Showing 1000 of 1173 words, page 1 of 2
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9 Days
the nine days leading up to Tisha B'av (the 15th of the month of Av), generally considered a time of mourning in which it is customary to abstain from eating meat, washing clothes, getting haircuts, or shaving
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A Dio
My God!
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a long life
Used to greet a mourner after someone has died.
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a nechtiker tog
1. an impossible occurrence 2. Not on your life! 3. Whom is he trying to kid? 4. forget about it!
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aba
father, dad, daddy
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abi gezunt
"As long as you're healthy [you can be happy]."
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acharon acharon chaviv
"The very last one is beloved."; "Last but not least."
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achshav
Now, immediately
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ad kdei kach
so much. has it gone this far? (Weiser: "expression of wonder regarding the extent or intensity of something.")
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ad me'ah v'esrim
[may you/he/she live] "until a hundred and twenty" -- often used as a birthday wish for long life, or when mentioning a person who is getting on in years.
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adon olam
a hymn in the traditional Jewish liturgy, usually recited before Shacharit and often sung after services in synagogue, made up of traits attributed to God
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Adonai
"Literally, 'my Lord', another word for God." (JPS)
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Adoshem
God
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afikomen
a piece of matzah from the Passover seder traditionally hidden by adults, found by the children (or vice versa), and then ransomed for gifts after the meal. "The last piece of matzoh...eaten at the meal." (Steinmetz)
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Agam
lake
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agunah
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.
A woman whose husband has refused her a Jewish divorce.
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Aibishter
God, lit. "supreme one" or "the one above"
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Akedah
The binding of Isaac (episode in the Torah)
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al regel achat
lit. "on one foot"; off-the-cuff; "To answer a question or deal with a query very briefly and cursorily." (Glinert)
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aleichem sholom
Peace be upon you. Response to "sholom aleichem"
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Aleph-bet
"A name for the Hebrew alphabet" (JPS)
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aliyah
ascent
ascent of the soul of a deceased person to a higher level, as is believed to happen on their yartzeit
"calling to the reading of the Torah" (Glinert)
immigration to Israel
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almemar
the platform on which the Torah is read in synagogue; the bima
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alte bubby
old woman, great-grandmother
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alte haym
Eastern Europe (lit. "the old home")
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alte kaker
elderly person, old-timer [literally "old shitter"] "A crotchety, fussy, ineffectual old man." (Rosten)
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alter bocher
a man that is too old not to be married
an old yeshiva student who really should have been married off by now
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altz iz gut
"All is well."
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Am Yisrael
"Literally, The People of Israel." (JPS)
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amcha
the every-man, everyday people; the folk (as opposed to the elite)
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amen
Agreed. "The word used at the end of prayer to signify affirmation." (Rosten)
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Amida
The Shemoneh Esrei prayer, which is said while standing [Amida, lit. "standing".]
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aniyim
Poor people
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answer up
counter, retort
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anticirc
Growing movement of Jews and non-Jews who are opposed to circumcision.
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apikoros
heretic, non-believer, especially one with great knowledge of Judaism
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apikorsus
heresy
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Arisa
section of a pool
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ark
"the cabinet at the front of an Ashkenazic synagogue that houses the Torah scroll." (JPS)
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aroisgevorfene gelt
"a waste of money"; lit., thrown out money.
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aron kodesh
"Literally, "holy ark"." (JPS)
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aruchat boker
breakfast
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aruchat erev
dinner
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Ashkenazic
Adjectival form for 'Ashkenazim', "The name given to the group of Jews who were originally from Germany and France, and their descendants" (JPS)
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Ashki
nickname for Ashkenazi Jews
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asina
Just like this/that, thus, in this manner. Such, even if.
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askan
A Jewish communal or social worker (Steinmetz)
A person who is influential in working for the community
Activist
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assur
forbidden
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aufruf
Celebration when, traditionally, the groom, and as of recently in egalitarian communities, the engaged couple is called to the Torah the Shabbat before their wedding; that aliyah itself (aufruf means literally "to call up").
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averah
religious transgression (Glinert: "An aveirah is an infringement on the Torah, the opposite of a mitzvah.")
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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.
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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.
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Avodah b'gashmiut
serving God through the physical / material world (Hasidic concept)
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avrech
A yeshiva student, or a young man who learns in a kollel.
A working person (non full time learner) who supports or is associated with Torah institutions
A young married male.
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ayzeh bahsa
What a misfortune, how unfortunate, bummer
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b'al pe
learned by heart, from memory
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b'emet
"As a matter of fact." (Weiser); "Really?"
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b'ezras hashem
With God's help.
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b'laz
Abbreviation for "B'loshn am zar", "in a foreign language"; usually used by the commentator Rashi when using a Middle French expression
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b'sha'ah tovah
Literally "at a good hour." All in good time. Good luck. Response to a pregnancy announcement--meaning may all go well.
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b'shalom
"in peace" (used to sign off in written correspondence)
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b'tzelem Elohim
lit. "in God's image"
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b'vakasha
JPS: "Literally, 'please'. It can be used in various ways, including "please go ahead" and at the end of a sentence as 'you're welcome'."
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ba'al tshuvah
a Jew raised non-religious who becomes Orthodox, [lit. 'one who returns/repents']
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baal koreh
The individual who chants Torah from the scroll at a synagogue. Sometimes used to refer specifically to a person capable of learning and chanting an entire parsha, or to a professional/paid reader as opposed to an amateur. (Literally, "master of reading" or "one who reads")
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babka
"A loaf type coffee cake" (JPS)
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bagel
"A leavened, firm, doughnut shaped roll" (JPS)
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bageling
Inserting a Jewish phrase or concept into a conversation in order to indicate that one is Jewish or to determine whether the other person is Jewish.
Identifying another person as a Jew.
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baitsim
balls, testicles, lit. 'eggs'
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bakbuk mayim
water bottle
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bal tashchit
Do not be wasteful, do not destroy.
