Jewish English Lexicon

"be strong and be blessed," usually said to someone who participated in a religious service in some way (for example, has an aliyah, makes a donation, opens the ark, etc.)

Dahak

A joke. Or someone or something who is funny.

De carne

Meaty / fleshing

De queso

Dairy / milchig / cheesy

Escapamiento bueno

May the results be good/ said upon hearing of a pregnancy/ said before giving birth

esnoga

synagogue

gaveta

Locker behind the synagogue seat.

Hadeed

Awesome.

Hagim u'zmanim lesasson

Holidays and seasons for rejoicing!

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

Hanukkah Alegre

Happy hannukah!

justo

True, right.

Kahal

(the people of) a Jewish community

Synagogue, shul, congregation

kapara!

[the relatively minor mishap should be] an Atonement [for my/our/your sins, rather than something more serious]

lonso

stupid person, bear

mabrouk

an expression of joyous congratulation used by Sephardi Jews equivalent to "Mazal tov!"

maimouna

a celebration, traditionally among Moroccan Jews, right after Passover ends, marking the springtime and the return to eating chametz (leavened foods which are forbidden on Passover)

meldado

anniversary of someone's death; the study session done in honor of that person

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 the intermediate days of Pesach and Sukkot (known as chol ha-moed).

Munchos y buenos

Many good ones (with good health). Said for a birthday, anniversary or other happy occasion.

pishkado i limon

Literally 'fish and lemon'. Used when trying to change the subject, normally when the topic of conversation is inappropriate (e.g., talking about business on Shabbat, talking about a deceased person)

Purim Alegre

Happy Purim!

Salud y vida

Have health and long life! Said in response to Buenas semanas / Shavua tov.

shabash

Well done!

Money thrown on bride and groom at a wedding (Mountain Jews).

Si kiere El Dyo

(Literally) If it is God's will -An expression that nothing is certain, or completely in our hands -a mild expression of doubt, like "If it turns out that way"

Tizke vetichye vita'arich yamim

May you have the fortune to have a long and good life!

Tizku Leshanim rabot

Wishing you many, many years!