Jewish English Lexicon

9 Days

the nine days leading up to Tisha B'av (the 15th of the month of Av), generally considered a time of mourning in which it is customary to abstain from eating meat, washing clothes, getting haircuts, or shaving

aba

father, dad, daddy

acharon acharon chaviv

"The very last one is beloved."; "Last but not least."

achron

"Latter-day religious authorities... scholars of the Renaissance and later times" (Glinert).

ad me'ah v'esrim

[may you/he/she live] "until a hundred and twenty" -- often used as a birthday wish for long life, or when mentioning a person who is getting on in years.

Adar

The sixth month of the Jewish calendar year.

adloyada

A Purim carnival.

admor

A Hassidic spiritual leader.

adon olam

a hymn in the traditional Jewish liturgy, usually recited before Shacharit and often sung after services in synagogue, made up of traits attributed to God

aggadah

Parts of the Talmud and Midrash that do not deal with law, including stories, fables, and sayings. "Talmudic stories or philosophical material" (Glinert).

agunah

A woman whose husband has refused her a Jewish divorce.

A woman who is unable to remarry, due to the fact that her husband is missing and it is not known whether her husband is alive or dead.

ahavas yisroel

"Love of one's fellow Jew" (Glinert)

Akedah

The binding of Isaac (episode in the Torah)

akum

A Talmudic term for a heathen.

al hanisim

A one-paragraph prayer added to the Amida on Chanukah and Purim.

al het

"A Yom Kippur prayer that asks forgiveness for a multitude of sins committed during the previous year" (JPS).

al regel achat

lit. "on one foot"; off-the-cuff; "To answer a question or deal with a query very briefly and cursorily." (Glinert)

Aleinu

"A prayer in praise of God, Aleinu acknowledges the unique relationship between God and the Jewish people" (JPS)

aleph-bet

"A name for the Hebrew alphabet" (JPS)

aliyah

ascent of the soul of a deceased person to a higher level, as is believed to happen on their yartzeit

ascent

"calling to the reading of the Torah" (Glinert)

immigration to Israel

Am Yisrael

"Literally, The People of Israel." (JPS)

Amalek

The biblical name of the nomadic people descended from Esau who became the enemies of the people of Israel.

Any enemy of the Jewish people

amcha

the every-man, everyday people; the folk (as opposed to the elite)

Amida

The Shemoneh Esrei prayer, which is said while standing [Amida, lit. "standing".]

amora

A Talmudic sage whose teachings comprise the Gemara. "Amoraim are contrasted with the tannaim, ancient rabbis who are quoted in the Mishnah" (JPS).

amud

page (in a prayerbook)

one side of a page (of Talmud)

pulpit, lectern

ani maamin

The thirteen articles of Jewish faith written by Maimonides, each beginning with the phrase "ani maamin" ("I believe"). "The twelfth of which says, I believe believe with complete faith in the coming of the Messiah. Even though he may tarry I will wait for him on any day that he may come'" (JPS).

Anim Zmirot

"A hymn composed of an alphabetic acrostic of 31 lines, generally sung in front of the open ark at the conclusion of the Musaf service on Shabbat." (JPS)

apikoros

heretic, non-believer, especially one with great knowledge of Judaism

Aramaic

Judeo-Aramaic, a northern Semitic language related to Hebrew.

aravot

"the branches of the willow that are part of the lulav used on Sukkot" (JPS).

arba kosot

"The four glasses of wine drunk on Passover" (Glinert).

arba minim

"The four plant species used on Sukkot" (Glinert).

arbes

Boiled chickpeas

ark

"the cabinet at the front of an Ashkenazic synagogue that houses the Torah scroll." (JPS)

aron kodesh

"Literally, "holy ark"." (JPS)

Asara B'Tevet

"A minor fast day that falls on the 10th of Tevet. It commemorates the start of the siege of Jerusalem by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylonia in 586 B.C.E., which is considered the beginning of the destruction of the First Temple" (JPS).

aseret y'mei teshuvah

"Ten Days of Penitence" (Glinert), the ten days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

aufruf

Celebration when, traditionally, the groom, and as of recently in egalitarian communities, the engaged couple is called to the Torah the Shabbat before their wedding; that aliyah itself (aufruf means literally "to call up").

Av

"The fifth month in the Jewish calendar, it usually corresponds to July or August" (JPS).

aveil

pl. aveilim. "Someone who is in mourning" (Glinert).

aveilus

Mourning (Glinert)

Avinu Malkeinu

"A High Holy Day prayer in which God is asked to 'be gracious to us and answer us, even though we have not done all the good that we might have'" (JPS).

avodah

"Service and worship of God" (Eisenberg)

"A unique part of the Musaf service on Yom Kippur, the Avodah prayers describe the sacrificial ritual in the Temple in ancient Jerusalem on the Day of Atonement" (Eisenberg).

"Literally, 'divine service'" (Eisenberg)

work, generally

the name for a unit at camp in which campers help with such duties as service in the dining hall, laundry, etc.

Avraham Avinu

"Our father Abraham" (Glinert)

b'al pe

learned by heart, from memory

b'sha'ah tovah

Literally "at a good hour." All in good time. Good luck. Response to a pregnancy announcement--meaning may all go well.

b'shem omro

"Giving credit for an idea" (Glinert)

b'tzelem Elohim

lit. "in God's image"

ba'al tekiah

"The title for the person who blows the shofar on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur" (JPS).

baal koreh

The individual who chants Torah from the scroll at a synagogue. Sometimes used to refer specifically to a person capable of learning and chanting an entire parsha, or to a professional/paid reader as opposed to an amateur.

baal-teshuva

A Jew from a secular background who chooses to become observant.

