Showing 1000 of 1284 words, page 1 of 2
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A Dio
My God!
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aba
father, dad, daddy
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abi gezunt
"As long as you're healthy [you can be happy]."
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acharon acharon chaviv
"The very last one is beloved."; "Last but not least."
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achla
(slang) adjective, interjection: awesome, excellent, great, the best
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achron
"Latter-day religious authorities... scholars of the Renaissance and later times" (Glinert).
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achshav
Now, immediately
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ad kdei kach
so much. has it gone this far? (Weiser: "expression of wonder regarding the extent or intensity of something.")
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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.
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adafina
The Ladino/Judezmo term for a slowly cooked stew of meat and vegetables, similar to the Ashkenazi cholent.
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Adar
The sixth month of the Jewish calendar year.
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adloyada
A Purim carnival.
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admor
A Hassidic spiritual leader.
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Adonai
"Literally, 'my Lord', another word for God." (JPS)
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afikomen
a piece of matzah from the Passover seder traditionally hidden by adults, found by the children (or vice versa), and then ransomed for gifts after the meal. "The last piece of matzoh...eaten at the meal." (Steinmetz)
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agam
lake
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aggadah
Parts of the Talmud and Midrash that do not deal with law, including stories, fables, and sayings. "Talmudic stories or philosophical material" (Glinert).
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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.
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ahavas yisroel
"Love of one's fellow Jew" (Glinert)
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Aibishter
God, lit. "supreme one" or "the one above"
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Akedah
The binding of Isaac (episode in the Torah)
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akum
A Talmudic term for a heathen.
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al hanisim
A one-paragraph prayer added to the Amida on Chanukah and Purim.
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al het
"A Yom Kippur prayer that asks forgiveness for a multitude of sins committed during the previous year" (JPS).
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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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al tiftach peh lasatan
"Don't tempt Providence" (Glinert), or do not tempt fate.
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aleichem sholom
Peace be upon you. Response to "sholom aleichem"
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Aleinu
"A prayer in praise of God, Aleinu acknowledges the unique relationship between God and the Jewish people" (JPS)
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aleph-bet
"A name for the Hebrew alphabet" (JPS)
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aliyah
immigration to Israel
"calling to the reading of the Torah" (Glinert)
ascent of the soul of a deceased person to a higher level, as is believed to happen on their yartzeit
ascent
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almemar
the platform on which the Torah is read in synagogue; the bima
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alte bubby
old woman, great-grandmother
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alte haym
Eastern Europe (lit. "the old home")
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alte kaker
elderly person, old-timer [literally "old shitter"] "A crotchety, fussy, ineffectual old man." (Rosten)
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altz iz gut
"All is well."
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Am Yisrael
"Literally, The People of Israel." (JPS)
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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
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amcha
the every-man, everyday people; the folk (as opposed to the elite)
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amen
Agreed. "The word used at the end of prayer to signify affirmation." (Rosten)
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Amida
The Shemoneh Esrei prayer, which is said while standing [Amida, lit. "standing".]
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amora
A Talmudic sage whose teachings comprise the Gemara. "Amoraim are contrasted with the tannaim, ancient rabbis who are quoted in the Mishnah" (JPS).
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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).
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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)
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aniyim
Poor people
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annos
Anniversary of someone's death
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answer up
counter, retort
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anticirc
Growing movement of Jews and non-Jews who are opposed to circumcision.
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antisemitism
Hatred against Jews.
"Prejudice or discrimination against Jews and the Jewish people" (JPS).
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apikoros
heretic, non-believer, especially one with great knowledge of Judaism
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Aramaic
Judeo-Aramaic, a northern Semitic language related to Hebrew.
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Arava
"The dry lowland area of the eastern Negev, often called the Aravah Vallet" (JPS)
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aravot
"the branches of the willow that are part of the lulav used on Sukkot" (JPS).
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arba kanfot
A tallit katan (see tzitzit)
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arba kosot
"The four glasses of wine drunk on Passover" (Glinert).
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arba minim
"The four plant species used on Sukkot" (Glinert).
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arbes
Boiled chickpeas
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arisa
section of a pool
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ark
"the cabinet at the front of an Ashkenazic synagogue that houses the Torah scroll." (JPS)
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aroisgevorfene gelt
"a waste of money"; lit., thrown out money.
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aron kodesh
"Literally, "holy ark"." (JPS)
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aruchat erev
dinner
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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).
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aseret y'mei teshuvah
"Ten Days of Penitence" (Glinert), the ten days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
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Ashkenazi
pl. Ashkenazim. "The name given to the group of Jews who were originally from Germany and France (and their descendants)... The Ashkenazim migrated to Central and Eastern Europe during times of oppression" (JPS).
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Ashkenazic
Adjectival form for 'Ashkenazim', "The name given to the group of Jews who were originally from Germany and France, and their descendants" (JPS)
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Ashkenormative
Assuming that all Jews are Ashkenazi, not considering Jews with other backgrounds.
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Ashki
nickname for Ashkenazi Jews
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asina
Just like this/that, thus, in this manner. Such, even if.
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askan
A person who is influential in working for the community
A Jewish communal or social worker (Steinmetz)
Activist
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assur
forbidden
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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").
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Av
"The fifth month in the Jewish calendar, it usually corresponds to July or August" (JPS).
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aveil
pl. aveilim. "Someone who is in mourning" (Glinert).
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aveilus
Mourning (Glinert)
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averah
religious transgression (Glinert: "An aveirah is an infringement on the Torah, the opposite of a mitzvah.")
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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).
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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.
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Avodah b'gashmiut
serving God through the physical / material world (Hasidic concept)
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Avraham Avinu
"Our father Abraham" (Glinert)
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avrech
A yeshiva student, or a young man who learns in a kollel.
A working person (non full time learner) who supports or is associated with Torah institutions
A young married male.
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ayin hara
The evil eye
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ayzeh bahsa
What a misfortune, how unfortunate, bummer
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b'al pe
learned by heart, from memory
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b'emet
"As a matter of fact." (Weiser); "Really?"
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b'ezras hashem
With God's help.
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b'laz
Abbreviation for "B'loshn am zar", "in a foreign language"; usually used by the commentator Rashi when using a Middle French expression
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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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b'shalom
"in peace" (used to sign off in written correspondence)
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b'shem omro
"Giving credit for an idea" (Glinert)
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b'tzelem Elohim
lit. "in God's image"
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b'vakasha
JPS: "Literally, 'please'. It can be used in various ways, including "please go ahead" and at the end of a sentence as 'you're welcome'."
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ba'al tekiah
"The title for the person who blows the shofar on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur" (JPS).
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ba'al tshuvah
a Jew raised non-religious who becomes Orthodox, [lit. 'one who returns/repents']
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ba'u mayim ad nafesh
"Things are critical; it's make or break" (Glinert)
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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.
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baal-teshuva
A Jew from a secular background who chooses to become observant.
"Newly religious Jew; penitent" (Glinert)
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babka
"A loaf type coffee cake" (JPS)
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bagel
"A leavened, firm, doughnut shaped roll" (JPS)
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bageling
Inserting a Jewish phrase or concept into a conversation in order to indicate that one is Jewish or to determine whether the other person is Jewish.
Identifying another person as a Jew.
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baitsim
balls, testicles, lit. 'eggs'
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bakbuk mayim
water bottle
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bal tashchit
Do not be wasteful, do not destroy.
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balaboosta
1) Female head of household 2) Impressively competent homemaker
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balabotish
"Quiet; respectable; well mannered" (Rosten). "middle class"; normal
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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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banot
girls
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bar mitzvah
Jewish coming-of-age ceremony/celebration for a 13-year-old boy; the boy who has come of age.
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baruch dayan haemet
"'Blessed be the True Judge!' (said on news of a bereavement)" (Glinert)
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baruch haba
"Welcome!"
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baruch tihiyeh
"May you be blessed"
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bat mitzvah
in gender egalitarian communities, the ceremony of a 13- (or 12-) year-old girl's first calling up to the Torah, symbolizing her adulthood in Jewish life. can also refer to the girl herself. In Orthodox communities, refers to celebration of girl turning 12. "Celebration of a Jewish girl's coming of age; a girl who has reached that age." (Glinert)
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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.
