Hebrew Words, Definitions & Glossary I

Abba Meaning Father or Daddy in Hebrew; not to be used irreverently.

Abib Original name of the first Biblical calendar month of Nisan.

Acharit-hayamim End of days.

Adar Sixth month of Hebrew civil calendar: February-March.

Adonai The Lord; (plural form).

Adonai Eloheinu The Lord our God.

Adonai Tzidkeynu God our Righteousness.

Adonai Tz'vaot Lord God of Hosts.

Afikoman (al. Afikomen) - This word, from the Greek meaning "after-dish," refers to the last morsel eaten at the seder--half of the central matzah broken

off and put away at the beginning of the meal...Greek word meaning that which comes after. It is represented in a broken piece of matzah wrapped in linen and buried (hidden)...A Greek word meaning "dessert." This piece of the ceremonial matzah is the final thing eaten at the Passover Seder meal.

Name of the middle Matzah of the three Matzot on the Passover (Pesach) plate.

Aggadah (al. Agada, Agadah) pl. Agadot - stories, parables.

Agunah A woman whose husband had disappeared, and who could not remarry without witnesses to his death....bound woman.

Akedah (al. Akeida) - Binding an animal for sacrifice; specifically, Abraham's binding of Isaac for sacrifice to G-d--not consummated...The binding

of the sacrifice.

Al Chet Literally: for the sin; an important Yom Kippur prayer listing sins for which we beg forgiveness.

Al Hanisim (al. Ha-nissim) - thanksgiving for the miracles added to prayer and grace after the meal on the festivals of Hanukah and Purim.

Al Mikrah Megillah The blessing before the reading of the Megillah.

Al Netilat Yadayim The blessing over the washing of hands before the meal.

Alenu Leshabe'ach A prayer of thanksgiving for being separated from the heathens.

Aliyah pl. Aliyot - Literally: going up. To "have an aliyah" refers to the honor of being called up to the bimah to recite or chant the blessings over the

Torah. To "make aliyah" or "go on aliyah" means to immigrate to Israel.

Am haaretz Peasantry. Used by the Talmud and thereafter to mean ignorant....people of the land.

Am Yisrael People of Israel.

Amidah Standing prayer, quietly murmured, that is part of each daily service, alternatively called the Tefillah or the Shemoneh Esre...a prayer,

recited silently, thrice daily, while standing up, the prayer of the eighteen benedictions. Amora pl. Amoraim - Speaker, interpreter; expounder of Talmudic (Mishnaic) law from compilation of Mishnah to redaction of entire Talmud, in Babylon (where the amoraim were known as Mar or Rav) and in Palestine (where they were designated Rabbi). Their discussions and teachings, 220-550, form the Gemara, lengthier sections of the Talmud that follow each Mishnah.

Anenu A passage added to prayer on public fast days.

Ani Ma'amin Literally: I believe; often sung at the seder and at Yom Hashoah observances in memory of Holocaust victims who sang this song of

faith on their way to their deaths.

Anshei K'neset Hagdolah Sages of the Great Synod during the first part of the Second Sanctuary Period.

Aravah pl. Aravot - willow branch taken as one of the four species on the Feast of Tabernacles.

Arba Minim “The four species.” These are the four that a gathered at Sukkot Festival; Citron (Etrog), Palm (Lulav), Myrtle (Hadas) and Willow (Aravah).

Arba'ah Minim (al. the Four Species) - Palm, myrtle, willow and citron; another name for the lulav and etrog together, used on Sukkot.

Aron HaKodesh Literally: the Holy Ark; the special cabinet in which the Torah scrolls are kept in the synagogue; the Holy Ark is called Heichal in Sephardic

synagogues.

Aseret Yemei Teshuvah The ten days of penitence.

Asham A guilt offering made by one who has sinned against his fellow man.

Ashkenazi pl. Ashkenazim - Referring to Jews of Central and Eastern European origin.

Ashrey Psalm 145 recited thrice daily.

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Atah Chonantanu A passage added to the evening prayer after the Sabbath to note the difference between the Sacred and the non-Sacred.

Athid Lavo The Messianic Age or the Millennium, in Hebrew Eschatology.

Atzeret A festive gathering for the conclusion of a festival season; a concluding feast.

Avraham Abraham.

Aufruf Calling up of the bridegroom or bridal couple for the Torah blessings on the Shabbat preceding their wedding.

Av Eleventh month of Jewish year.

Av Beit Din (al. Bayt, Bet) - Father of the court--judicial president in Talmudic era, and later.

Av Harachamim A prayer for the persecuted communities.

Avelut Third period of mourning; the first year after death.

Avinu Malkenu Literally: our Father, our King; a prayer of supplication recited on Yom Kippur...a prayer said on the Days of Penitence and fast days.

Avodah (al. Abodah) - Service--specifically, the sacrificial Temple service as performed by high priest; today, referring to Yom Kippur observance

and other synagogue rituals. Chasidic concept of life dedicated to G-d.

Azarah pl. Azarot - the Temple Courtyard. Ezrat Nashim - the outer Courtyard in the Sanctuary.

Azazel Name of the Scapegoat driven into the wilderness at Yom Kippur.

Azharot A passage on the commandments in the Torah read on Shavuot.

Ba'al The god of Mo'av; Hebrew word for husband.

Badeken Traditional formal veiling of the bride by the groom before the wedding ceremony.

Balak The king of Mo'av; name meaning destroyer.

Bamah pl. Bamot - an improvised altar, outside the Sanctuary.

Bar / Bat Mitzvah Literally: son / daughter of the commandment; ceremony marking a youngster's reaching the age of religious majority, traditionally

thirteen for boys and twelve for girls; in many congregations, thirteen for girls as well.

Bar Kokhba (al. Kochba) - Leader of a Jewish revolt (132-135) against Hadrian.

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Baraita’ An Aramaic term for a statement of law, historical or aggadic tradition which is attributed to the tannaitic period but which is not contained

in the Mishnah.

Barchu Call upon the congregation to bless G-d.

Barech Grace...the part of the Seder when the grace after the meal is recited.

Baruch Blessed or bless.

Baruch Dayan Ha'emet A blessing of acceptance of G-d's judgments.

Baruch Hu Uvaruch Shemo A phrase of blessing of G-d's Name upon hearing it uttered.

Basar “ Gospel.”

Bat Kol An "echo" of a Divine Voice.

Batlanim Male householders who had leisure to give themselves to regular attendance.

Bedikat Chametz “Search for the Chametz (leavened bread).” Search for the last remains of leaven conducted on the night before the first Passover (Pesach)

Seder.

Beha'alotcha A portion in the Book of Numbers.

Bein Hametzarim The period between the Seventeenth of Tammuz and the Ninth of Av, "Between the Fences".

Beinoni pl. Beinonim - of median piety.

Beit Din A Rabbinic Court.

Beit HaMikadash The Temple Sanctuary in Jerusalem.

Beit HaShoevah The house of the water pouring; a ceremony that is performed during Sukkot.

Beit Midrash (al. Bayt, Bet) pl. Batey Midrashot - Houses of Study.

Bema “ Podium or Platform.”

Benyamin Benjamin

Berachah (al. Brachah) pl. Berachot (al. pl. Brachot, Birchot) - a blessing, benediction.

Berachot Hashachar (al. Birchot, Brachot) - the blessings of awakening recited each morning.

Bereshit Beginning; Book of Genesis.

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Berit Milah Often referred to simply as b'ris.

Berit, B'ris Literally: covenant; refers to the covenant between G-d and Abraham and his descendants.

Beshalach A portion in the Book of Exodus.

Betzah Roasted egg, a symbol for the second sacrifice of Passover.

Beyn Beyn, bane (sometimes in the plur. masc. or fem.); prop. the constr. contr. form of an otherwise unused noun from H995; a distinction; but used

only as a prep., between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conj., either . . . or:--among, asunder, at, between (-twixt . . . and), + from (the widest), X in, out of, whether (it be . . . or), within.

Bikkur Examining or investigating.

