for the roof of a sukkah during the holiday
of Sukkot.
-
Selichot (s'lee-KHOHT; SLI-khus)
-
Prayers for forgiveness, especially those that are added to the liturgy during
the month of Elul, as the High Holidays of
Rosh Hashanah and Yom
Kippur approach.
-
Semikhah (s'-MIKH-uh)
-
Essentially, a rabbinical degree, authorizing
a person to answer questions and resolve disputes regarding
Jewish law.
-
Sephardic Jews (s'-FAHR-dic)
-
Jews from Spain, Portugal, North Africa and the Middle East and their
descendants.
-
Services
-
Observant Jews pray three times a day in formal worship services. See
Jewish Liturgy, Yom
Kippur Liturgy, Synagogues, Shuls and Temples.
-
Se'udat Havra'ah
-
Lit. the meal of condolence. The first meal that a family eats after the
burial of a relative, prepaed by a neighbor. See
Mourning.
-
Sex
-
Sex is not shameful, sinful or obscene. It is not solely for the purpose
of procreation. When sexual desire is satisfied between a husband and wife
at the proper time, out of mutual love and desire, sex is a
mitzvah. See also
Marriage.
-
Shabbat (shah-BAT; SHAH-bis)
-
Lit. end, cease, rest. The Jewish Sabbath, a day of rest and spiritual
enrichment. See also Shabbat Evening Home
Ritual; Havdalah Home Ritual.
-
Shabbat Shalom (shah-BAHT shah-LOHM)
-
Hebrew. Literally, sabbath peace or peaceful sabbath. A general, all-purpose
shabbat greeting. See Common
Expressions and Greetings.
-
Shacharit (SHAHKH-reet)
-
Morning prayer services. See Jewish Liturgy.
-
Shalach Manos (SHAH-lahkh MAH-nohs)
-
Lit. sending out portions. The custom of sending gifts of food or candy to
friends during Purim.
-
Shalom (shah-LOHM)
-
Hebrew. Literally, peace. A way of saying "hello" or "goodbye." See
Common Expressions and Greetings.
-
Shammai (SHAH-mahy)
-
One of the great rabbis of the Talmud. His
stricter views of Jewish law are often contrasted with those of Hillel.
-
Shammus (SHAH-mis)
-
Lit. servant. 1) The candle that is used to light other
Chanukkah candles; 2) the janitor or caretaker
of a synagogue. See also
Chanukkah Candle Lighting
Blessings.
-
Shavua Tov (shah-VOO-ah TOHV)
-
Hebrew. Literally, good week. A greeting exchanged at the end of
shabbat. See Common Expressions
and Greetings.
-
Shavu'ot (shuh-VOO-oht;
shah-VOO-uhs)
-
Lit. weeks. A festival commemorating the giving of the Torah and the harvest
of the first fruits.
-
Shechinah (sh'-KHEE-nuh)
-
The Divine Presence of G-d, generally represented as a feminine quality.
See The Nature of G-d; Prophets
and Prophecy.
-
Shechitah
(sh'-KHEE-tuh)
-
Lit. destruction or killing. Kosher slaughter.
-
Shema
(sh'-MAH)
-
One of the basic Jewish prayers. See also Jewish
Liturgy; Signs and Symbols.
-
Shemini Atzeret (sh'MEE-nee
aht-ZE-ret)
-
Lit. the eighth (day) of assembly. The day (or two days) after
Sukkot.
-
Shemoneh Esrei (sh'MOH-nuh ES-ray)
-
Lit. eighteen. A prayer that is the center of any Jewish religious service.
Also known as the Amidah or the Tefilah. See Jewish
Liturgy.
-
She'ol
-
A place of spiritual punishment and/or purification for a period of up to
12 months after death. Often reffered to as Gehinnom.
-
Sheva Brakhos (SHE-vuh BRUH-khohs)
-
Lit. seven blessings. The seven blessings recited during the
nisuin portion of the Jewish
wedding ceremony.
-
Shevarim (she-vahr-EEM)
-
One of four characteristic blasts of the shofar (ram's horn). See
Rosh Hashanah.
-
Shevat
-
The eleventh month of the Jewish year, occurring in January/February. See
Months of the Jewish Year.
-
Shield of David
-
The six-pointed star emblem commonly associated with Judaism.
-
Shiksa
-
A derogatory term for a non-Jewish female. See Jewish
Attitudes Toward Non-Jews.
-
Shiva (SHI-vuh)
-
Lit. seven. The seven-day period of mourning
after the burial of a close relative.
-
Shkutz
-
A derogatory term for a non-Jewish male. See Jewish
Attitudes Toward Non-Jews.
