A Dio

My God!

aba

father, dad, daddy

abi gezunt

"As long as you're healthy [you can be happy]."

acharon acharon chaviv

"The very last one is beloved."; "Last but not least."

achshav

Now, immediately

ad kdei kach

so much. has it gone this far? (Weiser: "expression of wonder regarding the extent or intensity of something.")

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.

aderaba

certainly, by all means; I certainly don't object

on the contrary

Adonai

"Literally, 'my Lord', another word for God." (JPS)

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)

Agam

lake

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.

Aibishter

God, lit. "supreme one" or "the one above"

Akedah

The binding of Isaac (episode in the Torah)

al regel achat

lit. "on one foot"; off-the-cuff; "To answer a question or deal with a query very briefly and cursorily." (Glinert)

aleichem sholom

Peace be upon you. Response to "sholom aleichem"

Aleph-bet

"A name for the Hebrew alphabet" (JPS)

aliyah

ascent

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

almemar

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

alte bubby

old woman, great-grandmother

alte haym

Eastern Europe (lit. "the old home")

alte kaker

elderly person, old-timer [literally "old shitter"] "A crotchety, fussy, ineffectual old man." (Rosten)

altz iz gut

"All is well."

am haaretz

Bumpkin, ignoramus, uneducated person

Vulgar, boorish person

People of the land

Am Yisrael

"Literally, The People of Israel." (JPS)

amcha

the every-man, everyday people; the folk (as opposed to the elite)

amen

Agreed. "The word used at the end of prayer to signify affirmation." (Rosten)

Amida

The Shemoneh Esrei prayer, which is said while standing [Amida, lit. "standing".]

amud

one side of a page (of Talmud)

pulpit, lectern

page (in a prayerbook)

aniyim

Poor people

answer up

counter, retort

anticirc

Growing movement of Jews and non-Jews who are opposed to circumcision.

apikoros

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

Arisa

section of a pool

ark

"the cabinet at the front of an Ashkenazic synagogue that houses the Torah scroll." (JPS)

aroisgevorfene gelt

"a waste of money"; lit., thrown out money.

aron kodesh

"Literally, "holy ark"." (JPS)

aruchat erev

dinner

Ashkenazic

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

Ashki

nickname for Ashkenazi Jews

asina

Just like this/that, thus, in this manner. Such, even if.

askan

A Jewish communal or social worker (Steinmetz)

A person who is influential in working for the community

Activist

assur

forbidden

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").

avade

And how!

Of course. / Obviously!

averah

religious transgression (Glinert: "An aveirah is an infringement on the Torah, the opposite of a mitzvah.")

avoda

"Literally, 'divine service'" (JPS) Also, "work" or "service" and sometimes used as the name for a unit at camp in which campers help with such duties as service in the dining hall, laundry, etc.

Avodah b'gashmiut

serving God through the physical / material world (Hasidic concept)

avodah zarah

a tractate of the Talmud

idolatry

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.

ayzeh bahsa

What a misfortune, how unfortunate, bummer

azoy

So, thus

Is that so? Really?

So-so

b'al pe

learned by heart, from memory

b'emet

"As a matter of fact." (Weiser); "Really?"

b'ezras hashem

With God's help.

b'laz

Abbreviation for "B'loshn am zar", "in a foreign language"; usually used by the commentator Rashi when using a Middle French expression

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.

b'shalom

"in peace" (used to sign off in written correspondence)

b'tzelem Elohim

lit. "in God's image"

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'."

ba'al tshuvah

a Jew raised non-religious who becomes Orthodox, [lit. 'one who returns/repents']

baal koreh

The individual who chants Torah from the scroll at a synagogue. Sometimes used to refer specifically to a person capable of learning and chanting an entire parsha, or to a professional/paid reader as opposed to an amateur. (Literally, "master of reading" or "one who reads")

babka

"A loaf type coffee cake" (JPS)

bagel

"A leavened, firm, doughnut shaped roll" (JPS)

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.

baitsim

balls, testicles, lit. 'eggs'

bakbuk mayim

water bottle

bal tashchit

Do not be wasteful, do not destroy.

balaboosta

1) Female head of household 2) Impressively competent homemaker

balabos

Male head of a household

Proprietor

balabotish

"Quiet; respectable; well mannered" (Rosten). "middle class"; normal

balagan

"a disorderly, confusing, and/or overwhelming situation" (Glinert)

Bamidbar

The Book of Numbers, [lit. "in the wilderness"] (Glinert)

bar mitzvah

Jewish coming-of-age ceremony/celebration for a 13-year-old boy; the boy who has come of age.

baruch Hashem

"Thank God," "blessed is God"

fine

bashert

JPS: "Predestined, fated." Soul mate.

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)

bayis

ancient Temple

Bayit Sheni

Second Temple, period of the Second Temple

A place one repairs to for debauchery after being expelled from one's initial location.

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.]"

Be well

Closing to a letter or conversation: Take care, be healthy

becher

2-handle cup for ritual washing of the hands before eating

kiddish cup (lit. "goblet")

bechina

examination, particularly for rabbinic ordination

bechira

free will

behatzlacha

good luck (a wish)

go with success

behema

an animal, especially a large one

a boor, an uncouth, unmannered individual

beineinu

between us

beis hamikdash

The Temple in Jerusalem

beit cafe

coffee house

beit din

A rabbinical court of law that makes judgments on matters of Jewish religious life, especially conversion and divorce.

beit knesset

Jewish place of worship; "synagogue" (JPS)

beiyun

"With depth and in detail: intensively"

bekies

"range of personal knowledge" (Weiser)

broad but not deep knowledge

bekishe

long black coat worn by Hasidic men

ben adam

a human being

ben bayis

frequent guest at someone's home

ben torah

a Torah scholar or moral individual

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."