Bikkur Cholim (al. Holim) - Visiting the sick--a pious duty, carried out in the past by Chevra Kadisha.

Bikkurim (al. Bikurim) - the Offering of the First Fruit.

Bil'am Balaam

Bimah The raised platform in the synagogue from which the Torah is read and from which worship services are usually conducted; the platform is

called tevah in Sephardic synagogues...Reader's stand in synagogue.

Birkat Hachodesh The blessing of the New Moon.

Birkat haMazon Benediction over food; grace after meals.

Birkat HaMinim 90 CE decree.

Bitul Torah The neglect of the study of the Torah.

Bi'ur Ma'asrot The disposal of tithes.

B'midbar Desert or wilderness; Book of Numbers.

Bo A portion in the Book of Exodus.

Boethuseans A religious party of the first century composed of wealthy and influential members of the priesthood, similar in doctrine with the Sadducees.

Boneh Yerushalayim The blessing over the rebuilding of Jerusalem.

Bore Nefashot HaMazon A short blessing after the eating of food that does not require Birkat

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Bore Peri Ha'etz The blessing over fruit of the tree.

Brit Chadasha Apostolic Scripture; Renewed Covenant or New Covenant.

Ceruvim The Cherubim in the Sanctuary.

Chag Habikkurim (al. Habikurim) - Literally: Festival of the First Fruits; another name for Shavuot.

Chag Haggeulah Festival of redemption.

Chag Sameach Literally: a joyous holiday; greeting used on the festivals.

Chai Literally: life. When Jews drink, they wish each other Lechayim (to life).

Chakamim “ Wise Men or Magi.”

Chalitzah This Biblical ceremony, to absolve a man of marrying his childless brother's widow, means "removal." The widow removes his shoe and publicly

spits upon the recalcitrant.

Challah (al. Chalah) pl. chalot - Egg bread eaten on Shabbat and festivals; the challah used on Rosh haShanah is round, often containing raisins, symbolizing a

sweet year, distinguishing it from the Shabbat challah that is braided...the kohen's share in the dough...White braided Sabbath bread; name of the dough tithed from bread baking.

Chametz Leaven; usually relates to or is symbolic of sin.

Chanukat Habayit Literally: dedication of the home; the ceremony affixing the mezuzah.

Chanukiah Eight-branched candelabrum, with a place for a ninth candle (shamash) that light the others, especially designed for Hanukah.

Charoset A mixture of fruits, nuts, and wine; one of the symbolic Passover foods. Its color and consistency are reminders of the bricks and mortar used by

the Israelite slaves.

Chasidim Ultra-Orthodox followers of the eighteenth-century leader, Rabbi Israel, the Ba'al Shem Tov.

Chatan Bridegroom.

Chatan Bereshit Literally: bridegroom of Genesis; the man called to recite or chant the blessings over the first section of the Torah on Simchat Torah.

Chatan Torah Literally: bridegroom of the torah; the man called to recite or chant the blessings over the final section of the Torah on Simchat Torah.

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Chatat (al. Hataat) - Sin offering in Temple...A sin offering made by one who has sinned against G-d.

Chavurah (al. Chaburah, Havra'ah) pl. Chavurot - a group of "subscribers" convened for the purpose of offering the Pesach Sacrifice and eating of its

meat...Informal group, which meets together for Jewish study and celebration.

Chazan (al. Hazzan) - the cantor, the leader in prayer.

Chazan Hakkeneset (al. Hazzan) - synagogue employee.

Chazarat Hashatz Repetition of the amidah prayer by the cantor aloud after it was recited by the congregants.

Cheder Old-fashioned term for Hebrew school....Chamber.

Cheshvan (Bul) Second month of Jewish year.

Chet Literally: missing the mark; one of the Hebrew terms translated as sin. Chevrah Kadisha - Group of people entrusted with the mitzvah of

preparing a body for burial.

Chokmah Chokmah, khok-maw'; from H2449; wisdom (in a good sense):--skillful, wisdom, wisely, wit.

Chol Non-sacred.

Chol Hamoed Ordinary part of the festival--days in the middle of Pesach or Sukkot when work is allowed...weekdays of the Festival.

Chukat A portion in the Book of Numbers.

Chumash pl. Chumashim - one of the Five Books of the Torah.

Chuppah (al. Chupah, Huppah) - Canopy under which pair stand at wedding ceremony, symbol of home to be established...Canopy which

represents the honeymoon chamber.

Cohen Priest; (plural Cohenim).

Cohen Gadol High Priest (plural Cohenim Gadol) Yeshua is our Cohen Gadol!

Da'ath Da'ath, dah'-ath; knowledge:--cunning, [ig-] norantly, know(-ledge), [un-] awares (wittingly).

Darash Darash, daw-rash'; a prim. root; prop. to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by impl. to seek or ask; spec. to worship:--ask, X at

all, care for, X diligently, inquire, make inquisition, [necro-] mancer, question, require, search, seek [for, out], X surely.

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Daven The Yiddish word meaning "pray."

Dayenu Literally: It would have been enough for us; name of a popular seder song.

Defilement Ritual impurity.

Devar Torah Literally: a word of Torah; follows the Torah reading in a worship service, taking the form of a sermon, talk, explication, story, discussion, or

program.

Devarim Words; Book of Deuteronomy.

Diaspora Jewish communities outside of Israel.

Dibre HaYamin The events of the days.

Din pl. Dinim - Halachah law.

Drash Study of Torah.

Duchan The stand in front of the ark in the synagogue from which the kohanim bless the congregation.

Efrayim Ephraim

Eglah Arufah "the heifer-of-the-broken-neck" prescribed in case of an unsolved murder.

Ein Kelohenu "There is no simile of our L-rd..." a passage recited after the morning prayer.

El Erech Apaim A prayer mentioning the thirteen Divine Attributes.

El Malei Rachamim Literally: G-d, full of compassion; memorial prayer.

El Shaddai The Almighty.

Elohim God (plural form).

Elokai Netzor A passage of personal requests recited upon the conclusions of the silent prayer.

Elul The sixth month on the Hebrew calendar..

Emor A portion in the Book of Leviticus.

Emunah “ Faith or Trust.”

Ereb 'ereb, eh'-reb; dusk:-- + day, even (-ing, tide), night. (al. Erev) the day before, the eve of.

Eretz Yisrael Land of Israel.8

Erusin Betrothal; The first of two steps of a Scriptural Wedding. In ancient times, the formal engagement ceremony before marriage.

Eruv An act of legal "mixing", the means of "mixing".

Eruv Chatzerot An act of legal "mixing" to enable transferring from one "private domain" to another on Sabbath.

Eruv Tavshilin An act of "mixing" the cooked food prepared for a festival and the Sabbath next to it in order to enable cooking and baking on the festival for the

Sabbath.

Etrog - Citron fruit; with the lulav, it is the symbol of Sukkot...citron fruit taken as one of the four species on the Feast of Tabernacles.

Even Shetiyah The Foundation Stone in the Sanctuary.

Ezrat Nashim The outer Courtyard in the Sanctuary. Azarah pl. Azarot - the Temple Courtyard.

Fleishig Foods derived from meat or meat products.

Gabai pl. Gaba'im - the leader of the Synagogue.

Gan Eden “ Garden of Eden.” A type of Paradise, Heaven or the World to come.

Gaon pl. Ge'onim - (Excellency) Reverential title of heads of Talmudic academies of Sura and Pumbedita,

Gehinnom (al. Gehinom) - Literally: Valley of Hinnom; a temporary place of punishment in the afterlife...Hell.

Gelt Yiddish term for money; traditionally given as a Hanukah gift and used for the dreidel game.

Gemar Chatimah Tovah Literally: May the final sealing be good; traditional greeting from the end of Rosh Hashanah through Yom Kippur.

Gemara Collection of legal and ethical discussions of the rabbis of the third through the fifth centuries edited about 500 CE; together with the Mishnah

forms the Talmud.

Gematria Finding meanings in the numerical value of Hebrew letters and words.

