Glossary
Some of the definitions below are adapted from the Strong’s Concordance. Corresponding numbers are listed for your convenience. At the end of this list we have included the Hebrew transliteration for the Books of the Tanach, the twelve tribes of Israel, and the English transliteration for (some) Hebrew names.
Search alphabetically:
| A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | R | S | T | V | Y | Z |
Acharit Hayamim – The End Times; the end of days, etc.
Adar – Sixth month of Hebrew civil calendar: February-March.
Afikoman (al. Afikomen) – This word, from the Greek meaning "after-dish," refers to the last morsel eaten at the Seder – the half of the central matzah broken off and put away at the beginning of the meal. Afikomen is a Greek word meaning “that which comes after.” It is represented in a broken piece of matzah wrapped in linen and buried (hidden). This piece of the ceremonial matzah is the final item consumed at the Passover Seder meal.
Agadah (al. Agada, Aggadah; pl. Agadot) – Stories, parables.
Akeidah (al. Akeda) – Binding an animal for sacrifice; specifically, Abraham's binding of Isaac for sacrifice to G-d (not consummated). Akedah is the binding of the sacrifice.
Al Chet – Series of confessions, alphabetically arranged, said on Yom Kippur.
Al Hanisim (al. Ha-nissim) – Thanksgiving for the miracles added to prayer and grace after the meal on the festivals of Hanukah and Purim.
Al Mikrah Megillah – The blessing before the reading of the Megillah.
Al Netilat Yadayim – The blessing over the washing of hands before the meal.
Alenu – A prayer of thanksgiving for being separated from the heathens.
Aliyah (pl. Aliyot) – Literally: “going up.” To "have an aliyah" refers to the honor of being called up to the bimah to recite the blessings over the Torah. To "make aliyah" or "go on aliyah" means to immigrate to Israel.
Am haaretz – Peasantry. Used by the Talmud and thereafter to mean ignorant . . . people of the land.
Amidah – Standing prayer, quietly murmured, that is part of each daily service, alternatively called the Tefillah or the Shemoneh Esre. (In Judaism this prayer is recited silently, thrice daily, while standing up, the prayer of the eighteen benedictions.)
Ani Ma'amin – Literally: I believe; often sung at the Seder and at Yom Hashoah observances in memory of Holocaust victims who sang this song of faith on their way to their deaths.
Apocalyptic – Ideas and teachings pertaining to the revelation (apocalypse) of the Last Days and the end of the world.
Apocrypha – A Greek adjective in the neuter plural (from apokruphos, “hidden, concealed”) denotes strictly “things concealed.” Old Testament Apocrypha, specifically the fourteen books written after the Old Testament canon was closed and which, being the least remote from the canonical books, laid strongest claim to canonicity – the body of Jewish literature written between the second century B.C. and the second century A.D., not included in the canon of the Hebrew Bible.
Apostate – One whose actions are not consistent with the standards of behavior set by his/her religious community.
Aravah (pl. Aravot) – willow branch taken as one of the four species on the Feast of Tabernacles.
Arba'ah Minim (al. the Four Species) – Palm, myrtle, willow and citron; another name for the lulav and etrog together, used on Sukkot.
Aron Hakodesh – Literally: the Holy Ark; the special cabinet in which the Torah scrolls are kept in the synagogue; the Holy Ark is called “Heichal” in Sephardic synagogues.
Ashkenazi (pl. Ashkenazim) – Referring to Jews of Central and Eastern European origin.
Ashrey – Psalm 145 (In Judaism recited three times daily.)
Atzeret – “Conclusion.” This word is used for concluding the observance of a festival. E.g.: Sh’mini Atzeret is the concluding day of Sukkot. Atzeret is a festive gathering for the conclusion of a festive season or when concluding a feast.
Aufruf – Calling up of the bridegroom or bridal couple for the Torah blessings on the Shabbat preceding their wedding.
Av – Eleventh month of Jewish year.
Av Harachamim – a prayer for the persecuted communities.
Avinu Malkeinu – is a list of brief supplications that all begin with the phrase "Our Father, our King” – “Avinu Malkeinu.”
Avodah (al. Abodah) – Worship, specifically through service. (It is also an Chasidic concept of life dedicated to G-d.)
Azazel – Meaning unknown; understood as the scapegoat designated to carry people's sins into the wilderness, on Yom Kippur.
Azharot – A passage on the commandments in the Torah read on Shavuot.
Badeken – Traditional formal veiling of the bride by the groom before the wedding ceremony.
Bar Kochba (al. Kokhba) – Leader of a Jewish revolt (132-135) against Hadrian.
Bar / Bat (al. Bas) Mitzvah – Literally: son / daughter of the commandment; ceremony marking a youngster's reaching the age of religious majority, traditionally thirteen for boys and twelve for girls; in many congregations, thirteen for girls as well.
Barchu – The call to worship in congregational assembly as we bless G-d together.
Barech – Grace. The part of the Seder when the grace after the meal is recited.
Bedikat Chametz – The search for leaven before Pesach and then casting it away (or burning it).
Beit Din (al. Bayt, Bet) – "House of Judgment [Law]" regarding matters of halacha. In Judaism the Beit Din is a judicial panel or Rabbinic court.
Beit haMikdash (al. Bayt, Bet) – House of Sanctity; synagogue; the sanctuary or Temple in Jerusalem.
Beit Midrash (al. Bayt, Bet – pl. Batey Midrashot) – Houses of Study.
B’rachah (pl. B’rachot) – A blessing, benediction.