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

bench licht

(light and) bless candles

benoni

spiritually average person

bereshit

The Book of Genesis [lit. "in the beginning"]

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)

beseder

allright; fine. [lit. "in order"]; "OK" (Glinert)

beteavon

bon appetit; enjoy your meal; dig in. Glinert: "Literally, 'bon appetit!'"

beys hakise

bathroom

bichlal

in any way, entirely, in general, altogether

bikur cholim

visiting the sick

bimah

pulpit; "A raised platform or stage in a synagogue from which the Torah is read and services are led." (JPS)

Birkat Habayit

“blessing for the house,” usually refers to a decorative piece of calligraphy for the home

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.

Birkot HaShachar

The first section of the morning prayers, which contains several individual blessings. (JPS)

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.

bishul chutz

Cook-Out.

bisl

"a little bit of something, a tiny piece" (JPS)

bitachon

faith, trust

security

Bivas

Life! Said upon hearing someone sneeze.

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.

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

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)

bli ayin hara

Formula said in conjunction with a positive statement to ward off the evil eye. Lit. "without the evil eye."

bli neder

"Literally, 'without vowing', this is added to any casual promise to avoid it being taken as an absolute undertaking." (Glinert)

bochur

young unmarried male, especially a yeshiva student

bodek

also a brand of vegetables that has been checked for insects

check, especially looking for insects that would render produce non-kosher

boker or

literally, "morning light". said in response to "boker tov."

boker tov

"good morning"

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."

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)

boychick

"A young boy...equivalent of the American expression 'buddy'" (JPS)

boydem

attic

bracha

blessing (in the technical or figurative sense)

bragas

underwear

break fast

the meal that takes place after a fast

brecha

pool

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.

bring down

cite or reference

bris

circumcision ceremony; the celebration surrounding it. Lit. covenant.

broch

curse

broiges

a dispute (n)

angry, annoyed (adj.)

bruchim haba'im

welcome! [lit. "blessed are those who come"]

BT

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

bubbale

sweetie, darling [term of endearment]

bubbe

grandmother

bubbe meise

"old wive's tale"; an untrue story, sometimes related to superstition

"Something of little importance, an inconsequential thing or minor happening." (JPS)

Buenas semanas

Have a good week / what one says after making havdallah

bulvan

loud mouth know-it-all; "a boorish, brutish person" (Steinmetz)

bupkis

Something worthless

Nothing

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).

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.

cashew

a person of Catholic and Jewish heritage

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.

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

chabura

study group

chacham

wiseguy

rabbi (Sephardi)

wise, learned person; genius

chadar ochel

dining hall, dining room

chag

"Festival" (Glinert)

chai

"Literally, 'life'" (JPS); 18 (see note)

chakira

proposition, treatise, deliberation

chaleria

Plague or cholera (literal or metaphorical)

"wreck," in the phrase "nervous choleria." A person who behaves wildly or badly.

challah

"The braided egg bread that traditionally is eaten on almost every Jewish holiday and [the Sabbath]" (JPS)

chalomot paz

Sweet dreams, literally "Golden dreams"

chalutzim

Pioneers in the building of the State of Israel.

chametz

Leavened food.

chanichim

disciples (in a classroom)

campers; members of youth movement, as in Hashomer Hatzair

chanukiah

Nine-branched menorah / candelabrum used on Chanukah

chap

"to comprehend" (Weiser) (lit. "to grasp")

charoses

Sweet, mushy mixture that represents mortar at the Passover seder.

chas v'chalila

"heaven forbid" (Steinmetz's Yiddish and English dictionary)

chas v'sholom

"heaven forbid" (Glinert)

chashuv

Important; of high status

chassidish

Adhering to Hasidism, a mystical brand of Orthodox Judaism; having traits associated with Hasidim

chatich

a sexy man

chatuna

wedding

chatzi kaddish

half kaddish: prayer that praises God and occurs several times during services, marking the separation between different parts of the service.

chatzos

halachic midday and midnight

chaval

a shame; a waste; "too bad!"

chaval al hazman

Wow! Expression of emphasis from Israeli slang. Original meaning is also used: "waste of time"

chaver

comrade, mister (in left-wing political organizations)

friend

chaverim

members, friends

chavruta

learning partnership; joint study session. "The person with whom one studies religious texts" (Weiser)

chayav

Guilty of transgressing. Liable.

chazan

The official at a synagogue who leads the congregation in prayer and song. (JPS)

chazarah

(n.) review of material previously studied

chazer

"go over; review" (Weiser)

chazir

1. pork 2. a pig, greedy person (JPS)

Chelm

from Yiddish literature/folklore, "The 'legendary' town inhabited by befuddled, stupid, foolish, but endearing people." (JPS). Also a real town in Poland (Chełmno).

cherem

"excommunication; ostracism" (Yiddish)

chesedik

kind

chevra

"society; close-knit group" (Yiddish)

chevra kedisha

burial society - volunteers who sit with the dead and prepare their bodies for burial

chidush

innovative idea; an insight; discovery; novelty

chillul Hashem

disgracing God's name; an action that might be looked down upon; an action that might make Jews look bad

chiyuv

obligation

one who is in mourning and must say Kaddish

chol hamoed

"the intermediate days of the weeklong holidays of Pesach and Sukkot" (JPS)

cholent

"A slow-cooked stew made of beef, beans, potatoes, and other vegetables. Cholent is a common Sabbath dish..." (JPS)

chosenness

Notion that Jews are God's chosen people, based on biblical quotes.

