A Jewish Glossary

Rabbi Stephen Julius Stein
Wilshire Boulevard Temple
Los Angeles

My Jerusalem classmate and colleague, Rabbi Michael Lotker, wrote A Christian’s Guide to Judaism (Paulist Press: 2004). This important and informative book contains a wealth of knowledge, including a comprehensive glossary. I have excerpted and edited Michael’s text for our particular purposes; nonetheless, I highly recommend his book to all who are interested (it can be found on the web at www.lotker.com).

Guide to Pronounciation: KH = a guttural sound produced from the back of the throat as in the name of the German composer, “Bach.”

Adonai (ah-doe-NYE) Hebrew word used when God’s four-letter name is read in the Torah or in a prayer. Literally “My Lord.”

aggadah (ah-gah-DAH) Jewish stories and folktales presented in the Talmud and other rabbinic literature.

Aleinu (ah-LAY-noo) One of the concluding prayers of the Jewish service. Worshipers traditionally stand and bow during this prayer.

aliyah (ah-lee-YAH) pl. aliyot (ah-lee-YOT) Literally, “a going up,” often used to describe the honor of being called up to say a blessing or read from the Torah scroll at a synagogue service. Also, the term for immigrating to Israel (“making aliyah”).

Amen (ah-MEN) Said at the conclusion of many prayers by individuals or a congregation to indicate their agreement with the prayer. Literally, “so be it.”

Amidah (ah-mee-DAH) Central prayer of Jewish worship. Literally “standing,” most often the entire text is recited while standing.

Aramaic (ar-ah-MAY-ick) Ancient Semitic language spoken in late biblical times, it is a grammatical “first-cousin” of Hebrew, the common language spoken at the time of Jesus, the basis for several of Judaism’s most important prayers, and one of two languages used in the Talmud.

aron kodesh (ah-ROAN KO-desh) or ark The cabinet at the front of the synagogue that holds the scrolls of the Torah.

Ashkenazim (ahsh-keh-NAH-zeem) Hebrew name given to Jews who trace their ancestry to Germany, Northern and Eastern Europe. Most American Jews are of Ashkenazic roots.

Barchu (bar-KHOO) The call to worship that begins the principle part of each morning and evening synagogue service.

Bar/Bat Mitzvah (BAR/BAT mits-VAH); pl. b’nai Mitzvah (buh-NAY MITS-vah) The “coming of age” ritual for boys and girls (typically, at age 13) usually marked by the child leading a Shabbat service and reading from the Torah. Literally, “son/daughter of the commandment.”

B.C.E. Abbreviation for “Before the Common Era,” used by Jews instead of B.C. (“Before Christ’). C.E. (CEE-EE) Abbreviation for “Common Era,” used by Jews instead of A.D. (“anno Domini” meaning “year of our Lord”).

beit knesset (BAYT kuh-NESS-et) “House of Gathering,” the Hebrew phrase for synagogue (or Temple).

bimah (BEE-mah) Raised area at the front or center of a synagogue from which the Torah is read.

Birkat Ha’mazon (beer-KHAT hah-mah-ZONE) “Blessing over sustenance,” a series of prayers said after eating a meal.

b’racha (brah-KHAH); pl. b’rachot (brah-KHOTE) A type of prayer (literally, “blessing”) that begins with the formula Baruch ata Adonai (“Blessed are You, Adonai”), said before eating and before performing mitzvot.

cantor English term for clergy person who leads the congregation in prayer and singing; called chazzan (kha-ZAHN) in Hebrew.

chai (KHIGH) “Life,” this word is often found as a decorative charm worn around the neck. Since the two Hebrew letters that make up this word have a numerical value of 18, Jews often give contributions and gifts in multiples of 18. L’chaim! is the traditional Jewish toast, “to life!”

Challah (CHah-lah) Braided egg-bread traditionally eaten on Shabbat (Sabbath).

Chanukah (KHAH-noo-kah) Winter-time celebration of the holiday of lights, it means “dedication,” referring to the re-dedication of the Temple after the successful Maccabee revolt.

Chasidism (CHAH-sih-dizm) A movement of ultra-orthodox Jews founded in the 18th century in Poland.