-
Sh'lamim (shlah-MEEM)
-
Lit. peace [offering]. A type of sacrifice expressing
thanks or gratitude.
-
Shloshim (shlohsh-EEM)
-
Lit. thirty. The thirty-day period of
mourning after the
burial of a close relative.
-
Shochet (SHOH-khet)
-
Kosher slaughterer.
-
Shofar (sho-FAHR)
-
A ram's horn, blown like a trumpet as a call to repentance. See
Rosh Hashanah.
-
Shomerim (shohm-REEM)
-
Lit. guards, keepers. People who sit with a body between the time of death
and burial. See Care for the Dead.
-
Shul (SHOOL)
-
The Yiddish term for a Jewish house of worship. The term is used primarily
by Orthodox Jews.
-
Shulchan Arukh (SHUL-khahn AH-rukh)
-
A code of Jewish law written by Joseph Caro in the 16th century. The last
of the great medieval codes of Jewish law, and one of the most respected
compilations of Jewish law ever written.
-
Siddur (SID-r; sid-AWR)
-
Lit. order. Prayer book. See Jewish Liturgy.
-
Sidrah (SID-ruh)
-
Lit. order. A weekly Torah portion read in synagogue.
-
Simeon
-
1) Son of Jacob (Israel). Ancestor of one
of the tribes of Israel; 2) The tribe that bears his name.
-
Simkhat Torah (SIM-khat
TOH-ruh)
-
Lit. rejoicing in the law. A holiday celebrating the end and beginning of
the cycle of weekly Torah readings.
-
Sin Offering
-
A type of sacrifice used to atone for and expiate
unintentional sins.
-
Sivan
-
The third month of the Jewish year, occurring in May/June. See
Months of the Jewish Year.
-
Slander
-
Slander is a serious sin in Judaism, even if the disparaging comment is true.
See Speech and Lashon Ha-Ra.
-
Songs
-
See The Music of Pesach (Passover).
-
Speech
-
For information about the power of speech and sins committed through speech,
see Speech and Lashon Ha-Ra. For information about
pronouncing the Name of G-d, see The Name of G-d.
-
STA"M
-
A type style used in writing the
Hebrew Alphabet, distinguished by crowns on certain
letters. Used in Sifrei Torah,
Tefillin and
Mezuzot.
-
Star of David
-
The six-pointed star emblem commonly associated with Judaism.
-
Stones on Graves
-
It is customary in some Jewish communities to place small stones or rocks
on a gravesite. I have heard two explanations of this custom: 1) it's a like
leaving a calling card for the dead person; or 2) it was a substitute for
a tombstone in areas where tombstones tended to get desecrated. See
Life, Death and Mourning.
-
Sukkah (SUK-uh)
-
Lit. booth. The temporary dwellings we live in during the holiday of
Sukkot. See also
Blessing for Dwelling in
the Sukkah.
-
Sukkot (soo-KOHT; SUK-uhs)
-
Lit. booths. A festival commemorating the wandering in the desert and the
final harvest. See also Sukkot
Blessings.
-
Symbols
-
See Signs and Symbols.
-
Synagogue (SIN-uh-gahg)
-
From a Greek root meaning "assembly." The most widely accepted term for a
Jewish house of worship. The Jewish equivalent of a church, mosque or temple.
- T -
-
Tabernacles
-
A festival commemorating the wandering in the desert and the final harvest,
known to Jews as Sukkot.
-
Taharat Ha-Mishpachah (tah-HAH-raht hah-meesh-PAH-khah)
-
Lit. family purity. Laws relating to the separation of husband and wife during
the woman's menstrual period. Also reffered to as the laws of
niddah.
-
Takkanah
(t'-KAH-nuh)
-
A law instituted by the rabbis and not derived from any biblical commandment.
-
Tale-Bearing
-
Tale-bearing is a serious sin in Judaism. See Speech
and Lashon Ha-Ra.
-
Tallit (TAH-lit; TAH-lis)
-
A shawl-like garment worn during morning services, with tzitzit (long fringes)
attached to the corners as a reminder of the commandments. Sometimes called
a prayer shawl.
-
Tallit Katan (TAH-lit kuh-TAHN)
-
Lit. small tallit. A four-corneed, poncho-like garment worn under a shirt
so that we may have the opportunity to fulfill the commandment to put tzitzit
(fringes) on the corners of our garments.
-
Talmud (TAHL-mud)
-
The most significant collection of the Jewish oral tradition interpreting
the Torah.
-
Tammuz
-
The fourth month of the Jewish year, occurring in June/July. See
Months of the Jewish Year.
-
Tanakh (tuhn-AHKH)
-
Acronym of Torah (Law), Nevi'im (Prophets) and Ketuvim (Writings). Written
Torah; what non-Jews call the Old Testament.