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

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)

chug

elective class, group activity

group, circle (of people)

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

guts (positive)

nerve, audacity, the quality of over-stepping boundries with no shame (negative)

chutzpahdik

impertinent

CJLS

a committee of Conservative Rabbis that meets semi-yearly to review t'shuvot (halachic proposals)

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 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.

dan l'kaf zechus

give the benefit of the doubt

dati

Modern Orthodox

religious

daven

pray; lead services

davka

"definitely or exactly stated; specifically" (Weiser)

just to annoy, just to be contrary

even; despite expectations to the contrary -- often with a slightly amused or ironic feeling of "wouldn't you know it?" or "of all things" ("of all people" ... etc.)

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)

dayenu

"Literally, "it would have been enough."" (JPS)

De carne

Meaty / fleshing

De queso

Dairy / milchig / cheesy

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)

dos

A derogatory term for ultra-Orthodox/Haredi Jews, common in Israel.

drash

n. sermon, interpretation of text

v. give a sermon, discuss an interpretation of the text

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

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

erlech

honest, legitimate

religious

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 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

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

farbissiner

adj. embittered, sullen, mean

n. sourpuss, mean person

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']

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

faribel

to have a grievance, to be aggrieved

grievance

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

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

fluden

log-shaped pastry stuffed with apricot preserves, chopped dates, walnuts, and raisins

forshpayz

"appetizers" (JPS)

freilach

adj: happy, merry

noun: (frailach or freylekhs) a lively song/dance performed at simchas

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.

frum

religious; observant; Orthodox

futz

waste time (usually "futz around")

tinker with; make small changes

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

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

"The foil wrapped chocolate coins that are a traditional Hanukkah treat for children." (JPS)

Money (slang usage)

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)

gemilut chasadim

"Literally, "acts of loving kindness"", (JPS) often used in reference to charitable activities

genug

enough

ger tzedek

A "righteous convert" to Judaism.

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

gezinta

a big healthy girl (or the adjective denoting such)

a sexy lady

gezunt

n. health

adj. healthy

gezunterheyt

"Fine, go ahead" (ironic).

lit., while in good health

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").

giyur

The act of converting to Judaism.

Conversion ceremony

glatt

Showing consistency of reason (Weiser).

Super-kosher (not only of food), or acceptable to the Haredi community.

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

"most often used among Jews to refer to someone who is not a Jew" (JPS)

a nation, but not the Jewish nation

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 Morgen

"Good morning!"

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!

hajj

to stop, "enough" (slang), not in the mood

Hak mir nisht keyn tshaynik

Stop annoying me

Don't bother me

Literally, don't knock a teakettle at me

HaKadosh Baruch Hu

God, lit. "The Holy One, Blessed Be He"

hakafah

a go-around (similar to sivuv)

parade, processional with the Torah on Simchas Torah

halacha

"Jewish law" (JPS)

halevai

"Would that it be so" (Steinmetz, Yiddish and English)

If only

I wish!

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

handl

to bargain, do business

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!

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"

hashgacha

1. Divine providence, interference, attention 2. Rabbinic supervision designating food as kosher

hashkafah

ideological outlook; point of view; "philosophy" (Weiser)

Hashpa'ah

Influence, or effect, particularly on one's character, development, and/or behavior

Motivating force, source for change in one's actions, influence

Hasid

A disciple of a rabbi, not only a member of a Hasidic group.

A follower in a non-religious sense (ironic).

Pious person

Adherent of a Hasidic Jewish group ("A mystical religious movement founded in Poland" (JPS)

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.

hazarai

"Junk, trash" (Rosten)

junk food

traif (non-kosher) food

hechsher

(Rabbinic) stamp or seal of approval-- typically designating a product as kosher

heeb

slang term used to describe a Jewish person

hefker

running wild, undisciplined

ownerless

heicha kedusha

abbreviated version of the repetition of the Shmona Esre / Amidah

heimish

2. Haredi Orthodox

3. at home, comfortable

1. familiar, homey, informal, cozy, warm

helzel

chicken neck, poultry neck, stuffed poultry neck, the skin around the chicken's neck which is then stuffed

heter

rabbinic allowance

hitbodedut

solitary prayer

hock

"to bother incessantly: ANNOY" (Weiser)

hoda'ot

announcements

hold

to be on the verge of

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

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.

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.

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

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").

kadima

a center-left political party in Israel

forward; onward; hurry up, quickly

kadosh

holy

Kahal

Synagogue, shul, congregation

(the people of) a Jewish community

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)

kallah

bride

Jewish communal gathering, conference

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

kashrut

"The body of Jewish dietary laws and regulations that specify what and how a Jew who keeps kosher can eat." (JPS)

kavanah

"Attention to the meaning, spirit, and purpose of words" (Weiser)

intent

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

kehillah

"A Jewish community" (JPS)

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'

kelev

dude

dog

ken

Yes

keppy

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

kesher

connection, relationship, link

Keter

Crown, especially the crown decorating a Torah scroll.

ketubah

"The Jewish marriage contract, traditionally written in Aramaic." (JPS)

KFP

An abbreviation "kosher for Passover," meaning that the food fulfills the religious requirements to be eaten during Passover.

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.

kichel

small cookie or biscuit

cookies (plural)

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)

kiddush Hashem

the sanctification of God's name; "bringing honor to God" (Glinert)

martyrdom

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)

kimat

"almost or nearly" (Weiser)

kinder

"children" (Rosten)

Kinneret

the Sea of Galilee

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)

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 hakavod

Literally, "All the honor", as in "More honor to you!"

"well done" (Glinert)

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 and, often in conjunction with their wives, offer classes and other rabbinic services to the Jewish community around them, especially in non-Orthodox neighborhoods.