B’rit, B'ris – Literally: covenant; refers to the covenant between G-d and Avraham and his descendants.
B'rit Chadashah - New Testament or Covenant (Matthew - Revelation)
B’rit Milah – The rite of circumcision often referred to simply as b'ris.
Beytzah – Roasted, hard-boiled egg, symbolic of the festival sacrifice (Chagigah) made in Temple times. It’s charred exterior is a reminder of the destruction of both Temples. Its shape symbolizes eternal life (having no beginning and no end).
Bikkurim (al. Bikurim) – The Offering of the First Fruit.
Bimah – The raised platform in synagogue from which the Torah is read and worship services are usually conducted; the platform is called “tevah” in Sephardic synagogues.
Birkat HaChodesh – The blessing of the New Moon.
Birkat haMazon – Benediction over food; grace after meals.
Bitul Torah – The neglect of the study of the Torah.
Boethuseans – A religious party of the first century composed of wealthy and influential members of the priesthood, similar in doctrine with the Sadducees.
Boneh Yerushalayim – The blessing over the rebuilding of Jerusalem.
Boreh Peri Ha'etz – The blessing over fruit of the tree.
C.E. – Common Era (Also known as A.D. in Latin).
Chag Habikkurim (al. Habikurim) – Literally: Festival of the First Fruits; another name for Shavuot.
Chag HaMatzah – The Festival of Unleavened Bread.
Chagigah – a sacrifice offered on the eve of Pilgrim Festivals.
Chag Sameach – Literally: a joyous holiday; greeting used on the festivals.
Chai – Literally: “Life.” When we drink, we wish each other l’chayim! (to life!).
Challah (pl. Chalot) – Braided egg-bread eaten on Shabbat and most festivals except Pesach; the challah used on Rosh HaShanah is round symbolizing the head (rosh) or crown of the New Year. On Rosh HaShanah (Yom T’ruah) this bread often contains raisins, symbolizing a sweet year.
Chametz – Food prepared with leaven – usually bread or anything made with wheat, rye, barley, oats, or spelt; refers to prohibited foods during Pesach.
Chanukah (al. Hanukkah) – Literally: dedication; name of the winter holiday commemorating the Maccabean victory over the Syrians in 165 BCE.
Chanukat Habayit – Literally: dedication of the home; the ceremony affixing the mezuzah.
Chanukiah (al. Chanukah menorah) – Eight-branched candelabrum, with a place for a ninth candle (shamash) that light the others, especially designed for Chanukah.
Charoset – A mixture of fruits, nuts, and wine. Charoset is one of the symbolic Pesach foods on the Seder plate. Its color and consistency are reminders of the bricks and mortar used by Israelite slaves.
Chasidim – Ultra-Orthodox followers of the eighteenth-century leader, Rabbi Israel, the Ba'al Shem Tov.
Chatan – Bridegroom.
Chatan Beresheet – Literally: “Bridegroom of Genesis”; the man called to recite the blessings over the first section of the Torah on Simchat Torah.
Chatan Torah – Literally: “Bridegroom of the Torah”; the man called to recite or chant the blessings over the final section of the Torah on Simchat Torah.
Chavurah (pl. Chavurot) – An informal group which meets together for Jewish study and celebration.
Chazan – The Cantor, the person leading Jewish prayers (liturgy).
Cheshvan – Second month of Jewish year.
Chet – Literally: missing the mark (sin) – see Al Chet; one of the Hebrew terms translated as sin.
Chokmah – #H2451 from H2449; wisdom (in a good sense): skillful, wisdom, wisely, wit.
Chol – Non-sacred.
Chol Hamoed – Ordinary part of the festival; days in the middle of Pesach or Sukkot when work is allowed; weekdays of the Festival.
Chumash – The five books of Torah with commentary (i.e. Stone Edition Chumash).
Chuppah – Canopy under which the bride and groom stand during their wedding ceremony. It is symbolic that their home would be established under HaShem’s covering. The Chuppah can also represent the honeymoon chamber.
Confirmation – Ceremony marking the completion of the religious course of study and sometimes in Messianic Judaism for new members of a congregation.
Darash – #H1875. darash, daw-rash'; a prim. root; prop. to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by impl. to seek or ask; spec. to worship:--ask, x at all, care for, x diligently, inquire, make inquisition, [necro-] mancer, question, require, search, seek [for, out], x surely.
Daven – The Yiddish word meaning "pray."
Dayenu – Literally: “It would have been enough for us;” name of a popular Seder song.
Defilement – Ritual impurity.
Devar Torah – Literally: “a word of Torah”; follows the Torah reading in a worship service, taking the form of a sermon, talk, explication, story, discussion, or program. Diaspora – Jewish communities outside of Israel.
Diaspora – Jewish communities outside of Israel.
Ein Kelohenu – "There is none like our G-d . . ." a song of praise usually sung on Erev Shabbat.
El Malei Rachamim – Literally: “G-d, full of compassion”; memorial prayer.
Elohim – G-d when the object of worship is the G-d of Avraham, Yitzchak and Ya’akov.
Elul – Twelfth month of Jewish year preceding Rosh HaShanah (Yom T’ruah).
Emunah – Faith.
Erev – #H6153. 'Erev, Eh'-rev; from H6150; dusk:- + day, even (-ing, tide), night. The day before, the eve of Shabbat or a festival, etc.
Etrog – Citron fruit; with the lulav; one of the symbolic four species used during the festival of Sukkot (Tabernacles).
Fleishig – Foods derived from meat or meat products.
Gabai (pl. Gaba'im) – Public official; synagogue attendant.
