Jewish English Lexicon

adon olam

a hymn in the traditional Jewish liturgy, usually recited before Shacharit and often sung after services in synagogue, made up of traits attributed to God

aliyah

immigration to Israel

"calling to the reading of the Torah" (Glinert)

ascent

ascent of the soul of a deceased person to a higher level, as is believed to happen on their yartzeit

almemar

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

alte kaker

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

amud

page (in a prayerbook)

one side of a page (of Talmud)

pulpit, lectern

apikoros

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

Ashkenazic

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

askan

A person who is influential in working for the community

Activist

A Jewish communal or social worker (Steinmetz)

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

Of course. / Obviously!

And how!

avodah

Work, generally.

"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).

"Service and worship of God" (Eisenberg).

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")

balaboosta

1) Female head of household 2) Impressively competent homemaker

bar mitzvah

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

bedieved

"done just well enough to fulfill a need or duty; perfunctorily" (Weiser, Frumspeak)

done after the fact (in an acceptable, but still not ideal, manner); ex post facto

"under duress, or done when no options are available; as a last resort" (Weiser, Frumspeak)

"resentfully; without enthusiasm; begrudgingly" (Weiser, Frumspeak)

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)

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)

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.

Borscht Belt

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

broiges

angry, annoyed (adj.)

a dispute (n)

BT

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

bubbale

sweetie, darling [term of endearment]

bubbe meise

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

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

Bujew

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

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.

Chabad house

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

chazak u'baruch

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

Chazal

a collective term that refers to all Jewish sages of the Mishna, Tosefta and Talmud eras

cheder

Hebrew and religious classes (often on Sundays) for elementary school children.

chug

elective class, group activity

group, circle (of people)

chumrah

a religious stringency

chutzpah

guts (positive)

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

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).

Conservative Judaism

originally known as "historical positive Judaism," a denomination that combines observance with an idea of "halachic process." See further comments below.

dayan

a rabbinic judge who may directly question and cross-examine witnesses

a judge who sits and adjudicates cases involving religious practices or spiritual matters

duchen

A ritual where the kohanim recite the Priestly Blessing (Num. 6:24-26), blessing the rest of the congregation.

falafel

a Middle Eastern sandwich featuring a deep-fried ball made of chick peas and spices inside pita bread, often served with other vegetables, hummus, and techina

the deep-fried chick pea ball itself

farfel

a side dish including bits of noodle, often sauteed with vegetables and beef or chicken stock

noodle pellets

farkakte

"lousy, messed up, ridiculous" (JPS) Shitty, full of crap.

farmisht

mixed up, confused, crazy

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]".

get

a writ or deed of divorce

gevald

an interjection of alarm

gezunterheyt

"Fine, go ahead" (ironic).

lit., while in good health

gmar tov

Greeting/closing used between Rosh Hashana and the end of Yom Kippur. Lit. 'good conclusion'

gribines

Deep-fried skin of chicken or goose, often prepared with onion and schmatlz. Also called cracklings.

halevai

If only

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

I wish!

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")

Hashem

God, lit. "the name"

Haskalah

19th century Jewish Enlightenment, in which modern philosophy and literature entered Jewish consciousness

havdalah

"literally 'separation'. The ceremony that marks the end of [the Sabbath] on Saturday evening" (JPS)

Hillel

a rabbi often quoted in Pirkei Avot and the Talmud who was martyred by the Romans, famous for his disputations with Shammai

an organization for Jewish college life, especially in North America

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)

kallah

bride

Jewish communal gathering, conference

kasha

buckwheat groats, commonly served with bowtie noodles ('kasha varnishkes'); porridge

kasha varnishkes

kasha (buckwheat groats) with bowtie noodles

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)

keppy

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

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 jokes, fools around.

