About Jewishness

Glossary Key
abbr. = abbreviated Ar. = Arab esp. = especially Heb. = Hebrew lit. = literally n = noun
pl. = plural pron. = pronounced usu. = usually v = verb Yid. = Yiddish

A
abba
(Heb.) father
Acharonim
lit.=the last ones: post-Rishonim commentators
Achashverosh
Persian king in Book of Esther
Adar
6th Jewish month (Feb-Mar), 14th is Purim
aderabah
"but, in actuality..."
adom
(Heb.) red
Adon Olam
"Master of the World," a concluding hymn
Adonai
the Name for God used most frequently in Berachot and in reading the Torah aloud. It means "Master," as the Hebrew word for "master" is "adon." As "addonaye" still used in Amsterdam inner city dialect, as an expression of amazement.
afikomen
last bit of matzah, eaten at end of Seder
Agadah
non-legal rabbinic writings
agora (pl. agorot)
An Israeli coin. One hundred agorot equal one new Israeli shekel--NIS (q.v.).
agunah
lit.=chained one: wife of an M.I.A.; woman whose husband refuses to grant a divorce
ahava
(Heb.) love [n]
aidel
(Yid.) refined, socially graceful
ainikle
(Yid.) grandchild
aitzeh
advice
Aleinu
"It is Upon Us," a concluding hymn
aleph-bet
the Hebrew alphabet
al kiddush HaShem
for the sanctification of God
Al-Qassam Brigades
See Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades
alav hashalom
"(May he/she) rest in peace."
aliyah
lit.=ascent: immigration to Israel
Aliyah Bet
The Ha'apala movement, which attempted to evade the 1939 and 1948 British Naval restricting Jewish immigration to Palestine
alrightnik
(English+Yid.) social climber
Al-Qaeda
alternatively spelled Al-Qaida and sometimes Al-Qa'ida, is an Islamist group founded sometime between August 1988 and late 1989. It operates as a network comprising both a multinational, stateless arm and a fundamentalist Sunni movement calling for global jihad.
Al-Qaeda has attacked civilian and military targets in various countries, the most notable being the September 11 attacks on New York City and Washington, D.C. in 2001. The US government responded by launching the War on Terrorism.
Characteristic techniques include suicide attacks and simultaneous bombings of different targets. Activities ascribed to it may involve members of the movement, who have taken a pledge of loyalty to Osama bin Laden, or the much more numerous "al-Qaeda-linked" individuals who have undergone training in one of its camps in Afghanistan or Sudan, but not taken any pledge.
Al-Qaeda ideologues envision a complete break from the foreign influences in Muslim countries, and the creation of a new Islamic caliphate. Reported beliefs include that a Christian-Jewish alliance is conspiring to destroy Islam, which is largely embodied in the U.S.-Israel alliance, and that the killing of bystanders and civilians is religiously justified in jihad.
am ha'aretz
lit.=nation of the land: ignorant person
Amidah
lit.=standing: long prayer said while standing
Amora'im
lit.=explainers: Gemarah-era commentators (200-500 C.E.)
amud
lit.=stander: lectern, podium
Anglit
(Heb.) English language
Ani Ma’amin
lit.=I believe: phrase that begins each of Maimonides’ Thirteen Principles of Faith
aninut
the first stage of mourning is aninut, or "[intense] mourning. Aninut lasts until the burial is over, or, if a mourner is unable to attend the funeral, from the moment he is no longer involved with the funeral itself.
antisemitism
prejudice against or hostility towards Jews, often rooted in hatred of their ethnic background, culture, or religion.
apikoros
lit.=Epicurean: unbeliever, skeptic; heretic
aravot
willow sprigs, used on Succot
arba kanfos
lit.=four corners: tzitzit
Arba Kanfos
The Four Corners of the Earth
Aretz
lit.=land: Israel
arka'oth
secular court
aroisgevorfen
(Yid) wasted
aron (hakodesh)
(the holy) cabinet for Sefer Torah in a synagogue. Ashkenazi expression. Sefardim call it hekhal.
Artzrot HaBrit
lit.=Land of the Covenant (i.e. Constitution)=Israeli name for the U.S.A.
Asefat Hanivharim (Constituent Assembly)
The Yishuv's parliamentary body and the Knesset's predecessor
Aseret HaDibrot
The Ten Commandments
Aseret Yimei Teshuva
The Ten Days of Repentance between Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur, a time of introspection and semi-mourning
ashir
(pl. "Ashirim"); a rich person; as in "Aizehu Ashir? HaSameach BeChelko!" "Who is the rich person? The one who is happy with what he has!"