Gan Eden – The Garden of Eden . . . paradise.
Gehenom – Literally: Valley of Hinnom; a place of punishment in the afterlife. Often synonymous with Hell.
Gelt – Yiddish term for money; traditionally given as a Chanukah gift and used for the Dreidel game.
Gemar Chatimah Tovah – Literally: May the final sealing be good; traditional greeting from the end of Rosh haShanah through Yom Kippur.
Gemara – Collection of legal and ethical discussions of the rabbis of the third through the fifth centuries, edited about 500 CE; and together with the Mishnah forms the Talmud.
Gematria – Finding meanings in the numerical value of Hebrew letters and words.
Ger – #H1616. ger, gare; from H1481; prop. a guest; by impl. a foreigner: alien, sojourner, stranger.
Gioret pl. gerim - The masculine and feminine forms of the Hebrew term for convert.
Ger Tzedek – Full convert of true conviction, in all respects to be considered a Jew.
Get – Religious divorce; the word is used to refer to a Jewish bill of divorcement.
Gezerah – Laws or traditions added by the Pharisees as fences around the existing Law in an attempt to prevent it from being broken.
G-d (titles) – Adonai, Elohim, El Shaddai, YHVH (HaShem – THE Name), Hakadosh Baruch Hu, Ribono shel Olam, Harachaman, Avinu Shebashamayim.
Go'el – Redeemer.
Go'el Israel – "The Redeemer of Israel", one of the eighteen benedictions of the Amidah prayer.
Goyim – Foreigner or of the Gentiles.
Grogger – Noisemaker used to drown out Haman's name during the reading of the Megillah on the festival of Purim.
Haben – The son.
Hadas – A myrtle branch taken as one of the four species on the Feast of Tabernacles.
Haftarah (pl. Haftarot) – Selection from the Prophets read after the weekly Torah portion during the synagogue service on Sabbath and holy days.
Hagadol – The great.
Haggadah (pl. Haggadot) – Literally: “the telling”; The service guide in which the Pesach story is retold and the Seder ritual is outlined and read throughout the Seder evening.
Hakafah (pl. Hakafot) – The carrying of the Torah scrolls in a procession around the sanctuary – the circling of the Altar in the Sanctuary or the Bimah in the Synagogue.
Halacha (pl. Halachot) – The manner in which one applies Torah and walks with G-d; (In Judasim, commonly understood as the purely legal and regulatory portions of the Talmud – Jewish law.
Halakhic – The principle of Halacha (above) as specifically applied to various life applications.
Hallel – Special psalms of praise, recited or sung on the festivals. See Tehillim (Psalms 113 – 118).
Hamantashen – Filled three-cornered pastries supposed to represent Haman's hat, traditionally eaten on Purim (sometimes referred to as “Haman’s Ears.”)
Hamavdil – The blessing of Havdalah.
HaSatan – The adversary, evil one, deceiver (same as “satan”).
HaShem – G-d (literally – THE NAME)
Hatikva – The hope.
Havdalah – Literally: separation; ceremony that marks the end of the Sabbath and the beginning of the week...the blessing over wine to mark the difference between the Sabbath and the weekdays.
Hechag – Literally: “the holiday”; one of the names for Sukkot.
Hester Panim – The withdrawal of Divine Favor.
High Holy Days – High Holy Days and observances from Rosh HaShanah to Yom Kippur.
Hillel – The most prominent Jewish teacher of the first century (30 BCE - 10 CE).
Holy of Holies – The “Most Holy” inner part of the Temple Sanctuary.
Hoshanah – Chant of "Save us, L-rd." said while carrying Torah in procession.
Hoshana Rabbah – The last day of Sukkot (the Feast of Tabernacles).
Ishtar – Greek goddess of fertility.
Iyar – Eighth month of Jewish year.
Jubilee Year – Every fiftieth year, the Land in Israel was to lie fallow and Land ownership is totally redistributed into equal family shares.
Kabbalat Shabbat – Psalms, readings and songs welcoming Shabbat; the introductory portion of the Erev (evening prior to the Sabbath) Shabbat service.
Kavod – #H3519. kabowd, kaw-bode'; rarely kabod, kaw-bode'; from H3513; prop. weight; but only fig. in a good sense, splendor or copiousness: glorious (-ly), glory, honour (-able).
Kaddish – Prayer praising G-d. This prayer is sometimes recited at several points in a service. In addition, it is recited at least once at each service in memory of those who have died. There is no mention of mourning, death, etc. Kaddish is a prayer of sanctification of G-d's Name.
Kalat B'resheet – Literally: bride of Genesis; the woman called to recite or chant the blessings over the first section of the Torah on Simchat Torah.
Kaparah (pl. Kaparot) – The sacrifice of atonement, expiation. During Yom Kippur, the Kohen HaGadol (the High Priest) places his hands on the head of the “scapegoat” to transfer the sins of the people.
Kaporet – The covering over the Holy Ark in the Sanctuary.
Karpas – A green herb like parsley or a green vegetable such as celery or watercress, symbolizing spring; one of the symbolic foods used on the Seder plate.
Kashrut – Jewish dietary laws.
Kavanah – Literally: intentionality; referring to the spiritual attitude with which we approach worship through the recitation of musical lyrics or corporate readings from the Siddur.
Kedushah – (Holiness) When the Chazan leads the Amidah (standing prayer), the congregation rises for this antiphonal song – a doxology from Bible verses proclaiming the Oneness and sanctity of the L-rd. The Kedushah is a prayer of sanctification of G-d's Name added to the third benediction of the Amidah prayer.