Someone who "gives unasked-for advice ... especially as a bystander-observer at a game (bridge, poker, checkers, chess)." (Rosten)

kippah

"small, round headcovering" (JPS)

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

kittel

hite robe that is worn by religious Jews on Yom Kippur, when leading High Holiday services, when leading a Passover seder, by grooms at weddings, and as a burial shroud

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)

knish

Eastern European dumpling with thin dough filled with potato, kasha, onion, meat, and/or other ingredients

kosher

"acceptable according to Jewish [ritual] law" (JPS); "trustworthy, reliable" (Rosten); acceptable according to dietary laws

kriah

Reading, especially Torah

Rending a garment (ritual of mourning)

kugel

The South African equivalent of a "Jewish American Princess"

Baked pudding or casserole made with eggs and various ingredients, including noodles, potatoes, or spinach

kvell

feel or express pride, "to be extraordinarily pleased" (JPS)

lechatchila

"done in the best possible way; optimally" (Weiser, Frumspeak)

"occurring at the beginning; at first; initially" (Weiser, Frumspeak)

"to begin with; altogether" (Weiser, Frumspeak)

leibedik

lively, enthusiastic; warm, heartfelt

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

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

maven

"An expert or connoisseur; a specialist" (JPS)

mayofes

a servile person (see note below)

mazel

congratulations

luck (good)

mazume

"A group of three or more adult males who join together to recite the after-meal blessings..." (Steinmetz).

"ready money, cash" (Steinmetz)

mechaye

"Pleasure, enjoyment, a real joy" (Rosten); something that gives great joy

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).

menorah

candelabrum, especially for Chanukah

mensch

"An upright, honorable, a decent person." (Rosten)

meshuga

crazy

mishkan

the tabernacle or temporary sanctuary in which the Divine Presence dwelled during the Jews’ journeys through the desert

the portion of the tabernacle and the Temple building before the Holy of Holies which contained the inner altar, the table for the showbread, and the menorah

Mishneh Torah

a 12th-century code of religious law in fourteen parts written by Moses Maimonides

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'.

Mutar

Permitted for a Jew to do.

mutche

harass, torment, bother, annoy, nag

(obsolete) to struggle financially

naches

"Proud pleasure, special joy--particularly from the achievements of a child... 2. Psychological reward or gratification." (Rosten)

nachon

correct, right

nigun

"A wordless melody; a tune" (JPS)

nittel nacht

Christmas Eve

ongeblozzen

puffed-up; haughty; conceited

pouting (can have a sense of about to cry)

oy

exclamation of dismay, exasperation, or surprise

oy vey

exclamation of dismay, exasperation, or surprise

oy vey iz mir

woe is me

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)

pisk

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

Colloquialism: an eloquent or garrulous speaker. (Rosten)

(vulgar) snout, grimace (Steinmetz)

plotz

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

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.

putz

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

rebetzin

wife of a rabbi

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.

responsa

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

sandak

The person given the honor of assisting the mohel at the brit milah. The sandek may hold the child on his lap during the circumcision or, as is common today, just hold the baby for a moment in a symbolic fashion. The honor is often given to one of the baby's grandfathers or to another relative or close friend" (Eisenberg).

schlemozel

The constant butt of idiotic or unfortunate happenings

schmatta

rag, old/ragged piece of clothing, garment

schmo

a fool; a jerk

schmonzes

small pieces of valueless decorative bric-a-brac

idle talk

schmooze

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

schnoder

"to pledge a donation" (Steinmetz).

Shabbat Shalom

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

shalom zachar

welcoming party to celebrate the birth of a son, usually held at the house of the child's parents on the first Friday night after his birth

shalosh regalim

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

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

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

shechita

Kosher animal slaughter.

shehecheyanu

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

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)

Sheket

Quiet!

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.

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)

shlump

an unkempt person, a loser

shmura

a type of matzah adhering to more stringent interpretations of permissible matzah for Passover

shomer

a chaperone, protector, or guard

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

shtadlan

an intercessor

an elected or self-appointed Jewish emissary pleading the cause of his people before the authorities

shtetl

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

Shulchan Aruch

a code of Jewish Law (halachah) written by Rabbi Joseph Caro in four sections, based on the Arba Turim (Tur); with its various commentaries, it is considered the central redaction of Jewish Law.

sidra

weekly Torah portion

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.

sofer

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

sufganiyot

jelly-filled donuts traditionally eaten on Chanukah

tachlis

purpose, aim

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

tate

dad

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

tchotchke

trinket, knicknack

tefillah

prayer, services, or an individual prayer

teiglach

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

teshuvah

repentance [lit. "return"]

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

tsu gezunt

a response after another person sneezes (analogous to "bless you")

tzadik

Someone who does extremely righteous deeds.

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

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

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