"Newly religious Jew; penitent" (Glinert)

baitsim

balls, testicles, lit. 'eggs'

bal tashchit

Do not be wasteful, do not destroy.

balagan

"a disorderly, confusing, and/or overwhelming situation" (Glinert)

Bamidbar

The Book of Numbers, [lit. "in the wilderness"] (Glinert)

baruch dayan haemet

"'Blessed be the True Judge!' (said on news of a bereavement)" (Glinert)

baruch haba

"Welcome!"

baruch tihiyeh

"May you be blessed"

bashert

Predicate adj. "Predestined, fated" (JPS)

N. Predestined soul mate.

bat chayil

Bat mitzvah, particularly a celebration in Orthodox communities that does not include services or reading from the Torah.

batel b'shishim

"Of no significance" (Glinert)

A concept in kosher laws where if a small amount of forbidden food is mixed with a permitted one (such as dairy in a meat dish), the dish is still kosher provided that the prohibited item it is only one sixtieth of the total.

bedika

Inspection or search, especially with regard to preparations for Passover

bedikas chametz

"The ceremony immediately before Pesach in which family members conduct a ritual search of the home for hametz, pieces of bread or leavened food that are forbidden on Passover" (JPS).

behatzlacha

good luck (a wish)

go with success

beit din

A rabbinical court of law that makes judgments on matters of Jewish religious life, especially conversion and divorce.

beit knesset

Jewish place of worship; "synagogue" (JPS)

beit midrash

"Study hall" (Glinert)

"A religious school or synagogue Hebrew school" (JPS).

bekishe

A long satin cloak for men.

bekitzur

"Briefly or concisely: succinctly" (Weiser)

bench

JPS: "To recite a blessing. It usually refers to Birkat ha-Mazon, the Grace after Meals... The word can also refer to the reciting of any blessing; for example, the expression bentsch licht means to light Shabbat [or Chanukah] candles."

bench gomel

to say the blessing (called Gomel) said after someone survives a life-threatening situation; often recited pro forma after surviving childbirth or trans-oceanic travel

bencher

prayer booklet or card with the text of the blessings after meals, and often times including other meal-time blessings and songs

Bereshit

The Book of Genesis [lit. "in the beginning"]

besamim

"Literally, 'spices.' It almost always refers to the spices in the spice box used for the Havdalah ceremony" (JPS).

"Modern Israeli slang for illegal drugs" (JPS).

Spices

besorot tovot

good tidings, good news

bikur cholim

visiting the sick

bimah

pulpit; "A raised platform or stage in a synagogue from which the Torah is read and services are led." (JPS)

bimheira v'yameinu

Speedily and in our days

Birkat Hamazon

The blessing after food, referring to the four blessing Grace After Meals said after consuming bread. Referred to in many communities as "bentching," or simply as "birkat" in some Jewish summer camps.

Birkot HaShachar

The first section of the morning prayers, which contains several individual blessings. (JPS)

biur chametz

Ceremonial burning chametz before Passover.

bli neder

"Literally, 'without vowing', this is added to any casual promise to avoid it being taken as an absolute undertaking." (Glinert)

bond of life

Common translation of the Hebrew "tzror ha-hayim," referring to a transcendent realm where the souls of righteous are kept in safekeeping. Part of a phrase often inscribed on headstones or said in reference to the dead, meaning "may their soul be bound in the bond of eternal life."

borei nefashos

one of the blessings recited after eating food. Usually if a "Shehakol" blessing would be recited before eating.

bracha

blessing (in the technical or figurative sense)

break fast

the meal that takes place after a fast

Breslover

A follower of the Hasidic branch of Judaism that adheres to the teachings of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, the great-grandson of the Baal Shem Tov.

bruchim haba'im

welcome! [lit. "blessed are those who come"]

candle lighting

"the custom of lighting candles to welcome the Sabbath" (JPS); the exact time at which holiday and Shabbos candles are supposed to be lit by according to Jewish law.

chad gadya

The name of a song sung at the end of the Passover seder.

chag

"Festival" (Glinert)

chag sameach

"Literally, 'Happy Holiday.' The traditional, all-purpose greeting exchanged on almost any Jewish holiday" (JPS).

chai

"Literally, 'life'" (JPS); 18 (see note)

chametz

Leavened food.

chanukiah

Nine-branched menorah / candelabrum used on Chanukah

chashuv

Important; of high status

chassidus

"Chasidism" (Glinert)

chatan

Bridegroom

chatan bereshit

"Bridegroom of Genesis" (Glinert), an honor given to an important member of the community on the holiday of Simchat Torah where the honoree is called up to the Torah for the last reading, which contains the first lines of the Torah.

chatan torah

"Bridegroom of the Torah" (Glinert), an honor given to an important member of the community on the holiday of Simchat Torah where the honoree is called up to the Torah for the penultimate reading, which contains the last lines of the Torah.

chatzi kaddish

half kaddish: prayer that praises God and occurs several times during services, marking the separation between different parts of the service.

chaverim

members, friends

chavruta

learning partnership; joint study session. "The person with whom one studies religious texts" (Weiser)

chazan

The official at a synagogue who leads the congregation in prayer and song. (JPS)

chazarah

(n.) review of material previously studied

chazir

1. pork 2. a pig, greedy person (JPS)

cheder

Hebrew and religious classes (often on Sundays) for elementary school children.