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

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

kriah

Reading, especially Torah

Rending a garment (ritual of mourning)

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

peculiarity, particular oddness (JPS)

strategy (Weiser)

feat, stunt, trick, challenge, ingenuity

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)

l'chaim

traditional toast. [lit. "to life" (Rosten)]

L'dor va'dor

Literally "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)

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

lekvar

prune filling

levaye

funeral

leyn

to chant torah, haftarah or megillah

leytsanus

silliness; buffoonery

light

light Shabbat or holiday candles

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

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

ma

What

ma la'asot

"what can you do?"

ma pitom

expression of surprise: What the heck?

maapilim

Biblical: the group of the Children of Israel that went, unauthorized, to the Land of Israel after the episode with the spies

Jews who immigrated illegally to Palestine during British control in the 1930s and 1940s - Aliyah Bet

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!"

mabul

a deluge; a torrent of rain

the Biblical Flood

maccabiah

color war / intra-camp competition in a Jewish summer camp

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

machal

a volunteer from outside Israel serving in the Israeli army

machane

Summer camp [lit. "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

machmir

stringent, "taking the stricter position on an issue" (Weiser)

meticulous

machzor

High Holiday prayerbook, used for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur

madrich

youth counselor or supervisor

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']

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)

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

maror

bitter herbs placed on the seder place on Passover

maspik

enough

matbea

blueprint, structure, form

matzah brei

fried matzah pieces mixed with eggs, usually eaten on Passover

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.

matzav

political, military situation in Israel/the Middle East

situation

matzeivah

headstone

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

congratulations

luck (good)

mazel tov

congratulations [lit. "good fortune"]

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

the father of one's child's spouse, though can sometimes be used to refer to the grandfather of one's grandchild's spouse.

In laws, more generally (http://www.pass.to/glossary/gloz2.htm#letm).

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

meforshim

any set of commentaries on classic religious texts

the rabbis who wrote such commentaries

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

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

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

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

mieskeit

ugliness

someone/something ugly

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

mish

verb. To mix; to eat at other families' houses during the week of Passover.

mishegoss

"Foolishness, nonsense, craziness." (JPS)

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.

mitzvah

Literally, "commandment"

good deed

Mizrachi

adj. or noun describing a person or practice (including music and ritual) of Middle Eastern Jewish origin. Lit. "Eastern," "Oriental."

Moadim lesimcha

Happy holiday! Greeting used on the intermediate days of Pesach and Sukkot (known as chol ha-moed).

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.

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.

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)

noodge

noun: pest, whiner

verb: bore, pester, nag

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

oilam

a group of people

the world; the public

okh un vey

an unenviable position

"a pity on him"

olam habah

"The world to come"; the messianic age; Heaven

olav ha-sholom

"peace be upon him"; said of someone who is deceased

oleh

Immigrant to Israel; a person who makes aliyah.

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)

oneg

a informal, festive gathering Friday night involving food, casual Torah study, Jewish songs, etc.

ongepotchket

overly elaborate, excessively decorated, slapped together senselessly

Open Orthodox

a breakaway movement to the left of Modern Orthodoxy, declared outside of acceptable Orthodox boundaries by most mainstream Orthodox rabbis

orel

A goy (contemptuous, pejorative).

Ortho

shorthand, or slang term, for Orthodox

oso ha-Ish

literally "that man", an irreverent/euphemistic reference to Jesus of Nazereth

oy

exclamation of dismay, exasperation, or surprise

oy vey

exclamation of dismay, exasperation, or surprise

pachech

a complainer

parasha

a tedious, lengthy enumeration or account, litany (Weiser)

Selection of the Pentateuch read publicly on the Sabbath.

period of dating for marriage (Orthodox Jews)

conversation (Weiser)

general realm of feasibility, ballpark (Weiser)

parnasa

livelihood, income

parve

1. neither milk nor meat; 2. uninteresting, plain, generic

pasken

to rule halachically

pastrami

Smoked, seasoned deli meat

patrilineal

Being considered Jewish because one's father but not mother is Jewish.

patsh

to give a light slap

a smack (playful)

patshke

"1. To fuss or "mess around" inefficiently and inexpertly. 2. To dawdle, to waste time." (Rosten)

patur

not liable, exempt

payos

Sidelocks, sidecurls, or earlocks, common among Haredi boys and men.

pekel

little bundle

peoplehood

sense of belonging to the world Jewish people

perush

A commentary on a text, something that makes the meaning clear.

Pesach

The Jewish Holiday of Passover

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

petek

note

peula

activity

peulat erev

evening program

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.

pidyon haben

ceremony of redemption of the first-born son; celebration surrounding this ceremony

pintele yid

"essential Jewishness"

pish

urinate

urine

pishachs

(vulgar) urine, piss

pisher, little pisher

a diminutive that combines amusement, admiration and annoyance

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)

pisk

mouth, loud-mouth, similar to English slang "trap" for mouth.

Colloquialism: an eloquent or garrulous speaker. (Rosten)

(vulgar) snout, grimace (Steinmetz)

Pitseleh

Little one, dear

pizza bagel

A person of (non-Jewish) Italian and Jewish descent.

plata

electric hotplate used on the Sabbath

plotz

"1. To split, to burst, to explode. 2. " To be aggravated beyond bearing" (Rosten) [lit. "to explode"]

polkeys

thighs (esp. of a chicken or baby)

posek

a rabbi/scholar who makes halachic decisions/rulings

poshet

simple

posl

invalid

prakes

Stuffed cabbage, also known by holiptshes, goluptshes, and golomkes, among other names

pritse

an immodest woman

pritsus

immoral behavior

prost

coarse, base, not classy, vulgar, common

psak

rabbinic ruling

pshetl

subtle or hair-splitting argument about a Jewish text

dvar torah (Orthodox)

pshh

exclamation of respect

Psukei d'Zimrah

the first part of morning services, after the morning blessings mostly comprised of Psalms [lit. "verses of praise"]

punim

face

pupik

Navel, belly button

Purim

A joyous holiday that takes place in February or March on the 14th of Adar, retelling the story of the Book of Esther.