Ger Ger, gare; prop. a guest; by impl. a foreigner:--alien, sojourner, stranger...Gioret pl. gerim - The masculine and feminine forms of the

Hebrew term for convert.

Ger Sheker Proselyte who declares full conversion for ulterior motives.

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Ger Toshav Proselyte who accepts monotheism and the Noahide laws, and who receives courtesies and privileges.

Ger Tzedek Full convert of true conviction, in all respects to be considered a Jew.

Gerut The process of conversion.

Geshem “ Rain”

Get A letter or document of divorce.

Gevurot Geshamim "the Power of Rain", a Praise to G-d for the revelation of His powers in Nature, added to the silent prayer.

Gezerah Laws or traditions added by the Pharisees as fences around the existing Law in an attempt to prevent it from being broken.

God (names) Adonai, Elohim, El Shaddai, YHWH, HaKadesh Baruch Hu, Ribono shel Olam, Harachaman, Avinu Shebashamayim.

Go'el Redeemer.

Go'el Israel "The Redeemer of Israel", one of the eighteen benedictions of the Amidah prayer.

Goyim Non-Hebrews or Jewish nations or peoples (singular Goy; person).

Grogger (al. Greegers, Graggers) - Noisemaker used to drown out Haman's name during the reading of the Megillah on Purim.

Ha Melech The king.

Ha'azinu The song of. A portion of Deuteronomy.

Haben The son.

Hadas A myrtle branch taken as one of the four species on the Feast of Tabernacles.

HaElyon The Most High.

Haftarah Portion of writings from the Tanakh and Brit Chadasha used with the Parashah from the Torah on Shabbat.

Hag Holiday or festival.

Hag HaMatzah “The Festival of Unleavened Bread.”

Hagadol The great.

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Hagah Hagah, haw-gaw'; a prim. root to murmur (in pleasure or anger); by impl. to ponder:--imagine, meditate, mourn, mutter, roar, X sore, speak, study, talk,

utter.

Hagbalah Days of Abstinence.

Haggadah (al. Hagadah, Agada, Agadah, Aggadah) pl. Haggadot - A general Hebrew term for utterance, applied specifically to the nonlegal portion of

rabbinic literature. It is also the title of the text recited at the festive meal (seder) on the first two nights of Passover...Literally: telling; book in which the Passover story is retold and the seder ritual is outlined...the tale of the Exodus from Egypt as read at the Seder Night.

Hagigah (al. Chagigah) - a sacrifice offered on the eve of Pilgrim Festivals.

Hagomel A blessing of thanksgiving for deliverance from perils.

Hakafa “ Circuit.” Going around the congregation standing in the Synagogue.

Hak-heyl Assemble-ceremony of reading parts of Torah every seventh Sukkot.

Hakkafah Circle-dance with Torah Scroll.

Halacha “ Spiritual Application.”

Halakhah (al. Halachah, Chalakah) - The way one goes; the word for law, or for the purely legal and regulatory portions of the Talmud, and of all Jewish

lore...Jewish law.

Halakhah Lemoshe Misinai (al. Halachah, Chalakah) - a Law given to Moses on Sinai and not written explicitly in the Torah.

Hallel (al. Halel) - Special psalms of praise, recited or sung on the festivals....Psalms 113 - 118.

Hamantashen Filled three-cornered pastries supposed to represent Haman's hat, traditionally eaten on Purim.

Hamavdil The blessing of Havdalah.

Hanukah (al. Chanukah)- Literally: dedication; name of the winter holiday commemorating the Maccabean victory over the Syrians in 165 BCE.

Haptomai Haptomai, hap'-tom-ahee; prop. to attach oneself to, i.e. to touch (in many implied relations):--touch.

Harpazo Harpazo, har-pad'-zo; to seize (in arious applications):--catch (away, up), pluck, pull, take (by force).

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HaSatan “ Satan, Lucifer, the Serpent, the Devil.”

HaShem The Name; referring to YHWH without saying the actual Name.

Hatafat Dam Berit Taking a single drop of blood from the penis as a sign of the covenant, necessary in the conversion of an adult male already circumcised.

Hatarat Nedarim The repeal of vows.

Hatikva The hope.

Hatov Vehametive The fourth blessing of Birkat haMazon -- "He Who is ood and bestows goodness..".

Havdalah Literally: separation; ceremony that marks the end of the Sabbath and the beginning of the week...the blessing over wine to mark the difference

between the Sabbath and the weekdays.

Hayom Harat Olam Verses recited during the Rosh haShanah mussaf prayer.

Hechag Literally: the holiday; one of the names for Sukkot.

Hechal Hall of the Sanctuary.

Heretic One whose beliefs do not accord with those of the established religion to which he claims adherence.

Hester Panim The withdrawal of Divine Favor.

Heter Permission, permit.

Heter Iska "transaction permit" allowing a money lender to take interest by making him a partner of the borrower sharing his profits.

Hillel The most prominent Jewish teacher of the first century (30 BCE - 10 CE).

Hilula A celebration of memorial.

Hoshana Rabbah The seventh day of Sukkot, known as the “Great Hosanna.”

Hoshanah Chant of "Save us, L-rd." said while carrying Torah in procession. G-d save us now.

Isru Chag The day following a festival.

Itro A portion in the Book of Exodus.

Iyar (Zif] Eighth month of Jewish year.

Kabbalat Ol Mitzvot Literally: the acceptance of the yoke of the commandments; a convert's agreement to lead a Jewish life.

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Kabbalat Shabbat Psalms, readings and songs welcoming the Sabbath; the introductory portion of the Sabbath eve service.

Kabod (al. kabowd) Prop. weight; but only fig. in a good sense, splendor or copiousness:--glorious (-ly), glory, honour (-able). (al. Kavod)

Kaddish (al. Kadish)- Prayer praising G-d. This prayer is chanted at several points in a service. In addition, it is recited at least once at each service in

memory of those who have died...Prayer of sanctification of G-d's name.

Kalat Bereshit Literally: bride of Genesis; the woman called to recite or chant the blessings over the first section of the Torah on Simchat Torah.

Kalev Caleb.

Kallah (al. Kalah) pl. Kallot - Bride...Conclave or retreat.

Kaparah pl. Kaparot (al. pl. Kapparot) - expiation...Ceremony of transferring sinfulness to a scapegoat just before Yom Kippur.

Kaphar Atonement or forgiveness.

Kapporet The Mercy Seat of God.

K'arah Passover dish.

Karath karath, kaw-rath'; a prim. root; to cut (off, down or asunder); by impl. to destroy or consume; spec. to covenant (i.e. make an alliance or

bargain, orig. by cutting flesh and passing between the pieces):--be chewed, be con- [feder-] ate, covenant, cut (down, off), destroy, fail, feller, be freed, hew (down), make a league ([covenant]), X lose, perish, X utterly, X want ... (al. Karet) - "Being cut off" from the people; Biblical punishment which might become capital or consist of early natural death.

Karpas A green herb like parsley or a green vegetable such as celery or watercress, symbolizing spring; one of the symbolic foods used on the seder plate.

Kashrut Jewish dietary laws.

Katatome A cutting down (off), i.e. mutilation (ironically):--concision.

Kavanah Literally: intentionality; referring to the spiritual attitude with which we approach worship.

Kedushah (Holiness) When the reader or cantor repeats the Amidah (standing prayer), the congregation rises for this antiphonal chant of a doxology

from Bible verses proclaiming oneness and sanctity of the L-rd...prayer of sanctification of G-d's Name added to the third benediction of

the amidah prayer.

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Kedushat Hayom The benediction concerning the "sanctity of the day" included in the amidah prayers on Sabbaths and Festivals.

Kefa Peter the Apostle.

Kehilat The congregation of believers in the Messiah.

Ken Ayin Hara (Yiddish, Kinna Hurra) - Literally: May there be no evil eye. Keriah - Tearing of a garment or a symbolic black ribbon as an expression of

grief in conjunction with a death.