Ashkenazi (pl. Ashekenazim)
of Eastern European Jewish tradition
Ashrei
"Fortunate Are," a popular alphabetic prayer (Psalm 145)
Asoroh B'Tevet
winter fast for Babylonian siege of Jerusalem
asufi
(Hebr.) foundling. If there were indications that the foundling had been abandoned due to the parents being unable to support it, then Jewish law regarded the child as legitimate
asur
prohobitted under halachah
aufruf
held the Shabbat before a wedding, the throwing of candy, etc. at a groom after he reads the Haftorah Av
11th Jewish month (Jul-Aug), 9th is Tisha B'Av
av
(Heb.) father of...
av beth din
lit. "Father of the Court", (abbreviated ABD) is the most senior jurist of a beth din who may join in the adjudication of cases or advise the presiding dayanim. The av beth din will usually be a highly respected rabbi and posek, who can give responsa. Traditionally, the salaried rabbi of the local Jewish community served as the av beth din.
avel/avelut
mourner/mourning. Aninut is immediately followed by avelut ("mourning"). An avel ("mourner") does not listen to music or go to concerts, and does not attend any joyous events or parties such as marriages or Bar or Bat Mitzvahs, unless absolutely necessary. (If the date for such an event has already been set prior to the death, it is strictly forbidden for it to be postponed or canceled.)
Avelut consists of three distinct periods: shiva, shloshim and shneim asar chodesh.
aveyra
sin; transgression of a "shalt not"
aviron
lit.=air-thing: airplane
avodah
work [n], esp. in service of God
avodah zarah
lit.=strange work: idolatry, or in general, worship of anything other than God, for example, worship of the sun or the moon or the stars or a particular river, porn star, novelist, or man-made objects, such as statues, paintings, songs, books, and films.
ayef
(Heb.) tired, sleepy
ayrusin
marital engagement
ayin
(Heb.) eye
ayin harah
lit.= evil eye: hex, jinx
ayshet chayil
a woman of valor
Ayshet Chayil
the entire last chapter of Proverbs, sung on Erev Shabbat and at weddings, describing a "woman of valor"
azoy
lit.= thus: "Really?"
azoy geyt doz
lit.=thus goes this: "That's how it goes!"


B
Ba'al
a pagan god Jews are told in the Torah not to worship
ba'al
(Heb.) master, owner; one who...
ba'al(at) habayit
lit.=master (mistress) of the house: host [n]
ba'al koreh
lit.=...who reads: Torah reader
ba'al nais
lit.=...of a miracle: miracle-worker (using prayer, not magic)
ba'al shem
lit.=... of The Name: mystic scholar
Baal Shem Tov
Rabbi Yisroel ben Eliezer (August 27, 1698 – May 22, 1760), was a Jewish mystical rabbi. He is considered to be the founder of Hasidic Judaism
ba’al simcha
lit.=... of happiness: the celebrant, esp. the bar or bat mitzvah
ba'al teshuva
lit.=...who returns: newly observant Jew
ba'al toke'a
lit.=...of the sound: shofar blower
ba'alabusta
(Yid.) hostess; friendly woman (from the Heb. "ba'alat habayit")
babushka
kerchief worn as headcovering
bachor
first-born male child
badchan
jester-like emcee at Jewish weddings
baheyma
domesticated beast; "Animal!"
Bamidbar
Numbers (4th bk. of Torah)
bar...
son of...
barimer
(Yid.) braggart, egomaniac
bar mitzva
13-year-old boy now responsible for fulfilling mitzvot; the ceremony at which this rite of passage occurs
Baruch dayan emes
lit.=blessed is the true Judge: said upon hearing of a death
basar v'dam
flesh and blood; human
bashert
meant to be
bat...
daughter of...
bat kama aht
lit.=the daughter of how many (years) (are) you?: "How old are you?" (for females)
bat mitzva
12-year-old girl now responsible for fulfilling mitzvot; the ceremony at which this rite of passage occurs
batempte
lit.=tempting: appetizing, delicious
bayit
(Heb.) house, home
Bayit Rishon
the First Temple, built by Shelomo Hamelech, King Solomon, in Jerusalem, executing the idea of his father, David HaMelech, King David, in approximately the year 1000 B.C.E. and destroyed by the Babylonians in approx. the year 586 B.C.E.
Bayit Shelishi
the Third Temple, to be built by the Mashiach, "soon and in our days," to serve as a spiritual center for the entire world, and never to be destroyed.
