Jewish English Lexicon

anticirc

Growing movement of Jews and non-Jews who are opposed to circumcision.

antisemitism

Hatred against Jews.

"Prejudice or discrimination against Jews and the Jewish people" (JPS).

Before the Common Era (used in place of B.C.). Steinmetz: "...recently, a new awareness of the Christian character of these abbreviations have led many Jewish writers and editors to replace them with [C.E. And B.C.E.]"

Be well

Closing to a letter or conversation: Take care, be healthy

Borscht Belt

region in the Catskill Mountains with many summer resorts frequented by Jews, especially in the mid twentieth century

Bujew

a Jew who practices Buddhism; a Jew interested in Eastern spirituality

Conservative Judaism

originally known as "historical positive Judaism," a denomination that combines observance with an idea of "halachic process." See further comments below.

Diaspora

"The term for Jewish communities and their residents who live outside of the State of Israel" (JPS).

The extensive settlement of Jews outside the land of Israel after the Babylonian Exile in 586 BCE.

from your mouth to God's ears

response to a good wish or blessing that mentions future events: I want that to happen, but I'm not sure it will.

Hagiographa

The formal English name of the Ketuvim, usually translated as "the Writings."

JAP

Jewish American Princess

JDate

A popular dating site for Jewish singles.

Land of Israel

not just the state of Israel but the physical place

Maimonidean

Having to do with Maimonides, the Jewish rabbi, physician and scholar who lived in the 12th century

matzoh ball

dumpling made with matzah meal and eggs and generally served in chicken soup

nice Jewish boy

Jewish male, in pop culture it often indicates nebbishy traits and lack of traditional masculinity

no-goodnik

bad person, scoundrel (sometimes humorous or affectionate)

noodge

noun: pest, whiner

verb: bore, pester, nag

Reform

a Jewish movement founded on principles of the Jewish Enlightenment (Haskalah), which rejected the binding nature of the Law and attempted to concentrate on the prophetic message; it is now the largest movement in the United States, and has an additional 1 million adherents worldwide.