Kena'an Canaan

Ketiva Vachatima Tovah Wishes of "good inscription" on Rosh haShanah.

Ketoret Incense offered in the Sanctuary.

Ketubah (al. Kethubhoth) pl. Ketubot - (Writing) Traditional marriage contract, detailing duties of wife and husband, and providing money penalties

for divorcement of wife...A second marriage contract.

Ketuvim Literally: the Writings; third section of the Bible.

Ketz End of Days.

Kevah Literally: fixed; referring to the fixed order of Jewish liturgy.

Kevod Hamet (al. Kebod) - Honor due to the dead.

Ki Tetze A portion in the Book of Deuteronomy.

Ki Tisa A portion in the Book of Exodus.

Kiddush (al. Kidush) - Blessing recited or chanted over wine on Shabbat or festivals emphasizing their holiness....pour out first cup of wine / blessing of

sanctification...by extension, a light meal after the wine.

Kiddush Hachodesh (al. Kidush) - the sanctification of the New Moon.

Kiddush Levanah (al. Kidush) - the blessing of sanctification over the monthly renewal of the moon.

Kiddushin (al. Qiddushin, Kedushin) - Literally: holiness; refers both to the wedding ceremony and to the state of matrimony.

Kinah pl. Kinot - (Lamentation) Elegy in poetic (piyyut) structure recited on Jewish days of mourning.

Kipah/ Kippah A cap or head covering for a man. The Yiddish term is yarmulke.

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Kislev Third month of Jewish year.

Kittel (al. Kitel) - White garment that is part of traditional Jewish burial clothes; worn by some worshipers on Yom Kippur as a reminder of mortality

and a symbol of purity, and by some officiants at Rosh haShanah services and at the Passover Seder. Also worn by some grooms at their wedding.

Klaf Hand-written scroll placed in a mezuzah, containing Deuteronomy 6:4-9; ll:13-21.

Kodashim Kalim Sacrifices of minor sanctity.

Kodesh Literally: holy.

Kodesh Hakodhashim Room behind Holy Place. also hakodesh - the Holy Place.

Kohelet The Scroll of Ecclesiastes.

Kohen (al. Cohen) pl. Kohanim (al. pl. Cohanim) - Descendant of the ancient priestly class, the progeny of Aaron...a priest.

Kohen HaGadol (al. Cohen HaGadol, Cohen Gadol] - The High Priest.

Kol Nidrei (al. Nidrey) - Literally: al vows; prayer that begins the Yom Kippur eve service; the entire service is often called the Kol Nidrei service...a

prayer and announcement of repeal of vows recited upon the advent of the Day of Atonement.

Korech Matzah and bitter herb sandwich.

Kosher “(Kasher or Kashrut)” to make fit or proper, usually referring to foods being clean or unclean.

Kri The traditional pronunciation of words in the Torah.

K'tiv The traditional spelling of words in the Torah.

Kvatter / Kvatterin Godfather / Godmother; those who carry the baby into the Berit ceremony.

Ladino Judeo-Spanish; the everyday language of Sephardic Jews.

Lag baOmer 33rd day of 50 days of Omer.

Lamnatze'ach Ya'ancha Hashem Psalm 20, recited on weekdays to mark sorrow and supplication.

Lashon HaRa An evil or slandering tongue.

Lech Lecha The third portion in the Book of Genesis.

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Lechem Mishneh Two loaves required for the blessing on Sabbath and Festival meals.

Lehitpalel Literally: to judge oneself; the Hebrew word meaning "to pray."

Leshanah Tovah Tikatevu Literally: May you be inscribed [in the Book of Life] for a good year; Rosh haShanah greeting, sometimes shortened to Shanah Tovah.

Levi A Servant in the Sanctuary, a Sage of the Talmud.

Leviathan Sea monster mentioned in Job, of which the pious will eat at the resurrection.

Levirate The institution of the brother-in-law (marrying his brothers widow).

Lulav pl. Lulavim - Palm branch, with myrtle and willow sprigs attached; with the etrog, it is the symbol of Sukkot...a palm branch taken as one of the

four species on the Feast of Tabernacles.

Maamad "Station"--groups of lay people who assisted the Levites at the daily sacrifices one week a year.

Ma'aminim The Believers.

Maariv Evening prayer service....evening prayers after sunset.

Ma'aser pl. Ma'asrot - tithes given to the Kohen, the Levite or the poor.

Machah Machah, maw-khaw'; a prim. root; prop. to stroke or rub; by impl. to erase; also to smooth (as if with oil), i.e. grease or make fat; also to touch, i.e.

reach to:--abolish, blot out, destroy, full of marrow, put out, reach unto, X utterly, wipe (away, out).

Machzor (Repetition) High Holy Day prayer book, In some Orthodox synagogues, a special prayer book- -also known as a machzor--is used on the

Pilgrimage Festivals.

Maftir Last part of Torah reading on a given Shabbos or festival...the man who is "called up" to the reading of the concluding passage.

Magen Avot A short summary of the Sabbath amidah prayer recited on Sabbath Eve after the silent prayer.

Maggid Preacher; generally itinerant, and popular because of his clever parables ...narration.

Mah Nishtanah Four questions.

Malkot The penalty of lashing.

Malkut Shamayim The Kingdom of Heaven.

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Maot Chitim (al. maoz chittin) - Literally: wheat money; money collected prior to Passover to assist the needy to celebrate the holiday and to buy special Passover foods.

Maoz Tsur Best-known Hanukah song. An English version of the song is entitled "Rock of Ages."

Maror “Bitter herbs,” such as horseradish, symbolizing the bitter plight of the enslaved Israelites; one of the symbolic foods used on the seder plate.

Marranoes Forcibly converted Jews in Spain.

Mashiach Anointed one (same as Messiah or Christ).

Mashiach or Meshiach “ The Anointed One.” Messiah

Masoretic Text The accepted Hebrew text of scriptures.

Mattan Torah (al. Matan) “The giving of the Torah.” The giving of the law or instruction.

Mattanot Le-Evyonim Giving to the poor.

Mattityahu Matthew

Matzah pl. Matzot - Unleavened bread eaten during Passover (Pesach). The unleavened bread eaten in recollection of the hurried departure from Egypt.

Mayim Hayim Living water.

Mazal Tov Literally: good luck; congratulations.

Mechilta Halakhic midrash to Exodus.

Medieval Relating to or characteristic of the Middle Ages.

Megillah (al. Megilah) pl. Megillot - Literally: scroll; there are five megillot in the Bible. The one we read on Sukkot is Ecclesiastes, on Purim is Esther,

on Pesach is Song of Songs, on Shavuot is Ruth and on Tishah Be'av is Lamentations..

Melekh King

Menashe Menassah

Menorah pl. Menorot - Seven- or eight-branched candelabrum; people commonly refer to an eight- branched Chanukiah as a menorah...the Lamp of the Sanctuary.

Mensch Good, giving, kind person (this word is Yiddish, not Hebrew).

Menuhan Place of rest.

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Mesorah The traditional essential requirements in the writing of a Torah Scroll.

Messianic Having to do with the Messiah (Yahshuah or Jesus).

Metzorah A term usually used for a leper, a contracted word meaning one who spreads slander.

Mezuzah A small, decorative cylinder containing Scripture passages from D’varim six, seven and eleven, which is affixed to the doorpost(s) of a home.

Midat Hadin The Divine Attribute of Justice.

Midrash pl. Midrashim- A group discussion and study. A collection of works compiled between the third and twelfth centuries that seeks out underlying truths and meanings of the Bible; the result of the process of delving into the ramifications of a biblical verse and of the ancient rabbis' reading between the lines of Scripture.

Midyan Midian

Mikdash Me'at Literally: a small sanctuary; refers to the home.

Mikrah (al. Miqra) Something called out, i.e. a public meeting (the act, the persons, or the place); also a rehearsal:--assembly, calling, convocation, reading.

Mikvah Baptism through total immersion in living water.

