antisemitism

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

Hatred against Jews.

Aramaic

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

Ashkenazic

Adjectival form for 'Ashkenazim', "The name given to the group of Jews who were originally from Germany and France, and their descendants" (JPS)

Borscht Belt

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

BT

ba'al teshuva, returnee to faith, Jew who chose to become Orthodox

Bujew

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

Chabad house

a synagogue/residence/outreach center operated by Chabad-Lubabvitch, usually run by a Rabbi and wife, and often their children.

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.

Hagiographa

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

keppy

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

Modern Orthodox

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

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.

Reform Judaism

A liberal, progressive branch of Judaism that emphasizes choice through knowledge.

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.

schmo

a fool; a jerk