-
Tashlikh (TAHSH-likh)
-
Lit. casting off. A custom of going to a river and symbolically casting off
one's sins. See Rosh Hashanah.
-
Tefilah (t'-FEE-luh)
-
Prayer. Sometimes refers specifically to the Shemoneh Esrei prayer. See
Prayers and Blessings; Jewish
Liturgy; Common Prayers and Blessings.
-
Tefillin (t'-FIL-lin)
-
Phylacteries. Leather pouches containing scrolls with passages of scripture,
used to fulfill the commandment to bind the commandments to our hands and
between our eyes.
-
Tekiah (t'-KEE-uh)
-
One of four characteristic blasts of the shofar (ram's horn). See
Rosh Hashanah.
-
Temple
-
1) The central place of worship in ancient Jerusalem, where
sacrifices were offeed, destroyed in 70 C.E.
2) The term commonly used for houses of worship within the
Reform movement.
-
Tenets
-
Judaism has no dogma, no formal set of beliefs that one must hold to be a
Jew. In Judaism, actions are far more important than beliefs, although there
is certainly a place for belief within Judaism. See What
Do Jews Believe?; The Nature of G-d;
Human Nature; Kabbalah,
Olam Ha-Ba: The Afterlife.
-
Teruah (t'-ROO-uh)
-
One of four characteristic blasts of the shofar (ram's horn). See
Rosh Hashanah.
-
Teshuvah (t'-SHOO-vuh)
-
Lit. return. repentance.
-
Tevet
-
The tenth month of the Jewish year, occurring in December/January. See
Months of the Jewish Year.
-
Tevilah (teh-VEE-luh)
-
Immersion in the mikvah, a ritual bath used for spiritual purification. It
is used primarily in conversion rituals
and after the period of sexual separation during
a woman's menstrual cycles, but many Chasidim undergo tevilah regularly for
general spiritual purification.
-
Tisha B'Av (TISH-uh BAHV)
-
Lit. The Ninth of Av. A fast
day commemorating the destruction of the First and Second
Temples, as well as other tragedies.
-
Tishri
-
The seventh month of the Jewish year, during which many important
holidays occur. See also
Months of the Jewish Year.
-
Tombstone
-
Jewish law requires that a tombstone be prepaed, so that the deceased will
not be forgotten and the grave will not be desecrated.
-
Torah (TOH-ruh)
-
In its narrowest sense, Torah the first five books of the Bible: Genesis,
Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy, sometimes called the Pentateuch.
In its broadest sense, Torah is the entire body of Jewish teachings.
-
Torah Readings
-
Each week, a different portion of the Torah
and the Prophets are read in
synagogue.
-
Torah Scroll
-
The Torah (Bible) that is read in
synagogue is written on parchment on scrolls.
-
Tractate
-
A subdivision of the Mishnah and Talmud.
-
Transliteration
-
The process of writing Hebrew using the Roman (English) alphabet. More an
art than a science.
-
Treyf (TRAYF)
-
Lit. torn. Food that is not kosher.
-
Trope
-
Cantillation. The distinctive melodies used for chanting readings from the
Torah and Haftarah. See Torah Readings.
-
Tu B'Shevat (TOO bish-VAHT)
-
Lit. 15th of Shevat. The new year for the purpose of counting the age of
trees for purposes of tithing.
-
Tzaddik (TSAH-deek)
-
Lit. righteous person. A completely righteous person, often believed to have
special, mystical power.
-
Tzedakah (tsi-DUH-kuh)
-
Lit. righteousness. Generally refers to charity.
-
Tzimmes (TSIM-is)
-
Yiddish. A sweet stew. The word can also refer to making a big fuss over
something.
-
Tzitzit (TZIT-sit)
-
Fringes attached to the corners of garments as a reminder of the commandments.
- U -
-
Ufruf (UF-ruf)
-
The groom's aliyah on the Shabbat before his
wedding.
-
Unpointed Text
-
Hebrew text written without vowel points. Hebrew should be written without
vowels; however, many texts add vowel points to aid pronunciation and
comprehension. See Hebrew Alphabet.
-
Unveiling
-
It is a custom in many Jewish communities to keep a deceased's tombstone
covered for the first twelve months after death, and to ceremonially unveil
the tombstone on the first anniversary of the death. See
Life, Death and Mourning.
- V -
-
Vowels
-
Traditionally, Hebrew is written without vowels. However, the
rabbis developed a system of vowel markings
as an aid to pronunciation.
- W -
-
Wedding
-
See Marriage; A
Typical Wedding Ceremony.
-
Weitzman, Chaim
-
A founder of the Zionist political movement,
and the first president of the State of Israel.