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batlan
"One who consistently wastes time: Bum, Fainéant" (Weiser).
"An unemployed or lazy man" (Rosten).
"naive, impractical person" (Steinmetz)
"Someone without a trade or regular means of livelihood" (Rosten).
"A misfit, such as a Talmud student of no promise" (Rosten).
"Layabout" (Glinert)
"Someone with intellectual pretensions and half-baked ideas" (Rosten).
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bayis
ancient Temple
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Bayit Sheni
Second Temple, period of the Second Temple
A place one repairs to for debauchery after being expelled from one's initial location.
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BCE
Before the Common Era (used in place of B.C.). Steinmetz: "...recently, a new awareness of the Christian character of these abbreviations have led many Jewish writers and editors to replace them with [C.E. And B.C.E.]"
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Be well
Closing to a letter or conversation: Take care, be healthy
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bechina
examination, particularly for rabbinic ordination
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bechira
free will
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bechiya ledorot
"A cause for eternal regret" (Glinert)
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bedieved
done after the fact (in an acceptable, but still not ideal, manner); ex post facto
"resentfully; without enthusiasm; begrudgingly" (Weiser, Frumspeak)
"done just well enough to fulfill a need or duty; perfunctorily" (Weiser, Frumspeak)
"under duress, or done when no options are available; as a last resort" (Weiser, Frumspeak)
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bedika
Inspection or search, especially with regard to preparations for Passover
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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).
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beineinu
between us
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beis hamikdash
The Temple in Jerusalem
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beit cafe
coffee house
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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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beit knesset
Jewish place of worship; "synagogue" (JPS)
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beiyun
"With depth and in detail: intensively"
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bekishe
long black coat worn by Hasidic men
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bekitzur
"Briefly or concisely: succinctly" (Weiser)
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ben adam
a human being
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ben bayis
frequent guest at someone's home
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ben torah
a Torah scholar or moral individual
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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."
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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
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bench licht
(light and) bless candles
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bencher
prayer booklet or card with the text of the blessings after meals, and often times including other meal-time blessings and songs
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benoni
spiritually average person
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Bereshit
The Book of Genesis [lit. "in the beginning"]
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berya
"Complimentary term for a talented, competent, energetic woman, especially one who gets a lot done - and does it well - around the house." (JPS Dictionary of Words)
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besamim
Spices
"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).
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beseder
allright; fine. [lit. "in order"]; "OK" (Glinert)
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beteavon
bon appetit; enjoy your meal; dig in. Glinert: "Literally, 'bon appetit!'"
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beys hakise
bathroom
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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)
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bichlal
in any way, entirely, in general, altogether
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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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bimheira v'yameinu
Speedily and in our days
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Birkat Habayit
“blessing for the house,” usually refers to a decorative piece of calligraphy for the home
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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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Birkot HaShachar
The first section of the morning prayers, which contains several individual blessings. (JPS)
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Birthright
A free 10-day trip to Israel for young Diaspora Jews ages 18-26. Over 400,000 Jews have been to Israel on Birthright.
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bishul chutz
Cook-Out.
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bisl
"a little bit of something, a tiny piece" (JPS)
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biur chametz
Ceremonial burning chametz before Passover.
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Bivas
Life! Said upon hearing someone sneeze.
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biz hundert un tsvantsik
[may you/he/she live] "until a hundred and twenty [years]" -- often used as a birthday wish for long life, or when mentioning a person who is getting on in years.
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black hat
Haredi; describing people or traditions of the right end of the Orthodox continuum, encompassing Hasidic and non-Hasidic (or just non-Hasidic) Orthodox Jews, of whom the men wear black hats
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blech
an electric hot plate or "sheet of metal that can be placed over the burners on a stove to retain heat, so that precooked food...can be kept warm during the Sabbath." (JPS)
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bli ayin hara
Formula said in conjunction with a positive statement to ward off the evil eye. Lit. "without the evil eye."
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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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blintz
A folded thin pancake filled with cheese, fruit, or potatoes.
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bochur
young unmarried male, especially a yeshiva student
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bodek
also a brand of vegetables that has been checked for insects
check, especially looking for insects that would render produce non-kosher
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boker or
literally, "morning light". said in response to "boker tov."
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boker tov
"good morning"
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bokser
The fruit of the carob tree, traditionally eaten on Tu Bishvat.
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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."
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borscht
"Borshtsh" is the Russian word for beet soup. Among Jews soup made from beets is considered Polish borshtsh, while Russian borshtsh is made from cabbage.
"An Eastern European soup traditionally made with beets." (JPS)
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boychick
"A young boy...equivalent of the American expression 'buddy'" (JPS)
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boydem
attic
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bracha
blessing (in the technical or figurative sense)
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bragas
underwear
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break fast
the meal that takes place after a fast
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brecha
pool
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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.
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bring down
cite or reference
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bris
circumcision ceremony; the celebration surrounding it. Lit. covenant.
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broch
curse
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bruchim haba'im
welcome! [lit. "blessed are those who come"]
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BT
ba'al teshuva, returnee to faith, Jew who chose to become Orthodox
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bubbale
sweetie, darling [term of endearment]
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bubbe
grandmother
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bubbe meise
"Something of little importance, an inconsequential thing or minor happening." (JPS)
"old wive's tale"; an untrue story, sometimes related to superstition
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Buenas semanas
Have a good week / what one says after making havdallah
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bulbenik
One who is inept, clumsy, all thumbs, who fouls things up (Rosten)
An actor "who talks as though he has a potato in his mouth"—that is, an actor who "blows" his lines, mixes them up, commits embarrassing spoonerisms, a malaprop
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bulvan
loud mouth know-it-all; "a boorish, brutish person" (Steinmetz)
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burekas
A Turkish pastry filled with potatoes, other vegetables, and sometimes cheese.
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busha
"Disgrace" (Glinert), shame, embarrassment
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by
at [a location], at the house of, with, among, according to the opinion of, at [an event, time of year] (in addition to Standard English near).
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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.
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cashew
a person of Catholic and Jewish heritage
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Chabad
an outreach-oriented branch of Hasidic Judaism that follows the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Chabad has thousands of branches around the world, including at many college campuses.
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chabadsker
n., a follower of Chabad Lubavitch (i.e., a Lubavitcher Hasid), often pejorative
adj., of or relating to Chabad Lubavitch (i.e., Lubavitcher), often pejorative
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chabura
study group
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chad gadya
The name of a song sung at the end of the Passover seder.
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chadar ochel
dining hall, dining room
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chag
"Festival" (Glinert)
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chag sameach
"Literally, 'Happy Holiday.' The traditional, all-purpose greeting exchanged on almost any Jewish holiday" (JPS).
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chai
"Literally, 'life'" (JPS); 18 (see note)
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chakira
proposition, treatise, deliberation
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chaleria
Plague or cholera (literal or metaphorical)
"wreck," in the phrase "nervous choleria." A person who behaves wildly or badly, such as a mischievous child.
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chalitzah
"Ceremony releasing a man from levirate marriage" (Glinert)
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challah
"The braided egg bread that traditionally is eaten on almost every Jewish holiday and [the Sabbath]" (JPS)
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chalomot paz
Sweet dreams, literally "Golden dreams"
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chalutzim
Pioneers in the building of the State of Israel.
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chalutziut
Pioneering, specifically the Chalutzim movement in the region of Palestine. (https://newspapers.library.in.gov/?a=d&d=JPOST19500728-01.1.11&e=-------en-20--1--txt-txIN-------)
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chametz
Leavened food.
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chanukiah
Nine-branched menorah / candelabrum used on Chanukah
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chanutiya
At Jewish summer camp, canteen where campers get candy and other snacks. (https://ramahwisconsin.typepad.com/ramahwisconsin/2012/05/meet-rosh-sport-gal-atia.html)
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chap
"to comprehend" (Weiser) (lit. "to grasp")
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charoses
Sweet, mushy mixture that represents mortar at the Passover seder.
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chas v'chalila
"heaven forbid" (Steinmetz's Yiddish and English dictionary)
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chas v'sholom
"heaven forbid" (Glinert)
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chashash
"A fear, a danger" (Glinert), a worry
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chashuv
Important; of high status
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chasidei umot haolam
"The pious of the world" (Glinert), non-Jews who have been particularly righteous and/or follow the seven Noahide Laws.