Purim Alegre

Happy Purim!

pushke

"The little container...in which money to be donated to charity is accumulated." (Rosten)

putz

"A fool, an ass, a jerk." (Rosten) [lit. "penis"]

putzing, putzed

wasting time [offensive]

rachmones

mercy

reb

"sir"; "mister"

rebbe

the spiritual leader of a Hasidic sect

rebbeyish

pertaining to the Hasidic rebbe

rebetzin

wife of a rabbi

reckel

long black coat worn by Yeshivish men

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).

Reform

a Jewish movement founded on principles of the Jewish Enlightenment (Haskalah), which rejected the binding nature of the Law and attempted to concentrate on the prophetic message; it is now the largest movement in the United States, and has an additional 1 million adherents worldwide.

Reform Judaism

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

refua shlema

"Get well soon." Lit. "full recovery"

refusenik

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

rega

wait, hold on; lit. "an instant"

reid

n. speech, talk

n. "unofficial information spread through the grapevine" (Weiser), especially information related to Talmud study

v. refer someone for a marriage match; pronounce a match

religious school

after-school jewish supplementary education, usually from elementary through high school. may occur during the week or on sundays.

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.

responsa

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

rikud

dancing, especially Israeli dancing (at camp)

Rosh Chodesh

start of a new month in the Hebrew calendar

rosh edah

supervisor of staff member responsible for a particular age group at summer camp

Rosh Hashanah

The Jewish new year

rov

A particularly notable rabbi; a halachic decisor

ruach

spirit, "spiritedness, morale" (JPS)

ruchnies

spirituality

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)

RWMO

'Right-wing Modern Orthodox' - often University-educated and open to (certain) professional training and education, but seriously committed to halakhic observance.

S/Y

Syrian Jew

saba

grandfather

sababa

Awesome. Cool.

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)

sakanah

danger

Salud y vida

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

savlanut

patience

savta

grandmother

savtadik

(1) something that reminds one favorably of one's savfta (grandmother); (2) something that meets with savta's approval

schach

branches or bamboo used to cover a sukkah

schlemiel

idiot; contemptible person. "Clumsy, bungling person." (Steinmetz)

schlemozel

The constant butt of idiotic or unfortunate happenings

schlep

An annoyingly long journey

"To carry, lug" (JPS)

To travel from one place to another when one would prefer not to

schlissel

key

schlong

a penis

schmaltz

"Rendered chicken fat." (JPS)

schmaltzy

"Overly sentimental or romantic." (JPS)

schmatta

rag, old/ragged piece of clothing, garment

schmear

to spread; cream cheese

schmegege

"An unadmirable, petty person" (Rosten)

schmooze

to make small talk or informally chat; to network, kiss up

schnapps

"A strong, dry liquor." (JPS)

schnoder

"to pledge a donation" (Steinmetz).

schnorr

to beg, to request money

to get something for free, to mooch

schnorrer

a begger, a parasite. "A moocher" (JPS)

schvitz

steam bath (n.)

sweat (v., n.)

sechel

"Common sense" (JPS), intelligence

seder

order, orderliness, system, routine

period for Torah study

A ceremony involving recitations, singing, food, and drink typically associated with Passover, but also with Tu B'shvat and Rosh Hashanah.

The name for the six sections of the Mishnah.

sefer

"A literary composition written particularly of, on, or about the Torah" (Weiser)

Hebrew or Aramaic book

seforim

Religious books written in Hebrew or Aramaic.

segula

Folk remedy, safeguard, superstitious action, talisman

divinely bestowed reward as a result of an individual's participation in a minhag or mitzvah

"procedure that is not based on medical or scientific logic yet is efficacious in improving a situation or protecting a person from harm" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Segula_(Kabbalah))

seminary

Post-high school learning program for women; usually located in Jerusalem and associated with an Orthodox religious outlook

Sephardic

Jews whose ancestors came from the Iberian Peninsula before the Jewish expulsion

shabash

Well done!

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

Shabbat

The Jewish Sabbath; Saturday

Shabbat Shalom

Used as a greeting or departing line (hello or goodbye) on or before Shabbat. Literally "peaceful Sabbath."

Shabbos

the Jewish Sabbath

Shabbos elevator

elevator used on the Sabbath that stops automatically on each floor to allow religious Jews to use it without operating electric equipment

Shabbos goy

"A non-Jew who by prearrangement performs chores [that are forbidden] for a Jew on the Sabbath or holidays." (Steinmetz)

shadchen

matchmaker

shaina maidel

pretty girl

well-behaved girl (female equivalent of mensch, which is sometimes used just for males but is often used for males and females)

shalech manes

Gifts for friends, traditionally given on Purim. Typically, a basket with food requiring two separate brachas in it.

shalom

hello, goodbye, peace

shalom bayit

"Literally, 'peace in the home'. Contentment and harmony among family members." (JPS)

shalosh regalim

The three major holidays in the Jewish calendar: Passover, Shavuot [Pentecost], and Sukkot [Tabernacles].

shaloshudes

the traditional third meal of the sabbath, eaten saturday afternoon or evening beginning before the sabbath has ended. [lit. "three meals"]

shamash

2. the caretaker of a synagogue.