-
Western Wall
-
The western retaining wall of the ancient
Temple in Jerusalem, which is as close to the
site of the original Sanctuary as Jews can go today. Commonly known as the
Wailing Wall.
-
Women
-
In traditional Judaism, women are for the most part seen as separate but
equal. Women's obligations and responsibilities are different from men's,
but no less important. See also Marriage.
-
Work
-
Activities involving creation or exercise of control over the environment,
which are prohibited on Shabbat and certain
holidays.
-
World to Come
-
1) The messianic age; 2) the spiritual world that
souls go to after death.
-
Writings
-
A section of Jewish scripture containing
various writings.
-
Written Torah (TOH-ruh)
-
The scripture that non-Jews call the Old Testament.
- Y -
-
Ya'akov
-
Jacob (Israel). Son of Isaac. Father of twelve
sons, who represent the tribes of Judaism. One of the three
Patriarchs of Judaism.
-
Yad (YAHD)
-
Lit. hand. Hand-shaped pointer used while reading from
Torah scrolls.
-
Yahrzeit (YAHR-tsahyt)
-
Yiddish: lit. anniversary. The anniversary of the death of a close relative.
See Mourning.
-
Yarmulke (YAH-mi-kuh)
-
From Tartar "skullcap," or from Aramaic "Yirei Malka" (fear of the King).
The skullcap head covering worn by Jews during services, and by some Jews
at all times.
-
Yasher koach (YAH-shehyr KOH-ahkh)
-
Hebrew. Literally, straight strength. Figuratively, may you have strength,
or may your strength be increased. A way of congratulating someone for performing
a mitzvah or other good deed. See
Common Expressions and Greetings.
-
Yavneh
-
Center of Jewish learning after the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 C.E. See
Yochanan ben Zakkai.
-
Year
-
Judaism uses a lunar/solar calendar consisting of months that begin at the
new moon. Each year has 12 or 13 months, to keep it in sync with the solar
year. Years are counted from the date of Creation. See
Jewish Calendar.
-
Yemenite Jews
-
The Jews of the Middle Eastern country of Yemen, whose customs and practices
are somewhat different than those of Ashkenazic or Sephardic Jews. See
Ashkenazic and Sephardic Jews.
-
Yetzer Ra (YAY-tser RAH)
-
Lit. evil impulse. The selfish desire for satisfaction of personal needs,
which can lead a person to do evil if not restrained by the yetzer tov. See
Human Nature; Kosher Sex.
-
Yetzer Tov (YAY-tser TOHV)
-
Lit. good impulse. The moral conscience, which motivates us to follow G-d's
law. See Human Nature.
-
Yiddish (YID-ish)
-
The "international language" of Ashkenazic Jews,
based primarily on German with words taken from Hebrew and many Slavic languages,
and written in the Hebrew Alphabet.
-
Yitzchok
-
Isaac. Son and spiritual heir of Abraham.
Father of Jacob (Israel). One of the three
Patriarchs of Judaism.
-
Yizkor (YIZ-kawr)
-
Lit. may He remember... Prayers said on certain holidays in honor of deceased
close relatives. See Mourning.
-
Yochanan ben Zakkai
-
Founder of the school at Yavneh, which became the center of Jewish learning
for centuries.
-
Yom Ha-Atzmaut (YOHM hah ahts-mah-OOT)
-
Israeli Independence Day.
-
Yom Ha-Shoah (YOHM hah shoh-AH)
-
Holocaust Remembrance Day.
-
Yom Ha-Zikkaron (YOHM hah zee-kah-ROHN)
-
Israeli Memorial Day.
-
Yom Kippur (YOHM ki-PAWR)
-
Lit. Day of Atonement. A day set aside for fasting, depriving oneself of
pleasures, and repenting from the sins of the previous year.
-
Yom Yerushalayim (YOHM y'-roo-shah-LAH-yeem)
-
Holiday celebrating the reunification of Jerusalem in the hands of the modern
state of Israel.
- Z -
- Zealots
- A movement of Judaism that began approximately 2200 years ago. It
died out shortly after the destruction of the Temple.
- Zebach Sh'lamim
(zeh-BAKH shlah-MEEM)
- Lit. peace offering. A type of sacrifice
expressing thanks or gratitude.
- Zebulun
- 1) Son of Jacob (Israel). Ancestor
of one of the tribes of Israel; 2) The tribe that bears his name.
- Zionism (ZAHY-uhn-ism)
- A political movement to create and maintain a Jewish state. The word
is derived from Zion, another name for Jerusalem.
- Zohar (zoh-HAHR)
- The primary written work in the mystical tradition of Kabbalah.
Judaism
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