chesed

an act of kindness

kindness

chesedik

kind

cheshbon hanefesh

"Soul-searching, self-accounting" (Glinert).

chevra

"society; close-knit group" (Yiddish)

chevra kedisha

burial society - volunteers who sit with the dead and prepare their bodies for burial

chevreman

"One of the guys" (Glinert)

chidon

A bible quiz in Orthodox camps and schools.

chidush

innovative idea; an insight; discovery; novelty

chiyuv

obligation

one who is in mourning and must say Kaddish

chochmah

"Brains; wisdom; a brilliant idea" (Glinert)

chol hamoed

"the intermediate days of the weeklong holidays of Pesach and Sukkot" (JPS)

cholent

"A slow-cooked stew made of beef, beans, potatoes, and other vegetables. Cholent is a common Sabbath dish..." (JPS)

chosenness

Notion that Jews are God's chosen people, based on biblical quotes.

chozer b'teshuva

a returnee to the faith

chozer be-sheelah

someone raised Orthodox who chooses not to be aligned with the practice or ideology of Orthodox Judaism

chrain

A spicy paste made from grated horseradish.

chumash

"A bound book containing the Five Books of Moses that is used in synagogue or for study." (JPS)

conservadox

of a manner of Jewish religious practice that is considered to be intermediate between the Conservative and Orthodox movements in liturgy, observance, etc.

counting the omer

counting of each of the forty-nine days between the Jewish holidays of Passover and Shavuos

d'var torah

a brief teaching from Jewish sources [lit. "a word of torah"], "A short speech" (JPS)

daf

A page of a Talmudic tractate.

dati

Modern Orthodox

religious

daven

pray; lead services

David Hamelech

King David

davka

"definitely or exactly stated; specifically" (Weiser)

even; despite expectations to the contrary -- often with a slightly amused or ironic feeling of "wouldn't you know it?" or "of all things" ("of all people" ... etc.)

just to annoy, just to be contrary

day school

Jewish grade school, where students learn both Jewish and secular subjects. "The general name given to private Jewish schools" in the United States and Canada (JPS)

dayenu

"Literally, "it would have been enough."" (JPS)

derech eretz

Participating in modern society.

"Good conduct; normal, polite behavior in a social setting." (JPS). Manners, respect.

Devarim

"the Book of Deuteronomy", [lit. "words"] (JPS)

drash

n. sermon, interpretation of text

v. give a sermon, discuss an interpretation of the text

duchen

A ritual where the kohanim recite the Priestly Blessing (Num. 6:24-26), blessing the rest of the congregation.

dugma

example

egal

adj. describing a non-Orthodox Jewish prayer group or service in which men and women can participate equally and a mechitzah (boundary separating women from men) is not used.

Eichah

"The Book of Lamentations" (JPS)

Elohim/Elokim

"One of the many names used to refer to God" (JPS)

Elul

The twelfth month of the Jewish calendar, just before the High Holidays season (or sixth, if one starts counting at Nissan).

emes

Truth, true

"In accordance with the truth: True" (Weiser)

erev

"Eve of." (Glinert) Evening, or the day before a Jewish holiday

eruv

area in which a token enclosure enables one to carry on the Sabbath [without breaking the prohibition against carrying in a public space]." (Glinert)

eshet chayil

"woman of valor" (JPS); poem about such a woman in Proverbs 31.

etrog

Citron (lemon-like fruit) used ritually on Sukkot

etz chaim

tree of life

eyd

A witness

eyer kichlech

Egg cookies, usually in the shape of bow ties.

farshteyst? (farshteyt)

literally 'do you understand?'

fleishig

"The general term for food in the meat category, according to the Jewish dietary laws" (JPS)

flexidox

Halachically observant but in a flexible way. Reflecting the original intent and spirit of Orthodoxy, rather than the superficial details. Flexidox (adj.): Orthodox in spirit, flexible in practice; culturally rather than halachically Orthodox

freilach

noun: (frailach or freylekhs) a lively song/dance performed at simchas

adj: happy, merry

fresser

big eater, "pig". "A heavy eater." (JPS)

from strength to strength

phrase of blessing used on momentous occasions

frum

religious; observant; Orthodox

G-d

the way that some religious Jews write God, to avoid writing the full word

g'mar chatima tova

"A customary greeting among Jews on Yom Kippur [and the period between Yom Kippur and Rosh haShanah]" (JPS). lit. "a good end of [the process of] sealing [in the Book of Life]".

gabai

verb: to serve as gabai

noun: The officer of the synagogue who determines which congregants are to receive Torah honors at the service.

noun: The (lay) person who calls Jews to say blessings over the Torah reading and follows along with the Torah reading to correct any mistakes.

gam zu l'toyve

"This too is for the best."

gaon

"A title of honor for the rabbis and teachers who were the spiritual heads of the Babylonian yeshivot between the 6th and 11th centuries C.E." (JPS)

Modern Hebrew: genius (JPS)

"A rabbi whose learning was so great that he was given the honorary title of gaon" (Rosten), e.g. the Vilna Gaon

gelt

Money (slang usage)

"The foil wrapped chocolate coins that are a traditional Hanukkah treat for children." (JPS)

gematria

"An ancient system of Hebrew numerology," (JPS), in which each Hebrew letter possesses a numerical value, allowing words or phrases to express possible "hidden" meaning (when one adds up the letters' values)

gemilas chesed

(pl. gemilas chasodim) A loan of money without interest to help a needy person.

gemilut chasadim

"Literally, "acts of loving kindness"", (JPS) often used in reference to charitable activities

genizah

A storage room in a synagogue where disused sacred books and often-sacred articles are kept, since bringing them or disposing of them otherwise is considered a sacrilege.

ger

(pl. gerim) A convert to Judaism.

ger tzedek

A "righteous convert" to Judaism.

gezerah

In Jewish law, a prohibition enacted by the Sages as a measure to protect religious observance under changed conditions.