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chassidish
Adhering to Hasidism, a mystical brand of Orthodox Judaism; having traits associated with Hasidim
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chassidus
"Chasidism" (Glinert)
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chatan
Bridegroom
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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.
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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.
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chatich
a sexy man
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chatuna
wedding
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chatzi kaddish
half kaddish: prayer that praises God and occurs several times during services, marking the separation between different parts of the service.
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chatzos
halachic midday and midnight
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chaval
a shame; a waste; "too bad!"
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chaval al hazman
Wow! Expression of emphasis from Israeli slang. Original meaning is also used: "waste of time"
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chaverim
members, friends
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chavruta
learning partnership; joint study session. "The person with whom one studies religious texts" (Weiser)
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chayav
Guilty of transgressing. Liable.
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chazak veematz
"Be very strong and courageous!"
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chazakah
"Automatic presumption" (Glinert)
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chazan
The official at a synagogue who leads the congregation in prayer and song. (JPS)
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chazarah
(n.) review of material previously studied
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chazer
"go over; review" (Weiser)
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chazir
1. pork 2. a pig, greedy person (JPS)
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Chelm
from Yiddish literature/folklore, "The 'legendary' town inhabited by befuddled, stupid, foolish, but endearing people." (JPS). Also a real town in Poland (Chełmno).
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cherem
"excommunication; ostracism" (Yiddish)
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chesedik
kind
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cheshbon hanefesh
"Soul-searching, self-accounting" (Glinert).
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chet
The eighth letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Often used to refer to a standing formation in the shape of the letter.
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chevra
"society; close-knit group" (Yiddish)
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chevra kedisha
burial society - volunteers who sit with the dead and prepare their bodies for burial
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chevreman
"One of the guys" (Glinert)
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chidon
A bible quiz in Orthodox camps and schools.
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chidush
innovative idea; an insight; discovery; novelty
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chillul Hashem
disgracing God's name; an action that might be looked down upon; an action that might make Jews look bad
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chinuch
Jewish education
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chochmah
"Brains; wisdom; a brilliant idea" (Glinert)
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chofesh
Free time.
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chol hamoed
"the intermediate days of the weeklong holidays of Pesach and Sukkot" (JPS)
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choleh
A person who is ill
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cholent
"A slow-cooked stew made of beef, beans, potatoes, and other vegetables. Cholent is a common Sabbath dish..." (JPS)
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cholov yisroel
"milk which has been milked under Jewish supervision" (Glinert)
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chosenness
Notion that Jews are God's chosen people, based on biblical quotes.
-
choshesh
To worry, to have a fear, to be concerned
-
chosid shoteh
"Pious fool; blind follower" (Glinert)
-
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.
-
chrein
horseradish
-
Chrismukkah
"Chrismukkah is a pop-culture portmanteau neologism referring to the merging of the holidays of Christianity's Christmas and Judaism's Hanukkah." (Wikipedia)
-
chultzah
"A uniform shirt worn in Jewish summer camps and youth groups, such as Habonim Dror." (https://habonimdroraustralia.wixsite.com/hdoz/symbols)
-
chumash
"A bound book containing the Five Books of Moses that is used in synagogue or for study." (JPS)
-
chumradik
stringent, used to imply that a person is making the most strict halachic ruling, or follows additional restrictions in his or her practice
-
chumrah
a religious stringency
-
chuppah
wedding ceremony (not including reception)
"The Jewish wedding canopy; that is, the cloth under which the Jewish wedding ceremony is conducted." (JPS)
-
chutz la'aretz
Outside of Israel; the disapora, lit. "outside the land."
-
chutzpah
nerve, audacity, the quality of over-stepping boundries with no shame (negative)
guts (positive)
-
chutzpahdik
impertinent
-
CJLS
a committee of Conservative Rabbis that meets semi-yearly to review t'shuvot (halachic proposals)
-
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).
-
collect
gather funds or fundraise for an institution.
-
conservadox
of a manner of Jewish religious practice that is considered to be intermediate between the Conservative and Orthodox movements in liturgy, observance, etc.
-
Conservative Judaism
originally known as "historical positive Judaism," a denomination that combines observance with an idea of "halachic process." See further comments below.
-
continuity
An objective, often expressed in response to rising rates of interfaith marriage, to ensure that Judaism is transmitted from one generation to the next.
-
convener
an organization that brings people or organizations together
-
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)
-
da'as torah
Intuitive knowledge that comes from a lifetime of Torah study.
The authoritative wisdom of the tradition mediated by "gedolim" or great rabbis.
-
daf
A page of a Talmudic tractate.
-
daf yomi
Lit. "page of the day", refers to the program of study of a page of Talmud every day
-
Dahak
A joke. Or someone or something who is funny.
-
daled amos of halacha
"The four walls of the law" (Glinert)
-
dan l'kaf zechus
give the benefit of the doubt
-
daven
pray; lead services
-
David Hamelech
King David
-
davka
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.)
"definitely or exactly stated; specifically" (Weiser)
-
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)
-
daya letzara besha'ata
"Don't try to find crises!" (Glinert)
-
dayenu
"Literally, "it would have been enough."" (JPS)
-
De carne
Meaty / fleshing
-
De queso
Dairy / milchig / cheesy
-
degel
Flag; often refers to "morning degel," the flag-raising ceremony at many camps.
-
derech
(lit. "path") usually refers to an ethical lifestyle or the traditional, halachic Jewish lifestyle
-
derech eretz
"Good conduct; normal, polite behavior in a social setting." (JPS). Manners, respect.
Participating in modern society.
-
Devarim
"the Book of Deuteronomy", [lit. "words"] (JPS)
-
doikayt
hereness
diasporism
"strengthening Jewish communities wherever they live" (https://www.mycause.com.au/page/204399/hillels-bar-mitzveh)
-
dos
A derogatory term for ultra-Orthodox/Haredi Jews, common in Israel.
-
drasha
"Sermon, learned address." (Glinert)
-
dreck
"Trash, junk, garbage; cheap or worthlesss things." (Rosten), sh*t
-
dreidel
"A small, four-sided spinning top used in a game during Chanukah" (JPS); the top itself
-
duchen
A ritual where the kohanim recite the Priestly Blessing (Num. 6:24-26), blessing the rest of the congregation.
-
dugma
example
-
dugma ishit
role model, personal example
-
dugree
Direct, unvarnished, uneuphemistic
-
dveykus
spiritual ecstasy; lit. "cleaving"
-
dybbuk
a spirit, "often thought to be the soul of a dead person, that wanders the earth looking for a living body to inhabit" (JPS)
-
eats out
Describes willingness of otherwise kosher-observant person to eat in non-supervised restaurant; connotation is that they will not eat non-kosher food (meat, shellfish etc), but are not concerned about the status of food prepared in otherwise non-kosher kitchen.
-
eema
mother
-
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)
-
eidah
group, cohort; session/unit
-
ein
None; we / I / you don't have any; there is none.
-
ein breira
"there is no alternative." (Glinert)
-
ein hachi nami
"granted"; yes, that's how it is, that's certainly true
-
einikel
grandchild
-
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).
-
emunah
"faith"; sometimes contrasted with practical striving in the material world
-
engagement
The degree to which an individual is active in or affiliated with a Jewish communal activity or organization, or to which a Jewish institution encourages such activity
-
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)
-
es gezunterheyt
Eat in good health, similar to bon appétit
-
es shtayt geshribn
"It is written."
-
Escapamiento bueno
May the results be good/ said upon hearing of a pregnancy/ said before giving birth
-
eshet chayil
"woman of valor" (JPS); poem about such a woman in Proverbs 31.
-
esnoga
synagogue
-
ess
Eat
-
etrog
Citron (lemon-like fruit) used ritually on Sukkot
-
etz chaim
tree of life
-
ever-dying people
reference to Simon Rawidowicz quote that Jews have long seen themselves in danger of decline
-
eyd
A witness
-
eyer kichlech
Egg cookies, usually in the shape of bow ties.
-
farblondzhet
Rosten: "Lost...mixed up, wandering about without any idea of where you are." Can refer to being physically or intellectually lost.