Ken Ayin Hara (Yiddish, Kinna Hurra) – Literally: May there be no evil eye.
Keriah – Tearing of a garment or a symbolic black ribbon as an expression of grief in conjunction with a death.
Keruvim – The Cherubim in the Sanctuary.
Ketiva Vachatima Tovah – Wishes of "good inscription" on Rosh HaShanah. Ketubah (pl. Ketubot) – Traditional marriage contract (legal written document), detailing duties and expectations of the wife and husband.
Ketuvim – Literally: the Writings; third section of the Bible.
Kevah – Literally: the absence of “intentionality” – rote, repetitiously reading or singing the established order of Jewish liturgy.
Kiddush – Blessing recited over wine on Shabbat or festivals emphasizing their holiness and the joy of Messiah.
Kedushin – Literally: holiness; refers both to the wedding ceremony and to the state of matrimony.
Kipah – The Hebrew term for skullcap; the Yiddish term is “yarmulke.”
Kislev – Third month of Jewish year.
Kittel – A white garment that is part of traditional Jewish burial clothes; worn by some worshipers on Yom Kippur as a reminder of mortality and a symbol of purity, and by some officiants at Rosh haShanah services and at the Passover Seder. Also worn by some grooms at their wedding.
Klaf – Hand-written scroll placed in a mezuzah, containing Deuteronomy 6:4-9; ll:13-21.
Kodesh – Literally: “Holy.”
Kohelet – The Scroll of Ecclesiastes.
Kohen (pl. Kohanim) – Beit HaMikdash or Temple Priest. The Kohen is a descendant of the ancient priestly class, the progeny of Aaron.
Kohen haGadol – The High Priest.
Kol Nidrei – Literally: “all vows”; prayer that begins Erev (the night prior to) Yom Kippur; the entire service is often called the Kol Nidrei service. The Kol Nidrei liturgy is chanted by the Chazan/Cantor and involves the prayerful repeal of unfulfilled vows to HaShem.
Korech – Matzah and bitter herb sandwich.
Kosher – Biblically (and/or) rabbinically fit for use/consumption.
Kvatter / Kvatterin – Godfather and/or Godmother who carry the baby boy into the B’rit Milah ceremony.
Ladino – Judeo-Spanish; the everyday language of Sephardic Jews.
Lag b’Omer – 33rd day of 50 days of Omer.
Leshanah Tovah Tikatevu – Literally: May you be inscribed [in the Book of Life] for a good year; Rosh HaShanah greeting, sometimes shortened to Shanah Tovah.
Levi (pl. Levi’im) – Most typically a Servant in the Sanctuary. Sometimes considered a sage of Talmudic studies.
Leviathan – Sea monster mentioned in Job (probably “prehistoric” in appearance).
Levirate – The institution of the brother-in-law (marrying his brother’s widow).
Lulav (pl. Lulavim) – Palm branch, with myrtle and willow sprigs attached. With the etrog, it constitutes the symbolic species of Sukkot (the Feast of Tabernacles).
Maariv – Evening prayer service . . . evening prayers after sunset.
Machzor – (Repetition) The High Holy Day prayer book.
Maftir – Last part of Torah reading on a given Shabbat or festival. The man or woman who is "called up" to conclude the Torah reading.
Mah Nishtanah – Four questions recited during Pesach – usually sung by children.
Malkut Shamayim – The Kingdom of Heaven.
Maoz Tsur – Best-known Chanukah song. An English version of the song is entitled "Rock of Ages."
Maror – A bitter herb such as horseradish, symbolizing the bitter plight of the enslaved Israelites; one of the symbolic foods used on the Seder plate.
Marranoes – forcibly converted Jews in Spain (a derogatory term which also means “pigs” in Spanish).
Mashiach – Anointed One (same as Messiah or “Christ”).
Masoretic Text – The most commonly used Hebrew text of Scriptures.
Matzah (pl. Matzot) – Unleavened bread eaten during the Pesach Seder. The unleavened bread is eaten in remembrance of the hurried departure from Egypt; the eating of matzah is obligatory at the Seder as well as through the Feast of Unleavened Bread which immediately follows for the next 7 days.
Mayim Hayim – Living water.
Mazal Tov – Literally: “good luck”, “congratulations!”
Mechilta – Halakhic midrash to Exodus.
Megillah (pl. Megillot) – Literally: “scroll”; there are five “megillot” in the Bible. The one we read on Sukkot is Ecclesiastes, on Purim is Esther, on Pesach is Song of Songs, on Shavuot is Ruth and on Tishah B'Av is Lamentations.
Melech – king. Menorah (pl. Menorot) – Seven or nine-branched candelabrum; people commonly refer to a nine-branched menorah as a Chanukiah. The seven-branched menorah was the Lamp used in the Beit HaMikdash and the Temple.
Mezuzah (pl. Mezuzot) – Literally: “Doorpost.” A “Mezuzah” is ritually attached to the doorpost entry of a home. Under certain guidelines established through rabbinic tradition, this “Mezuzah” consists of a casing and a klaf that is put on the doorpost(s) of the house.
Midrash (pl. Midrashim) – A collection of works compiled between the third and twelfth centuries that seeks to uncover underlying truths by taking a Biblical verse and attempting to extract a deeper understanding of the literal text.
Mikdash – Literally: a small sanctuary; refers to the home.
Minchah (pl. Menachot) – Afternoon prayer; evening prayers during the day; a gift offering in the Sanctuary; name of Temple sacrifice an offering made of flour and oil.