Chumash (khoo-MASH) A book containing the Torah (the Five Books of Moses) and rabbinic commentary on it.

chutzpah (KHUTZ-pah) Yiddish for “extreme audacity.”

Cohen (or Kohen) (KO-haine) “Priest,” this is a man who traces his ancestry to Aaron (the brother of Moses) and who, as a result, is subject to certain privileges and responsibilities under Orthodox Jewish law.

daven (DAH-ven) Yiddish for “pray.”

Elohim (eh-loe-HEEM) One of many Hebrew words used to designate “God.”

Eretz Yisra’el (EH-rets yis-rah-ALE) “The Land of Israel.”

erev (EH-rev) “Evening,” as in “Erev Shabbat” (Friday evening, marking the beginning of Shabbat).

fleishig (FLAY-shick) Yiddish word for foods in the meat category and therefore not mixable with milk products under kosher regulation.

frum (FROOM) A Yiddish word meaning religious; a highly observant Jew.

Gan Eden (GAHN AYE-den) “Garden of Eden.”

Gefilte fish (guh-FILL-teh fish) A ground patty of fish, eggs and matzah meal traditionally served at festive meals.

Gemara (guh-MAH-ah) The Aramaic word for “learning” or “completion,” it is the commentary on the Mishnah (Oral Torah); the Mishnah, together with the Gemara comprises the Talmud.

gevalt (guh-VAHLT) Yiddish expression of surprise, commonly heard as Oy gevalt!

Hadassah (hah-DAS-sah) Literally, “myrtle tree,” but also a Jewish woman’s charitable organization and a famous hospital in Jerusalem, both of which are named after the heroine in the book of Esther (Hadassa was also known as Esther) from which comes the story of the holiday, Purim.

haftarah (hahff-Tah-RAH) “Conclusion,” this refers to the portion of the prophetic books of the Bible chanted in synagogue during Shabbat morning services.

hakafah (hah-kah-FAH) The procession of carrying the Torah through the congregation prior to its reading.

halachah (hah-lah-KHAH) Literally, “a path,” the word signifying Jewish law.

hamsa (HAHM-sah) An amulet charm worn around the neck or hung on a wall shaped like a hand, it comes from the Arabic word for “five”—an allusion to the imagined five fingers of God’s hand.

Ha’Shem (hah-SHEM) “The Name,” a term used by some Jews to avoid specifically “naming God” in conversation.

Havdalah (hahv-dah-LAH) “Separation,” this is the ceremony signaling the end of Shabbat, one hour after sundown on Saturday.

Kabbalah (kah-bah-LAH) Literally, “reception,” this is also the term denoting the varied literature comprising the Jewish mystical tradition.

Kaddish (KAH-dish) Aramaic for “sanctification,” a prayer recited several times (in multiple forms) during Jewish worship but especially noted for its recitation towards the end of worship, honoring the memory of those who have died. The Kaddish prayer contains no mention of death or grieving; it is a glorious hymn of praise and adoration of God and the divine presence in life.

Kibbutz (kih-BOOTS) “Gathering,” but commonly used to denote a collective community in Israel.

Kiddush (KID-ish) Blessing of sanctification said over wine in honor of Shabbat or other holy day.

Kippah (kee-PAH) Skullcap worn by observant Jewish men and now, often women. Plural: kippot (kee-POTE).

klutz (KLUTZ) Yiddish, “awkward or clumsy person”.

kosher (KO-sher) Food that is acceptable according to Jewish dietary laws. The Hebrew word “kosher” means “fit” and is also applied to other items such as Torah scrolls, mezuzot, etc. Kashrut (KOSH-root) The Jewish dietary laws that specify what is kosher. Glatt kosher (GLAHT KO-sher) Yiddish for a level of kosher food preparation that is considered by some to be higher (and better) than commonly accepted kosher food.

kvetch (KVETCH) Yiddish, “continual complaining” or someone who does it!

Magen David (mah-GEN dah-VEED) “Shield of David,” this is the term for the six-pointed Jewish Star commonly referred to as “The Star of David”.

Ma’shiach (mah-SHEE-akh) Biblical term for ,” “anointed one.” And understood as signifying the Messiah. Christ is Greek for ma’shiach.

matzah (MAH-tsah) pl. matzot (mah-TSOTE) The unleavened bread eaten on Passover.