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balaboosta
1) Female head of household 2) Impressively competent homemaker
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balabotish
"Quiet; respectable; well mannered" (Rosten). "middle class"; normal
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balagan
"a disorderly, confusing, and/or overwhelming situation" (Glinert)
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Bamidbar
The Book of Numbers, [lit. "in the wilderness"] (Glinert)
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banot
girls
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bar mitzvah
Jewish coming-of-age ceremony/celebration for a 13-year-old boy; the boy who has come of age.
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barmy
Bar mitzvah
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bashert
JPS: "Predestined, fated." Soul mate.
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bat chayil
Bat mitzvah, particularly a celebration in Orthodox communities that does not include services or reading from the Torah.
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bat mitzvah
in gender egalitarian communities, the ceremony of a 13- (or 12-) year-old girl's first calling up to the Torah, symbolizing her adulthood in Jewish life. can also refer to the girl herself. In Orthodox communities, refers to celebration of girl turning 12. "Celebration of a Jewish girl's coming of age; a girl who has reached that age." (Glinert)
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bayis
ancient Temple
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Bayit Sheni
Second Temple, period of the Second Temple
A place one repairs to for debauchery after being expelled from one's initial location.
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BCE
Before the Common Era (used in place of B.C.). Steinmetz: "...recently, a new awareness of the Christian character of these abbreviations have led many Jewish writers and editors to replace them with [C.E. And B.C.E.]"
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Be well
Closing to a letter or conversation: Take care, be healthy
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bechina
examination, particularly for rabbinic ordination
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bechira
free will
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beck
young, materialistic, shallow person
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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)
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beineinu
between us
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beis hamikdash
The Temple in Jerusalem
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beit cafe
coffee house
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beit din
A rabbinical court of law that makes judgments on matters of Jewish religious life, especially conversion and divorce.
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beit knesset
Jewish place of worship; "synagogue" (JPS)
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beiyun
"With depth and in detail: intensively"
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bekishe
long black coat worn by Hasidic men
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bekitzur
"Briefly or concisely: succinctly" (Weiser)
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belfer
assistant teacher of children in a Hebrew school or cheyder
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ben adam
a human being
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ben bayis
frequent guest at someone's home
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ben torah
a Torah scholar or moral individual
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bench
JPS: "To recite a blessing. It usually refers to Birkat ha-Mazon, the Grace after Meals... The word can also refer to the reciting of any blessing; for example, the expression bentsch licht means to light Shabbat [or Chanukah] candles."
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bench gomel
to say the blessing (called Gomel) said after someone survives a life-threatening situation; often recited pro forma after surviving childbirth or trans-oceanic travel
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bench licht
(light and) bless candles
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benoni
spiritually average person
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bereshit
The Book of Genesis [lit. "in the beginning"]
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berya
"Complimentary term for a talented, competent, energetic woman, especially one who gets a lot done - and does it well - around the house." (JPS Dictionary of Words)
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beseder
allright; fine. [lit. "in order"]; "OK" (Glinert)
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besorot tovot
good tidings, good news
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Beta Israel
Ethiopian Jewish community
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beteavon
bon appetit; enjoy your meal; dig in. Glinert: "Literally, 'bon appetit!'"
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beys hakise
bathroom
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bichlal
in any way, entirely, in general, altogether
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bikur cholim
visiting the sick
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bimah
pulpit; "A raised platform or stage in a synagogue from which the Torah is read and services are led." (JPS)
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Birkat Habayit
“blessing for the house,” usually refers to a decorative piece of calligraphy for the home
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Birkat Hamazon
The blessing after food, referring to the four blessing Grace After Meals said after consuming bread. Referred to in many communities as "bentching," or simply as "birkat" in some Jewish summer camps.
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Birkot HaShachar
The first section of the morning prayers, which contains several individual blessings. (JPS)
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Birthright
A free 10-day trip to Israel for young Diaspora Jews ages 18-26. Over 400,000 Jews have been to Israel on Birthright.
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bishul chutz
Cook-Out.
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bisl
"a little bit of something, a tiny piece" (JPS)
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Bivas
Life! Said upon hearing someone sneeze.
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biz hundert un tsvantsik
[may you/he/she live] "until a hundred and twenty [years]" -- often used as a birthday wish for long life, or when mentioning a person who is getting on in years.
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black hat
Haredi; describing people or traditions of the right end of the Orthodox continuum, encompassing Hasidic and non-Hasidic (or just non-Hasidic) Orthodox Jews, of whom the men wear black hats
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blat
a page of Talmud (equivalent of Hebrew דף daf)
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blech
an electric hot plate or "sheet of metal that can be placed over the burners on a stove to retain heat, so that precooked food...can be kept warm during the Sabbath." (JPS)
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bli ayin hara
Formula said in conjunction with a positive statement to ward off the evil eye. Lit. "without the evil eye."
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bli neder
"Literally, 'without vowing', this is added to any casual promise to avoid it being taken as an absolute undertaking." (Glinert)
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bochur
young unmarried male, especially a yeshiva student
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bodek
also a brand of vegetables that has been checked for insects
check, especially looking for insects that would render produce non-kosher
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boker or
literally, "morning light". said in response to "boker tov."
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boker tov
"good morning"
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bond of life
Common translation of the Hebrew "tzror ha-hayim," referring to a transcendent realm where the souls of righteous are kept in safekeeping. Part of a phrase often inscribed on headstones or said in reference to the dead, meaning "may their soul be bound in the bond of eternal life."
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Borei Nefashos
One of the blessings recited after eating food. Usually if a "Shehakol" blessing would be recited before eating.
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borscht
"Borshtsh" is the Russian word for beet soup. Among Jews soup made from beets is considered Polish borshtsh, while Russian borshtsh is made from cabbage.
"An Eastern European soup traditionally made with beets." (JPS)
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Borscht Belt
region in the Catskill Mountains with many summer resorts frequented by Jews, especially in the mid twentieth century
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boychick
"A young boy...equivalent of the American expression 'buddy'" (JPS)
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boydem
attic
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bracha
blessing (in the technical or figurative sense)
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bragas
underwear
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break fast
the meal that takes place after a fast
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brecha
pool
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Breslover
A follower of the Hasidic branch of Judaism that adheres to the teachings of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, the great-grandson of the Baal Shem Tov.