3. personal assistant / aide / gofer, especially to a rabbi or in the Hollywood entertainment industry

1. candle lit first and then used to light other hanukah candles

shana alef

the post-high school gap year that young men and women spend studying at yeshivot and seminaries in Israel

shana tova

happy new year, lit. 'good year'

shanda

"Scandal, shame." (JPS)

Misbehavior by a particular Jew or Jewish group that leads to embarrassment among the broader Jewish community.

shatnez

mixture of wool and linen in a garment, which is prohibited by Jewish law

shawarma

Thinly cut meat (usually lamb, but may be chicken, beef, or other meat) cooked on a vertical rotating spit. Often served on a laffa (large pita type bread, but flat like a pizza dough and without a pocket) and with French fries ("chips" in Israel). Sometimes served on pita.

shayna punim

pretty face

shechita

Kosher animal slaughter.

shecht

to slaughter meat according to the rituals of kashrut

shefele

sweety, Lit. "lamb"

shehecheyanu

the blessing of thanksgiving that celebrates reaching a celebratory moment or marking a significant first

sheitel

wig; worn by some observant jewish women after marriage. "A wig worn by strictly Orthodox...women as a [hair] covering." (Steinberg)

shekel

"1. The silver coin...used by the Jews in Biblical times...Today, it is the name for the monetary unit in the State of Israel. 2. Slang for cash or money." (JPS)

shema

prayer recited in most services as well as at bedtime, and when death is imminent; one of the most important and well-known prayers in Judaism

shemini atzeret

Holiday celebrated the day after the seven-day holiday of Sukkot.

Shemoneh Esrei

another name for the Amida, the central prayer during Jewish services. [lit. 'eighteen', the number of blessings it originally had]

Shemot

The Book of Exodus [lit. 'names']

Printed items containing the name of God in Hebrew letters (generally pronounced SHAY-miss)

sherut

Lit. "service"; specifically a shared taxi used in israeli transportation

sheva brachot

the seven blessings said after a jewish wedding and at a festive meal once a day for a week afterwards. the term can refer to the one week period after the wedding, the festive meal, or the blessings themselves.

sheygets

"1. A non-Jewish boy. 2. An impudent youth or man. 3. An irreligious or nonobservant Jew. The term is often regarded as disparaging." (Steinmetz)

sheymes

n., such content

adj., of or relating to printed material, such as a book or even an audio recording, that contains the name of God, and therefore must not be erased, put on the floor, etc., out of respect for the Divine Name

shicker

tipsy/drunk

shidduch

a date or match, often leading to marriage. "The matching up of a man and a woman for purposes of marriage; a match. In popular usage, any match or alliance, as in The shidduch between the two organization was a success." (Steinberg)

shidduch

a date in the process of finding one's spouse

match

mate

arranged spousal match

shiksa

"1. A non-Jewish girl. 2. A housemaid. 3. An irreligious or nonobservant Jewish girl. The term is often regarded as disparaging." (Steinmetz)

shilshul

diarrhea

shir

song

shira

singing session

shissel

A large bowl, especially for mixing

A small washtub.

shiur

"1. A lesson, lecture, or discourse on the Torah, Mishnah, or Gemara...(2. A measure, size, or rate)." (JPS)

shivah

week-long period of mourning after the death of a relative, during which close relatives stay at home and greet visitors. mourners traditionally sit on low stools during this time, so someone in mourning is said to be 'sitting shiva'.

Shleger

Bully, violent person

shlock

something cheap or inferior. "A shoddy, cheaply made article." (Rosten)

shlogn kapores

to make oneself feel guilty.

the custom of symbolically transferring one's sins to a chicken (or coins) before Yom Kippur, done by moving the chicken (or coins) in a circle around one's head.

shloshim

The 30-day period after a deceased person's funeral, often marked with special remembrances such as family members studying religious texts in the person's honor.

Thirty

shluffy

[to go] to sleep (child-directed speech)

shlump

an unkempt person, a loser

shmais

a Lubavitch news website: http://shmais.com/

Whack, wallop, smack

shmecky

child-appropriate word for penis

affectionate term used to describe a child, often connoting silly or slightly naughty behavior

shmendrik

jerk, stupid person

shmira

"guard duty"

"watching over the body of a dead person prior to burial"

shmuck

annoying, irritating person (lit. penis)

shmutz

"Dirt, stain, or filth." (JPS)

shnook

"An incompetent person who is deserving of pity but also likable" (JPS); "A customer easily persuaded, a sucker." (H.L. Mencken, American Language)

shnoz

"A nose, especially a large, unattractive one." (JPS)

Shoah

Eastern European Holocaust (of World War II)

shofar

ram's horn sounded during the month of elul, especially associated with rosh hashanah

shomer

literally, to guard. can be short for "shomer shabbat" (keeps the laws of sabbath); for "shomer negia" (keeps the laws prohibiting members of the opposite sex from touching before marriage)

shomer

a camp counselor on duty

one who keeps vigil over a dead body before it is buried

adj. observant, observing the laws of kosher, shabbat, or negiya (not touching members of the opposite gender outside of family)

a member of Hashomer Hatzair or a camper or counselor at a Hashomer Hatzair camp

a chaperone, protector, or guard

shoo

An emphatic "what!?"

shpatzir

literally 'to walk, take a stroll'; figuratively 'to delay, tarry, procrastinate'

shpilkes

nervous energy, anxiousness, restlessness. Lit. 'pins'

shpritz

(n., v.) spray; squirt

soda drink

shtark

Adj: religiously intense. Literally "strong," generally used in reference to someone more religious than the speaker

Verb: "shtark out" - to identify oneself closer to the Black Hat end of the Modern Orthodox to Black Hat continuum, in comparison to one's previous location on that continuum.

Shtati

Cool, modern, cosmopolitan.

shteig

strive; study; lit. "rise"

shtender

lectern

shtetl

"A town or village with...Jewish inhabitants, commonly found in Eastern Europe before World War II." (Steinmetz)

shtick

"Overused actions or behavior." (JPS)

Comedy routine.