-
farbrengen
Noun: a gathering or celebration that includes a spiritual or religious component.
Verb: to hold such a gathering or celebration.
-
farbrente
fiery, devout, fervent [lit. 'burning']
-
farchadat
"Dizzy, confused, dopey, 'punchy.'" (Rosten)
"Having a headache." (Rosten)
"Smitten, charmed, beguiled." (Rosten)
"Surprised, stunned, shocked." (Rosten)
"Confused, distracted, mixed up." (JPS)
"confused; dazed; stunned" (Steinmetz)
-
farfel
a side dish including bits of noodle, often sauteed with vegetables and beef or chicken stock
noodle pellets
-
farher
noun: an oral examination, typically on one's understanding of Talmud
verb: examine, test, quiz
-
farkakte
"lousy, messed up, ridiculous" (JPS) Shitty, full of crap.
-
farmisht
mixed up, confused, crazy
-
farshteyst? (farshteyt)
literally 'do you understand?'
-
farshtunken(e)
literally 'stinking' (Rosten); contemptible
-
fartootst
"The state of being bewildered, disoriented, discombobulated; slightly more intense than tsedrayt." (Rosten)
-
federation
A local Jewish philanthropy which raises and distributes funds for social welfare, social services and educational needs in local communities and overseas, especially Israel.
-
feh!
an expression of disgust; "portraying...negative feelings" (Rosten)
-
feigele
Gay man
-
fershnickered
Drunk, intoxicated, extremely drunk
-
FFB
Short for "frum from birth." Refers to someone who grew up in a religious home, the opposite of a BT (ba'al teshuvah) who became religious as an adult.
-
FFT
'Frum from Tuesday' - a satire on 'FFB'. Denotes a very recent BT, usually someone who has not mastered the rituals / social cues of Orthodox practice.
-
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
-
flip out
When a Modern Orthodox post-high-school student becomes more religiously observant during or after a gap year at a yeshiva/seminary.
-
fluden
log-shaped pastry stuffed with apricot preserves, chopped dates, walnuts, and raisins
-
forshpayz
"appetizers" (JPS)
-
forshpil
An Ashkenazi custom of entertaining the bride on the Sabbath afternoon or evening preceding the wedding.
-
fress
To gobble up food; to gorge oneself. "To eat quickly or noisily, like an animal" (JPS)
-
fresser
big eater, "pig". "A heavy eater." (JPS)
-
from strength to strength
phrase of blessing used on momentous occasions
-
from your mouth to God's ears
response to a good wish or blessing that mentions future events: I want that to happen, but I'm not sure it will.
-
frosk
a slap
-
frum
religious; observant; Orthodox
-
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.
-
gadol
literally "big," refers to particularly well respected rabbis; "luminary" (Weiser)
-
gaga
A version of dodgeball played in a hexagonal or octagonal "pit," sometimes referred to as "Israeli dodgeball." Gaga is common in Jewish summer camps, schools, and community gatherings and has spread to non-Jewish settings as well.
-
gam ani
"me, too"
-
gam zu l'toyve
"This too is for the best."
-
gantseh
entire, complete
-
gaon
Modern Hebrew: genius (JPS)
"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)
"A rabbi whose learning was so great that he was given the honorary title of gaon" (Rosten), e.g. the Vilna Gaon
-
gashmiyus
materialism, in contrast with spiritual concerns; "indulgence in earthly pleasures" (Weiser)
-
gaveta
Locker behind the synagogue seat.
-
gayve
pride; arrogance; obnoxiousness
-
gebrokts
(2) People who hold by the stringency against eating wetted matzah.
(1) Matzah that is mixed with liquid during cooking; avoided by scrupulously observant because of the possibility that unbaked flour in the matzah could be exposed to the liquid and thereby become chametz, forbidden during Passover.
-
gedolim
Important, influential people, especially renowned rabbis of the present or recent past. Luminaries (Weiser)
Secondary usage: feces or excrement.
-
geferlech
Dangerous, terrible
-
gefilte fish
minced sweet or sour fish, cooked in balls or a log and sliced. [lit., "stuffed fish"(JPS), since the chopped fish used to be placed back in the fish for cooking.]
-
gehenom
Considered to be a temporary place one's soul goes after death, for atonement, before reuniting with God.
Hell (metaphoric)
-
gelt
Money (slang usage)
"The foil wrapped chocolate coins that are a traditional Hanukkah treat for children." (JPS)
-
gemara
"A compilation of 300 years of rabbis' legal and ethical commentaries on the Mishnah...together, the Gemara and the Mishnah comprise the Talmud." (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.
-
genosn oyfn emes
Sneezed on the truth, the sneeze confirms the truth.
-
genug
enough
-
ger
(pl. gerim) A convert to Judaism.
-
ger tzedek
A "righteous convert" to Judaism.
-
geschrei
yell, shout
-
gesheft
business
-
geshmak
delicious, delightful
-
gesundheit
Health. (Bless you) - said in response to a sneeze.
-
get
a writ or deed of divorce
-
geulah
redemption
-
gevald
an interjection of alarm
-
gey avek
"Go away!"
-
gey schluffen
Go to sleep!
-
geza
n. good lineage, adj. having good lineage. people from the right families that go back generations within a given Orthodox community
-
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.
-
give/get
The amount of money that a board member of an organization is responsible to contribute, either by a personal donation ("give") or by the member's individual fundraising ("get").
-
glatt
Showing consistency of reason (Weiser).
Super-kosher (not only of food), or acceptable to the Haredi community.
-
glida
ice cream
-
glitch
flaw; slight problem in a process
-
gmar tov
Greeting/closing used between Rosh Hashana and the end of Yom Kippur. Lit. 'good conclusion'
-
golem
"A creature of Jewish medieval folklore, a golem is a figure made into the form of a human and given life." (JPS)
-
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)
-
gondi
A Persian Jewish soup, commonly prepared on Shabbat, consisting of a meatball/meat dumpling prepared with ground chickpeas in a chicken or meat broth.
-
gonif
thief
-
good for the Jews
an expression, often used ironically, to ask what the effect of a given event will be on the Jewish community.
-
good Shabbos
Literally, "Good Sabbath" (JPS); standard Sabbath greeting
-
good yom-tov
standard holiday greeting
-
gorgel
neck, throat (generally of poultry)
-
goy
a nation, but not the Jewish nation
"most often used among Jews to refer to someone who is not a Jew" (JPS)
-
goyish
"in the manner or style of a non-Jewish person" (JPS), especially something WASPy or "white bread"
-
goyishe kop
Someone who fails to use his/her head; a dull mind. Someone who thinks like a non-Jew. Lit. "non-Jewish head."
-
goyte
non-Jewish woman, especially domestic worker
-
grager
a noise maker used on Purim to drown out the name of Haman; something that makes a lot of noise
-
gramen
rhymes; especially a rhyming poem or song
-
gribines
Deep-fried skin of chicken or goose, often prepared with onion and schmatlz. Also called cracklings.
-
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 Morgen
"Good morning!"
-
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.
-
hachnasas orchim
hospitality (lit. "bringing in guests")
-
hachnosas kallah
charitable support for poor young women to get married
-
Hadeed
Awesome.
-
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."
-
hajj
to stop, "enough" (slang), not in the mood
-
Hak mir nisht keyn tshaynik
Literally, don't knock a teakettle at me
Stop annoying me
Don't bother me
-
HaKadosh Baruch Hu
God, lit. "The Holy One, Blessed Be He"
-
hakshivu
"Attention;" used to begin announcements at many camps. (https://ramahwisconsin.com/blog/2016/12/reflections-on-ramahs-first-summer)
-
halacha
"Jewish law" (JPS)
-
halacha l'ma'aseh
Practical application of Jewish law, i.e. how it's actually practiced. More broadly, can simply mean "what people do".
-
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.
-
Half Shabbas
Describes Sabbath observance by someone (usually a teenager) who observes Shabbat in every respect - except one: they text/SMS/tweet on Shabbat (or use other digital communication). May extend to using other electronic/digital devices as well (e.g. tablets).
-
halleluyah
praise God
-
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
-
hamsayeh
neighbor
-
handl
to bargain, do business
-
hanhallah
The senior staff at a camp.