Minchah pl. Menachot - from an unused root mean. to apportion, i.e. bestow; a donation; euphem. tribute; spec. a sacrificial offering (usually

bloodless and voluntary):--gift, oblation, (meat) offering, present, sacrifice...afternoon prayer; name of Temple sacrifice...evening prayers during the day...a gift offering in the Sanctuary...an offering made of flour and oil.

Minim Sectaries; early Judeo-Christians.

Minyan Quorum of ten adult Jews necessary for public prayer. The number ten represents a legal congregation.

Miqra A Convocation or rehearsal.

Miqveh Something waited for, i.e. confidence (obj. or subj.); also a collection, i.e. (of water) a pond, or (of men and horses) a caravan or drove:--abiding,

gathering together, hope, linen yarn, plenty [of water], pool. Ritual bath.

Miryam Mary

Mishkan The Tabernacle in the wilderness. A residence (including. a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, fig. the grave; also the Temple); spec. the Tabernacle

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(prop. its wooden walls):--dwelleth, dwelling (place), habitation, tabernacle, tent....the Sanctuary Tent.

Mishlo'ach Manot The sending of "portions" to friends on Purim.

Mishnah Code of Jewish law edited by Rabbi Judah HaNasi about 200 CE; together with the Gemara forms the Talmud.

Mishpachah A family, i.e. circle of relatives; fig. a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension. a tribe or people:--family,

kind (- red).

Mishpatim A portion in the Book of Exodus.

Mitzrayim Egypt

Mitzvah pl. Mitzvot - Literally: Commandment; a religious precept or obligation; mitzvah refers to one of the 613 commandments in the Torah....a good

deed.

Mitzvat Aseh A commandment-to-do, a positive command.

Mitzvat Lo Ta'aseh A commandment-not-to-do, a prohibition.

Mizmor Letodah Psalm 101 recited daily to commemorate the Thanksgiving Offering in the Sanctuary.

Mo’ed A set time or appointed time. Season or Festival. (al. mow’ed) - an appointment, i.e. a fixed time or season; spec. a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for a definite purpose); technically the congregation; by extension, the place of meeting; also a signal (as appointed beforehand):--appointed (sign, time), (place of, solemn) assembly, congregation, (set, solemn) feast, (appointed, due) season, solemn (-ity), synagogue, (set) time (appointed).

Moadim Appointed times (Sabbaths, Feast Days, Holy Days).

Mo'av Moab

Mo'avi People of Mo'av (Moabites).

Mohel pl. Mohalim - Authorized functionary performing ritual circumcision.

Molad, Molad Halevanah pl. Moladot - the appearance of the new Moon.

Moreh Tzaddikim Teacher of righteousness.

Moshe Moses

Motza'ei Shabbat (al. Shabat) - the night following the Sabbath.

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Motzi (al. Hammotzee, Hamotzi) - Literally: [G-d] who brings forth [bread]; blessing over bread; standard blessing before meals at which bread is

served...one of the fifteen phases of the Seder ceremony.

Muktzeh An object forbidden to carry on the Sabbath and Festival because of its not being fit or meant for use on that day.

Mussaf (al. Musaf) -"Added" prayer service for Sabbaths and festivals, immediately following morning prayer...the additional whole offering in the

Sanctuary prescribed by the Torah for Sabbaths, Festivals and New Moons; Today: an additional Amidah prayer on said days as against the additional sacrifices.

Na'anu'im The wavings of the four species on the Feast of Tabernacles.

Nacham A prim. root; prop. to sigh, i.e. breathe strongly; by impl. to be sorry, i.e. (in a favorable sense) to pity, console, or (reflex.) rue; or (unfavorably) to

avenge (oneself):--comfort (self), ease [one's self], repent (-er, -ing, self).

Nachash Hakadomony The Predatory Snake.

Nachem A prayer for consolation.

Naga A prim. root; prop. to touch, i.e. lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphem., to lie with a woman); by impl. to reach (fig. to arrive,

acquire); violently, to strike (punish, defeat, destroy, etc.):--beat, (X be able to) bring (down), cast, come (nigh), draw near (nigh), get up, happen, join, near, plague, reach (up), smite, strike, touch.

Nasi (al. nasiy) An exalted one, i.e. a king or sheik; also a rising mist:--captain, chief, cloud, governor, prince, ruler, vapour...pl. Nesi'im - head of the people, a

head of a Tribe, a Prince.

Naso A portion in the Book of Numbers.

Natsal/ Natzal Deliverance. To snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense:-- X at all, defend, deliver (self), escape, X without fail, part, pluck, preserve, recover, rescue, rid, save, spoil, strip, X surely, take (out).

Nazah To spirit, i.e. besprinkle (espec. in expiation):--sprinkle.

Neertzah (al. Nirtzah) - acceptance, closing prayer...the last phase of the Seder ceremony.

Neilah “ Conclusion or closing.”

Neilah Literally: closing; concluding service of Yom Kippur...closing of the gate.

Nesech The libation of wine over the altar in the Sanctuary accompanying the sacrifices.

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Neta Revai The fruit of the fourth year after planting.

Netilat Lulav The commandment of the four species in the Feast of Tabernacles.

Nevi'im Prophets

Nevi'im Literally: the Prophets; second section of the Bible...the latter prophets.

Niddah Ritually unclean woman.

Nisan (Aviv) First (springtime) month of year, during which Passover falls. The first month of the Scriptural Calendar.

Nissuin (al. Nisuin) - In ancient times, the formal wedding ceremony.

Nisuch Hamayim The libation of water in the Sanctuary during the Feast of Tabernacles.

Noahide One who follows the covenant made with Noah.

Nusach Liturgical melodies at services.

Ohel Mo'ed The "Tent of Meeting"

Oketz The stalk of the etrog.

Olah Burnt offering in Temple.

Olam Haba (al. Habba) Literally: the world to Come; refers to the life of the soul after death.

Olam Hazeh The present world of toil.

Omer “ Sheaf; wave offering.”

Onan (al. Onen) - Mourner (between death and burial)....a mourning relative.

Oneg Shabbat Literally: joy of the Sabbath; reception after Friday night services, which includes refreshments, socializing, and, sometimes, Israeli dancing or

a discussion.

Onkelos A targum on the Pentateuch.

Orlah Fruit picked during the first three years after planting which is forbidden by the torah.

Oseif Gathering of the Nobles.

P’rushim Pharisees

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Parah Adumah Red heifer--special sacrificial animal.

Parashah Portion of Scripture, usually referring to the Torah portion from the 1st five books (Parashot- plural).

Pareve Foods containing neither meat nor milk.

Parochet The curtain over the Ark in the Synagogue; the curtain separating the Holy of Holies from the Hechal.

Payes Sidecurls worn by Ultra-Orthodox men and boys.

Payot Corners; therefore, earlocks of hair.

Pentateuch The first five Books of the Bible, the Five Books of Moses.

Perushim The upholders of the Oral Torah at the time of the Second Sanctuary.

Pesach pl. Pesachim - Passover.

Pesach Katan The second offering of the Paschal Lamb on the 14th of Iyar.

Pesach Sheni The 14th of Iyar, the offering of the Pesach Sacrifice by those who were not able to do so on the 14th of Nisan. Peshat - little meaning, literal.

Pesikta Book of Haggadic discourses for festivals and special Sabbaths.

Pharisees Religio-political faction in late Second Temple days that wanted to develop Judaism through prayer, study of Torah, and midrashic

interpretations of Torah; forerunners of the rabbis.

Phobeo To frighten, i.e. (pass.) to be alarmed; by anal. to be in awe of, i.e. revere:--be (+sore) afraid, fear (exceedingly), reverence.

Pidyon Haben / Habat Literally: redemption of the (firstborn) son / daughter; home ceremony that takes place on the thirty-first day of a child's life.

Piku'ach Nefesh The care for human life.

Pikudey A portion in the Book of Exodus.

Pinchas A portion in the Book of Numbers.

Pirkey Avot "the Ethics of the Fathers", a tractate in the Mishnah.

Pitma The wart of the etrog.