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bring down
cite or reference
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bris
circumcision ceremony; the celebration surrounding it. Lit. covenant.
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broch
curse
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bruchim haba'im
welcome! [lit. "blessed are those who come"]
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BT
ba'al teshuva, returnee to faith, Jew who chose to become Orthodox
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bubbale
sweetie, darling [term of endearment]
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bubbe
grandmother
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bubbe meise
"Something of little importance, an inconsequential thing or minor happening." (JPS)
"old wive's tale"; an untrue story, sometimes related to superstition
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Buenas semanas
Have a good week / what one says after making havdallah
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Bujew
a Jew who practices Buddhism; a Jew interested in Eastern spirituality
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bulbenik
One who is inept, clumsy, all thumbs, who fouls things up (Rosten) An actor "who talks as though he has a potato in his mouth"—that is, an actor who "blows" his lines, mixes them up, commits embarrassing spoonerisms, a malaprop.
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bulvan
loud mouth know-it-all; "a boorish, brutish person" (Steinmetz)
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by
at [a location], at the house of, with, among, according to the opinion of, at [an event, time of year] (in addition to Standard English near).
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candle lighting
"the custom of lighting candles to welcome the Sabbath" (JPS); the exact time at which holiday and Shabbos candles are supposed to be lit by according to Jewish law.
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cashew
a person of Catholic and Jewish heritage
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CCAR
a union of Reform Rabbis that determines pay and benefits, as well as who can work at Reform movement-affiliated synagogues
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cement mixer
non-Jewish woman
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Chabad
an outreach-oriented branch of Hasidic Judaism that follows the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Chabad has thousands of branches around the world, including at many college campuses.
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Chabad house
a synagogue/residence/outreach center operated by Chabad-Lubabvitch, usually run by a Rabbi and wife, and often their children.
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chabadsker
n., a follower of Chabad Lubavitch (i.e., a Lubavitcher Hasid), often pejorative
adj., of or relating to Chabad Lubavitch (i.e., Lubavitcher), often pejorative
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chabura
study group
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chadar ochel
dining hall, dining room
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chag
"Festival" (Glinert)
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chai
"Literally, 'life'" (JPS); 18 (see note)
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chakira
proposition, treatise, deliberation
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chaleria
Plague or cholera (literal or metaphorical)
"wreck," in the phrase "nervous choleria." A person who behaves wildly or badly.
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challah
"The braided egg bread that traditionally is eaten on almost every Jewish holiday and [the Sabbath]" (JPS)
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chalomot paz
Sweet dreams, literally "Golden dreams"
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chalutzim
Pioneers in the building of the State of Israel.
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chametz
Leavened food.
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chanukiah
Nine-branched menorah / candelabrum used on Chanukah
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chap
"to comprehend" (Weiser) (lit. "to grasp")
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charoses
Sweet, mushy mixture that represents mortar at the Passover seder.
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chas v'chalila
"heaven forbid" (Steinmetz's Yiddish and English dictionary)
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chas v'sholom
"heaven forbid" (Glinert)
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chashuv
Important; of high status
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chassidish
Adhering to Hasidism, a mystical brand of Orthodox Judaism; having traits associated with Hasidim
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chatich
a sexy man
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chatuna
wedding
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chatzi kaddish
half kaddish: prayer that praises God and occurs several times during services, marking the separation between different parts of the service.
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chatzos
halachic midday and midnight
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chaval
a shame; a waste; "too bad!"
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chaval al hazman
Wow! Expression of emphasis from Israeli slang. Original meaning is also used: "waste of time"
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chaverim
members, friends
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chavruta
learning partnership; joint study session. "The person with whom one studies religious texts" (Weiser)
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chayav
Guilty of transgressing. Liable.
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chazak 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.)
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Chazal
a collective term that refers to all Jewish sages of the Mishna, Tosefta and Talmud eras
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chazan
The official at a synagogue who leads the congregation in prayer and song. (JPS)
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chazarah
(n.) review of material previously studied
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chazer
"go over; review" (Weiser)
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chazir
1. pork 2. a pig, greedy person (JPS)
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cheder
Hebrew and religious classes (often on Sundays) for elementary school children.
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Chelm
from Yiddish literature/folklore, "The 'legendary' town inhabited by befuddled, stupid, foolish, but endearing people." (JPS). Also a real town in Poland (Chełmno).
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cherem
"excommunication; ostracism" (Yiddish)
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chesed
an act of kindness
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chesedik
kind
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chevra
"society; close-knit group" (Yiddish)
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chevra kedisha
burial society - volunteers who sit with the dead and prepare their bodies for burial
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chidush
innovative idea; an insight; discovery; novelty
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chillul Hashem
disgracing God's name; an action that might be looked down upon; an action that might make Jews look bad
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Chinuch
Jewish education
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chol hamoed
"the intermediate days of the weeklong holidays of Pesach and Sukkot" (JPS)
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choleh
A person who is ill (fem. cholah; masc. pl. cholim; fem. pl. cholot)
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cholent
"A slow-cooked stew made of beef, beans, potatoes, and other vegetables. Cholent is a common Sabbath dish..." (JPS)
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chosenness
Notion that Jews are God's chosen people, based on biblical quotes.
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chozer b'teshuva
a returnee to the faith
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chozer be-sheelah
someone raised Orthodox who chooses not to be aligned with the practice or ideology of Orthodox Judaism
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chrein
horseradish
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Chrismukkah
"Chrismukkah is a pop-culture portmanteau neologism referring to the merging of the holidays of Christianity's Christmas and Judaism's Hanukkah." (Wikipedia)
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chumash
"A bound book containing the Five Books of Moses that is used in synagogue or for study." (JPS)
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chumradik
stringent, used to imply that a person is making the most strict halachic ruling, or follows additional restrictions in his or her practice
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chumrah
a religious stringency
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chuppah
wedding ceremony (not including reception)
"The Jewish wedding canopy; that is, the cloth under which the Jewish wedding ceremony is conducted." (JPS)
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chutz la'aretz
Outside of Israel; the disapora, lit. "outside the land."
