Jewish English Lexicon

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

"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).

Work, generally.

beteavon

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

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.

bishul chutz

Cook-Out.

boker or

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

boker tov

"good morning"

Borei Nefashos

One of the blessings recited after eating food. Usually if a "Shehakol" blessing would be recited before eating.

brecha

pool

bruchim haba'im

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

chadar ochel

dining hall, dining room

chanichim

campers; members of youth movement, as in Hashomer Hatzair

disciples (in a classroom)

Chinuch

Jewish education

chug

elective class, group activity

group, circle (of people)

dugma

example

dugma ishit

role model, personal example

eidah

group, cohort; session/unit

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.

hafsaka

break or interruption

hoda'ot

announcements

Kab Shab

Abbreviated form of Kabalat Shabbat (the Friday night prayer service).

kova

hat

kumzits

sing-along; campfire gathering with singing

lo matim

Inappropriate

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