"evil decree" (Steinmetz)

"An authoritative command either to perform or to refrain from performing a particular act" (Weiser)

"an addition to a previously existing precept" (Weiser)

girsa d'yankuta

That which was learned as a young child.

giyur

The act of converting to Judaism.

Conversion ceremony

glatt

Super-kosher (not only of food), or acceptable to the Haredi community.

Showing consistency of reason (Weiser).

gmar tov

Greeting/closing used between Rosh Hashana and the end of Yom Kippur. Lit. 'good conclusion'

golus

literally "exile" (JPS); outside of the Land of Israel; away from a vibrant Jewish community; the time period since the destruction of the Second Temple at Jerusalem (Glinert)

gonif

thief

good Shabbos

Literally, "Good Sabbath" (JPS); standard Sabbath greeting

good yom-tov

standard holiday greeting

grager

a noise maker used on Purim to drown out the name of Haman; something that makes a lot of noise

gurnisht

"nothing, zilch, zero" (JPS)

gut chodesh

"Good month!" Ashkenazi greeting on Rosh Chodesh.

gut moed

"Good festival season!" Used by Ashkenazim on Chol Hamoed.

gut voch

"Good week!" Ashkenazi greeting at the conclusion of the Sabbath.

gut yontef

"Happy holiday!" Ashkenazi greeting used on any of the holidays, including Rosh Hashanahh and Yom Kippur.

gut yor

"Good year!" Ashkenazi greeting on Rosh Hashanah.

Hafgana

Demonstration, protest.

hafsaka

break or interruption

haftorah

"A reading from the biblical book of Prophets that is recited in synagogue immediately following the reading of the Torah" (JPS)

haggadah

"The small book of liturgy, prayers, songs, and rituals used at a Pesach seder" (JPS)

Hagim u'zmanim lesasson

Holidays and seasons for rejoicing!

Hagiographa

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

hakafah

a go-around (similar to sivuv)

parade, processional with the Torah on Simchas Torah

halacha

"Jewish law" (JPS)

halakhic-egalitarian

A type of prayer group, service, community, or personal practice where people of all genders participate fully and equally in prayer services or other ritual functions (particularly women also performing rituals traditionally ascribed to men), while maintaining an adherence to traditional halachic practice, and seeing the egalitarian aspects of practice as harmonious with halacha.

halevai

If only

"Would that it be so" (Steinmetz, Yiddish and English)

I wish!

hamentaschen

"Small, triangular-shaped cookies filled with fruit or jam that are eaten on Purim" (JPS)

hamevin yavin

"those who understand will understand." "You know what I'm talking about."

hamsa

a hand-shaped amulet (often a wall-hanging or jewelry) conferring good luck or protection, popular in Israel and originally from the Middle East / North Africa

Haredi

Adjective or noun referring to an individual, institution, or practice associated with strictly Orthodox (non-Modern) Jews.

Hashem imachem

"God be with you!" Sephardi greeting given by ice approaching the Torah-reading desk after being called up to the Torah.

hashgacha

Rabbinic supervision designating food as kosher

Divine providence, interference, attention

havdalah

"literally 'separation'. The ceremony that marks the end of [the Sabbath] on Saturday evening" (JPS)

havurah

A group of friends, frequently a social or religious group, either within a synagogue or apart from one.

hazzanut

"Cantorial singing" (Glinert)

hechsher

(Rabbinic) stamp or seal of approval-- typically designating a product as kosher

heicha kedusha

abbreviated version of the repetition of the Shmona Esre / Amidah

hesped

eulogy, funeral oration

hiddur mitzvah

"Literally, 'beautifying the mitzvah.' The tradition of putting extra time, style, or resources into a mitzvah so that it is performed as beautifully as possible" (JPS).

hizuk

"Encouragement" (Glinert), inspiration, strengthening, uplifting

hot dairy (out) / cold dairy (out)

a standard of kashrut held by some non-Orthodox Jews, which allows certain foods but not others to be eaten in non-kosher restaurants; "cold dairy" refers to unheated non-meat products such as a bagel with cream cheese, cold cereal, salads, or cottage cheese, while "hot dairy" refers to cooked dishes containing vegetables, fish or dairy.

iser

prohibition

J.E.R.K

Jewish Educated Religious Kid

Jew by Choice

A convert to Judaism.

Jewish geography

a "game" in which Jews attempt to identify common friends or acquaintances

Jewishly

(Adverb) related to or in a manner that accords with religious or cultural values or knowledge common or important to the Jewish people

JFK

Acronym: "Just for Kiddush." A joking or dismissive designation for a person who skips Saturday morning services but arrives at synagogue for the kiddush luncheon

Kabbalat Shabbat

"Special prayers and songs included as part of Friday night services to welcome in Shabbat."

kaddish

Prayer of mourning; prayer separating parts of the service; lit. "sanctification"

kaddishl

A son who will say kaddish for a parent (literally, "little kaddish").

kadosh

holy

kaparot

Ritual performed between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur to remove sins carried out by swinging a chicken over ones head.

kashrut

"The body of Jewish dietary laws and regulations that specify what and how a Jew who keeps kosher can eat." (JPS)

kavanah

"Attention to the meaning, spirit, and purpose of words" (Weiser)

intent

kedusha

holiness, sanctity

a responsive prayer sung/recited by the shaliach tzibbur (prayer leader) and congregation as part of the Amidah in a minyan

kehillah

"A Jewish community" (JPS)

kein yirbu

"So they may increase in number"

keppy

head, little head (informal, diminutive, often in child-directed speech)

kesher

connection, relationship, link

kesiva vechasima tova

"A good writing and sealing (in the Book of Life)!" Formal Ashkenazi greeting on Rosh Hashanah.