Mazel tov! (MAH-zull TOVE) “Good luck!” or “Congratulations!”

menorah (meh-NOE-rah) A seven-branched candelabra; the most ancient as well as an important modern symbol of the State of Israel.

mensch (MENCH) Yiddish for a kind, admirable, upstanding person (male or female).

meshugge (meh-SHOO-gah) Yiddish; “crazy, silly, nuts,” etc., often used affectionately.

mezuzah (meh-ZUH-zah) “Doorpost,” an amulet containing verses from Torah, placed on the doorposts of Jewish homes (sometimes also worn around one’s neck).

mikveh (MICK-veh) Body of water used for ritual immersion.

milchig (MILL-khick) Yiddish for foods in the dairy category, therefore not mixable with meat products.

Mi’shebeirach (mee-sheh-BAY-rahkh) “May the One who blessed…”), most commonly referring to a prayer for healing recited during worship.

Mishnah (mish-NAH) Literally, “repetition,” used to denote the compilation of rabbinic oral law compiled by Rabbi Yehudah Ha’Nasi (approx. 200 C.E.); the foundation text for the Talmud.

mitzvah (mitz-VAH), pl. mitzvot (mits-VOTE) “Commandment,” from which classic rabbinic authorities teach there are 613 in Torah. This term was often taught to Reform Jews in the 20th century to mean, “a good deed.”

Motzi (MOE-tsee) The b’racha said before eating bread or a meal.

nefesh (NEH-fesh) “Soul.”

Ner tamid (NEHR tah-MEED) “Eternal light,” the lamp commonly found above the ark in the synagogue that is always illuminated.

nigun (knee-GOON), pl. nigunim (knee-goo-NEEM); A wordless melody or tune.

nosh (NOSH) Yiddish for “snack,” also, “to snack”.

Oneg Shabbat (oh-NEG shah-BAHT) “Delight of Shabbat,” this refers to the informal reception held after Sabbath services.

Oy! (OY) Popular Yiddish expression/exclamation of woe, surprise, fear, grief, etc. Often heard are oy vei (short for oy vei is meir) “woe is me!” and oy gevalt.

parashah (pah-rah-SHAH) The weekly Torah reading, also called parashat ha-shavuah (pah-rah-SHAHT hah-shah-VOO-ah), “portion of the week.”

pareve (PAR-ve) Yiddish for “neutral,” denoting foods classified as neither meat or dairy and which may be eaten with either.

rabbi (RAB-eye) Literally meaning “my teacher,” the title give to an ordained spiritual leader.

ruach (ROO-ach) Literally, “wind” but also “spirit”; also understood in modernity to signify soulful enthusiasm.

seder (SAY-der) The traditional Passover meal.

sefer (SAY-fair) “Book.”

sefer Torah (SAY-fair toe-RAH) The sacred, handwritten scroll, containing the first five books of the Bible, stored in the ark at the front of the synagogue.

Sephardim (she-far-DEEM) Hebrew name given to that group of Jews who trace their ancestry to Spain, Portugal, the Mediterranean, North Africa and the Middle East.

Sh’chinah (sheh-khee-NAH) “Dwelling,” a feminine term to denote God’s presence.

Shabbat (shah-BAHT) Hebrew for Sabbath; Shabbos (SHA-bis) is the Yiddish pronunciation.

Shabbat Shalom (shah-BAHT shah-LOME) Greeting offered before and during the Sabbath, literally, “Sabbath of peace.” Gut Shabbos (GUHT SHA-bos) Yiddish for “Good Sabbath!”

shalom (sha-LOME) Literally meaning “peace,” it is also commonly used for “hello” and “goodbye.”

Sh’hechi’yanu (sheh-HEH-khee-YAH-noo) A blessing thanking God for enabling us to reach this moment in time, offered on holidays and other joyous events.

siddur (see-DOOR) pl. siddurim (see-duh-REEM);prayer-book.

simcha (SIM-khah) A joyous event.

shivah (SHIH-vah) The first, most intense, seven-day period of mourning. Hebrew for “seven.”

shlep (SHLEP) Yiddish,“to drag or lug.”

Sh’loshim (sheh-loe-SHEEM) The 30-day mourning period observed by Jews.