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chutzpah
nerve, audacity, the quality of over-stepping boundries with no shame (negative)
guts (positive)
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chutzpahdik
impertinent
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CJLS
a committee of Conservative Rabbis that meets semi-yearly to review t'shuvot (halachic proposals)
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Cohen
"A made descendent of the family of Aaron, of the tribe of Levi. Aaron and his descendants were consecrated to the service of God... in the Tabernacle... in the desert and later the Holy Temple" (Steinmetz). Often poorly translated as "priest," though the term "Levite" or "Aaronite" is more accurate, especially due to Christian usage (Steinmetz).
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collect
gather funds or fundraise for an institution.
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conservadox
of a manner of Jewish religious practice that is considered to be intermediate between the Conservative and Orthodox movements in liturgy, observance, etc.
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Conservative Judaism
originally known as "historical positive Judaism," a denomination that combines observance with an idea of "halachic process." See further comments below.
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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.
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convener
an organization that brings people or organizations together
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counting the omer
counting of each of the forty-nine days between the Jewish holidays of Passover and Shavuos
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d'var torah
a brief teaching from Jewish sources [lit. "a word of torah"], "A short speech" (JPS)
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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.
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daf yomi
Lit. "page of the day", refers to the program of study of a page of Talmud every day
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Dahak
A joke. Or someone or something who is funny.
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dan l'kaf zechus
give the benefit of the doubt
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daven
pray; lead services
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davka
just to annoy, just to be contrary
even; despite expectations to the contrary -- often with a slightly amused or ironic feeling of "wouldn't you know it?" or "of all things" ("of all people" ... etc.)
"definitely or exactly stated; specifically" (Weiser)
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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)
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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
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dayenu
"Literally, "it would have been enough."" (JPS)
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De carne
Meaty / fleshing
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De queso
Dairy / milchig / cheesy
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derech
(lit. "path") usually refers to an ethical lifestyle or the traditional, halachic Jewish lifestyle
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derech eretz
Participating in modern society.
"Good conduct; normal, polite behavior in a social setting." (JPS). Manners, respect.
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Devarim
"the Book of Deuteronomy", [lit. "words"] (JPS)
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dos
A derogatory term for ultra-Orthodox/Haredi Jews, common in Israel.
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drasha
"Sermon, learned address." (Glinert)
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dreck
"Trash, junk, garbage; cheap or worthlesss things." (Rosten), sh*t
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dreidel
"A small, four-sided spinning top used in a game during Chanukah" (JPS); the top itself
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duchen
A ritual where the kohanim recite the Priestly Blessing (Num. 6:24-26), blessing the rest of the congregation.
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dugma
example
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dugma ishit
role model, personal example
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dugree
Direct, unvarnished, uneuphemistic
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dveykus
spiritual ecstasy; lit. "cleaving"
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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)
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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.
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eema
mother
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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.
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Eichah
"The Book of Lamentations" (JPS)
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eidah
group, cohort; session/unit
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ein
None; we / I / you don't have any; there is none.
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ein breira
"there is no alternative." (Glinert)
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ein hachi nami
"granted"; yes, that's how it is, that's certainly true
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einikel
grandchild
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Elohim/Elokim
"One of the many names used to refer to God" (JPS)
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Elul
The twelfth month of the Jewish calendar, just before the High Holidays season (or sixth, if one starts counting at Nissan).
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emunah
"faith"; sometimes contrasted with practical striving in the material world
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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
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erev
"Eve of." (Glinert) Evening, or the day before a Jewish holiday
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erev tov
good evening
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eruv
area in which a token enclosure enables one to carry on the Sabbath [without breaking the prohibition against carrying in a public space]." (Glinert)
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es shtayt geshribn
"It is written."
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Escapamiento bueno
May the results be good/ said upon hearing of a pregnancy/ said before giving birth
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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
-
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
-
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
-
farfufket
befuddled, taken aback, disoriented, confused
-
farher
noun: an oral examination, typically on one's understanding of Talmud
verb: examine, test, quiz
-
farkakte
"lousy, messed up, ridiculous" (JPS) Shitty, full of crap.
-
farmisht
mixed up, confused, crazy
-
farshteyst? (farshteyt)
literally 'do you understand?'
-
farshtunken(e)
literally 'stinking' (Rosten); contemptible
-
fartootst
"The state of being bewildered, disoriented, discombobulated; slightly more intense than tsedrayt." (Rosten)
-
federation
A local Jewish philanthropy which raises and distributes funds for social welfare, social services and educational needs in local communities and overseas, especially Israel.
-
feh!
an expression of disgust; "portraying...negative feelings" (Rosten)
-
feigele
gay man
-
fershnickered
Drunk, intoxicated, extremely drunk
-
FFB
Short for "frum from birth." Refers to someone who grew up in a religious home, the opposite of a BT (ba'al teshuvah) who became religious as an adult.
-
FFT
'Frum from Tuesday' - a satire on 'FFB'. Denotes a very recent BT, usually someone who has not mastered the rituals / social cues of Orthodox practice.
-
fleishig
"The general term for food in the meat category, according to the Jewish dietary laws" (JPS)
-
flexidox
Halachically observant but in a flexible way. Reflecting the original intent and spirit of Orthodoxy, rather than the superficial details. Flexidox (adj.): Orthodox in spirit, flexible in practice; culturally rather than halachically Orthodox
-
flik
pluck feathers (e.g., from a chicken)
-
fluden
log-shaped pastry stuffed with apricot preserves, chopped dates, walnuts, and raisins
-
Flus
Money
-
forshpayz
"appetizers" (JPS)
-
frei
(with the particle "out") to become non-religious, "go off the derekh"
free; liberal, non-religious, the opposite of frum
-
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
-
G-d
the way that some religious Jews write God, to avoid writing the full word
-
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
-
gartel
belt, which varies in width, but is worn over the outside of the pants or coat and often tied in a symbolic way, as to differentiate it from a regular belt. It is primarily used by Chassidic Jews (and a growing number of Litvaks) for prayer, or may be used for everyday wear over a long frock coat. It symbolically differentiates the heart from the loins.