Keter

Crown, especially the crown decorating a Torah scroll.

keva

fixed aspects of ritual/liturgy

kezayit

A halakhic measure for the minimum amount that may not be eaten of a prohibited substance or that must be eaten to fulfill a commandment.

KFP

An abbreviation "kosher for Passover," meaning that the food fulfills the religious requirements to be eaten during Passover.

khurbn

"Destruction of the Temple" (Glinert)

Destruction, generally

the Holocaust

kiddush

"blessing recited over wine" (JPS) on Sabbath or holidays at the beginning of the meal or ceremony. Reception after services. "The refreshments, usually including wine, juice, and pastries, that are offered after [the Sabbath] and holiday services in the synagogue." (JPS)

kinder

"children" (Rosten)

kinyan

The act or manner of legally acquiring or agreeing to something.

"A groom's formal acceptance of the terms of the ketubbah. At a traditional wedding, this ritual takes place during the chossen's tish, when the rabbi or a witness, acting on behalf of the bride, offers the groom a handkerchief or some other object" (JPS).

kippah

"small, round headcovering" (JPS)

kishkas

Intestines, gut

kitah aleph

level one; 1st. grade in primary school

kitniot

"Literally, 'legumes'...certain foods that are restricted during Pesach in some Jewish communities." (JPS)

kittel

hite robe that is worn by religious Jews on Yom Kippur, when leading High Holiday services, when leading a Passover seder, by grooms at weddings, and as a burial shroud

klaf

the specially prepared skin of a kosher animal, often used as parchment for kosher Torah scrolls or mezuzot

klal yisroel

"synonym for the Jewish people" (JPS)

knis

Synagogue, Syrian word for 'shul'

kol hakavod

Literally, "All the honor", as in "More honor to you!"

"well done" (Glinert)

kol tuv

"all the best" (JPS), a closing or farewell

Kotel

"The Western Wall"/wailing wall (Glinert)

koved

"honor, dignity, respect" (JPS)

kriah

Reading, especially Torah

Rending a garment (ritual of mourning)

krias shema

"The reading of the Shema" (Glinert)

krovim

relatives

kulah

A lenient ruling or measure

"A leniency based on subtle legality: Loophole" (Weiser).

kumkum

hot water urn

L'dor va'dor

from generation to generation

l'shalom

"in peace," lit. "to (or toward) peace"

la kashya

Not a problem, no difficulty. When two (Talmudic) opinions appear to contradict each other, "la kashya" signals that a resolution is at hand.

landsman

Someone who comes from the same or nearby hometown, especially if one or both of you no longer lives there and all the more so if one or both now live far away from home, in which case an entire region (e.g., metro NY) or country e.g., Poland) may be the point of connection.

lashon hara

"gossip" (lit. "evil tongue") (JPS)

lay leader

a member of the board of directors for a Jewish non-profit organization

an adult who helps coordinate programs of a Jewish organization in a volunteer capacity

lekech

"Honey cake, traditionally served on Rosh Hashanah... made with honey, eggs, cinnamon, and, often, coffee" (JPS).

lemaan Hashem

"Definitely"

leshana tova tikateivu

"(May you) be inscribed for a good year (in the Book of Life)!" A formal greeting exchanged bu Ashkenazim on Rosh Hashanah.

leyn

to chant torah, haftarah or megillah

light

light Shabbat or holiday candles

lulav

palm branch used ritually on Sukkot

m'gayer

A convert to Judaism

To convert someone to Judaism

To be converted to Judaism

A person or entity that converts someone to Judaism

maariv

the evening prayer

machloket

disagreement, dispute, argument, conflict, especially one about a halachic issue

machzor

High Holiday prayerbook, used for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur

madrega

level, especially spiritual level

makpid

Particular, conscientious, especially in relation to Jewish law.

mamaleh

diminutive term for a young girl [lit. 'little mama']

mamaliga

A Romanian-Jewish dish of thick cornmeal mush.

mamish

"1. As though true to fact...2. Surely or certainly...3. Actually, genuinely...4. To a high degree...5. Enthusiastic response: WOW." (Weiser)

mamzer

bastard [see note]; "A detestable [person] like the colloquial English "He's a bastard"" (Rosten)

mandelbrot

"Literally, 'almond bread.' A crunchy, dry cookie, similar to biscotti" (JPS).

marbitz torah

one who spreads Torah knowledge

to spread Torah knowledge

marit ayin

suspicious-looking action; doing something that may cause an observer to think that one violated halachah and thus arouse suspicion, or alternatively, doing something that could mislead somebody to interpret than an action is permitted and then violate halachah him/herself

maror

bitter herbs placed on the seder place on Passover

masechta

Talmudic tractate

matbea

blueprint, structure, form

matzah pizza

A nickname for Massapequa, a Long Island, NY, suburb with sizable Jewish and Italian populations.

a dish eaten by American Jews during Passover, where a piece of matzah is covered with tomato sauce and cheese, and placed in the oven.

matzav

situation

political, military situation in Israel/the Middle East

mayim achronim

ritual hand-washing before saying the prayer after a meal

mazel

congratulations

luck (good)

mazume

"A group of three or more adult males who join together to recite the after-meal blessings..." (Steinmetz).