-
hanukkah
The winter-time festival that commemorates the rededication of the Temple after the Maccabean revolt in the second century B.C.E. (lit. "dedication")
-
Hanukkah Alegre
Happy hannukah!
-
harbotzas hatorah
spreading of Torah knowledge
-
hardal
a label for Israeli Jews who lean towards Haredi (non-modern, strictly Orthodox) and also very nationalistic / Zionist
-
Haredi
Adjective or noun referring to an individual, institution, or practice associated with strictly Orthodox (non-Modern) Jews.
-
Harry
A single, yeshivish male (see bochur) who is less culturally yeshivish than his peers.
-
Hashem
God, lit. "the name"
-
Hashem imachem
"God be with you!" Sephardi greeting given by ice approaching the Torah-reading desk after being called up to the Torah.
-
hashgacha
Divine providence, interference, attention
Rabbinic supervision designating food as kosher
-
hashkafah
ideological outlook; point of view; "philosophy" (Weiser)
-
hashpa'ah
motivating force, source for change in one's actions, influence
influence, or effect, particularly on one's character, development, and/or behavior
-
Hasid
Adherent of a Hasidic Jewish group ("A mystical religious movement founded in Poland" (JPS)
A disciple of a rabbi, not only a member of a Hasidic group.
A follower in a non-religious sense (ironic).
Pious person
-
hasraah
A formal warning given to a person who is about to commit a sin.
-
hatikvah
literally "the hope." "The Israeli national anthem." (Glinert)
-
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
-
heeb
slang term used to describe a Jewish person
-
heicha kedusha
abbreviated version of the repetition of the Shmona Esre / Amidah
-
helzel
chicken neck, poultry neck, stuffed poultry neck, the skin around the chicken's neck which is then stuffed
-
hesped
eulogy, funeral oration
-
heter
rabbinic allowance
-
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).
-
hitbodedut
solitary prayer
-
hizuk
"Encouragement" (Glinert), inspiration, strengthening, uplifting
-
hock
"to bother incessantly: ANNOY" (Weiser)
-
hoda'ot
announcements
-
hold
to opine; to act in accordance with; to be of the opinion; to believe "maintain" (Weiser)
to maintain a degree of religious observance
agree with
to be on the verge of
-
holishkes
Sweet-and-sour cabbage leaves stuffed with rice and ground meat.
-
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.
-
hummus
A purée of ground chickpeas and sesame seeds.
-
I wish you well to wear it
A saying uttered on seeing a friend or relative wearing a new garment or accessory. It is value-neutral, not implying that the garment is nice, just that it is new.
-
ichsa
an expression of disgust
-
im yirtzeh hashem
if God wills it, God willing (used when making plans for or describing the future)
-
inside/outside
Dealing with a text directly (inside) or discussion about a text (outside) during different segments of a study session
-
iser
prohibition
-
isru chag
"The day after the end of Pesach, Sukkos, and Shavuos, regarded as a semi-holiday on which mourning is curbed and fasting prohibited" (Dictionary of Jewish Usage)
-
Itchy
Ashkenazi Jew
-
iyun
study, "examination of sources to develop a coherent, educated opinion" (Weiser)
-
Jalapeño Bagel
A person of Hispanic (non-Jewish) and Jewish origins.
-
JAP
Jewish American Princess
-
JBA
Jew by Association
-
JDate
A popular dating site for Jewish singles.
-
JDub
An American Jew who is not Syrian (usually refers to Ashkenazim)
-
Jew Bub
"Jewish Bubble"; the network of Jewish organizations and social circles in which Jews interact mostly with other Jews
-
Jew by Choice
A convert to Judaism.
-
Jew crew
group of Jews who hang out together
-
Jewdar
ability to detect individuals' Jewishness (on analogy with "gaydar" and ultimately "radar")
-
Jewfro
a large, frizzy hairstyle, sported by Jewish men (on analogy with "afro")
-
Jewish geography
a "game" in which Jews attempt to identify common friends or acquaintances
-
Jewish professional
An employee, excluding support staff, of an institution, including a synagogue, non-profit organization, and school, specifically or largely devoted to a Jewish cause or agenda.
-
Jewishly
(Adverb) related to or in a manner that accords with religious or cultural values or knowledge common or important to the Jewish people
-
Jewishness
Ethnic or cultural Jewish identity, as distinct from "Judaism"
The quality of being a Jew, not limited to (nor necessarily excluding) religion, ethnicity, biology, or nationality.
-
Jewitch
A Jew who is a witch or pagan.
-
Jews of Color
A pan-ethnic term that used to identify Jews whose family origins are originally in African, Asian or Latin-American countries (rac.org)
-
Jewy
Highly identified Jewishly, either outwardly in terms of actions and affiliations, or inwardly based on self-definition.
Demonstating stereotypical or conspicuous appearance or behaviors that identify one as a Jew.
-
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
-
Jidoh
Grandfather
-
justo
True, right.
-
Kab Shab
Abbreviated form of Kabalat Shabbat (the Friday night prayer service).
-
Kabbalah
a Jewish mystical work, sometimes used as a catch-all term for Jewish mysticism. "The Jewish mystical tradition" (JPS)
-
Kabbalat Shabbat
"Special prayers and songs included as part of Friday night services to welcome in Shabbat."
-
kaboles ponem
the reception before a wedding ceremony, consisting of a tish (for men) and a bedeken (for women). Lit. 'receiving the faces'.
-
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
-
kadur basis
baseball
-
kal v'chomer
by extrapolation we know; all the more so. "with assuredness of mind or action based on an earlier, more restrictive, premise; assuredly; certainly: indubitably." (Weiser)
-
kapara!
[the relatively minor mishap should be] an Atonement [for my/our/your sins, rather than something more serious]
-
kaparot
Ritual performed between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur to remove sins carried out by swinging a chicken over ones head.
-
kapote
long black coat worn by Hasidic men
-
kashe
Question, difficulty (Steinmetz), challenge, objection.
A question posing some difficulty because of apparent inconsistencies with accepted premises: problem. A tough, perplexing question.
-
kashrut
"The body of Jewish dietary laws and regulations that specify what and how a Jew who keeps kosher can eat." (JPS)
-
katschke
a duck
-
kedai
"worth it" (Weiser)
-
kedusha
holiness, sanctity
a responsive prayer sung/recited by the shaliach tzibbur (prayer leader) and congregation as part of the Amidah in a minyan
-
kehila kedosha
A holy community.
-
kehillah
"A Jewish community" (JPS)
-
kein yirbu
"So they may increase in number"
-
keinehora
"no evil eye" (Rosten). "An expression said to ward off the evil eye or bad luck in general; the verbal equivalent of knocking on wood." (JPS)
-
keitzed m'rakdim
dancing before the groom and bride at a wedding, more often called 'wedding shtick'
-
ken
Yes
-
kenas
A fine paid as a penalty for wrongdoing.
-
keppele
head (smaller or cuter, often used in child-directed speech)
-
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.
-
ketubah
"The Jewish marriage contract, traditionally written in Aramaic." (JPS)
-
ketzeleh
little kitten, can be used as a term of endearment
-
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.
-
khnyok
a mean or bigoted person
a sanctimonious, holier-than-thou religious person
an unkempt or slovenly person
-
khremzl
"A fried fritter or latke, made of matzah meal and eggs, that may be stuffed with ground meat, nuts, or fruit. An old-fashioned Pesach recipe." (JPS Dictionary)
-
kibbitz
"To socialize aimlessly...To carry on a running commentary" (Rosten)
-
kibbitzer
Someone who "gives unasked-for advice ... especially as a bystander-observer at a game (bridge, poker, checkers, chess)." (Rosten)
Someone who jokes, fools around.
-
kibbutz
"[Israeli agricultural] collective" (Glinert) Most settlements in Israeli which originally began as kibbutzim now function as regular municipalities.
-
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)
-
kikar
square, open area
-
kike
A derogatory slur for a Jewish person.