Piyyut (al. piyut) pl. piyyutim (al. pl. piyutim) - Poetic prayer...liturgical poem.

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Pneuma A current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by anal. or fig. a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by impl.) vital principle, mental

disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, daemon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit:--ghost, life, spirit (-ual, -ually), mind.

Proselyte Convert to Judaism.

Pseudepigraphic Written under another name.

Purim Literally: lots; festival that celebrates the survival of the Jewish people.

Qahal Assemblage (usually concr.):--assembly, company, congregation, multitude.

Qehelathah Convocation; Kehelathah, a place in the Desert:--Kehelathah.

Qoheleth A (female) assembler (i.e. lecturer); abstr. preaching (used as a "nom de plume", Koheleth):--preacher.

Rabbeinu Rabbi

Rabbi Teacher

Rachatzah Washing Ur'chatz - celebrant washes, one of the fifteen phases of the Seder ceremony Rochtzah - the phase of the Seder ceremony in which hands

are washed for the meal.

Rahab (al. Rachav) - Proud, harlot, broad. The word "Rahab" means a wall or broad place. Theis is where we get the term "broad" for a

woman...False messianic kingdom.

Ramah Seat of Idolatry.

Rasha pl. Rashim - The wholly wicked...iniquitous.

Rav Rabbi or Teacher.

Re'eh A portion in the Book of Deuteronomy.

Refa'enu "Heal us..", one of the eighteen benedictions of the Amidah prayer.

Remez Alluding to.

Rochtzah The phase of the Seder ceremony in which hands are washed for the meal Rachatzah - washing Ur'chatz - celebrant washes, one of the fifteen

phases of the Seder ceremony.

Rosh Chodesh “ The new moon, the new month.” First day of the month.

Rosh HaShanah The Jewish New Year. Celebrated on the first day of Teshrei. The Scriptural name for Rosh HaShanah is Yom Teruah.

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Rosh Hodesh (al. Chodesh) - festival of the new moon.

Ruach haKodesh Holy Spirit or Spirit of God.

Sadducees Religio-political faction in late Second Temple days that focused on priestly functions and the sacrificial system.

Sandak Person who holds the baby during the Berit Milah ceremony.

Sanhedrin The High Court in Jerusalem.

Sar a head person (of any rank or class):--captain (that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, lord, ([-task-]) master, prince (-

ipal), ruler, steward.

Scribes The Sages who interpreted the Torah and its Laws.

Sebomai To revere, i.e. adore:--devout, religious, worship.

Seder Literally: order; ritual for the home celebration of the first (and second) evening(s) of Pesach...the ceremony to commemorate the Exodus from

Egypt on Passover Eve.

Seder Avodah (al. Abodah) - the "order of Service" that the Kohen Gadol performs in the Sanctuary on the day of Atonement.

Sefer Torah (al. Sifrei) pl. Sefarim - Torah scroll.

Sefirah The "days of counting" between the Passover and Pentecost.

Selichot Penitential prayers.

Selichot Service A service of preparation for the High Holy Days, usually held at midnight on the Saturday preceding Rosh haShanah.

Semichah pl. Semuchim - ordination, Ordained Rabbis.

Sephardi pl. Sephardim - of Oriental Jewish communities.

Seraphim Fiery angels.

Seudah Feast.

Seudah Mafseket (al. Hemafseket) - the "meal of cessation" before a fast.

Seudah shel Mitzvah A festive meal that honors the observance of a mitzvah; a meal prescribed by the Torah or the Sages, same as Seudat Mitzvah.

Seudah Shelishit (al. Shlishit) - Literally: third meal; a light meal eaten late on Shabbat afternoon...the third meal eaten on the Sabbath.

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Seudat Chavurah (al. Havra'ah, Chaburah) - Literally: meal of condolence; prepared by friends of the mourners and eaten in the house of mourning

immediately following a funeral.

Sevivon Hebrew word for a dreidel (four-sided top used in a Hanukah game).

Sfeka Deyoma Doubt as to the exact date of the day.

Sh’ma or Shema D’varim 6 - “Hear Oh Israel, Adonai your God, Adonai  is One.”

Sha'atnez A cloth combining wool and linen.

Shabbat The Sabbath (Sephardic pronunciation).

Shabbat Bereshit (al. Bereishit) - the first Sabbath after Simchat Torah on which the portion of Bereishit is read.

Shabbat Chazon The Sabbath before the Ninth of Av.

Shabbat HaGadol Literally: the Great Sabbath; the Sabbath preceding Passover.

Shabbat Mevarchim The Sabbath on which the forthcoming month is blessed.

Shabbat Nachamu The Sabbath after the Ninth of Av.

Shabbat Shirah "the Sabbath of Song", the Sabbath on which "the song of the sea" is read in the portion of Beshalach.

Shabbat Shuvah Literally: Sabbath of Return; the Sabbath between Rosh haShanah and Yom Kippur.

Shabbat Zachor The Sabbath immediately preceding Purim.

Shabbaton pl. Shabbatonim - Seven High Sabbaths....sabbath program of study and celebration.

Shabbos The Sabbath (Ashkenazic pronunciation).

Shachah To depress, i.e. prostrate (espec. reflex. in homage to royalty or God):--bow (self) down, crouch, fall down (flat), humbly beseech, do (make)

obeisance, do reverence, make to stoop, worship.

Shacharit (al. Shararit) - Morning Prayer. From Hebrew for "dawn"...Morning prayer service.

Shaddai God Almighty.

Shakan To reside or permanently stay (lit. or fig.):--abide, continue, (cause to, make to) dwell (-er), have habitation, inhabit, lay, place, (cause to) remain,

rest, set (up).

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Shaliach Agent sent as the one who sent the agent.

Shaliach Tzibur The precentor of the prayers in the Synagogue, the Cantor.

Shalom Peace from the Lord (Shalom - perfect peace).

Shalom Zachor First Friday following birth.

Shalosh Seudot The three festive meals prescribed for the Sabbath.

Shammai (al. Schammai) - School of.

Shammash (al. Shamash) - Literally: servant; term for the ninth candle used to light the other candles in the Chanukiah ... the beadle in the Synagogue.

Shana Tov Good or blessed year.

Shaul Hebrew for Saul (of Tarsus) or Paul in Greek.

Shavuot “Feast of Weeks.” Known in English as Pentecost.

Shebet From an unused root prob. mean. to branch off, a scion, i.e. (lit.) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (fig.) a clan:-- X

correction, dart, rod, sceptre, staff, tribe.

Shebuah (al. shabuwa) - a week (spec. of years):--seven, week.

Shechita The slaughtering of animals for meat as prescribed by the Torah.

She'elat Geshamim The petition for rain.

She'elot u-Teshuvot Questions and responses to queries on matters of Jewish law by rabbis and sages.

Shehecheyanu Literally: [G-d] who has kept us alive; this is the blessing for beginnings and other happy occasions in people's lives, such as birth and

marriage. It is also said at candle lighting, Kiddush and certain other specific times during festival observances...a blessing over mitzvot which are performed once a year or over new fruit in its season.

Shekhinah (al. Shechinah) - G-d's Presence in the world. - Aram. and late Heb., a word not in Scripture, but used by later Jews and by Christians to express

the visible divine Presence, especially when resting between the cherubim over the mercy seat.

Sheloshim The second period of mourning; thirty-day mourning period.

Shem Hameforash The Ineffable Divine Name.

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Shema The main statement of Jewish belief: "Shema Yisrael Adonai Elohenu Adonai Echad" (Hear, O Israel: the L-rd is our G-d, the L-rd is One). Deut. 6:4-9.

Shemini Atzeret “ Eighth Day.” At the end of Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles).

Shemoneh Esre (al. Esray, Shmoneh Esreh) - Eighteen" - the number of blessings originally in the important part of the daily prayers recited in silence while

worshipers stand--hence this name is applied to all such standing prayers, although the daily service now has nineteen and other services seven blessings. Combines adoration with entreaty. Also called Amidah (standing) or simply Tefillah (prayer).