"ready money, cash" (Steinmetz)

meaty

Food in the meat category, according to the Jewish dietary laws

mechayil el chayil

"from strength to strength"

mechitza

the separation between men and women in Orthodox prayer spaces [lit. "separation"]

medakdeik

"Thorough or painstaking; avoiding error by virtue of the care exercised: CAREFUL." (Weiser) exacting, precise

melacha

"Work or actions forbidden on Shabbat" (JPS). Mostly applies on Yom Tov, as well, and often refers to creative work, or use of electronics.

"That which requires exertion or effort: Task" (Weiser).

"Art or skill: Trade" (Weiser).

meshichist

someone who believes that Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Rebbe of Chabad Hasidism, is the Messiah

mesorah

tradition

meykil

A decisor who follows a lenient option and issues a kulah (lenient ruling).

"Yielding to wishes: Indulgent" (Weiser)

"Not harsh or strict: Easygoing" (Weiser)

"One who is not strict: Liberal, Latitudinarian" (Weiser)

"Taking the lenient position: Liberal" (Weiser)

meyzid

One who commits a sin consciously and deliberately.

Mi Shebeirach

the prayer for healing said during a Torah service; [lit. "He who blesses"]

midrash

stories or explanations that interpret or ellaborate on the Torah's text.

midrasha

Co-ed supplementary Jewish religious school, usually Reform

Orthodox women's seminary, especially in Israel

mikvah

"Ritual bath" (JPS)

milah

ritual circumcision

milchig

"...food in the "dairy" category, according to the Jewish dietary laws...also refers to the utensils and dishes used for cooking, eating, and serving milk products." (JPS)

milky

Dairy

minhag

custom; "A tradition that is not mentioned in the Torah or mandated by law but nonetheless is followed." (JPS)

minhag hamakom

local custom

minyan

prayer quorum of 10 Jews age 13 or older (traditionally male; in some communities male or female)

religious community

small service

mise meshune

horrible, violent, or unnatural death, often used as a curse

mishkan

the tabernacle or temporary sanctuary in which the Divine Presence dwelled during the Jews’ journeys through the desert

the portion of the tabernacle and the Temple building before the Holy of Holies which contained the inner altar, the table for the showbread, and the menorah

Mishnah

an authoritative collection of exegetical material embodying the oral tradition of Jewish law and forming the first part of the Talmud.

Mishnah Berurah

commentary on Shulchan Aruch Orech Chaim by Israel Meir of Radin, aka the Chofetz Chaim

Mishneh Torah

a 12th-century code of religious law in fourteen parts written by Moses Maimonides

mishpacha

"Literally, "family". ...The word conveys a warm feeling of friendship." (JPS)

mitzvot aseh

affirmative commandments (of the 613 commandments of the Torah)

Mizrachi

adj. or noun describing a person or practice (including music and ritual) of Middle Eastern Jewish origin. Lit. "Eastern," "Oriental."

Moadim lesimcha

Happy holiday! Greeting used on Pesach and Sukkot.

Modern Orthodox

'Modern Orthodox'. Observant, but open to the outside world, general culture and education; not 'Yeshivish' or 'Haredi'.

mora

Teacher - Female

musaf

The additional service added to the morning services on the Sabbath and holidays.

musar

a Jewish ethical movement that crystallized among non-Hasidic Orthodox Jews in Lithuania in the 19th century, led by Israel Salanter, focusing on character development.

reproof; system of ethics; discipline

muvan me'elav

self-evident

naches

"Proud pleasure, special joy--particularly from the achievements of a child... 2. Psychological reward or gratification." (Rosten)

Nachshon

Trailblazer. Initiator. Someone who takes a risk when others are not willing to.

narishkeit

"1. Foolishness 2. A triviality" (Rosten)

navi

prophet; class on Prophets

neder

a vow

neshama

soul

nigun

"A wordless melody; a tune" (JPS)

nu

so what?; so?; hurry up already

OB"M

"of blessed memory"

olam habah

"The world to come"; the messianic age; Heaven

olav ha-sholom

"peace be upon him"; said of someone who is deceased

omein selah

may it be so

on one foot

translation of Hebrew "al regel achat" or Yiddish "af eyn fus": off-the-cuff; quick, quickly, quick answer (from a Talmudic story about Rabbi Hillel summarizing the Torah to a potential convert while standing on one foot)

oneg

a informal, festive gathering Friday night involving food, casual Torah study, Jewish songs, etc.

OO

Abbreviation for Open Orthodoxy or Open Orthodox.

Open Orthodox

a breakaway movement to the left of Modern Orthodoxy, declared outside of acceptable Orthodox boundaries by most mainstream Orthodox rabbis

Ortho

shorthand, or slang term, for Orthodox

parasha

conversation (Weiser)

general realm of feasibility, ballpark (Weiser)

Selection of the Pentateuch read publicly on the Sabbath.

a tedious, lengthy enumeration or account, litany (Weiser)

period of dating for marriage (Orthodox Jews)

parve

1. neither milk nor meat; 2. uninteresting, plain, generic

pasuk

a verse, usually from the Torah

patrilineal

Being considered Jewish because one's father but not mother is Jewish.

perush

A commentary on a text, something that makes the meaning clear.