Minyan – Quorum of ten adult Jews (men only in Orthodoxy) necessary for public prayer.
Miqveh – A body of water used for ritual immersion or consecration to G-d.
Mishkan – The Tabernacle; tent; dwelling place.
Mishlo'ach Manot – The sending of "portions" to friends on Purim.
Mishnah – Code of Jewish law edited by Rabbi Judah HaNasi about 200 CE; together with the Gemara forms the Talmud.
Mishpachah – #H4940 – A family – extended or otherwise; kindred in purpose and calling.
Mitzvah (pl. Mitzvot) – Literally: “Commandment”; a religious precept or obligation; mitzvah refers to one of the 613 commandments in the Torah . . . a good deed.
Moadim – High Holy Days (“Mo-ad” singular)
Mo'ed (al. mow’ed) – G-d’s Appointed Times; fixed seasons and holy convocations as directed by HaShem in Scripture (Lev. 23; etc.)
Mohel (pl. Mohalim) – Authorized functionary performing ritual circumcision.
Moreh Tzaddikim – Teacher of righteousness.
Motza'ei Shabbat – The night following the Sabbath.
Motzi (al. Hammotzee, Hamotzi) – Literally: [G-d] “who brings forth” [bread]; blessing over bread; standard blessing before meals at which bread is served.
Mussaf (al. Musaf) - "Added" prayer service for Sabbaths and festivals, immediately following morning prayer. (In Judaism the additional whole offering in the Sanctuary prescribed by the Torah for Sabbaths, Festivals and New Moons is replaced today with an additional Amidah prayer on these occasions in lieu of the additional sacrifices.)
Na'anu'im – The wavings of the four species on the Feast of Tabernacles.
Nirtzah – The last phase (conclusion) of the Seder ceremony.
Neilah – Literally: closing; concluding service of Yom Kippur.
Netilat Lulav – The commandment of the four species in the Feast of Tabernacles.
Nevi'im – Literally: the Prophets; second section of the Bible.
Nissan (Aviv) – First (springtime) month of year, during which Passover falls.
Noahide – One who follows the covenant made with Noah.
Ohel Mo'ed – the "Tent of Meeting"
Olah – Burnt offering in Temple.
Olam Haba – Literally: the world to Come.
Olam Hazeh – The present world of toil and strife.
Omer – Sheaf or bushel of grain (i.e. counting of the Omer following Pesach).
Oneg Shabbat – Literally: joy of the Sabbath. At Kehilat Mashiach our customary oneg follows Kiddush right after service (approx 1:15). Our Oneg Shabbat includes the breaking of bread, refreshments, socializing, spontaneous discussions on the parashah or Biblical topics and Messianic dance.
Parashah (pl. Parashot) – The weekly Torah portion; also called the Sidra.
Pareve – Foods containing neither meat nor milk.
Parochet – The curtain over the Ark in the Synagogue; the curtain separating the Holy of Holies from the rest of the Temple.
Payes (pl. Payot) – Sidecurls of hair worn by Ultra-Orthodox men and boys.
Pentateuch – The first five Books of the Bible, the Five Books of Moses.
Purushim – Pharisees; the upholders of Torah (Oral and Written) at the time of the Second Temple.
Pesach – Passover.
Pharisees – Religio-political faction in late Second Temple days that wanted to develop Judaism through prayer, study of Torah, and midrashic interpretations of Torah; forerunners of the rabbis.
Pidyon haben/habat – Literally: redemption of the (firstborn) son/daughter; home ceremony that takes place on the thirty-first day of a child's life.
Pirkey Avot – The “Ethics of the Fathers", a tractate in the Mishnah.
Pitma – The “wart” of the etrog.
Pneuma – #G4151: Pneuma, pnyoo'-mah; from G4154; a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by anal. or fig. a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) G-d, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit:- ghost, life, spirit (-ual, -ually), mind. Compare G5590.
Proselyte – Convert to Judaism. Pseudepigraphic – written under another name.
Purim – Literally: lots; festival that celebrates the survival of the Jewish people. Book of Ester.
Rabbi (pl. Rabanim) – religious authority.
Rav – A Sage of the Talmud.
Remez – Alluding to. Rosh haShanah – Literally: head of the year; Jewish New Year.
Rosh Chodesh – Festival of the new moon.
Ruach HaKodesh – The Holy Spirit.
Sadducees – Religio-political faction in late Second Temple days that focused on priestly functions and the sacrificial system. Did not believe in life after death or the resurrection of the dead.
Sanhedrin – The High Court in Jerusalem.
Scribes – The Sages who interpreted the Torah and its Laws.
Seder – Literally: order for the celebration of the first (and second) evening(s) of Pesach. The ceremony to commemorate the Exodus from Egypt on Passover Eve.
Sefer Torah (al. Sifrei) pl. Sefarim – Torah scroll.
Sefirah – The "days of counting" the omer between the Passover and Pentecost.
Selichot – Prayers asking for Divine forgiveness.
Selichot Service – A service of preparation for the High Holy Days usually held at midnight on the Saturday preceding Rosh haShanah.
Seraphim – Fiery angels.
Sevivon – Hebrew word for a dreidel (four-sided top used in a Hanukah game).
Sha'atnez – A cloth combining wool and linen.
Shabbat – 7th day of the week – the day that G-d rested from His creative work.
Shabbat Beresheet (al. Bereshit) – The first Sabbath after Simchat Torah on which the portion of B'resheet is read.
Shabbat haGadol – Literally: the Great Sabbath; the Sabbath preceding Passover.