-
kiki riki
brand name of clothing shells (thin, simple shirts; worn by Orthodox women under more revealing ones to provide coverage)
-
kima
Wakeup time
-
kimat
"almost or nearly" (Weiser)
-
kinder
"children" (Rosten)
-
Kinneret
the Sea of Galilee
-
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)
-
Kippur
Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement)
-
kiruv
outreach work meant to encourage non-religious Jews to become religious, [lit. "to bring closer"]
-
kishka
"Stuffed derma: a sausagelike comestible of meat, flour, and spices stuffed into intestine casing and baked" (Rosten) Also, "guts," literally, Slavic. (Wikipedia)
-
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)
-
kivyakhol
Substitute or euphemism for God's name, similar to Hashem
"As if", "so to speak," can be used to refer to anthropomorphic language about God
-
klafte
a naughty or nasty woman; a bitch
-
klal yisroel
"synonym for the Jewish people" (JPS)
-
klezmer
"Eastern European style of instrumental music" (JPS)
-
klug
curse, but not a severe one
-
klutz
"clumsy, slow-witted...person" (Rosten)
-
knaidel
matzah ball; "a dumpling made of matzah meal meal and beaten eggs, usually served in chicken broth, often at the Pesach seder" (JPS)
-
Knesset
Israel's parliament
-
knis
Synagogue, Syrian word for 'shul'
-
knish
Eastern European dumpling with thin dough filled with potato, kasha, onion, meat, and/or other ingredients
-
kochleffel
A cooking spoon, as for soup. By extension, a person who stirs up trouble; meddler, busybody.
-
kol b'seder
"Everything's fine."
-
Kol ishah
lit. 'The voice of a woman'. Refers to the prohibition of men hearing the voice of a woman singing.
-
kol tuv
"all the best" (JPS), a closing or farewell
-
kollel
Institution where married men pursue advanced Talmudic study.
-
kollel rabbi
A man who learns (studies traditional texts) - generally full-time - and offers classes and other services to the (non-Orthodox) Jewish community.
-
koppel
skullcap, kippah, yarmulke
-
kosher
"acceptable according to Jewish [ritual] law" (JPS); "trustworthy, reliable" (Rosten); acceptable according to dietary laws
-
kosher chazer fissel
One who appears to be religious, but is in fact, not, either wholly or in part; religious in appearance, non-religious in essence.
-
Kotel
"The Western Wall"/wailing wall (Glinert)
-
kova
hat
-
koved
"honor, dignity, respect" (JPS)
-
Kratsmach
Tongue-in-cheek way of referring to "Christmas," especially among Jews who want to avoid uttering the name of Christ.
-
krav maga
A form of mixed martial arts developed in the Israeli Army but popularized worldwide. Literally means "contact combat"
-
kreplach
(meat-) stuffed dumplings usually served in soup; Jewish wontons
-
krias shema
"The reading of the Shema" (Glinert)
-
krotzer
One who is confused, literally "scratching their head"
-
krovim
relatives
-
kugel
Baked pudding or casserole made with eggs and various ingredients, including noodles, potatoes, or spinach
The South African equivalent of a "Jewish American Princess"
-
kumkum
hot water urn
-
kumzits
sing-along; campfire gathering with singing
-
kuntz
strategy (Weiser)
feat, stunt, trick, challenge, ingenuity
peculiarity, particular oddness (JPS)
-
kupa
A system of sharing goods and money in the Habonim Dror movement.
-
kuracha
Tefillin bag
-
kurveh
(profane) whore, slut, bitch
-
kvater
one of the people honored to hold the baby at a circumcision ceremony; godfather
-
kvell
feel or express pride, "to be extraordinarily pleased" (JPS)
-
kvetch
"to chronically complain or gripe to others over minor issues" (JPS)
-
kvutza
An age-based group in Habonim Dror movement
-
l'chaim
traditional toast. [lit. "to life" (Rosten)]
-
L'dor va'dor
from generation to generation
-
l'hachis
spitefully; deliberately; literally "in order to anger"
-
l'havdil
to make a distinction (between two very different things)
-
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.
-
labriut
"bless you" (after someone sneezes) [lit., "to health"] (Glinert)
-
Ladino
Judeo-Spanish language
-
laila tov
"good night"
-
lamah lo?
"why not?"; "there's no reason not to.
-
lamden
a proficient Talmudic scholar
-
Land of Israel
not just the state of Israel but the physical place
-
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.
-
lapa
An animal's paw, dirty hands, especially that of a child or a lascivious man.
-
lashon hara
"gossip" (lit. "evil tongue") (JPS)
-
latka
"a potato pancake [fried in oil traditionally eaten on Chanukah]" (Rosten)
-
lav
לאו A scriptural prohibition
-
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
-
learn
"To be involved in the acquisition of Torah knowledge through reading and reflection, or to do so as an occupation: STUDY" (Weiser)
-
lechoira
seemingly as such while allowing for the possibility of the opposite; apparently; ostensibly (Weiser)
Able to be taken for granted; assumed true in the absence of proof to the contrary; presumably (Weiser)
-
lehitraot
"Goodbye for now, see you again soon" (JPS) "see you later."
-
leibedik
lively, enthusiastic; warm, heartfelt
-
leichter
a small candle holder used to light the Sabbath candles, or the candelabrum itself
-
lekech
"Honey cake, traditionally served on Rosh Hashanah... made with honey, eggs, cinnamon, and, often, coffee" (JPS).
-
lekvar
prune filling
-
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.
-
levaye
funeral
-
leyn
to chant torah, haftarah or megillah
-
leytsanus
silliness; buffoonery
-
light
light Shabbat or holiday candles
-
ligner
liar
-
limudei kodesh
"holy studies"; Jewish religious studies
-
linker
leftist, socialist, secularist
-
Litvish
"Lithuanian"; associated with the rational, intellectual culture of Lithuanian Jewry; Yeshivish
-
lo aleynu
"I hope it won't happen to us"; "God forbid" lit. "not unto us"
-
lokh in cup
"hole in the head" (Rosten)
-
lokshen
noodles
-
lonso
stupid person, bear
-
LOR
Local Orthodox Rabbi
-
loshn
language; jargon
-
lox
smoked salmon
-
luftmensch
"an impractical contemplative person having no definite business or income" (Merriam-Webster)
-
lulav
palm branch used ritually on Sukkot
-
LWMO
'Left wing Modern Orthodox'. The liberal wing of Modern Orthodoxy, in both attitude and observance.
-
M.O.T.
"member of the tribe;" a Jew
-
m'dor l'dor
from generation to generation
-
m'gayer
To be converted to Judaism
A person or entity that converts someone to Judaism
A convert to Judaism
To convert someone to Judaism
-
ma
What
-
ma la'asot
"what can you do?"
-
ma pitom
expression of surprise: What the heck?
-
maagal
A circle of people, as in a communal gathering or dance.
-
maapilim
Jews who immigrated illegally to Palestine during British control in the 1930s and 1940s - Aliyah Bet
Biblical: the group of the Children of Israel that went, unauthorized, to the Land of Israel after the episode with the spies
-
maarich
to extend, talk/write at length
-
maariv
the evening prayer
-
mabrouk
an expression of joyous congratulation used by Sephardi Jews equivalent to "Mazal tov!"
-
maccabiah
international Jewish sports competition, known as the Jewish Olympics, held (mostly) every four years since 1932; smaller regional competitions held in Jewish community centers around the world
color war / intra-camp competition in a Jewish summer camp
-
machal
a volunteer from outside Israel serving in the Israeli army
-
machanayim
A dodgeball-like game common at Orthodox camps.
-
machane
Summer camp [lit. "camp"]
-
machane kayitz
summer camp
-
macher
"1. Someone who arranges, fixes, has connections...someone who is [very] active in an organization" (Rosten) "important person", "hot shot"
-
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
-
madrich
1. Youth counselor or supervisor 2. A teacher's assistant for elementary and middle schoolers during classes in religious schools.
-
magen david
"star of david", a symbol that has commonly been associated with Jews and Judaism; [lit. "shield of david"]
-
mah nishmah?
how are you?
-
mahtomer / matomeret
What are you saying? or What did you say? or Really??
-
maidel
girl
-
Maimonidean
Having to do with Maimonides, the Jewish rabbi, physician and scholar who lived in the 12th century
-
make
To urinate or defecate
-
makpid
Particular, conscientious, especially in relation to Jewish law.