Bayit Sheni
the Second Temple, built by Ezra, Nechemiah and Zerubavel, in approx. the year 516 B.C.E. with the permission of the Persian King Daryavesh, son of Queen Esther, and destroyed by the Romans in approx. the year 70
B.C.E/C.E.
Before the Common Era/Common Era
b'dikat chametz
the ceremonial, pre-Pesach search for chametz
becher
(Yid.) wine goblet
bechirah chofshit
"Freedom of Choice;" a fundamental belief of the Jewish Religion. "Bechirah" means "choice;" "chofshit" means "free." The concept means that the human being is not forced to choose "good" or "evil," but is free to choose between them. See yetzer tov/hara.
bedecken
(Yid.) the veiling of the bride
b'emet
lit.= in truth: "Really?"; "Really!"
Be'ersheva
lit.=well of the oath: Israeli city in the Negev
Beit...
pron."bate": House of... [Sefardi pron.]
Beit Din
lit.=house of law: rabbinical court
Beit HaMikdash
Holy Temple, twice destroyed
Beit HaT’futzot
lit.=House of the Scattered Ones: The Diaspora Museum, in Tel Aviv
Beit Lechem
lit.=House of bread: (Heb.) Bethlehem, Rachel's burial place
Beit (Ha)Midrash
room, building for religious study
bemeizid
a term in Halacha (Jewish law) that means that something was done on purpose. This matters in order to determine how culpable someone is for his actions. In order to for an action to be considered bemeizid, it must have been done with the knowledge that it was wrong, and with the intention of doing the action, and of his own free will. See beshogeg and beones.
ben...
son of...
ben kama atah
lit.=the son of how many (years) (are) you?: "How old are you?" (for males)
bentch
(Yid.) say Grace After Meals
bentch licht
(Yid.) light and bless the Shabbat candles
beones
a term in Halacha (Jewish law) that means that a person has done something because he was forced to do it. See bemeizid and beshogeg.
berye
(Yid.) virtuoso; adept one, esp. a host
beshogeg
a term in Halacha (Jewish law) that means that something was done without knowing the action was forbidden. See beneizid and beones.
Beth...
pron. "bett": House of... [Ashkenazi pron.]
bikur cholim
visiting the sick
bimah
lit.=stage: Torah-reading table in synagogue
Birkat HaMazon
lit.=blessing of the food: Grace After Meals
Birkat Kohanim
the blessing of the kohanim (see "duchan")
bisel
(Yid.) small amount
bishul Yisroel
food cooked by a Jew
bitachon
(Heb.) trust [n]
biterer tropn
lit.= bitter drop: (Yid.) whiskey, liquor
biz hundret un tzvensik yor
(Yid.) lit.=to a hundred and twenty years: "(May you) live a long life." [Moses lived to 120]
B'li neder
lit.=without a vow: said upon making a promise
blitzpost
lit.=lightning mail: (Yid.) e-mail
blood libel
the pernicious libel that the blood of Christian children is used to make kosher wine or matzah
b’nai mitzvah
more than one bar/bat mitzvah celebrant
boch'r
yeshiva student
boreike
perogie, sometimes with a phyllo crust
borscht
cold beet soup
Boruch Atoh
"Blessed are You..."
boruch haboh
lit.=bless the arrivers: "Welcome!"
boychik
(Yid.) boy, term of endearment
bracha
blessing
B'reshit
Genesis
brit (mila)
lit.=covenant: circumcision
broch
lit= break(ing): (Yid.) past all repair; "Oh, no!"
broyges
lit.=angry: (Yid.) falling-out, grudge
b'samim
fragrant spices smelled during Havdala
b'shert
destined; one's destined mate/spouse
b'tayavon
lit.=in appetite: Bon Appetit!
b'tzelem Elohim
in God's image
bubbe
(Yid.) grandmother
bubbeleh
lit.=little doll: (Yid.) dear one, darling
bubbe meiseh
tall tale, urban legend (from a fictional character; no relation to the word "bubbe" or to grandmothers)
bulvan
(Yid.) ox-like person
Bund
(Yid.) A political labour organization of Jewish workers founded in Vilna, Lithuania in 1987. The name is an abbreviation in Yiddish for The General Union of Jewish Workers in Russia, Lithuania, and Poland. The Bund opposed Zionism and viewed Yiddish as the only secular Jewish language
bupkes
lit.=beans: (Yid.) nothing; something worthless
butchkeh
(Yid.) chit-chat, relate anecdotes (v)
b'vakasha
"Please"; "You're welcome."


C
cacamamie
half-baked, silly
calla
(Heb.) bride
cahr
(Heb.) cold
C.E.