Performances and silly behavior at weddings, intended to entertain the bride and groom.

Props and decorations used for wedding entertainment.

shtickle

designation of second-class status, when applied to rabbis or other professionals.

a small amount; a little; a bit of (a)

shtim

(often with preposition "with") to jibe, gel, concur, harmonize; without prep., equivalent to colloquial English "to add up; make sense"

shtunk

stinker, nasty person, smelly person, nickname for a smelly baby.

shtup

noun, the act of sexual intercourse

verb, have sexual intercourse

shtus

nonsense

shuckle

Literally, "to shake", to sway back and forth during prayer

shuk

Open air market in Israel

shul

synagogue

shutim

responsa - rabbinic rulings

shvach

weak, pathetic, (a place or gathering that is) lacking in activity

shvantz

very rude man, lowlife, snitch

penis, dick

tail

shvartsa

black person, [lit. "black"]. Often considered offensive in English.

Si kiere El Dyo

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

siddur

Jewish prayer book

sidra

weekly Torah portion

sifria

library

simcha

"A joyous occasion; a celebration" (JPS); usually related to a lifecycle event

sivuv

noun: a go-around, walk-around, lap, especially one done in order to double-check something

siyum

literally, "completion" traditionally means completing studying of a tractate of talmud, often with a ceremony and celebration following, but can be used for the completion of another course of study.

slicha

"Excuse me", "Sorry"

slivovitz

plum brandy, often consumed on passover because it doesn't contain fermented grains.

smichah

"Rabbinic ordination" (Steinmetz)

snag

Misnaged (non-Hasidic Orthodox Jew)

sofer

A scribe trained in transcribing the Torah, mezuzah, tefillin scriptures and other religious texts on parchment.

spiel

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

spodik

fur hat, similar to but taller (more cylindrical) than a shtreimel, worn by certain Chassidic groups

stam

only, simply, just for fun, not for a specific purpose

Just kidding!

That's it!

sugya

passage from the Talmud

"A distinct matter for consideration in discussion, thought, or study" (Weiser)

sukkah

A temporary dwelling used during the holiday of Sukkot

Sukkot

The feast of the booths; a fall holiday when Jews live in makeshift huts to represent the time the Israelites spent wandering in the desert.

svara

guess, hypothesis

justification, reason, plausible explanation

svive

environment, surroundings

group or get-together

tachlis

purpose, aim

practical details of a matter, "brass tacks" (as in, "Let's get down to brass tacks.")

tachrichim

burial shrouds

tafkid

assignment

divinely ordained purpose

task

taharas hamishpachah

the body of law surrounding menstruation, lit. "family purity"

taka

(can also be used ironically)

Is that so? Really, actually, indeed, "in consideration of all the information available" (Weiser)

tallis

prayer shawl

Talmud

"The body of Jewish law and tradition comprising the Mishnah and the Gemara, compiled from about 30 B.C.E to about 500 C.E." (Steinmetz)

talmudic

1. literally, having to do with the talmud 2. a debate that was complex and had many sides

tam

taste

Tanach

the entire Jewish bible including the Torah, Prophets, Writings. ['tanakh' is an acronym of the names of the three sections of the bible: torah, nevi'im and kethuvim.]

tashlich

"The custom of going to a...body of running water on the afternoon of the first day of Rosh Hashanah...and reciting certain penitential verses [and throwing breadcrumbs, symbolizing sins, in to the water.]" (Steinmetz)

tate

little boy; especially when using diminutive tatele / tattele / tattaleh / tattale / tateleh (in child-directed speech)

dad

tchotchke

trinket, knicknack

tefach

A halachic unit of measure: four fingers (a palm's breadth) high.

tefillah

prayer, services, or an individual prayer

tefillat haderech

the prayer for a safe journey

tefillin

Small black boxes containing sections of the shema attached to leather straps and worn around the head and arm during prayer.

"phylacteries"

Tefillin date

A date on which the male brings along his tefillin, in the expectation that he may spend the night with his date (because he is conscientious about the mitzvah of tefillin and the need to put on his tefillin the following morning).

teiglach

a confection of dough balls dipped in honey/syrup and eaten at Rosh Hashanah

teiku

An unanswered question.

The question remains unanswered.

tekes

ceremony, usually surrounding something identified as Israeli or Jewish

tell over

to repeat or teach a story heard elsewhere

teshuvah

repentance [lit. "return"]

teva

nature

character (quality of a person or thing)

Thanksgivukkah

"Thanksgivukkah is a pop-culture portmanteau neologism given to the convergence of the American holiday of Thanksgiving and the first day of the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah on Thursday, November 28, 2013" (Wikipedia)

The Chosen People

refers to the jewish people as a whole having a unique relationship with god; (translation of hebrew phrase "am nivchar")

Three Weeks

a period of semi-mourning commemorating the destruction of the first and second temples in jerusalem. "The three weeks between shiva asar betamuz (17th of Tamuz), when the walls of Jerusalem were breached, and Tisha b'Av (9th of Av), when the Temple was destroyed." (Steinmetz)

tikkun olam

"repairing (the) world," making the world a better place through volunteering, social justice work, and philanthropy

kabbalistic concept of mystically repairing the fabric of the world through the performance of mitzvot

tisch

a festive friday night gathering, often involving alcohol and singing [lit. "table"]. in hasidic circles, the rebbe often hosts a tisch with hundreds of hasidim at which he shares his teachings.

Tizke vetichye vita'arich yamim

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

Tizku Leshanim rabot

Wishing you many, many years!

toda

"thank you"

Torah

Literally, "teaching". 1. The five books of moses. 2. Jewish law and values in general.