Shemot Book of Exodus; meaning "Names."

Sheol Afterlife; the netherworld.

Sheva Berachot (al. Birchot) - Literally: seven blessings; these are recited or chanted at a wedding ceremony prior to the sharing of a cup of wine by the bride

and groom.

Shevarim A shofar sound.

Shevat Fifth month of Jewish year.

Shimon Kefa Simon Peter the apostle.

Shin Hebrew letter (first letter of Shaddai).

Shire Erusin A betrothal contract.

Shivah The first period of mourning; seven-day mourning period, the first day of which is the day of burial.

Shivah haben Child of the week.

Sh'lamim Peace offerings.

Shli'chim (plural) Sent Ones, Ambassadors, Apostles, Representatives (Shaliach - singular).

Shlomo Solomon

Shmitah Release--the seventh year in which the land lies fallow and debts are released or annulled...the Sabbatical year at the end of each seven

year cycle.

Shmuel A Sage of the Talmud.

Shnat HaYovel Year of Jubilee.

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Shochet Ritual slaughterer, required by Jewish dietary laws for the preparation of kosher meat.

Shofar A trumpet made from a Ram’s Horn.

Shofar Hagadol The Great Trumpet.

Shoftim Judges

Shome'a Tefillah (al. Tefilah) - "The One Who hears prayer.." one of the eighteen benedictions of the Amidah.

Shomer Literally: guardian; person who remains with the deceased so that the body is never left alone prior to burial.

Shovavim Tat A series of winter weeks whose Mondays and Thursdays are observed as fast days.

Shuckle To sway during prayer.

Shulchan Aruch Code of law applicable to today...the Book of codified Jewish Law, by Rabbi Yosef Karo.

Shulchan Orech Table set for meal...one of the fifteen phases of the Seder ceremony.

Shushan Purim Purim celebration on Adar 15 by cities walled at the time of Joshua.

Sh'vua Tov Good week or Have a good week!

Sicarii A fanatic group of Zealots literally meaning cut throats as they were involved in political assassination of both Jews and Romans.

Siddur (al. Sidur) pl. Siddurim - Prayer book....daily and sabbath prayer book.

Sidrah Lit. Order; Torah portion read in a synagogue.

Sifra (al. Sifre) - Halakhic midrashim to Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy.

Siloam A pool of water in Jerusalem.

Simchah Literally: joy; a happy event.

Simchat Torah “ Rejoicing in the Torah.” The first day following the festival of Sukkot.

Sivan Ninth month of the Jewish year.

Siyum The completion of the study of a Talmudic tractate. Sod - mystery.

Sofer pl. Soferim (al. pl. Sofrim) - A specially trained scribe.

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Sotah A woman suspected of adultery.

S'phirah pl. S'phirot - Emanation(s) from the ultimate, infinite, indefinable G-d-head toward the palpable world; aspects of G-d.

Sukkah “ Booth.”

Sukkot “ Booths or Tabernacles.”

Sunagoge An assemblage of persons; spec. a Jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place); by anal. a Christian church:--assembly, congregation,

synagogue.

Ta'am Ha'elyon The "upper" mode of cantilation of the passage of the Ten Commandments.

Taanit A section of the Talmud on Fasts...a fast day.

Taanit Chalom A fast over a bad dream.

Tachanun A prayer of supplication.

Tachath The bottom (as depressed); only adv. below (often with prep. pref. underneath), in lieu of, etc.:--as, beneath, X flat, in (-stead), (same)

place (where . . . is), room, for . . . sake, stead of, under, X unto, X when . . . was mine, whereas, [where-] fore, with.

Tachrichim Burial shrouds.

Tachtiy Lower most; as noun (fem. plur.) the depths (fig. a pit, the womb):--low (parts, er, -er parts, -est), nether (part).

Taharah Ritual purification of the deceased in preparation for burial....washing of the dead body.

Takhrikhim Shrouds prescribed by Jewish law.

Tal (Dew) The prayer for dew (in Palestine) recited on first day of Passover.

Tallit Prayer shawl, which has tzitziot at the four corners

Tallit Katan (al. Talit) - A small prayer shawl; a special undershirt with four corners each bearing tzitziyot.

Talmid pl. Talmidim - student, disciple.

Talmid Chacham - a scholar of the Torah.

Talmidim Disciples (singular - Talmid).

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Talmud “Study or learning.” Teaching that comprises the commentary and discussions of early Rabbis.

Tamid The daily sacrifice in the Sanctuary.

Tammuz Tenth month on the Jewish civil calendar.

Tanakh Old Covenant (Old Testament).

Targum pl. Targumim - (Translation) Traditionally the name given the Aramaic translation of the Bible, read to the populace in Babylonian periods.

The custom of reading services in Aramaic following the Hebrew goes back to hundreds of years before the great diaspora. Except for some interpolations and paraphrases, the Targum Bavli, also known as the Targum Onkelos, is a very faithful translation. Less faithful to the text are the Targum Yerushalmi and others of fragmentary character.

Tashlich Traditional Rosh haShanah afternoon ceremony in which individuals symbolically cast their sins (crumbs) into a body of water...the casting

away of sin.

Tefillah Zakah (al. Tefilah) - "a prayer of purity" recited upon the advent of Yom Kippur before Kol Nidrey.

Tefillin A mitzvah from D’varim 6.  The wearing of small boxes made of leather, which contain Scripture. These boxes are worn on the forehead and

arm/hand.

Teki'ah A shofar sound.

Tekufah pl. Tekufot - one of the four seasons of the year.

Telos The point aimed at as a limit, i.e. (by impl.) the conclusion of an act or state (termination [lit., fig. or indef.], result [immed., ultimate or

prophetic], purpose); spec. an impost or levy (as paid):--+ continual, custom, end (-ing), finally, uttermost.

Tenach (al. Tanach) - Trilogy of Torah, Prophets, and Writings formed from initial letters of the Hebrew Torah, Nevi'im, Ketuvim...The Hebrew Bible.

Teruah An awakening blast.

Teshuvah “Repent or return.” Denotes a return to God after sin, starting on Elul 1 through Teshrei 10.

Tetragrammaton The four Hebrew letters usually transliterated YHWH or YHVH that form a biblical proper name of God.

Tetzaveh A portion in the Book of Exodus.

Tevet Fourth month of the Jewish year.30

Tevilah Literally: immersion...immersing in a ritual bath. Therapeutae - Sternly ascetic Jewish party whose views and practices were kindred to the

Essenes in Palestine.

Tikkun Chatzot (al. Tikun) - a prayer of lamentation over the destruction of the Sanctuary, recited at midnight.

Tikkun Leil Shavuot (al. Tikun) - Literally: service of the night of Shavuot.

Tikkun Olam (al. Tikun) - Repairing our broken world.

Tikkun Soferim (al. Tikun) (al. Sofrim) - the set of rules for the writing of a Torah Scroll.

Tishah Be'av The ninth day of the month of Av; a day of mourning for the destruction of the ancient Temple in Jerusalem.

Tishri (al. Tishrei) (Ethanim) - First month of Jewish year. Titkabel - a verse in the kadish, "Let the prayers of Israel be accepted.." Todah - the

thanksgiving offering in the Sanctuary.

Todah Thank you.

Tohuw To lie waste; a desolation (of surface), i.e. desert; fig. a worthless thing; adv. in vain:--confusion, empty place, without form, nothing, (thing of)

nought, vain, vanity, waste, wilderness.

Toldah (al. towledah) -, i.e. family; (fig.) history:--birth, generations.

Torah “Teaching or instruction.” Primarily denoting the first five books of the Scriptures.

Tosefta (al. Tocefta) - (Supplement) Anthology of tannaitic text parallel to Mishnah, but outside Mishnaic canon, and more expansive. Rabbi Nehemiah,

second century, began the work; in the third century it was continued by Hiyya ben Abba and Oshaiah.

Treif (al. Trefah) - Literally: torn apart; food that is not ritually fit. It is the opposite of kosher.

Tru'ah A shofar sound.