-
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.]
-
gefrunzled
slighted, insulted, feeling unappreciated
-
gehenom
Considered to be a temporary place one's soul goes after death, for atonement, before reuniting with God.
Hell (metaphoric)
-
gelt
Money (slang usage)
"The foil wrapped chocolate coins that are a traditional Hanukkah treat for children." (JPS)
-
gemara
"A compilation of 300 years of rabbis' legal and ethical commentaries on the Mishnah...together, the Gemara and the Mishnah comprise the Talmud." (JPS)
-
gematria
"An ancient system of Hebrew numerology," (JPS), in which each Hebrew letter possesses a numerical value, allowing words or phrases to express possible "hidden" meaning (when one adds up the letters' values)
-
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
-
Geshmir
The entirety, all.
-
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!
-
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
-
ghattis
derogatory term for working-class or boorish Afrikaaner person
-
give/get
The amount of money that a board member of an organization is responsible to contribute, either by a personal donation ("give") or by the member's individual fundraising ("get").
-
glatt
Showing consistency of reason (Weiser).
Super-kosher (not only of food), or acceptable to the Haredi community.
-
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.
-
grizhidiker
nagging, annoying person
-
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
Don't bother me
Literally, don't knock a teakettle at me
Stop annoying me
-
HaKadosh Baruch Hu
God, lit. "The Holy One, Blessed Be He"
-
hakdama
introduction or preface (to a book)
-
halacha
"Jewish law" (JPS)
-
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
Motivating force, source for change in one's actions, influence
Influence, or effect, particularly on one's character, development, and/or behavior
-
Hasid
A follower in a non-religious sense (ironic).
Pious person
A disciple of a rabbi, not only a member of a Hasidic group.
Adherent of a Hasidic Jewish group ("A mystical religious movement founded in Poland" (JPS)
-
Haskalah
19th century Jewish Enlightenment, in which modern philosophy and literature entered Jewish consciousness
-
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.
-
hechsher
(Rabbinic) stamp or seal of approval-- typically designating a product as kosher
-
heeb
slang term used to describe a Jewish person
-
heicha kedusha
abbreviated version of the repetition of the Shmona Esre / Amidah
-
helzel
chicken neck, poultry neck, stuffed poultry neck, the skin around the chicken's neck which is then stuffed
-
heter
rabbinic allowance
-
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
-
Hinjew
a Jewish person of Indian origin or a person with mixed Jewish and Indian ancestry
-
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)
-
Imfargin
Begrudge
-
inside/outside
Dealing with a text directly (inside) or discussion about a text (outside) during different segments of a study session
-
inyan
Topic [of conversation] (Weiser, Glinert).
matter (Steinmetz)
Modern Hebrew: matter. Used in phrases such as, "ma ha'inyan", what's the matter; "ze lo inyankha", that's none of your business; or "inyani," practical. (https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/improving-your-hebrew-is-a-matter-of-inyan-1.5434244)
Significance within Jewish law.
-
ipcha mistabra
"the opposite is more reasonable"; "you have it backwards"
-
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").
-
kadosh
holy
-
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)
-
kalike
1. Cripple 2. Someone who is sickly 3. A clumsy person 4. A stupid ignorant man 5. An inept performer, a singer off-key, a pianist who hits the wrong notes, a waiter who spills the soup.
-
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
-
kasha
buckwheat groats, commonly served with bowtie noodles ('kasha varnishkes'); porridge
-
kasha varnishkes
kasha (buckwheat groats) with bowtie noodles
-
kashe
Question, difficulty (Steinmetz), challenge, objection.
A question posing some difficulty because of apparent inconsistencies with accepted premises: problem. A tough, perplexing question.
-
kashrut
"The body of Jewish dietary laws and regulations that specify what and how a Jew who keeps kosher can eat." (JPS)
-
Katschke
A Duck
-
kedai
"worth it" (Weiser)
-
kedusha
holiness, sanctity
a responsive prayer sung/recited by the shaliach tzibbur (prayer leader) and congregation as part of the Amidah in a minyan
-
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'
-
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.
-
khamer
jackass, donkey
-
khremzl
"A fried fritter or latke, made of matzah meal and eggs, that may be stuffed with ground meat, nuts, or fruit. An old-fashioned Pesach recipe." (JPS Dictionary)
-
kibbitz
"To socialize aimlessly...To carry on a running commentary" (Rosten)
-
kibbitzer
Someone who "gives unasked-for advice ... especially as a bystander-observer at a game (bridge, poker, checkers, chess)." (Rosten)
Someone who jokes, fools around.
-
kibbutz
"[Israeli agricultural] collective" (Glinert) Most settlements in Israeli which originally began as kibbutzim now function as regular municipalities.
-
kiddush
"blessing recited over wine" (JPS) on Sabbath or holidays at the beginning of the meal or ceremony. Reception after services. "The refreshments, usually including wine, juice, and pastries, that are offered after [the Sabbath] and holiday services in the synagogue." (JPS)
-
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)
-
kimmel
"kimmel bread" is rye bread with caraway seeds on top
-
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
-
kitke
braided egg-bread eaten on the Sabbath (known as challah elsewhere)
-
kitniot
"Literally, 'legumes'...certain foods that are restricted during Pesach in some Jewish communities." (JPS)
-
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
-
klaf
the specially prepared skin of a kosher animal, often used as parchment for kosher Torah scrolls or mezuzot
-
klafte
a naughty or nasty woman; a bitch
-
klal yisroel
"synonym for the Jewish people" (JPS)
-
klezmer
"Eastern European style of instrumental music" (JPS)
-
klug
curse, but not a severe one
-
klutz
"clumsy, slow-witted...person" (Rosten)
-
knaidel
matzah ball; "a dumpling made of matzah meal meal and beaten eggs, usually served in chicken broth, often at the Pesach seder" (JPS)
-
Knesset
Israel's parliament
-
knis
Synagogue, Syrian word for 'shul'
-
knish
Eastern European dumpling with thin dough filled with potato, kasha, onion, meat, and/or other ingredients
-
kochleffel
A cooking spoon, as for soup. By extension, a person who stirs up trouble; meddler, busybody.