Pesach

The Jewish Holiday of Passover

pesadik

"Acceptable to be eaten on Pesach" (JPS), kosher for Passover.

peshat

"An explanation of the logic behind or the source of a passage, event, work, etc." (Weiser)

Justification

"The literal, obvious meaning scholars give to a Jewish text. It can also refer to the simple interpretation of any issue or question." (JPS)

petcha

Calves' foot jelly or jellied chicken served with garlic and spices as an appetizer.

pikuach nefesh

The principle that the law of saving a person's life takes precedence over all other laws, with the exception of the laws prohibiting idolatry, incestuous relations, and the murder of an innocent person.

plata

electric hotplate used on the Sabbath

Ploni

An anonymous placeholder name, like "John Doe;" So-and-So.

pshh

exclamation of respect

Psukei d'Zimrah

the first part of morning services, after the morning blessings mostly comprised of Psalms [lit. "verses of praise"]

Purim

A joyous holiday that takes place in February or March on the 14th of Adar, retelling the story of the Book of Esther.

rebetzin

wife of a rabbi

refua shlema

"Get well soon." Lit. "full recovery"

remez

interpretation/analysis of Torah (or other texts) on a symbolic level, taking it as an allegory, seeing what is implied

"a mark or detail that suggests the existence of implicit information, a trace, an allusion" (Weiser)

renewal

An alternative stream of rabbis and congregations, independent of the "mainstream" denominations, that fosters an open and experimental approach to Judaism, often drawing from the Jewish mystical tradition and non-Jewish spiritual traditions.

Practices and beliefs in keeping with the philosphy of the renewal movement.

responsa

Written decisions and legal rulings by rabbis appointed to be legal deciders.

rishon

"Earlier rabbis and scholars, who lived from around the 11th to the mid-15th century C.E., before the Shulchan Arukh, the compilation of Jewish law, was written." (JPS)

Rosh Chodesh

start of a new month in the Hebrew calendar

ruach

spirit, "spiritedness, morale" (JPS)

safek

A doubt or doubtful case.

"Unresolved question: Uncertainty" (Weiser)

"Doubt in the integrity of: Suspicion" (Weiser)

sandak

The person given the honor of assisting the mohel at the brit milah. The sandek may hold the child on his lap during the circumcision or, as is common today, just hold the baby for a moment in a symbolic fashion. The honor is often given to one of the baby's grandfathers or to another relative or close friend" (Eisenberg).

schach

branches or bamboo used to cover a sukkah

schmegege

"silly or stupid person; simpleton; nitwit" (Steinmetz)

"An untalented loser; a whiner; a petty person" (JPS).

"An unadmirable, petty person" (Rosten)

schnoder

"to pledge a donation" (Steinmetz).

schnorrer

a begger, a parasite. "A moocher" (JPS)

sechel

"Common sense" (JPS), intelligence

Shabbat Shalom

Used as a greeting or departing line (hello or goodbye) on or before Shabbat. Literally "peaceful Sabbath."

Shabbos

the Jewish Sabbath

shadchen

matchmaker

shalech manes

Gifts for friends, traditionally given on Purim. Typically, a basket with food requiring two separate brachas in it.

shalom bayit

"Literally, 'peace in the home'. Contentment and harmony among family members." (JPS)

shalom uvrachah

"Peace and blessing!" A more emphatic greeting than "shalom."

shalom zachar

welcoming party to celebrate the birth of a son, usually held at the house of the child's parents on the first Friday night after his birth

shalosh regalim

The three major holidays in the Jewish calendar: Passover, Shavuot [Pentecost], and Sukkot [Tabernacles].

shaloshudes

the traditional third meal of the sabbath, eaten saturday afternoon or evening beginning before the sabbath has ended. [lit. "three meals"]

shamash

1. candle lit first and then used to light other hanukah candles

3. personal assistant / aide / gofer, especially to a rabbi or in the Hollywood entertainment industry

2. the caretaker of a synagogue.

shatnez

mixture of wool and linen in a garment, which is prohibited by Jewish law

shayna punim

pretty face

Shechinah

divine presence

shecht

to slaughter meat according to the rituals of kashrut

shehecheyanu

the blessing of thanksgiving that celebrates reaching a celebratory moment or marking a significant first

sheitel

wig; worn by some observant jewish women after marriage. "A wig worn by strictly Orthodox...women as a [hair] covering." (Steinberg)

shema

prayer recited in most services as well as at bedtime, and when death is imminent; one of the most important and well-known prayers in Judaism

shemini atzeret

Holiday celebrated the day after the seven-day holiday of Sukkot.

Shemoneh Esrei

another name for the Amida, the central prayer during Jewish services. [lit. 'eighteen', the number of blessings it originally had]

Shemot

Printed items containing the name of God in Hebrew letters (generally pronounced SHAY-miss)

The Book of Exodus [lit. 'names']

sheva brachot

the seven blessings said after a jewish wedding and at a festive meal once a day for a week afterwards. the term can refer to the one week period after the wedding, the festive meal, or the blessings themselves.

sheygets

"1. A non-Jewish boy. 2. An impudent youth or man. 3. An irreligious or nonobservant Jew. The term is often regarded as disparaging." (Steinmetz)

shicker

tipsy/drunk

shidduch

"In popular usage, any match or alliance, as in The shidduch between the two organization was a success." (Steinberg)

a mate

a date in the process of finding one's spouse

an arranged spousal match

shiur

"1. A lesson, lecture, or discourse on the Torah, Mishnah, or Gemara...(2. A measure, size, or rate)." (JPS)

shmira

"guard duty"

"watching over the body of a dead person prior to burial"

shmura

a type of matzah adhering to more stringent interpretations of permissible matzah for Passover

shochet

ritual slaughterer in the system of kashrut

shogeg

One who commits a sin unintentionally.

shomer

literally, to guard. can be short for "shomer shabbat" (keeps the laws of sabbath); for "shomer negia" (keeps the laws prohibiting members of the opposite sex from touching before marriage)

shomer

a chaperone, protector, or guard

a camp counselor on duty

one who keeps vigil over a dead body before it is buried

adj. observant, observing the laws of kosher, shabbat, or negiya (not touching members of the opposite gender outside of family)

a member of Hashomer Hatzair or a camper or counselor at a Hashomer Hatzair camp

shtar

Any legal document or writ, such as a bill of sale or a promissory note.