Trumah A heave offering, contribution...the seventh portion in the Book of Exodus.

Tsaphoon Hidden.

T'shuva To repent.

Tu Bishvat Fifteenth day of the month of Shevat; a minor holiday known as the New Year of the Trees, observed by planting trees.

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Tzaddik pl. Tzaddikim (al. Tzadik) (al. pl. Tzadikim) - Chasidic sages were so called; they were often raised by their followers to the status of direct

intermediaries with G-d, super-human miracle workers...a just man, righteous, upright.

Tzaddikim or Tzeddikim The Saints or Righteous Ones.

Tzafun The phase of the Seder ceremony in which the hidden afikoman is eaten.

Tzara'at Leprosy

Tzedakah (al. Tsedakah) - Literally: justice or righteousness; the Hebrew word we use for charity and charitable acts.

Tzedokim Sadducees.

Tzidkatcha Tzedek Verses recited after the minchah prayer on Shabat.

Tziduk Hadin A prayer of accepting G-d's Judgment.

Tzitzit Braided fringes commanded by God in Num. 15:38-40 to be worn on the four corners of a garment (Tzitziot-plural).

Untaneh Tokef A passage describing Heavenly Judgment added to prayer on Rosh haShanah and Yom Kippur.

Ur'chatz Celebrant washes, one of the fifteen phases of the Seder ceremony Rachatzah -washing Rochtzah - the phase of the Seder ceremony in

which hands are washed for the meal.

Ushpizin “Guests or visitors.”

Uva Letzion A prayer composed of a selection of Scriptural verses.

Va'era The second portion in the Book of Exodus.

Va'etchanan The second portion in the Book of Deuteronomy.

Vav Hebrew letter.

Vayechal A paragraph from Exodus chapter 32 and 34 read on a public fast.

Vayechi The last portion in the Book of Genesis.

Vayelech A portion in the Book of Deuteronomy.

Vayikra Book of Leviticus, meaning “ Called.“

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Ve'ahavta Literally: and you shall love; the prayer from Deuteronomy 6:5-9, that obligates Jews to love G-d and to teach Judaism to future generations;

part of the Shema.

Velamalshinim A passage relating to slanderers and informers, prescribed as a nineteenth brachah added to the eighteen benedictions of the amidah prayer.

Vezot Habrachah The last portion in the Torah.

Vidui Confession.

Ya'akov Jacob

Ya'aleh Veyavo A passage added to the amidah prayer and to the Grace after the Meal on Festivals and New Moons when additional sacrifices were offered in

the Sanctuary.

Yachatz The breaking of the middle matzah of the ceremonial matzot during a Passover seder...one of the fifteen phases of the Seder

ceremony.

Yahrzeit A day of memorial.

Yahshuah or Yeshua The true name of Jesus in Hebrew.

Yahshuah or Yeshua HaMashiach Jesus the Messiah.

Yamin Nora’im Yamin Noraim (al. Yamim) - Literally: The Days of Awe; the ten-day period

beginning with Rosh haShanah and ending with Yom Kippur.

Yarden Jordan

Yarmulke The Yiddish term for skullcap; the Hebrew term is kipah.

Yavam Husband's brother upon whom devolved the duty of marrying the former's widow if left without children....the brother-in-law.

Yavneh A city that became the location of an academy and a central focus for the Jews once the Romans destroyed Jerusalem.

Yebamah Under Biblical laws, childless widow who was commanded to marry late husband's brother, so that a child might be named after the departed.

Yehoshua Joshua

Yehudah Judah (plural - Yehudim).

Yericho Jericho

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Yerushalayim Jerusalem

Yeshivah pl. Yeshivot - Torah academy.

Yetzer Impulse.

Yetzer HaRa Impulse toward evil.

Yetzer HaTov Impulse toward good.

YHWH Tetragrammaton for God's name in Hebrew.

YHWH Tzidkeynu The LORD our Righteousness.

YHWH Tz'vaot The LORD God of Host.

Yichud Time spent alone together by the bride and groom immediately after the wedding ceremony...Room entered by bride and groom where the

two, in the consummation of the marriage, become one.

Yisra'el Israel

Yitro The sixth portion in the Book of Exodus.

Yitzchak Isaac

Yizkor ("May He remember") Prayers for the departed, recited on Yom Kippur, Shemini Atzeret, last day of Passover, second day of Shavuot.

Yochanan the Immerser John the Baptist.

Yod Hebrew letter.

Yom Hebrew word for “ Day.”

Yom HaDin “ Day of Judgment.” The same as Rosh HaShanah.

Yom HaPeduth The Day of Redemption.

Yom HaZikkaron Literally: The Day of Remembrance; one of the names for Rosh haShanah.

Yom Kippur “ Day of Atonement.” The tenth day of Teshrei.

Yom Kippur Katan (al. Kipur) - the eve of a New Moon, a "little" Day of Atonement.

Yom Teruah “Day of Blowing.” Awaking Blast or Sounding the Shofar.

Yom Tov pl. Yamim Tovim - a Festival Day, holiday.

Yoma A tractate of the Mishnah on Yom Kippur.

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Yoma Arichta One "long" day, two days considered as one.

Yosef Joseph

Yotzrot Liturgical poems added to the shacharit prayer.

Yovel A Jubilee year at the end of a fifty year cycle.

Zaqen Old:--aged, ancient (man), elder (-est), old (man, men and . . . women), senator.

Zeman Mattan Toratenu (al. Matan) - Literally: the Season of the Giving of Our Torah; another name for Shavuot.

Zeman Simchatenu Literally: the Season of Our Joy; another name for Sukkot.

Zeroah “Arm.” A roasted shankbone burned or scorched, which is one of the items found on a Seder plate.

Zikhrnot A portion of the Rosh haShanah service that deals with divine remembrance.

Zikkaron A Memorial.

Zionism The belief that there should be a Jewish national homeland in the historic land of Israel.

Z'roah Adonai Arm of the Lord.

Biblical Books

Bamidbar Numbers

Bereshit Genesis

Chavakuk Habakkuk

Chumash Hapikudim The Book of Numbers

Divrey Hayamim Chronicles

Dvarim Deuteronomy

Echah Lamentations - read on Tishah Be'av.

Ester Esther - read on Purim.

Hoshea Hosea

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Irmeyahu Jeremiah

Kohelet Ecclesiastes - read on Sukkot.

Melachim Kings

Mishlei Proverbs

Nechemiah Nehemiah

Rut Ruth - read on Shavuot.

Shir Hashirim Song of Songs - read on Pesach.

Shmot Exodus

Shmuel Samuel

Shofetim Judges

Tehillim Psalms

Vayikra Leviticus

Yonah Jonah

Biblical Names

Aharon Aaron

Avraham Abraham

Balshatzar Belshazzar, King of Babylonia

Chavakuk Habakkuk

Eliyahu Elijah

Esav Esau

Ester Esther

Hoshea Hosea

Irmeyahu Jeremiah

Mattitiyahu Hebrew name for Matthew

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Menasheh Manasseh

Moshe Moses

Nechemiah Nehemiah

Rechavam Rehoboam, King of Judah

Rivkah Rebekah

Rut Ruth

Shimshon Samson

Shlomo Solomon

Shmuel Samuel

Tzidkiyahu Zedekiah, King of Judah

Yitzhak Isaac

Ya'akov Jacob

Yechezkel Ezekiel

Yechoniah Jeconiah, King of Judah

Yehoshua Joshua

Yerovam Jeroboam, King of Israel

Yeshayahu Isaiah

Yochanan John

Yonah Jonah

Tribes of Israel

Asher Tribe of Asher

Binyamin Tribe of Benjamin

Efrayim Tribe of Ephraim

Issachar Tribe of Issachar

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Levi Tribe of Levi

Menashe Tribe of Menasha

Reuven Tribe of Reuben

Shimon Tribe of Simeon

Yehudah Tribe of Judah

Yosef Tribe Joseph

Zevulun Tribe of Zebulun

Tribe of Dan, Gad, Naphtali

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