-
malshin
noun: One who slanders, especially one who turns over a Jew to non-Jewish authorities; informer, stool pigeon, snitch
verb: To slander, malign, speak loshon hara about somebody.
-
mamaleh
diminutive term for a young girl [lit. 'little mama']
-
mamaliga
A Romanian-Jewish dish of thick cornmeal mush.
-
mame-loshn
"mother tongue", usually refers to Yiddish
-
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).
-
Manischewitz
sweet brand of wine often used by American Jews for ritual purposes
-
mannah
the food that fell from the sky to feed the wandering Israelites in the Bible
-
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
-
masa
A journey; at some camps, a hike or trip.
-
maspik
enough
-
matbea
blueprint, structure, form
-
matzah brei
fried matzah pieces mixed with eggs, usually eaten on Passover
-
Matzah minyan
A morning service (shacharit) that lasts 18 minutes or shorter.
-
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.
-
matzeivah
headstone
-
matzliach
"Accomplishing a mission or an attempt: Successful" (Weiser)
"To thrive: Prosper" (Weiser)
-
matzoh
unleavened bread eaten on Passover
-
matzoh ball
dumpling made with matzah meal and eggs and generally served in chicken soup
-
maven
"An expert or connoisseur; a specialist" (JPS)
-
mayim step
a dance move used in Israeli dance (also known as 'the grapevine')
-
mazel tov
congratulations [lit. "good fortune"]
-
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
-
mechaye
"Pleasure, enjoyment, a real joy" (Rosten); something that gives great joy
-
mechayil el chayil
"from strength to strength"
-
mechitza
the separation between men and women in Orthodox prayer spaces [lit. "separation"]
-
mechuten
In laws, more generally (http://www.pass.to/glossary/gloz2.htm#letm).
the father of one's child's spouse, though can sometimes be used to refer to the grandfather of one's grandchild's spouse.
-
mechuteneste
the mother of one's child's spouse
-
medakdeik
"Thorough or painstaking; avoiding error by virtue of the care exercised: CAREFUL." (Weiser) exacting, precise
-
mefakedet
A commander in the Israeli Defense Forces.
-
mefunak
luxurious, elaborate, pampering
being particularly concerned about cleanliness, appearance, and the way things are prepared: finicky, spoiled.
-
megillah
one of the five books that compose kethuvim--writings--in Tanakh; can also refer to the physical scroll on which one is written; a long, engrossing story or description
-
meguyar
A convert to Judaism.
-
mekarev
Literally "bring closer", used in the sense of bringing closer to traditional Judaism A noun for one who brings people closer to traditional Judaism.
-
mekayam
to fulfill an obligation
-
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).
-
meldado
anniversary of someone's death; the study session done in honor of that person
-
member of the tribe
non-derogitory slang term used to identify a Jewish person
-
menorah
candelabrum, especially for Chanukah
-
mensch
"An upright, honorable, a decent person." (Rosten)
-
menucha
Rest or rest time
-
meorer
to arouse an inappropriate impulse
-
merkaz
central area (of a given space)
-
mesameach
to gladden another person
-
meshuga
crazy
-
mesiras nefesh
self-sacrifice
-
mesorah
tradition
-
mevater
to nullify one's desires for the good of others
-
meykil
"Not harsh or strict: Easygoing" (Weiser)
"One who is not strict: Liberal, Latitudinarian" (Weiser)
"Taking the lenient position: Liberal" (Weiser)
A decisor who follows a lenient option and issues a kulah (lenient ruling).
"Yielding to wishes: Indulgent" (Weiser)
-
meyzid
One who commits a sin consciously and deliberately.
-
mezakeh
to acquire; strengthen
-
mezuzah
a piece of parchment with the Shema written on it that is then placed in a case and mounted on doorways in keeping with the Biblical commandment mentioned in the Shema
-
Mi Shebeirach
the prayer for healing said during a Torah service; [lit. "He who blesses"]
-
middos
character traits (singular: "middah")
-
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
-
mifkad
Formal group meeting, usually at a time of significance (e.g. morning, Shabbat services, meals).
-
migrash
A sports court or field.
-
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)
-
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
-
mirpa'ah
The infirmary at Jewish summer camps. Often simply called "the Marp." (https://campramah.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Camp-brochure-Phase2-FINAL.pdf)
-
mish
verb. To mix; to eat at other families' houses during the week of Passover.
-
mishegoss
"Foolishness, nonsense, craziness." (JPS)
-
mishlachat
A delegation of young Israeli adults who work at American summer camps.
-
Mishnah
an authoritative collection of exegetical material embodying the oral tradition of Jewish law and forming the first part of the Talmud.
-
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)
-
misnagdim
Non-Hasidim (literally "opponents.")
-
mission
An organized trip meant to expose participants to the work of a nonprofit organization, raise awareness of a cause, and/or deliver supplies or services to a deserving population. Unlike the Christian use of the word "mission," Jewish missions do not signify a proselytizing motive.
-
mitbach
Kitchen
-
mitpachat
headscarf worn by Orthodox Jews
-
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.
-
moadon
clubhouse, lounge
-
Modern Orthodox
'Modern Orthodox'. Observant, but open to the outside world, general culture and education; not 'Yeshivish' or 'Haredi'.
-
mohel
A person trained to perform Jewish ritual circumcision
-
mora
Teacher - Female
-
moshiach
The Messiah
-
moshl
parable, example
-
muktzah
An object that it is forbidden to handle on the Sabbath and on certain holidays (generally because the object's primary purpose involves actions considered work and forbidden on those days).
-
Munchos y buenos
Many good ones (with good health). Said for a birthday, anniversary or other happy occasion.
-
musaf
The additional service added to the morning services on the Sabbath and holidays.
-
musar
reproof; system of ethics; discipline
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.
-
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.
-
nafke mine
practical difference
-
nalashevet
Please sit.
-
name game
The attempt to identify whether someone is Jewish based upon whether their name 'sounds' Jewish.
-
narishkeit
"1. Foolishness 2. A triviality" (Rosten)
-
navi
prophet; class on Prophets
-
nebach
interjection, adverb: "unfortunately"; noun: an unfortunate person
-
nebbish
noun: nerdy, clumsy, awkward person. "An innocuous, ineffectual, weak, helpless, or hapless unfortunate" (Rosten)
-
neder
a vow
-
nedivut
generosity
-
negel vasser
literally "nail water"; refers to the practice of washing ones hands immediately after waking
-
negiah
"touching"; usually used in the phrase "shomer negiah", which is the custom of avoiding touch with members of the opposite sex outside of one's family
-
nekiyus hadibur
Literally "purity of one's speech"
-
neros
candles
-
nes
miracle
-
neshama
soul
-
nesiah tovah
"have a good trip"; bon voyage
-
nice Jewish boy
Jewish male, in pop culture it often indicates nebbishy traits and lack of traditional masculinity
-
nicht shabbos geret
Not to speak of on Shabbat (used when a subject is not suitable for the Holy Shabbat, primarily business and money manners, to indicate that one shouldn't discuss it). Usually followed by a short comment about the "forbidden" subject.
-
nidche
pushed off, set aside. Usually referring to a fast day, which cannot be on a Saturday, so the fast is "pushed off" until Saturday night / Sunday.
-
niddah
menstrual impurity; often used to refer to the entire body of Jewish law surrounding the practice of abstaining from intercourse during the menstrual cycle
-
nifter
deceased
-
nigun
"A wordless melody; a tune" (JPS)
-
nikayon
time set aside for cleaning / tidying up (at camp)
-
nisayon
trial and tribulation; a test of faith
-
nishtikeit
a nobody
-
nittel nacht
Christmas Eve
-
no-goodnik
bad person, scoundrel (sometimes humorous or affectionate)
-
noch
still, yet, moreover
-
nogeia b'dovor
one who has a vested interest in something; not a disinterested party. "related in a way as would affect an opinion: associated." (Weiser)
-
nosh
to snack or eat; a snack
-
nosherai
snacks
-
nu
so what?; so?; hurry up already
-
nudnik
"A pest, a nag, an annoyer, a monumental bore." (Rosten)
-
OB"M
"of blessed memory"
-
Off the derech
No longer religious/observant; now following a non-religious/non-observant lifestyle.
