almemar

the platform on which the Torah is read in synagogue; the bima

antisemitism

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

Hatred against Jews.

apikoros

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

bialy

A flat breakfast roll, shaped like a round wading pool, sometimes sprinkled with onion. (Rosten)

A round, crusty chewy bread roll with an indented center well, the bialy is usually topped with toasted onions—and—at its most authentic—with poppy seeds. (JPS)

broiges

a dispute (n)

angry, annoyed (adj.)

burekas

A Turkish pastry filled with potatoes, other vegetables, and sometimes cheese.

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.

refusenik

Term for Soviet Jews who were not allowed to openly practice Judaism or emigrate from Soviet Union.

responsa

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

spiel

play, performance, speech. "A long, involved story or tale." (JPS)

wimpel

a long, linen sash used as a binding for the Sefer Torah by Jews of German (Yekke) origin