Torah reading

a section of the torah read on certain days during the week. (translation of hebrew phrase "kriyas hatorah")

toranut

tour of duty, esp. the task of serving and clearing food, and/or setting and clearing plates, at communal meals at Jewish summer camp

The people given the job of toranut

Tot Shabbat

A synagogue-based service or play group for young children on Shabbat.

tov

"good", "okay"

treif

(adj or noun) food prohibited by the jewish dietary laws

triple-h

good-looking Jewish female ("hot Hebrew honey")

trop

Series of traditional chanting/melodic patterns used in reading the Torah and other books of the Tanakh in communal prayer services.

Diacritic-like marks in printed editions of the Tanakh (and the tikkun, a book that enables people to learn to chant from the Torah, haftarah, etc.) that indicate the chanting/melodic pattern to be used with each word.

tsedreyt

mixed up, twisted, distorted, turned around

tsekrochen

slovenly, [feeling] feeble or fragile, usually owing to minor illness or a night of excess.

tsemisht

mixed-up, confused

tsibur

The (Jewish) community.

A prayer group.

The public.

tsniusdik

modest, discrete, especially according to Orthodox norms of dress, comportment, and gender interaction

tsorris

"Troubles, woes, worries, suffering." (Rosten)

Tu b'Av

the 15th of Av, sometimes associated with romantic love and jokingly called 'Jewish Valentine's Day'.

Tu Bishvat

Jewish Arbor Day, the New Year for Trees, literally 'the 15th day of Shevat'.

tuches

buttocks

tuches afn tisch

lay your cards on the table [lit. "backside on the table"]

tumler

"A funmaker, a 'live wire,' a clown, a prankster, the 'life of the party." (Rosten)

tuna bagel

a person (usually a young, Hasidic man) who appears to be religious but is in part or in whole not observant; OR who is observant and wears Hasidic garb, but otherwise behaves like non-Hasidic Orthodox Jews

tush

buttocks

tza'ar ba'alei chayim

pity for living creatures (Steinmetz), or compassion for animals.

tzadik

Common name for the 18th letter of the Hebrew alphabet (tzadi / tzade).

A highly learned and esteemed rabbinic leader (sometimes used as an alternative name for a Hasidic rebbe).

Someone who does extremely righteous deeds.

TzaHaL

acronym for: ts'va ha-haganah le-yisrael, the Israeli defense force (IDF)

tzedakah

charity, money given to charity

tzedek, tzedek tirdof

"justice, justice, you will pursue." (Deuteronomy 16:20)

tzeit

nightfall; the time when three stars have appeared in the sky (short for tzeit hakochavim - stars coming out)

tzevet

staff member

staff

tzitzit

A garment worn under the shirt by Orthodox men and boys, with a tassel hanging down from each of the four corners.

The fringes on a tallit (tallis) prayer shawl or on a tallit katan.

tznius

(adj.) modest, discrete, especially according to Orthodox norms of dress, comportment, and gender interaction

(n.) modesty, discretion, especially according to Orthodox norms of dress, comportment, and gender interaction

tzrif

cabin/bunk

unaffiliated

Refers to members of the Jewish population who are not involved with a synagogue or other Jewish community organizations.

ungepatchke

overdone, tacky, ostentatious, overcomplicated. "Excessively and unaesthetically decorated; overly baroque." (Rosten)

unveiling

the ceremony marking the unveiling of a deceased person's headstone one year after his or her burial

upsherin

the first haircut of a 3 year old; [lit. 'cutting off']

va'ad

"committee or council" (Steinmetz), group convened for a particular purpose, including rabbinical council, kashrut supervisory council, youth group/synagogue board of directors, study group, etc.

vantz

bedbug

Vayikra

the book of Leviticus

verklempt

choked up; speechless; unable to express one's feelings/emotions overly emotional

vig

The commission one receives for conducting a transaction, usually gambling or drug deals, but can also be used in day-to-day transactions.

vilde chaye

a rambunctious or wild person [lit. 'wild animal']

vort

a short lesson derived from the Torah; an engagement party, named after the short speech usually delivered in honor of the couple

vos

what

wash

To wash one's hands ritually before a meal.

whole megillah

an expression of something done completely and/or taking a long time

wimpel

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

yad

the metal or wooden pointer used to follow the text when reading Torah; lit. "hand"

yahrzeit

The anniversary of a person's death, generally marked by relatives in some way.

yainee

other types of chassidim [i.e. non-Chabad] , especially youth

yala

"let's go"

yamim noraim

high holy days, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur

yarmulke

religious skullcap

yasher koach

Good job!

Congratulations!

Thank you (used by Orthodox Jews)

Yechinik

A Lubavicher (a Hasidic group, Chabad) who believes that Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Lubavicher rebbe, is the Moshiach.

Yekke

A Jew who behaves according to the stereotype of Jews of German heritage: punctual and concerned with details.

A Jew of German heritage

yeladim

children

yemach shemo

"may his name be erased", appended to the names of evil people such as Haman and Hitler

yenevelt

the world to come, hereafter

a far away place

yenta

"A scandal spreader, a rumormongerer." (Rosten). Usually applied to women.

yerida

emigration from Israel

yeshiva

traditionally, an institution that focuses on teaching Talmud to boys and young men. Today yeshivas exist for men and women.

yeshivish

Litvish; Lithuanian; associated with the rationalistic Lithuanian tradition; associated with non-Hasidic Black Hat communities

yetzer hara

Lit. 'the evil inclination'

yichus

"Pedigree, lineage, family background." (JPS)

Bragging rights based on respected family history

yid

a Jewish person

A derogatory term used by non-Jews for a Jewish person (particularly so in Great Britain).