-
kol b'seder
"Everything's fine."
-
Kol ishah
lit. 'The voice of a woman'. Refers to the prohibition of men hearing the voice of a woman singing.
-
kol tuv
"all the best" (JPS), a closing or farewell
-
kollel
Institution where married men pursue advanced Talmudic study 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
-
krovim
relatives
-
krum
lit. "crooked"; used by Yeshivish speakers to denote views ("hashkafos") that do not fall entirely within the bounds of traditional Orthodox thought
-
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
-
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)
-
lechatchila
"occurring at the beginning; at first; initially" (Weiser, Frumspeak)
"to begin with; altogether" (Weiser, Frumspeak)
"done in the best possible way; optimally" (Weiser, Frumspeak)
-
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
-
ligner
liar
-
limudei kodesh
"holy studies"; Jewish religious studies
-
linker
leftist, socialist, secularist
-
Litvish
"Lithuanian"; associated with the rational, intellectual culture of Lithuanian Jewry; Yeshivish
-
lo aleynu
"I hope it won't happen to us"; "God forbid" lit. "not unto us"
-
lo matim
Inappropriate
-
lobbus
a young mischievous person with a lot of chutzpah
a rascal, mischievous or cheeky child (usually a boy)
-
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
Jews who immigrated illegally to Palestine during British control in the 1930s and 1940s - Aliyah Bet
Biblical: the group of the Children of Israel that went, unauthorized, to the Land of Israel after the episode with the spies
-
maarich
to extend, talk/write at length
-
maariv
the evening prayer
-
mabrouk
an expression of joyous congratulation used by Sephardi Jews equivalent to "Mazal tov!"
-
maccabiah
international Jewish sports competition, known as the Jewish Olympics, held (mostly) every four years since 1932; smaller regional competitions held in Jewish community centers around the world
color war / intra-camp competition in a Jewish summer camp
-
machal
a volunteer from outside Israel serving in the Israeli army
-
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
-
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
-
maimouna
a celebration, traditionally among Moroccan Jews, right after Passover ends, marking the springtime and the return to eating chametz (leavened foods which are forbidden on Passover)
-
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
-
marit ayin
suspicious-looking action; doing something that may cause an observer to think that one violated halachah and thus arouse suspicion, or alternatively, doing something that could mislead somebody to interpret than an action is permitted and then violate halachah him/herself
-
maror
bitter herbs placed on the seder place on Passover
-
masechta
Talmudic tractate
-
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.
-
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 achronim
ritual hand-washing before saying the prayer after a meal
-
mayim step
a dance move used in Israeli dance (also known as 'the grapevine')
-
mayofes
a servile person (see note below)
-
mazel tov
congratulations [lit. "good fortune"]
-
mazik
a mischievous person, often a child
(with verb "to be") to ruin partially; damage (Yeshivish usage)
-
mazume
"ready money, cash" (Steinmetz)
"A group of three or more adult males who join together to recite the after-meal blessings..." (Steinmetz).
-
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"]
-
mechula
broke, bust, bankrupt, spoiled
-
mechuten
In laws, more generally (http://www.pass.to/glossary/gloz2.htm#letm).
the father of one's child's spouse, though can sometimes be used to refer to the grandfather of one's grandchild's spouse.
-
mechuteneste
the mother of one's child's spouse
-
medakdeik
"Thorough or painstaking; avoiding error by virtue of the care exercised: CAREFUL." (Weiser) exacting, precise
-
mefanek
luxurious, elaborate, pampering
being particularly concerned about cleanliness, appearance, and the way things are prepared: finicky, spoiled.
-
megillah
one of the five books that compose kethuvim--writings--in Tanakh; can also refer to the physical scroll on which one is written; a long, engrossing story or description
-
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
-
mekayim
to fulfill, perform, carry out, realize (e.g., a great mitzvah, prophecy, goal)
-
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
-
meshichist
someone who believes that Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Rebbe of Chabad Hasidism, is the Messiah
-
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
Orthodox women's seminary, especially in Israel
Co-ed supplementary Jewish religious school, usually Reform
-
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
-
mise meshune
horrible, violent, or unnatural death, often used as a curse
-
mish
verb. To mix; to eat at other families' houses during the week of Passover.
-
mishegoss
"Foolishness, nonsense, craziness." (JPS)
-
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
-
Mishnah
an authoritative collection of exegetical material embodying the oral tradition of Jewish law and forming the first part of the Talmud.
-
Mishnah Berurah
commentary on Shulchan Aruch Orech Chaim by Israel Meir of Radin, aka the Chofetz Chaim
-
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.
-
mitzvot aseh
affirmative commandments (of the 613 commandments of the Torah)
-
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
-
moserim
informers
-
moshiach
The Messiah
-
moshl
parable, example
-
muktzah
An object that it is forbidden to handle on the Sabbath and on certain holidays (generally because the object's primary purpose involves actions considered work and forbidden on those days).
-
Munchos y buenos
Many good ones (with good health). Said for a birthday, anniversary or other happy occasion.
-
musaf
The additional service added to the morning services on the Sabbath and holidays.
-
musar
reproof; system of ethics; discipline
a Jewish ethical movement that crystallized among non-Hasidic Orthodox Jews in Lithuania in the 19th century, led by Israel Salanter, focusing on character development.
-
Mutar
Permitted for a Jew to do.
