Showing 156 of 156 words, page 1 of 1
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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
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Akedah
The binding of Isaac (episode in the Torah)
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al regel achat
lit. "on one foot"; off-the-cuff; "To answer a question or deal with a query very briefly and cursorily." (Glinert)
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aliyah
immigration to Israel
"calling to the reading of the Torah" (Glinert)
ascent
ascent of the soul of a deceased person to a higher level, as is believed to happen on their yartzeit
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Amida
The Shemoneh Esrei prayer, which is said while standing [Amida, lit. "standing".]
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apikoros
heretic, non-believer, especially one with great knowledge of Judaism
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aron kodesh
"Literally, "holy ark"." (JPS)
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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.
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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. (Literally, "master of reading" or "one who reads")
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bal tashchit
Do not be wasteful, do not destroy.
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balagan
"a disorderly, confusing, and/or overwhelming situation" (Glinert)
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Bamidbar
The Book of Numbers, [lit. "in the wilderness"] (Glinert)
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beit din
A rabbinical court of law that makes judgments on matters of Jewish religious life, especially conversion and divorce.
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bereshit
The Book of Genesis [lit. "in the beginning"]
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bikur cholim
visiting the sick
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bimah
pulpit; "A raised platform or stage in a synagogue from which the Torah is read and services are led." (JPS)
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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.
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bli neder
"Literally, 'without vowing', this is added to any casual promise to avoid it being taken as an absolute undertaking." (Glinert)
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bracha
blessing (in the technical or figurative sense)
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chag
"Festival" (Glinert)
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chai
"Literally, 'life'" (JPS); 18 (see note)
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chametz
Leavened food.
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chanukiah
Nine-branched menorah / candelabrum used on Chanukah
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chavruta
learning partnership; joint study session. "The person with whom one studies religious texts" (Weiser)
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chazir
1. pork 2. a pig, greedy person (JPS)
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cheder
Hebrew and religious classes (often on Sundays) for elementary school children.
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chevra kedisha
burial society - volunteers who sit with the dead and prepare their bodies for burial
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chidush
innovative idea; an insight; discovery; novelty
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Chinuch
Jewish education
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chol hamoed
"the intermediate days of the weeklong holidays of Pesach and Sukkot" (JPS)
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chumash
"A bound book containing the Five Books of Moses that is used in synagogue or for study." (JPS)
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chutz la'aretz
Outside of Israel; the disapora, lit. "outside the land."
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Cohen
"A made descendent of the family of Aaron, of the tribe of Levi. Aaron and his descendants were consecrated to the service of God... in the Tabernacle... in the desert and later the Holy Temple" (Steinmetz). Often poorly translated as "priest," though the term "Levite" or "Aaronite" is more accurate, especially due to Christian usage (Steinmetz).
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davka
"definitely or exactly stated; specifically" (Weiser)
just to annoy, just to be contrary
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.)
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derech eretz
"Good conduct; normal, polite behavior in a social setting." (JPS). Manners, respect.
Participating in modern society.
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Devarim
"the Book of Deuteronomy", [lit. "words"] (JPS)
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duchen
A ritual where the kohanim recite the Priestly Blessing (Num. 6:24-26), blessing the rest of the congregation.
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Eichah
"The Book of Lamentations" (JPS)
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Elul
The twelfth month of the Jewish calendar, just before the High Holidays season (or sixth, if one starts counting at Nissan).
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erev
"Eve of." (Glinert) Evening, or the day before a Jewish holiday
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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)
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eshet chayil
"woman of valor" (JPS); poem about such a woman in Proverbs 31.
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etrog
Citron (lemon-like fruit) used ritually on Sukkot
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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]".
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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.
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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)
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gemilut chasadim
"Literally, "acts of loving kindness"", (JPS) often used in reference to charitable activities
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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)
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gonif
thief
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haftorah
"A reading from the biblical book of Prophets that is recited in synagogue immediately following the reading of the Torah" (JPS)
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haggadah
"The small book of liturgy, prayers, songs, and rituals used at a Pesach seder" (JPS)
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halacha
"Jewish law" (JPS)
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Haredi
Adjective or noun referring to an individual, institution, or practice associated with strictly Orthodox (non-Modern) Jews.