Common Era
Chabad
see "Lubavitch"
chag
holiday, esp. a religious one
chai
(Heb.) life
chalav
milk
chalilah
"God forbid!"
challah
braided egg bread for Shabbat and holidays. Actually it has two meanings: one is the "bread" used on Shabbat; the second is that part of dough that is removed from the batch and burnt in the oven. It is burnt because there is a technical obligation to give it to a "Kohen," a Priest; but without the Temple, this custom was suspended, and the dough has had to be destroyed.
"Challah" on Shabbat is used in the following manner: two loaves are set out on the table, and covered with a cloth; a napkin is sufficient, but attractive Shabbat challah covers are available in Judaica stores. After Kiddush is recited on a cup of wine, the people present wash their hands ritually, reciting a blessing on that act; then return to the table, where the head-of-the-household recites a blessing praising G-d Who "brings forth bread from the ground." The "challah" is cut, and distributed to all present, and the meal then continues.
The origin of the use of "challah" is the miraculous "Mohn," the "bread from heaven" which fell for the Jewish people while they were in the desert, on their way to the Land of Israel. To implant the idea of Shabbat, two portions fell on Friday, none of it spoiled when left overnight, and none fell on Shabbat, to mark it as a special time.
chalerya
lit.=cholera: (Yid.) crazy one, someone running amuck
chaloshes
(Yid.) dizzy, faint
chalutz
pioneer; early Israeli settler, esp. on kibbutz
cham
(Heb.) hot
chamalyeh
(Yid.) punch, hard hit [n]
chametz
leavened products forbidden on Pesach. Fermented or leavened wheat, rye, oats, spelt and barley. When these grains come in contact with water, they leaven within 18 minutes. In the case of hot or salted water, leavening takes place instantly.
Chanukah
winter holiday for defeating the Syrian Hellenists. It also involved the purification of the Temple, aided by the Miracle of the Oil, whereby an amount of oil sufficient for only one day miraculously lasted for eight days.
chanukia
Chanukah menorah
chap
grab
chap nit
lit.=don't grab: "Not so fast!" "Wait your turn!"
Chareidi
lit.=trembling: fervently practicing Orthodox Jews
charoset
Seder condiment of chopped apples, walnuts, and wine; recalls mortar made by Hebrew slaves in Egypt
chas v'sholom
lit.=mercy and peace: "God forbid!"
chasana
wedding
chasid (pl. chasidim)
member of an Orthodox Jewish sect. See Hasid
chatan
bridegroom
chatchke(s)
knick-knack(s)
chatunah
wedding
chaver
(Heb.) friend
Chaver Beth Din
Friend of the Court, amicus curiae; an internal adviser to the court. He may bring specialised expertise to the beth din. Often a chaver will be a dayun with training in secular law or science who can share his experience and perspectives with the court.
chaverim
(Heb.) friends
chavruta
study partner or group
chaya (ruah)
(wicked) wild animal
chayal
lit.=valorous, valiant one: soldier
chayrem
state of excommunication, shunning
Chaim Yankel
The "average Joe"
Chazal
abbr. of Chachomim, Zichronom L'Vracha: our Sages, may their Memories (be) for a Blessing.
chazan
cantor
chazer
pig
chazerai
(Yid.) disgusting stuff, trash
chazuka
claim of ownership based on repeated use
cheder
religious lesson, or where it's held
chelev
the animal fat which was consumed on the mizbe'ah (altar) as for the korban ritual, and is therefore forbidden to be eaten by Jewish humans. Whereas shuman are called those fats which were not offered, and therefore kosher for human consumption
chesed
(Heb.) kindness
cheshbon
lit.=accounting: bill, invoice, check (at a restaurant)
cheshban nefesh
lit.= accounting of the soul: soul-searching self-evaluation
Cheshvan
2nd Jewish month (Oct-Nov)
chevra kadisha
lit.=holy association: burial society
chidush
innovation; revelation
chilul HaShem
lit.=defamation of the Name: an act or statement that reflects badly on God (and the Jewish community).
chinuch
early childhood education
chiyuv
lit.=obligated: one to whom an honor is due in shul
chochma
(Heb.) wisdom
chochom (pl. chochomim)
sage; wise one
chochom b'laila
lit.=a sage at night: said of those who think they are smart, yet no one else can "see" it.
chodesh
lit.=new (moon): month
Chol HaMo'ed
middle 4 days of 8-day holidays, esp. Pesach and Sukkot; rules of the holiday apply, but work is permitted.
choleh
(Heb.) sick, ill
cholent
24-hour stew for Shabbat, holidays, etc.