Shabbat Shuvah – Literally: Sabbath of Return; the Sabbath between Rosh haShanah and Yom Kippur.
Shabbat Zachor – The Sabbath immediately preceding Purim.
Shabbaton – High Sabbaths.
Shabbos – The Sabbath (Ashkenazic pronunciation).
Shacharit (al. Shararit) – Morning Prayer. From Hebrew for "dawn"...Morning prayer service.
Shaddai – G-d Almighty.
Shaliach Tzibur – The precentor of the prayers in the Synagogue, the Cantor.
Shalom – The fullness of peace and harmony.
Shalom Zachor – The first Friday following birth.
Shamash (al. Shammash) – Literally: servant; term for the ninth candle used to light the other candles in the Chanukiah.
Shavuot – Literally: weeks . . . The Day of Pentecost, receiving of the Torah, and the beginning of the wheat harvest. Also, it represents the betrothal between Israel and the L-rd.
Shechita – The slaughtering of animals for meat as prescribed by the Torah.
Shehecheyanu – Literally: [G-d] who has kept us alive; this is the blessing for beginnings and other happy occasions in people's lives, such as birth and marriage. It is also said at candlelighting, Kiddush and certain other specific times during festival observances.
Shekhinah (al. Shechinah) – G-d's Presence in the world. - Aram. and late Heb., a word not in Scripture, but used by later Jews and by Christians to express the visible divine Presence, especially when resting between the cherubim over the mercy seat.
Shem Hameforash – The Ineffable Divine Name.
Shema – The primary verse of Jewish belief often recited three times a day: "Shema Yisrael Adonai Elohenu Adonai Echad" (Hear, O Israel: the L-rd is our G-d, the L-rd is One). Deut. 6:4-9.
Shemini Atzeret – Literally: the eighth day of assembly; conclusion of Sukkot . . . The day following Sukkot and the end of that festival.
Shemoneh Esrey (al. Shmoneh Esreh) – “Eighteen” - the number of blessings originally in the important part of the daily prayers recited in silence while worshipers stand--hence this name is applied to all such standing prayers, although the daily service now has nineteen and other services seven blessings. Combines adoration with entreaty. Also called Amidah (standing) or simply prayer (Tefillah).
Sheol – The place in which both the righteous and the unrighteous were separated from G-d awaiting resurrection, either in comfort (in the bosom of Abraham) or in complete separation and torment.
Sheva Berachot – Literally: seven blessings; these are recited or chanted at a wedding ceremony prior to the sharing of a cup of wine by the bride and groom.
Shevarim – One of the soundings from a shofar (ram’s horn, etc).
Shevat – Fifth month of Jewish year.
Shin – Hebrew letter (first letter of Shaddai).
Shivah – The first period of mourning; seven-day mourning period, the first day of which is the day of burial.
Shivah haben – Child of the week.
Sh'lamim – Peace offerings.
Shmitah – Release; the seventh year in which the land lies fallow and debts are released or annulled; it is the Sabbatical year at the end of each seven year cycle.
Shmu’el – A Sage of the Talmud.
Shochet – Ritual slaughterer, required by Jewish dietary laws for the preparation of kosher meat.
Shofar – Trumpet made from a ram's horn; a ram's horn is sounded on Rosh Chodesh (beginning of the new month), on Rosh haShanah (the head of the new year), and during the month of Elul.
- Shevarim – Shofar sound: Three notes
- Tekiah – Shofar sound: One blast
- Teruah – Shofar sound: Wavering sound of nine staccato notes
- Tekiah Hagadulah – The final long blast from the shofar
Shofar Hagadol – The Great Trumpet (sounding).
Shofitim – Judges; a Book of the Bible; also, a parashah reading from the Book of Deuteronomy.
Shome'a Tefillah – "The One Who hears prayer"; one of the eighteen benedictions of the Amidah.
Shomer – Literally: guardian; also, the person who remains with the deceased so that the body is never left alone prior to burial.
Shulchan Aruch – A book of codified Jewish Law, by Rabbi Yosef Karo.
Shulchan Orech – Table set for meal; one of the phases of the Seder ceremony.
Shushan Purim – Purim celebration on the 15th of Adar remembering the city/region of Shushan.
Siddur (pl. Siddurim) – Prayer book; serves many functions but it’s most important use is as a daily and Shabbat prayer book for the year.
Sidra (pl. Sidrot) – Bible portion for the week, read on the weekly Sabbath (also called parashah or pl. parashot).
Sifra (al. Sifre) – Halakhic midrashim to Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy.
Siloam – A pool of water in Jerusalem.
Simchah – Literally: “joy”; a happy event.
Simchat Torah – Rejoicing in/with/over the Torah
Sivan – Ninth month of the Jewish year.
S’micha – Rabbinic Ordination Sephardi (pl. Sephardim) – Of Oriental Jewish communities.
Sofer (pl. Sofrim) – A specially trained Torah scribe.
Sukkah (pl. Sukkot) – Literally: booths; name of the festival that commemorates the Israelites' wanderings in the desert after leaving Egypt...The Feast of Tabernacles or Booths.
Synagoge – #G4864. sunagoge, soon-ag-o-gay'; from G4863; an assemblage of persons; spec. a Jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place); by anal. Often expressed in English translations of the Bible as “church.” The literal meaning however, is assembly, congregation, synagogue.
Tachanun – A prayer of supplication.
Tachrichim – Burial shrouds.
Tallit – Prayer shawl with ceremonial fringes on four corners.
Tallit Katan – A small prayer shawl; a special undergarment with four corners each bearing tzitziyot (fringes/tassels).