Shulchan Aruch

a code of Jewish Law (halachah) written by Rabbi Joseph Caro in four sections, based on the Arba Turim (Tur); with its various commentaries, it is considered the central redaction of Jewish Law.

shvach

weak, pathetic, (a place or gathering that is) lacking in activity

siman tov

A congratulatory term meaning "(may it be) a good omen!"

siyum

literally, "completion" traditionally means completing studying of a tractate of talmud, often with a ceremony and celebration following, but can be used for the completion of another course of study.

smichah

"Rabbinic ordination" (Steinmetz)

sofer

A scribe trained in transcribing the Torah, mezuzah, tefillin scriptures and other religious texts on parchment.

stam

only, simply, just for fun, not for a specific purpose

That's it!

Just kidding!

sugya

passage from the Talmud

"A distinct matter for consideration in discussion, thought, or study" (Weiser)

sukkah

A temporary dwelling used during the holiday of Sukkot

Sukkot

The feast of the booths; a fall holiday when Jews live in makeshift huts to represent the time the Israelites spent wandering in the desert.

tachlis

practical details of a matter, "brass tacks" (as in, "Let's get down to brass tacks.")

purpose, aim

tahor

ritually pure, clean

tamei

ritually impure, unclean

Tanach

the entire Jewish bible including the Torah, Prophets, Writings. ['tanakh' is an acronym of the names of the three sections of the bible: torah, nevi'im and kethuvim.]

tashlich

"The custom of going to a...body of running water on the afternoon of the first day of Rosh Hashanah...and reciting certain penitential verses [and throwing breadcrumbs, symbolizing sins, in to the water.]" (Steinmetz)

tefillah

prayer, services, or an individual prayer

tefillin

Small black boxes containing sections of the shema attached to leather straps and worn around the head and arm during prayer.

"phylacteries"

Tefillin date

A date on which the male brings along his tefillin, in the expectation that he may spend the night with his date (because he is conscientious about the mitzvah of tefillin and the need to put on his tefillin the following morning).

teshuvah

repentance [lit. "return"]

Three Weeks

a period of semi-mourning commemorating the destruction of the first and second temples in jerusalem. "The three weeks between shiva asar betamuz (17th of Tamuz), when the walls of Jerusalem were breached, and Tisha b'Av (9th of Av), when the Temple was destroyed." (Steinmetz)

tikkun olam

kabbalistic concept of mystically repairing the fabric of the world through the performance of mitzvot

"repairing (the) world," making the world a better place through volunteering, social justice work, and philanthropy

titchadesh

"Use it in good health" or "Enjoy your new item"

tochacha

The portions of the Torah containing the curses the Israelites will incur if they do not follow the commandments (Lev. 26 and Deut. 28)

Rebuke, or corrections, for one's behavior, particularly as it pertains to Jewish practice.

toivel

to immerse dishes in a ritual bath (mikvah) to render them usable in a kosher kitchen

Tot Shabbat

A synagogue-based service or play group for young children on Shabbat.

toyve

A favor

traditional-egalitarian

A type of prayer group, service, community, or personal practice where people of all genders participate fully and equally in prayer services or other ritual functions (particularly women also performing rituals traditionally ascribed to men), while maintaining an adherence to traditional halachic practice.

treif

(adj or noun) food prohibited by the jewish dietary laws

trop

Series of traditional chanting/melodic patterns used in reading the Torah and other books of the Tanakh in communal prayer services.

Diacritic-like marks in printed editions of the Tanakh (and the tikkun, a book that enables people to learn to chant from the Torah, haftarah, etc.) that indicate the chanting/melodic pattern to be used with each word.

tsorris

"Troubles, woes, worries, suffering." (Rosten)

Tu b'Av

the 15th of Av, sometimes associated with romantic love and jokingly called 'Jewish Valentine's Day'.

Tu Bishvat

Jewish Arbor Day, the New Year for Trees, literally 'the 15th day of Shevat'.

tza'ar ba'alei chayim

pity for living creatures (Steinmetz), or compassion for animals.

tzadik

Common name for the 18th letter of the Hebrew alphabet (tzadi / tzade).

A highly learned and esteemed rabbinic leader (sometimes used as an alternative name for a Hasidic rebbe).

Someone who does extremely righteous deeds.

tzedek, tzedek tirdof

"justice, justice, you will pursue." (Deuteronomy 16:20)

tzimmes

"A prolonged procedure, and involved business, a mix-up" (Rosten).

"A sweet, baked dish of vegetables or fruit. Carrot tzimmes, a popular version, includes carrots, sweet potatoes, dried apricots, raisins, sugar, and cinnamon" (JPS).

"Troubles, difficulties, a contretemps" (Rosten).

Congratulations!