cholov Yisroel
any dairy products that came from Jewish owned farms
choshech
(Heb.) darkness; (Yid.) depression; calamity
choshev
lit.=considerable: important
choson
(Heb.) groom
chrain
(Yid.) horseradish
chug
activity group
Chumash
lit.=five: The Five Books of Moses
chuppah
wedding canopy
churban
destruction, ruin [n]
chuts
Jewish immigrants to London, from Amsterdam
chutzpah
sass, moxy; nerve, gall
chiloni
Israeli non-affiliated Jew
Cohen
Priest. Descendents of Aaron through the male line, during the time of the Temple priests supervised the various sacrifices. Today in traditional synagogues they are given the honor of reading the first portion of the weekly Torah-reading.
Conservative Jews
Accept the primacy of halakah (q.v.) but have introduced modifications in liturgy and ritual.
Converso
Jew forced to convert under the Inquistion; a modern descendant living in the southwest U.S.


D
daf yomi
lit.=page of the day: practice of learning a page of Gemara each day
daled amos
lit.=four cubits: personal space
dan l'chaf zechut
lit.=judge to the side of merit: give the benefit of the doubt
darkon
lit.=way-thing: passport
darshen
to interpret, esp. in religious issues
daven
(Yid.) pray
Dayenu
"It Would Have Sufficed," a Seder song; "Enough already!"
dayun (also dayan)
(Heb.) judge [n] Rabbinic judge; sits and adjudicates cases in a beth din. A rabbinic judge may directly question and cross-examine witnesses.
derech eretz
lit.=the way of the land: courtesy
devash
honey
Diaspora
(Greek) a diaspora ("a scattering [of seeds]") is any movement of a population sharing common national and/or ethnic identity. While refugees may or may not ultimately settle in a new geographic location, the term diaspora refers to a permanently displaced and relocated collective. Also referring to those Jews not living in Israel
din
(Heb.) law
drasha
sermon
dreidel
toy top used on Chanukah
drei mir nisht main kop
lit.="Don't spin my head": "Don't distract me!"
driml
lit.= a little dream: (Yid.) nap [n]
Druze(s)
Member(s) of a religious community that constitutes a minority among Arabic-speaking Palestinians in Israel. Druze beliefs contain elements of Shia (q.v.) Islam, Christianity, and paganism
duchan
blessing the congregation [v], done by kohanim
D'varim
Deuteronomy
dvar Torah
lit.=word of Torah: speech on enlightening biblical passage or any aspect of religious thought
dybbuk
(Yid.) dead person's soul inhabiting a living person


E
efshar
possibly, maybe
ek velt
(Yid.) The End of the World
Eicha
Lamentations
Ein Sof
lit. "without end", denoting "boundlessness" and/or "nothingness"), is a Kabbalistic term that usually refers to an abstract state of existence preceding G-d's Creation of the limited universe.
El Al
lit.=to above: Israel's airline
Elul
12th Jewish month (Aug-Sept)
emet
(Heb.) true; the truth
emunah
(Heb.) faith
eppis
something undefinable, a "you-know-what"
Eretz Yisrael
(Hebr.) The Land of Israel. Eretz Yisrael is, according to the Hebrew Bible, the region which was promised by God to the descendants of Abraham through his son Jacob and to the Israelites, descendants of , Abraham's grandson. This land forms part of the Abrahamic, Jacob and Israel covenants. Mainstream Jewish tradition regards the promise as applying to all Jews. Since 1967, the English term Eretz Israel particularly has been associated with the political right in Israel.
Erev...
lit.=evening: the night before, esp. Shabbat or yom tov; like New Year's Eve
erusin
sanctification of a Jewish marriage
eruv
series of posts connected with string that fence in an area, making it permissible to carry on Shabbat in that area
esek
business
essen
lit.=edibles: (Yid.) food
etrog
citron, used on Sukkot
ezra
(Heb.) help [n]


F
Falasha
lit.=wanderer: derogatory name for Ethiopian Jews
far vus
(Yid.) for what, why
farbissener
(Yid.) stubborn one
farblonget
(Yid.) lost
farbrecher
lit.=breaker: (Yid.) con man
farbrengen
(Yid.) party [n], esp. religious or family
farbrent
(Yid.) burning; zealous
farfallen
(Yid.) collapsed, fallen in; lost, a lost cause
fargengin
(Yid.) pleasure
farkrenk
lit=for sickness: (Yid.) spend money on illness [v]
fasad
(Ar.) corruption, unlawful warfare, crime against law and order
Fatah
a major Palestinian political party and the largest faction of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), a multi-party confederation. In Palestinian politics it is on the left-wing of the spectrum; it is mainly nationalist, although not predominantly socialist. Its main goal, as stated in Article 12 of the official Fatah constitution is the "complete liberation of Palestine, and eradication of Zionist economic, political, military and cultural existence."