Talmid (pl. Talmidim) – student(s), disciple(s).
Talmid Chacham – A scholar of the Torah.
Talmud – Comprised of both the Mishnah and Gemara, the Talmud is the collected legal and ethical discussions of the rabbis, edited around the year 500 CE.
Tamid – The daily sacrifice that took place in the Sanctuary.
Tammuz – Tenth month on the Jewish civil calendar.
Tana (pl. Tana'im) – Rabbis in the Mishnaic period.
Tanach (al. Tenach) – Trilogy of Torah, Prophets, and Writings formed from initial letters of the Hebrew Torah, Nevi'im, Ketuvim . . .thus, TNK or Tanakh – The Hebrew Bible (what non-Jews call the Old Testament).
Targum (pl. Targumim) – Traditionally the name given the Aramaic translation of the Bible, read to the populace in Babylonian periods. The custom of reading services in Aramaic following the Hebrew goes back to hundreds of years before the great diaspora. Except for some interpolations and paraphrases, the Targum Bavli, also known as the Targum Onkelos, is a very faithful translation. Less faithful to the text are the Targum Yerushalmi and others of fragmentary character.
Tashlich – Traditional Rosh HaShanah afternoon ceremony in which individuals cast their sins (crumbs) into a body of water thereby symbolically the casting away of sin.
Tefilin – Prayer boxes worn during weekday morning worship.
Tefillah – Literally: “prayer”; also refers to the central group of prayers in each service, alternatively called the Amidah or Shemoneh Esre.
Tefillah Zakah (al. Tefilah) – A “prayer of purity" recited upon the advent of Yom Kippur before Kol Nidrey.
Teki'ah – Another of three distinct shofar sounds.
Tekufah (pl. Tekufot) – One of the four seasons of the year. Telos – #5056. From a prim. tello (to set out for a definite point or goal); prop. the point aimed at as a limit.
Teruah – An awakening blast – another of three specific sounds of the shofar.
Teshuvah – Literally: turning or returning; a Hebrew term for repentance as from sin; a spiritual reawakening toward G-d. A desire to strengthen the connection between oneself and the sacred.
Tetragrammaton – The four Hebrew letters usually transliterated YHWH or YHVH that form a biblical proper name of G-d. Consonants without vowels are all that history leaves us; therefore some groups have taken it upon themselves to assume an accurate pronunciation. Historically, both Jews and Christians protect the value and sacred nature of The Name by using reverent euphemisms such as L-rd, G-d, Adonai, even YHVH akin to a child calling his father by the title “Dad” in lieu of his proper name.
Tetzaveh – A portion in the Book of Exodus.
Tevet – Fourth month of the Jewish year.
Tevilah – Literally: “immersion” – immersing in a ritual bath.
Tikkun Chatzot – A prayer of lamentation over the destruction of the Sanctuary, recited at midnight.
Tikkun Olam – The reparation of our broken world through human effort (Note: while all believers bear the responsibility and stewardship to care for our world and mend it when possible, our efforts (whether individual or cumulative) will never accomplish the ultimate goal of total reparation – this can only be accomplished with the second advent of Yeshua ben Yosef who will return as King Messiah – the Lion of Judah and ultimate restorer of all things.)
Tisha B'av – The ninth day of the month of Av; a day of mourning for the destruction of the ancient Temple in Jerusalem.
Tishrei – First month of Jewish year.
Torah – Literally: “Teaching/Instruction.” In its most narrow sense, Torah is understood to be the first five Books of the Bible; in a broader sense, Torah is everything written in the Tanakh; in an even broader application according to Messianic believers, Torah (teaching/instruction) is everything in the Hebrew Bible from Genesis to Revelation. According to traditional Orthodox Judaism, Torah involves the first five books of the Bible and all of Jewish Law which flows from those books, not only including the Tanakh, but also the so-called “Oral Laws” codified in the pages of Talmud. Messianic Judaism and even many sects of “normative” Judaism challenge the authority ascribed to rabbinic traditions and the “Oral Torah.” Typical (historical) Judaism does not embrace the teaching/instruction in the B’rit Chadashah (New Covenant) as Torah in any way, shape or form.
Tosefta – (Supplement) Anthology of tannaitic text parallel to Mishnah, but outside Mishnaic canon, and more expansive. Rabbi Nehemiah, second century, began the work; in the third century it was continued by Hiyya ben Abba and Oshaiah.
Treif – Literally: torn apart; food that is not ritually fit. It is the opposite of kosher.
Tru'ah – One of three specific shofar sounds.
Trumah – A heave offering, contribution – Also, it is the seventh parashah in the Book of Exodus.
Tu B’shvat – Fifteenth day of the month of Shevat; a minor holiday known as the New Year of the Trees, observed by planting trees.
Tzadik (pl. Tzadikim) – A just man, righteous and upright. Chasidic sages were so called.
Tzadok (pl. Tzdukim) – Sadducee(s).
Tzafun – The phase of the Seder ceremony in which the hidden Afikoman is found and eaten.
Tzedakah – Literally: justice or righteousness; the Hebrew word we use for charity and charitable acts of giving.
Tzitzit (pl. Tzitziyot) – Ceremonially knotted fringes to be worn on all four-cornered garments.
Va'era – The second portion in the Book of Exodus.
Va'etchanan – The second portion in the Book of Deuteronomy.
Vav – Hebrew letter.
Vayelech – A portion in the Book of Deuteronomy.
Vayechi – The last portion in the Book of Genesis.