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hashgacha
1. Divine providence, interference, attention 2. Rabbinic supervision designating food as kosher
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havdalah
"literally 'separation'. The ceremony that marks the end of [the Sabbath] on Saturday evening" (JPS)
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hechsher
(Rabbinic) stamp or seal of approval-- typically designating a product as kosher
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inyan
Topic [of conversation] (Weiser, Glinert).
matter (Steinmetz)
Modern Hebrew: matter. Used in phrases such as, "ma ha'inyan", what's the matter; "ze lo inyankha", that's none of your business; or "inyani," practical. (https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/improving-your-hebrew-is-a-matter-of-inyan-1.5434244)
Significance within Jewish law.
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Kabbalat Shabbat
"Special prayers and songs included as part of Friday night services to welcome in Shabbat."
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kaddish
Prayer of mourning; prayer separating parts of the service; lit. "sanctification"
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kashrut
"The body of Jewish dietary laws and regulations that specify what and how a Jew who keeps kosher can eat." (JPS)
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kedusha
holiness, sanctity
a responsive prayer sung/recited by the shaliach tzibbur (prayer leader) and congregation as part of the Amidah in a minyan
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kehillah
"A Jewish community" (JPS)
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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)
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kippah
"small, round headcovering" (JPS)
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klal yisroel
"synonym for the Jewish people" (JPS)
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kol tuv
"all the best" (JPS), a closing or farewell
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Kotel
"The Western Wall"/wailing wall (Glinert)
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koved
"honor, dignity, respect" (JPS)
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lulav
palm branch used ritually on Sukkot
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machloket
disagreement, dispute, argument, conflict, especially one about a halachic issue
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machzor
High Holiday prayerbook, used for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur
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mamish
"1. As though true to fact...2. Surely or certainly...3. Actually, genuinely...4. To a high degree...5. Enthusiastic response: WOW." (Weiser)
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mamzer
bastard [see note]; "A detestable [person] like the colloquial English "He's a bastard"" (Rosten)
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maror
bitter herbs placed on the seder place on Passover
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mayim achronim
ritual hand-washing before saying the prayer after a meal
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mazume
"A group of three or more adult males who join together to recite the after-meal blessings..." (Steinmetz).
"ready money, cash" (Steinmetz)
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mechayil el chayil
"from strength to strength"
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mechitza
the separation between men and women in Orthodox prayer spaces [lit. "separation"]
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Mi Shebeirach
the prayer for healing said during a Torah service; [lit. "He who blesses"]
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midrash
stories or explanations that interpret or ellaborate on the Torah's text.
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mikvah
"Ritual bath" (JPS)
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minhag
custom; "A tradition that is not mentioned in the Torah or mandated by law but nonetheless is followed." (JPS)
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minyan
prayer quorum of 10 Jews age 13 or older (traditionally male; in some communities male or female)
religious community
small service
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Mishnah
an authoritative collection of exegetical material embodying the oral tradition of Jewish law and forming the first part of the Talmud.
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Mishnah Berurah
commentary on Shulchan Aruch Orech Chaim by Israel Meir of Radin, aka the Chofetz Chaim
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mishpacha
"Literally, "family". ...The word conveys a warm feeling of friendship." (JPS)
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musaf
The additional service added to the morning services on the Sabbath and holidays.
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naches
"Proud pleasure, special joy--particularly from the achievements of a child... 2. Psychological reward or gratification." (Rosten)
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neshama
soul
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nigun
"A wordless melody; a tune" (JPS)
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nu
so what?; so?; hurry up already
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parasha
Selection of the Pentateuch read publicly on the Sabbath.
a tedious, lengthy enumeration or account, litany (Weiser)
period of dating for marriage (Orthodox Jews)
conversation (Weiser)
general realm of feasibility, ballpark (Weiser)
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parve
1. neither milk nor meat; 2. uninteresting, plain, generic
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pasuk
a verse, usually from the Torah
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perush
A commentary on a text, something that makes the meaning clear.