felafel
pita sandwich with fried chick-pea balls
ferdrimmeled
(Yid.) dreaming, daydreaming
ferklempt
(Yid.) clenched
fermished
(Yid.) mixed up, messed up
ferpitzed
(Yid.) dressed up
fershtays
(Yid.) understand
fershimmeled
(Yid.) moldy
fershluginer
(Yid.) "slugged," beaten, defeated
ferschnoshked
(Yid.) drunk
fertootsed
(Yid.) over-dressed, overdone
fitnah
(Ar.) disbelief, persecution
fleischig
containing or relating to meat
foilishtik
(Yid) foolish
fress
(Yid.) gobble
fresser
(Yid.) glutton
freylach
(Yid.) festive
frosk
(Yid.) slap
frum
lit.=pious: observant of halachah
fumfer
(Yid.) mumble


G
gaon
head of a Babylonian yeshiva; composer of the Talmud
gabbai
rabbi's synagogue assistant during prayer service
gadol (hador)
lit.=great person (of the generation): leader, esp. in religious sense
Gallil
lit= rolling: the northern, grassy, hilly part of Israel
Galut
lit.=exile: where the Diaspora lives
gam ze ya'avor
lit.=also this will pass: "This, too, shall pass"
gam zu l'tovah
lit.=also this for good: "Everything happens for the best"
Gan Aiden
The Garden of Eden
ganev
thief; clever person
gan k’tanim
lit.=garden of (the) small (ones): kindergarten
gantze
(Yid.) whole, entire
gantze megilla
(Yid.) the whole story
gantze mishpocha
(Yid.) the whole family
gartl
(Yid.) belt, sash (from same word as "girdle")
g'dilah
lit.=bigness: (Yid.) the "big deal"
gebentched
(Yid.) blessed
gefelt
(Yid.) pleasing
gefilt croht
stuffed cabbage
gefilte fish
fish cakes (originally stuffed in fish skin)
gei avek
lit.=go away: "Get out of here! Scram!"
gei gezunterheit
"Go in good health"
gei feifen afen yam
lit.=go whistle over [the] sea: "Go entertain someone else!"
gei in dr'erd
lit.=go in the earth: "Drop dead!"
gelilah
rolling and re-clothing of Torah scroll after hagbah
gelt
(Yid.) money, esp. as Chanukah gift
Gemara
commentary on the Mishna
gematria
Jewish numerology based on numerical value given to Hebrew letters
gemilut chasadim
acts of kindness
genizah
storage/burial for worn-out, but holy, papers, books, etc.
genug (shoyn)
(Yid.) "Enough (already)!"
ger
convert [n]
geshmack
tasty
gesheft
(Yid.) business
geshrai
(Yid.) cry, shout, yell [n]
get
divorce document, which according to Jewish Law, must be presented by a husband to his wife to effect their divorce
gevalt
lit.=scream: "Oh, wow!"; "Oh, no!", "Help!"
gevaltik
powerful, worthy of a cry of "Oy, gevalt!"
gezunt
(Yid.) healthy
gezuntheit
(Yid.) good health
glatt
lit.=smooth: highest level of fleishig kashrut
glick
(Yid.) good fortune
glomp
lit=cabbage stalk: (Yid.) useless one
Goldena Medina
lit.=Golden Country: the United States
golem
automaton; mindless one
gomel
one who has just undergone a dangerous experience
gorgl
(Yid.) neck
gornisht
(Yid.) nothing, emptiness
gornisht helfen
lit=nothing helps: (Yid.) "Forget it.";"It's hopeless."
gottenyu
"Dear G-d!"
goy
(Yid.) any person who is not Jewish
goyeh
(Yid.) gentile woman
goyim
(Yid.) group of non-Jewish persons
goyishe kop
(Yid.) opposite of Yiddishe kop. Generally used to indicate someone who is not particularly smart or shrewd. (Definitely offensive.)