-
muvan me'elav
self-evident
-
naches
"Proud pleasure, special joy--particularly from the achievements of a child... 2. Psychological reward or gratification." (Rosten)
-
nachon
correct, right
-
Nachshon
Trailblazer. Initiator. Someone who takes a risk when others are not willing to.
-
nafke mine
practical difference
-
nalashevet
Please sit.
-
name game
The attempt to identify whether someone is Jewish based upon whether their name 'sounds' Jewish.
-
narishkeit
"1. Foolishness 2. A triviality" (Rosten)
-
navi
prophet; class on Prophets
-
nebach
interjection, adverb: "unfortunately"; noun: an unfortunate person
-
nebbish
noun: nerdy, clumsy, awkward person. "An innocuous, ineffectual, weak, helpless, or hapless unfortunate" (Rosten)
-
neder
a vow
-
nedivut
generosity
-
negel vasser
literally "nail water"; refers to the practice of washing ones hands immediately after waking
-
negiah
"touching"; usually used in the phrase "shomer negiah", which is the custom of avoiding touch with members of the opposite sex outside of one's family
-
nekiyus hadibur
Literally "purity of one's speech"
-
neros
candles
-
nes
miracle
-
neshama
soul
-
nesiah tovah
"have a good trip"; bon voyage
-
nice Jewish boy
Jewish male, in pop culture it often indicates nebbishy traits and lack of traditional masculinity
-
nicht shabbos geret
Not to speak of on Shabbat (used when a subject is not suitable for the Holy Shabbat, primarily business and money manners, to indicate that one shouldn't discuss it). Usually followed by a short comment about the "forbidden" subject.
-
Nidche
Pushed off, set aside. Usually referring to a fast day, which cannot be on a Saturday, so the fast is "pushed off" until Saturday night / Sunday.
-
niddah
menstrual impurity; often used to refer to the entire body of Jewish law surrounding the practice of abstaining from intercourse during the menstrual cycle
-
nifter
deceased
-
nigun
"A wordless melody; a tune" (JPS)
-
nikayon
time set aside for cleaning / tidying up (at camp)
-
nisayon
trial and tribulation; a test of faith
-
Nisht do gedacht
Exclamation, It shouldn't happen.
-
nishtikeit
a nobody
-
nittel nacht
Christmas Eve
-
no-goodnik
bad person, scoundrel (sometimes humorous or affectionate)
-
noch
still, yet, moreover
-
nogeia b'dovor
one who has a vested interest in something; not a disinterested party. "related in a way as would affect an opinion: associated." (Weiser)
-
nosh
to snack or eat; a snack
-
nosherai
snacks
-
nu
so what?; so?; hurry up already
-
nudnik
"A pest, a nag, an annoyer, a monumental bore." (Rosten)
-
OB"M
"of blessed memory"
-
Off the derech
No longer religious/observant; now following a non-religious/non-observant lifestyle.
-
ohel
tent (in a summer camp setting)
structure built over a grave, especially that of the Lubavitcher Rebbe
-
oirik
Derogatory reference to a non-Jewish male, especially a common labourer
-
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
-
ongeshnosket
inebriated, drunk
-
OO
Abbreviation for Open Orthodoxy or Open Orthodox.
-
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
-
oy vey iz mir
woe is me
-
oysgeputst
dressed-up, decked out in finery (Steinmetz), overembellished.
-
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
-
pasuk
a verse, usually from the Torah
-
patrilineal
Being considered Jewish because one's father but not mother is Jewish.
-
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.
-
Peruvian
an unsavoury character
-
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"
-
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
(vulgar) snout, grimace (Steinmetz)
mouth, loud-mouth, similar to English slang "trap" for mouth.
Colloquialism: an eloquent or garrulous speaker. (Rosten)
-
Pitseleh
Little one, dear
-
pizza bagel
A person of (non-Jewish) Italian and Jewish descent.
-
plata
electric hotplate used on the Sabbath
-
Ploni
An anonymous placeholder name, like "John Doe;" So-and-So.
-
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
-
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. "unofficial information spread through the grapevine" (Weiser), especially information related to Talmud study
v. refer someone for a marriage match; pronounce a match
n. speech, talk
-
religious school
after-school jewish supplementary education, usually from elementary through high school. may occur during the week or on sundays.
-
Rema
an Ashkenazi gloss on the Shulchan Aruch written by Moshe Isserles (known as the "Rema") in Poland; it applies the essentially Sephardi oriented Shulchan Aruch to Ashkenazi communities
-
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.
-
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).
-
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
"To carry, lug" (JPS)
To travel from one place to another when one would prefer not to
An annoyingly long journey
-
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)
-
schmo
a fool; a jerk
-
schmooze
to make small talk or informally chat; to network, kiss up
-
schnapps
"A strong, dry liquor." (JPS)
-
schnoder
"to pledge a donation" (Steinmetz).
-
schnorrer
a begger, a parasite. "A moocher" (JPS)
-
sechel
"Common sense" (JPS), intelligence
-
seder
A ceremony involving recitations, singing, food, and drink typically associated with Passover, but also with Tu B'shvat and Rosh Hashanah.
order, orderliness, system, routine
period for Torah study
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.
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segula
"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))
Folk remedy, safeguard, superstitious action, talisman
divinely bestowed reward as a result of an individual's participation in a minhag or mitzvah
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seminary
Post-high school learning program for women; usually located in Jerusalem and associated with an Orthodox religious outlook
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Sephardic
Jews whose ancestors came from the Iberian Peninsula before the Jewish expulsion
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Shabbat
The Jewish Sabbath; Saturday
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Shabbat Shalom
Used as a greeting or departing line (hello or goodbye) on or before Shabbat. Literally "peaceful Sabbath."
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Shabbos
the Jewish Sabbath
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Shabbos elevator
elevator used on the Sabbath that stops automatically on each floor to allow religious Jews to use it without operating electric equipment
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Shabbos goy
"A non-Jew who by prearrangement performs chores [that are forbidden] for a Jew on the Sabbath or holidays." (Steinmetz)
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shadchen
matchmaker
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shaila
a question, usually while looking for a halachic ruling
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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)
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shalech manes
Gifts for friends, traditionally given on Purim. Typically, a basket with food requiring two separate brachas in it.