Ve'ahavta – Literally: “And you shall love”; the prayer from Deuteronomy 6:5-9, that obligates Jews to love G-d and to teach Judaism to future generations; part of the Shema.
Vezot Habrachah – The last portion in the Torah.
Vidui – Confession.
Yachatz – The breaking of the middle matzah of the ceremonial matzot during a Passover Seder.
Yad – Literally: “hand.” Also the instrument used during a reading from the Torah scroll.
Yahrzeit – A day of memorial.
Yamin Noraim – Literally: The Days of Awe; the ten-day period beginning with Rosh HaShanah and ending with Yom Kippur.
Yarmulke – The Yiddish term for skullcap; the Hebrew term is kipah.
Yavneh – A city that became the location of an academy and a central focus for the Jews once the Romans destroyed Jerusalem.
Yeshivah (pl. Yeshivot) – Torah academy.
Yeshua – Hebrew name meaning salvation (the Greek expression for Yeshua is “Jesus” – this name in the Greek has no direct translation to “salvation”).
Yetzer – Impulse. Yetzer haRa – Impulse toward Evil.
Yetzer haTov – Impulse toward good.
Yichud – Time spent alone together by the bride and groom immediately after the wedding ceremony. It is a room entered by bride and groom where the two share the first meal and symbolically consummate the marriage.
Yitro – The sixth parashah (portion) in the Book of Exodus.
Yizkor – ("May He remember") Prayers for the departed, recited on Yom Kippur, Shemini Atzeret, last day of Passover, second day of Shavuot.
Yod – Hebrew letter.
Yom haDin – Literally: “Day of Judgment”; one of the names for Rosh HaShanah.
Yom haZikkaron – Literally: “The Day of Remembrance”; one of the names for Rosh HaShanah.
Yom Kippur – Literally: “The Day of Atonement”
Yom Teruah – Literally: “The Day of Trumpets” – commonly: The Feast of Trumpets; one of the names of Rosh HaShanah.
Yom Tov (pl. Yamim Tovim) – a Festival Day, holiday.
Yovel – A Jubilee year at the end of a fifty year cycle.
Zaken – #H2205. zaqen, zaw-kane'; from H2204; old:-aged, ancient (man), elder (-est), old (man, men and . . . women), senator.
Zeman Mattan Toratenu – Literally: the “Season of the Giving of Our Torah”; another name for Shavuot.
Zeman Simchatenu – Literally: the “Season of Our Joy”; another name for Sukkot.
Zikhrnot – A portion of the Rosh haShanah service that deals with divine remembrance.
Zikkaron – A Memorial. Zionism – The belief that there should be a Jewish national homeland in the historic Land of Israel.
Z'roah Adonai – “Arm of the Lord.”
Books of the Tanakh
Amos - Amos
B’resheet – Genesis
B’midbar – The Book of Numbers
Chavakuk – Habakkuk
Dani'el - Daniel
D'varim – Deuteronomy
Divrei HaYamim Alef – 1st Chronicles
Divrei HaYamim Bet - 2nd Chronicles
Eikhah – Lamentations (Traditionally read on Tisha B'av).
Ester – Esther (Traditionally read on Purim).
Ezra - Ezra
Hagai - Haggai
Hoshea – Hosea
Iyov - Job
Kohelet – Ecclesiastes (Traditionally read on Sukkot).
M’lakhim Alef – 1st Kings
M’lakhim Bet – 2nd Kings
Mal'akhi -
Malachi
Mikhah - Micah
Mishlei – Proverbs
Nachum - Nahum
Nechemyah – Nehemiah
Ovadyah - Obadiah
Rut - Ruth – (Traditionally read on Shavuot).
Shir Hashirim – Song of Songs (Traditionally read on Pesach).
Sh'mot – Exodus
Sh’mu’el Alef – 1st Samuel
Sh'mu'el Bet - 2nd Samuel
Shof’tim – Judges
Tehillim – Psalms
Tz'fanyah - Zephaniah
Vayikra – Leviticus
Y'hoshua - Joshua
Yechezk'el - Ezekiel
Yesha'yahu - Isaiah
Yirmeyahu – Jeremiah
Yoel - Joel
Yonah – Jonah (Traditionally read on Yom Kippur).
Z'kharyah - Zechariah
The 12 Tribes of Israel
Asher - Asher
Binyamin – Benjamin
Dan - Dan
Efrayim - Ephraim
Issachar – Issachar
Levi - Levi
Menashe – Menashe
Naftali - Naphtali
Reuven - Reuben
Shimon - Simeon
Y’hudah - Judah
Yosef - Joseph
List of Biblical Names
Aharon – Aaron
Avraham – Abraham
Belshatzar – Belshazzar (King of Babylonia)
Chavakuk – Habakkuk
Eliyahu – Elijah
Esav – Esau
Ester – Esther
Hoshea – Hosea
Yirmeyahu – Jeremiah
Mattityahu – Matthew
Menasheh – Manasseh
Moshe – Moses
Nechemyah – Nehemiah
Rechav’am – Rehoboam, King of Judah
Rivkah – Rebekah
Rut – Ruth
Shimshon – Samson
Shlomo – Solomon
Shmu’el – Samuel
Tzidkiyahu – Zedekiah, King of Judah
Yitz’chak – Isaac
Ya'akov – Jacob
Yechezk’el – Ezekiel
Yechoniah – Jeconiah, King of Judah
Y’hoshua – Joshua
Yerovam – Jeroboam, King of Israel
Yeshayahu – Isaiah
Yochanan – Hebrew name for John
Yonah – Jonah
Yosef – Joseph