Sh’ma (sheh-MAH) This central statement in Jewish liturgy derives from the Torah (Deut.6:4): Shema Yisrael Adonai Eloheinu Adonai Echad, “Hear O Israel, Adonai is our God, Adonai is One.”

shmooze (SHMOOZ) Yiddish term for friendly chatting.

shofar (SHOW-far) The hollowed-out ram’s horn blown during the High Holy Days.

shul (SHOOL) German for “school” and a common Yiddish word for synagogue.

Shulchan Aruch (shool-KHAN ah-ROOKH): Authoritative code of Jewish Law complied in 1565 by Joseph Karo.

spice box The small, perforated box filled with spices used during the Havdalah ceremony at the close of Shabbat.

Star of David Six pointed star known as the Jewish Star or Magen David.

synagogue (sin-ah-GAHG) Greek for “assembly” and now, the most common term for a Jewish house of worship.

tallit (tah-LEET) pl. tallitot (tah-lee-TOTE); fringed prayer shawl symbolizing the enfolding of the mitzvot incumbent upon Jewish men to fulfill. Worn during morning prayers. Tallis (TAH-liss), Yiddish for tallit.

Talmud (TAHL-muhd) “Learning,” the word for a vast compendium of literature including the Mishnah, Gemara and successive generations of rabbinic commentary from which halacha and other rabbinic teaching derive. Bavli is the larger collection compiled in Babylonia (approx. 6th c. C.E.); the Yerushalmi is the Palestinian Talmud compiled in the same general era.

Tanakh (tah-NAKH) a Hebrew acronym for the three sections that make up the Jewish Bible (T=Torah, N=Nevi’im – prophetic texts, K=Ketuvim – various writings)

Temple A reference to Jerusalem’s historic, central site of Jewish worship in biblical times, destroyed in 586 B.C.E. and 70 C.E.; in modern parlance, a synonym for synagogue.

t’filah (teh-fee-LAH) “Prayer.”

t’fillin (teh-FILL-in) Small black leather boxes with attached straps that are worn by traditional Jews for morning, weekday prayers.

tikkun olam (tee-KOON oh-LAHM) “Repair of the world.” One of Judaism’s mitzvoth, the task incumbent upon all Jews to leave the world a better place for their having lived amidst it.

Torah (toe-RAH) Literally, “Teaching” or “Instruction,” it may denote the first five books of the Bible, the actual scroll in the ark of the synagogue, and in its broadest sense, all Jewish law and learning.

treif (TRAYF) Yiddish for non-kosher food.

tzadik (TSA-deek), pl. tzadikim (tsah-dee-KEEM); “Righteous one,” referring to an especially praiseworthy scholar or person.

tzedakah (tseh-DOCK-ah) “Righteousness,” often understood as “charity.” It is a custom to “give tzedakah” before entering the shul and as well, immediately before Shabbat commences.

tzitzit (TSEET-tseet) The four fringes at the corners of the tallit, wound in knots and tied in a manner which can be understood to add up to the 613 mitzvot obligatory for Jews.

Ve’ahavta (veh-ah-HAV-tah) Verses from Torah immediately following the Sh’ma in the liturgy (for Reform Jews, Deut. 6:5 – 9 and Num. 15:40 – 41).

Wailing Wall or Western Wall The archaeological site in Jerusalem that forms the remaining Western support wall of the ancient Temple, this is considered to be a holy Jewish site. Also called the Kotel (KO-tell).

yahrzeit (YAHR-tsite) Yiddish term for the anniversary of someone’s death.

yarmulke (YAAH-mih-kah) Yiddish for kippah.

Yerushalayim (yeh-ROO-shah-LYE-eem) Hebrew for “Jerusalem,” which can be understood to mean “they will see manifold peace.”

Yiddish (YID-ish) The commonly spoken language of Ashkenazic Jews.

Yisra’el (yis-rah-ALE) Israel, literally, “he who strives with God.”

Zion (TZEE-yon) The name of a hill in Jerusalem, this word has come to signify the Land of Israel.

Zionism The term given to the modern political and religious movement to establish a Jewish homeland.

Zohar (ZOE-har) A medieval commentary on the Torah written in Aramaic, the central text in the Jewish mystical tradition.