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Pesach
The Jewish Holiday of Passover
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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)
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Purim
A joyous holiday that takes place in February or March on the 14th of Adar, retelling the story of the Book of Esther.
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refua shlema
"Get well soon." Lit. "full recovery"
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Rosh Chodesh
start of a new month in the Hebrew calendar
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ruach
spirit, "spiritedness, morale" (JPS)
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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).
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sechel
"Common sense" (JPS), intelligence
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Shabbat Shalom
Used as a greeting or departing line (hello or goodbye) on or before Shabbat. Literally "peaceful Sabbath."
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shadchen
matchmaker
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shalech manes
Gifts for friends, traditionally given on Purim. Typically, a basket with food requiring two separate brachas in it.
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shalom bayit
"Literally, 'peace in the home'. Contentment and harmony among family members." (JPS)
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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
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shamash
2. the caretaker of a synagogue.
3. personal assistant / aide / gofer, especially to a rabbi or in the Hollywood entertainment industry
1. candle lit first and then used to light other hanukah candles
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shatnez
mixture of wool and linen in a garment, which is prohibited by Jewish law
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shehecheyanu
the blessing of thanksgiving that celebrates reaching a celebratory moment or marking a significant first
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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
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shemini atzeret
Holiday celebrated the day after the seven-day holiday of Sukkot.
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Shemoneh Esrei
another name for the Amida, the central prayer during Jewish services. [lit. 'eighteen', the number of blessings it originally had]
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Shemot
The Book of Exodus [lit. 'names']
Printed items containing the name of God in Hebrew letters (generally pronounced SHAY-miss)
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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.
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shidduch
a date or match, often leading to marriage. "The matching up of a man and a woman for purposes of marriage; a match. In popular usage, any match or alliance, as in The shidduch between the two organization was a success." (Steinberg)
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shiur
"1. A lesson, lecture, or discourse on the Torah, Mishnah, or Gemara...(2. A measure, size, or rate)." (JPS)
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shmura
a type of matzah adhering to more stringent interpretations of permissible matzah for Passover
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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)
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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.
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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.
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sofer
A scribe trained in transcribing the Torah, mezuzah, tefillin scriptures and other religious texts on parchment.
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sukkah
A temporary dwelling used during the holiday of Sukkot
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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.
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tachlis
purpose, aim
practical details of a matter, "brass tacks" (as in, "Let's get down to brass tacks.")
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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.]
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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)
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tefillah
prayer, services, or an individual prayer
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tefillin
Small black boxes containing sections of the shema attached to leather straps and worn around the head and arm during prayer.
"phylacteries"
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teshuvah
repentance [lit. "return"]
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toivel
to immerse dishes in a ritual bath (mikvah) to render them usable in a kosher kitchen
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treif
(adj or noun) food prohibited by the jewish dietary laws
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tsorris
"Troubles, woes, worries, suffering." (Rosten)
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Tu Bishvat
Jewish Arbor Day, the New Year for Trees, literally 'the 15th day of Shevat'.
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tza'ar ba'alei chayim
pity for living creatures (Steinmetz), or compassion for animals.
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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.
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Vayikra
the book of Leviticus
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yamim noraim
high holy days, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur
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yemach shemo
"may his name be erased", appended to the names of evil people such as Haman and Hitler
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yerida
emigration from Israel
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Yerushalayim
Jerusalem
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yeshiva
traditionally, an institution that focuses on teaching Talmud to boys and young men. Today yeshivas exist for men and women.
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yontif
a Jewish holiday, especially one on which work is prohibited (in contrast to chol hamoed)
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zichrona livracha
May her memory be blessed.
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zichrono livracha
may his memory be for a blessing (often abbreviated 'z"l')
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