Greater Syria
Term used by historians and others to designate the region that includes approximately the present-day states of Jordan, Israel, Lebanon, and Syria before those states were formed
Green Line
name given to the 1949 Armistice lines that constituted the de facto borders of pre-1967 Israel
grieven
small, crunchy bits of fried chicken skin, eaten as a snack
grogger
Purim noisemaker
groys
lit.=gross: (Yid.) large (but not necessarily disgusting)
grubber yung
lit=grubby youngster: ill-mannered adolescent, punk
gutteh voch
lit.=good week: (Yid.) "Have a nice week," a post-Havdalah greeting


H
HaApala
see Aliyah Bet
HaAretz
lit.=the land: The Land of Israel
habibi
lit.=the one I like: "My good friend"
hachnasat orchim
the welcoming of guests; hospitality
hader
(Heb.) pride
hadasim
myrtle leaves, used on Succot
hadlakah
kindling, lighting candles
Haftarah
after Torah reading, a reading from Prophets, usu. related in content or theme to parsha just read (not related to the words "half" or "Torah")
Haganah
lit. defense. Abbreviation for Irgun HaHaganah, the Jewish defense organization formed in 1919-20 by volunteers in early Jewish communities as home guards for protection against hostile bands. It became the military arm of the Jewish Agency (q.v.) and went underground during the British Palestine Mandate period (1922-48) when it was declared illegal. Along with the Jewish Brigade, which fought with the Allied forces in World War II, it formed the nucleus of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) established in 1948
hagbah
raising and display of the Torah scroll after reading
Hadassah
U.S.-based Jewish women's organization
Haggadah
Pesach guidebook, used during Seder
hakafot
dances around bimah on Succot [n]
hakarat hatov
lit.=the recognition of the good: gratitude, appreciation, esp. in public
hak'n a chainik
lit.=banging a kettle: annoying [v]
halachah
Jewish law
halbashah
ritual dressing as part of burial preparation. See taharah and rechitzah.
ha-levai
(Yid.) "If only!"
hallaf
Ashkenazi word for the knife used for shechita. Called a sakin by Sephardim.
Hallel
holiday prayer of thanks-giving Psalms
HaLuach HaIvri
The Hebrew calendar.
halvah
sesame candy
Hamas
"Islamic Resistance Movement"; an Islamic socio-political organization which includes a paramilitary force, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades. Since June 2007, after winning a large majority in the Palestinian Parliament and defeating rival Palestinian party Fatah in a series of violent clashes, Hamas has governed the Gaza portion of the Palestinian Territories. The governments of Canada, the European Union, Japan, and the United States classify Hamas as a terrorist organization. The United Kingdom and Australia classify only Hamas' independent military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, as a terrorist organization.
hamentash(en)
Purim cookie(s), filled with fruit or poppyseeds
HaMotzi
the blessing over bread
hano'oh
benefit, pleasure
Haredi or Charedi/Chareidi Judaism, also referred to as Ultra-Orthodox Judaism,—though the term is considered pejorative by some—is the most theologically conservative form of Orthodox Judaism. A follower of Haredi Judaism is called a Haredi (Haredim in the plural).
Haredi is derived from charada, meaning fear or anxiety, which in this context is interpreted as "one who trembles in awe of God". Many Haredi men have beards, most dress in dark suits, and wear a wide-brimmed hat (typically black) during prayer and while outside, and men wear a kippah at all times. Women adhere to meticulous tznius (modesty) standards, and hence wear long skirts and long sleeves, high necklines and some form of head covering if married: scarves, snoods, shpitzelach, hats, or sheitels (wigs).
hariba
(Ar.) to become angry and enraged
HaShem
The Name (in place of God's actual Name)
hashkafah
philosophy; religious "stream," esp. of Orthodoxy
hashgachah
lit.=supervison: kashrut certification
hashgachah pratis
lit.=detailed supervision: Divine providence or intervention
Hasid (pl. Hasidim)
Member of a religious movement, known as Hasidism, founded in the eighteenth century by Israel Ben-Eliezer Baal Shem Tov in Eastern Europe. The movement stresses the importance of serving God in ecstasy and has strong mystical elements
Haskala
19th cent. European Jewish "Enlightenment"
hatat
sin offering
HaTikvah
lit.=The Hope: Israel's anthem
hatzlachah
success, prosperity (often used as a farewell: "B'hatzlacha!")
Havdala
prayer bidding farewell to Shabbat. At the end of Shabbat, fragrant spices are used; they are smelled, and a blessing is recited, to arouse the soul from its sadness at the departure of the "neshama yetera," the enhanced soul, which, according to Jewish tradition, couples with the "regular" neshama on Shabbat, and is part of the delight. A blessing is also recited on a candle on the night of the departure of Shabbat, "Motzaei Shabbat," because it was that night that fire, that great gift, the foundation of all technological progress, was discovered/given to the human being.
haymish
lit.=home-like: friendly, joyous
hechsher
A hechsher "kosher approval"; plural: hechsherim) is the special certification marking found on the packages of products (usually foods) that have been certified as kosher
hefker
abandoned, ownerless
hekhal
(Hebr. "palace") the holy cabinet for Sefer Torah in a synagogue. Sephardi expression. Ashkenazim call it aron kodesh.