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shalom
hello, goodbye, peace
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shalom bayit
"Literally, 'peace in the home'. Contentment and harmony among family members." (JPS)
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shalom zachar
welcoming party to celebrate the birth of a son, usually held at the house of the child's parents on the first Friday night after his birth
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shalosh regalim
The three major holidays in the Jewish calendar: Passover, Shavuot [Pentecost], and Sukkot [Tabernacles].
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shaloshudes
the traditional third meal of the sabbath, eaten saturday afternoon or evening beginning before the sabbath has ended. [lit. "three meals"]
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shamash
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
2. the caretaker of a synagogue.
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shana alef
the post-high school gap year that young men and women spend studying at yeshivot and seminaries in Israel
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shana tova
happy new year, lit. 'good year'
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shanda
"Scandal, shame." (JPS)
Misbehavior by a particular Jew or Jewish group that leads to embarrassment among the broader Jewish community.
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shatnez
mixture of wool and linen in a garment, which is prohibited by Jewish law
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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.
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Shayach
Pertinent, relevant (Steinmetz).
1. Capable of being true or believable: Conceivable. / 2. Capable of being done: Surmountable / 3. Practical, reasonable, or possible: Feasible. (Weiser)
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shayna punim
pretty face
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shechita
Kosher animal slaughter.
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shecht
to slaughter meat according to the rituals of kashrut
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shefele
sweety, Lit. "lamb"
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shehecheyanu
the blessing of thanksgiving that celebrates reaching a celebratory moment or marking a significant first
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sheitel
wig; worn by some observant jewish women after marriage. "A wig worn by strictly Orthodox...women as a [hair] covering." (Steinberg)
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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)
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Sheket
Quiet!
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shelo lishmah
not for its own sake, not for the sake of heaven
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shema
prayer recited in most services as well as at bedtime, and when death is imminent; one of the most important and well-known prayers in Judaism
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shemini atzeret
Holiday celebrated the day after the seven-day holiday of Sukkot.
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Shemoneh Esrei
another name for the Amida, the central prayer during Jewish services. [lit. 'eighteen', the number of blessings it originally had]
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Shemot
The Book of Exodus [lit. 'names']
Printed items containing the name of God in Hebrew letters (generally pronounced SHAY-miss)
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sherut
Lit. "service"; specifically a shared taxi used in israeli transportation
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sheva brachot
the seven blessings said after a jewish wedding and at a festive meal once a day for a week afterwards. the term can refer to the one week period after the wedding, the festive meal, or the blessings themselves.
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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)
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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
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shicker
tipsy/drunk
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shidduch
a date or match, often leading to marriage. "The matching up of a man and a woman for purposes of marriage; a match. In popular usage, any match or alliance, as in The shidduch between the two organization was a success." (Steinberg)
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shiksa
"1. A non-Jewish girl. 2. A housemaid. 3. An irreligious or nonobservant Jewish girl. The term is often regarded as disparaging." (Steinmetz)
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shilshul
diarrhea
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shir
song
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shira
singing session
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shiur
"1. A lesson, lecture, or discourse on the Torah, Mishnah, or Gemara...(2. A measure, size, or rate)." (JPS)
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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'.
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shkotz
berating term for a mischievous Jewish boy
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Shleger
Bully, violent person
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shlock
something cheap or inferior. "A shoddy, cheaply made article." (Rosten)
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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.
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shloshim
Thirty
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.
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shluffy
[to go] to sleep (child-directed speech)
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shlug up
to "shlug (someone) up" is to annihilate his argument, typically in such fashion as to demonstrate a superiority of knowledge
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shlump
an unkempt person, a loser
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shmecky
child-appropriate word for penis
affectionate term used to describe a child, often connoting silly or slightly naughty behavior
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shmendrik
jerk, stupid person
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shmuck
annoying, irritating person (lit. penis)
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shmura
a type of matzah adhering to more stringent interpretations of permissible matzah for Passover
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shmutz
"Dirt, stain, or filth." (JPS)
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shnook
"An incompetent person who is deserving of pity but also likable" (JPS); "A customer easily persuaded, a sucker." (H.L. Mencken, American Language)
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shnoz
"A nose, especially a large, unattractive one." (JPS)
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Shoah
Eastern European Holocaust (of World War II)
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shofar
ram's horn sounded during the month of elul, especially associated with rosh hashanah
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shomer
literally, to guard. can be short for "shomer shabbat" (keeps the laws of sabbath); for "shomer negia" (keeps the laws prohibiting members of the opposite sex from touching before marriage)
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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
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shoo
An emphatic "what!?"
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shpatzir
literally 'to walk, take a stroll'; figuratively 'to delay, tarry, procrastinate'
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shpilkes
nervous energy, anxiousness, restlessness. Lit. 'pins'
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shpitz
top or extreme part
the ultimate, the best of, "cool"
typical, classic, a perfect example of; definitively
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shtadlan
an elected or self-appointed Jewish emissary pleading the cause of his people before the authorities
an intercessor
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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.
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Shtati
Cool, modern, cosmopolitan.
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shteig
strive; study; lit. "rise"
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shtender
lectern
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shtetl
"A town or village with...Jewish inhabitants, commonly found in Eastern Europe before World War II." (Steinmetz)
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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.
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shtickle
designation of second-class status, when applied to rabbis or other professionals.
a small amount; a little; a bit of (a)
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shtim
(often with preposition "with") to jibe, gel, concur, harmonize; without prep., equivalent to colloquial English "to add up; make sense"
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shtum
quiet, voiceless, mute
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shtummer
quiet person, not much to say for themselves
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shtunk
stinker, nasty person, smelly person, nickname for a smelly baby.
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shtus
nonsense
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shuckle
Literally, "to shake", to sway back and forth during prayer
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shuk
Open air market in Israel