-
ohel
tent (in a summer camp setting)
structure built over a grave, especially that of the Lubavitcher Rebbe
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olam habah
"The world to come"; the messianic age; Heaven
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olav ha-sholom
"peace be upon him"; said of someone who is deceased
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oleh
Immigrant to Israel; a person who makes aliyah.
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omanut
Arts and crafts
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omein selah
may it be so
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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)
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oneg
a informal, festive gathering Friday night involving food, casual Torah study, Jewish songs, etc.
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onesh
Punishment
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ongepotchket
"Excessively and unaesthetically decorated; overly baroque." (Rosten)
overly elaborate, excessively decorated, slapped together senselessly, overdone, tacky, ostentatious, overcomplicated.
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Open Orthodox
a breakaway movement to the left of Modern Orthodoxy, declared outside of acceptable Orthodox boundaries by most mainstream Orthodox rabbis
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orel
non-Jew (contemptuous, pejorative).
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Ortho
shorthand, or slang term, for Orthodox
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oso ha-Ish
literally "that man", an irreverent/euphemistic reference to Jesus of Nazereth
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oy
exclamation of dismay, exasperation, or surprise
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oy vey
exclamation of dismay, exasperation, or surprise
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oysgeputst
dressed-up, decked out in finery (Steinmetz), overembellished.
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pachech
a complainer
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parasha
Selection of the Pentateuch read publicly on the Sabbath.
period of dating for marriage (Orthodox Jews)
conversation (Weiser)
general realm of feasibility, ballpark (Weiser)
a tedious, lengthy enumeration or account, litany (Weiser)
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parnasa
livelihood, income
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parve
1. neither milk nor meat; 2. uninteresting, plain, generic
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pasken
to rule halachically
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pastrami
Smoked, seasoned deli meat
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patrilineal
Being considered Jewish because one's father but not mother is Jewish.
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patshke
"1. To fuss or "mess around" inefficiently and inexpertly. 2. To dawdle, to waste time." (Rosten)
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patur
not liable, exempt
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payos
Sidelocks, sidecurls, or earlocks, common among Haredi boys and men.
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pekel
little bundle
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peoplehood
sense of belonging to the world Jewish people
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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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pesadik
"Acceptable to be eaten on Pesach" (JPS), kosher for Passover.
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peshat
"The literal, obvious meaning scholars give to a Jewish text. It can also refer to the simple interpretation of any issue or question." (JPS)
"An explanation of the logic behind or the source of a passage, event, work, etc." (Weiser)
Justification
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petcha
Calves' foot jelly or jellied chicken served with garlic and spices as an appetizer.
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petek
note
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peula
activity
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peulat erev
evening program/activity
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Pew
Shorthand reference to “A Portrait of Jewish Americans,” a comprehensive survey, released in October 2013 by the Pew Research Center’s Religion and Public Life Project. Upon its release, the survey's findings on population, Jewish identity, and interfaith marriage seemed likely to play a central role in determining priorities for myriad Jewish institutions.
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pidyon haben
ceremony of redemption of the first-born son; celebration surrounding this ceremony
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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.
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pintele yid
"essential Jewishness"
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pirog
(pl. pirogen, pirogn) A small dumpling filed with meat or vegetables.
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pishachs
(vulgar) urine, piss
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pisher, little pisher
a diminutive that combines amusement, admiration and annoyance
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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)
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pisk
(vulgar) snout, grimace (Steinmetz)
Colloquialism: an eloquent or garrulous speaker. (Rosten)
mouth, loud-mouth, similar to English slang "trap" for mouth.
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pita
A round, thin bread with a pocket, eaten plain or with filling as a sandwich.
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pitseleh
little one, dear
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pizza bagel
A person of (non-Jewish) Italian and Jewish descent.
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plata
electric hotplate used on the Sabbath
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pletzl
"A thin, flat, crisp roll, often garnished with poppy seeds or onion" (Rosten)
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Ploni
An anonymous placeholder name, like "John Doe;" So-and-So.
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plotz
"1. To split, to burst, to explode. 2. " To be aggravated beyond bearing" (Rosten) [lit. "to explode"]
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polkeys
thighs (esp. of a chicken or baby)
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posek
a rabbi/scholar who makes halachic decisions/rulings
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poshet
simple
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posl
invalid
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prakes
Stuffed cabbage, also known by holiptshes, goluptshes, and golomkes, among other names
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pritse
an immodest woman
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pritsus
immoral behavior
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prost
coarse, base, not classy, vulgar, common
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psak
rabbinic ruling
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pshh
exclamation of respect
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Psukei d'Zimrah
the first part of morning services, after the morning blessings mostly comprised of Psalms [lit. "verses of praise"]
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punim
face
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pupik
Navel, belly button
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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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Purim Alegre
Happy Purim!
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pushke
"The little container...in which money to be donated to charity is accumulated." (Rosten)
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putz
"A fool, an ass, a jerk." (Rosten) [lit. "penis"]
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putzing, putzed
wasting time [offensive]
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rachmones
mercy, pity, empathy
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ram kol
loudspeaker
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reb
"sir"; "mister"
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rebbe
the spiritual leader of a Hasidic sect
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rebbeyish
pertaining to the Hasidic rebbe
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rebetzin
wife of a rabbi
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reckel
long black coat worn by Yeshivish men
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Recon
Adj. Of or pertaining to Reconstructionist Judaism (a movement founded by Rabbi M. M. Kaplan, emphasizing Judaism as a civilization more than a religion).
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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.
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Reform Judaism
A liberal, progressive branch of Judaism that emphasizes choice through knowledge.
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refua shlema
"Get well soon." Lit. "full recovery"
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refusenik
Term for Soviet Jews who were not allowed to openly practice Judaism or emigrate from Soviet Union.
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rega
wait, hold on; lit. "an instant"
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reid
n. "unofficial information spread through the grapevine" (Weiser), especially information related to Talmud study
v. refer someone for a marriage match; pronounce a match
n. speech, talk
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religious school
after-school jewish supplementary education, usually from elementary through high school. may occur during the week or on sundays.
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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.
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responsa
Written decisions and legal rulings by rabbis appointed to be legal deciders.
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rikud
dancing, especially Israeli dancing (at camp)
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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)
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rosh
The head of a division or area of camp (e.g. age group, sport, art, education).
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Rosh Chodesh
start of a new month in the Hebrew calendar
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rosh edah
supervisor of staff member responsible for a particular age group at summer camp
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Rosh Hashanah
The Jewish new year
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rov
A particularly notable rabbi; a halachic decisor
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ruach
spirit, "spiritedness, morale" (JPS)
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ruchnies
spirituality
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rugelach
"Bite-size crescent-shaped pastries, rolled around a variety of fillings, including chopped raisins and walnuts, apple, raspberry, [chocolate] or mun, topped with a sprinkling of cinnamon and sugar" (JPS)
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RWMO
'Right-wing Modern Orthodox' - often University-educated and open to (certain) professional training and education, but seriously committed to halakhic observance.
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s'chiya
swimming
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S/Y
Syrian Jew
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saba
grandfather
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sababa
Awesome. Cool.
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sabra
a prickly pear, "tough and prickly on the outside, tender and sweet on the inside--a description that many say fits citizens of the Jewish state." (JPS)
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safek
A doubt or doubtful case.
"Unresolved question: Uncertainty" (Weiser)
"Doubt in the integrity of: Suspicion" (Weiser)
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sakanah
danger
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Salud y vida
Have health and long life! Said in response to Buenas semanas / Shavua tov.
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savlanut
patience
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savta
grandmother
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savtadik
(1) something that reminds one favorably of one's savfta (grandmother); (2) something that meets with savta's approval
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schach
branches or bamboo used to cover a sukkah
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schav
A cold cream-of-sorrel soup.
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schiya
Swimming
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schlemiel
idiot; contemptible person. "Clumsy, bungling person." (Steinmetz)
-
schlep
To travel from one place to another when one would prefer not to
An annoyingly long journey
"To carry, lug" (JPS)
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schlimazel
Unlucky person; the constant butt of idiotic or unfortunate happenings
-
schlissel
key
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schlong
a penis
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schmaltz
"Rendered chicken fat." (JPS)