Herzl, Theodor
early Zionist, Hebrew-language proponent
hesped
eulogy
heter
expemption, waiver, usu. of halachah, for extenuating circumstances
Hezbollah
lit. "Party of God"); a Shi'a Islamist political and paramilitary organisation based in Lebanon. Hezbollah is now also a major provider of social services, which operate schools, hospitals, and agricultural services for thousands of Lebanese Shiites, and plays a significant force in Lebanese politics. It is regarded as a resistance movement throughout much of the Arab and Muslim world. Many governments, including Arab ones, have condemned actions by Hezbollah while others have praised the party. Several western countries regard it in whole or in part as a terrorist organization.
hirabah
(Ar.) piracy, unlawful warfare
hitsik
(Yid.) hot-headed, short-tempered
hondle
lit.=handle: bargain [v]
hora
fast, festive circle-dance
hoshanah
prayer for hakafot
Hoshanah Rabbah
holiday at end of Succot
hummus
chick-pea paste, a Mid-Eastern dish

I
ibberbuttel
senile, suffering from dementia
Ich loif
lit.= I'm running: (Yid.): "I'm coming, for crying out loud."
IDF
Israeli Defence Forces
ikor
core, essence
im yirtza HaShem
"God willing."
ima
(Heb.) mother
in mitn d'rinen
lit.=in the middle of: (Yid.) suddenly, "all of a sudden"
inyan
topic, subject
in de oygen
lit.= in the eyes: (Yid.) to one's face, in person
Irgun
An abbreviation for Irgun Zvai Leumi (National Military Organization). Established in 1937 as an underground Jewish extremist organization, also known as Etzel, derived from the pronounced initials of its Hebrew name. A more extreme group, known as the Stern Gang (q.v.), broke away from it in 1939. Both groups were especially active during and after World War II against the British authorities in Palestine. Both maintained several thousand armed men until all Israeli forces were integrated in June 1948
ish
man
isha
woman
Islamic military jurisprudence
refers to what has been accepted in Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) by ulema (Islamic scholars) as the correct Islamic manner which is expected to be obeyed by Muslims, though it may differ with what has been done in ancient and recent Muslim history.
Iyar
8th Jewish month (May), 5th is Yom HaAtzma'ut, 18th is Lag BaOmer.
Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades
named after Izz ad-Din al-Qassam, often shortened to Al-Qassam Brigades) is the military wing of socio-political organisation Hamas. Created in 1992 under the direction of , the primary objective of the group was to build a coherent military organization to support the goals of Hamas, which was at the time concerned with blocking the negotiations. From 1994 to 2000, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades carried out a number of attacks against both Israeli soldiers and civilians that endangered the , ultimately giving way to the "Al-Aqsa Intifada", which Hamas enthusiastically supported. The Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades is listed as a terrorist organization by the European Union, the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom.

J
Jewish Agency
Representing the World Zionist Organization as its executive body, the Jewish Agency works in close cooperation with the government of Israel, encourages and organizes immigration of Jews into the country, and assists in their social and economic integration
jihad
(Ar.) struggle, holy war. Jihad is a religious duty of Muslims. A minority among the Sunni scholars sometimes refer to this duty as the sixth pillar of Islam, though it occupies no such official status.In Twelver Shi'a Islam, however, Jihad is one of the 10 Practices of the Religion. In English-speaking countries, especially the United States, the term jihadist, technically a derogatory term for mujahid, is frequently used to describe militant Islamic groups, including but not restricted to Islamic terrorism.
Judenhass
German for Jew-hatred

K
Kabalah
lit.=acceptance: Jewish mysticism
kabalat panim
lit.=the acceptance of faces: bride's pre-ceremony wedding reception
Kaddish
mourner's prayer
kallah
bride
kama
how many/much?
kama zeh oleh
lit.=how much does this rise?: "How much does this cost?"
kallah
study session
kapo
head of a Judenrat, the Jewish council running a ghetto
kaporah
lit.=atonement: (Yid.) suffering that one hopes may atone for sins
Karaite Judaism or Karaism, Yahadut Qara'it, meaning "Readers of the Hebrew Scriptures," or followers/seekers of "Torah- or Tanakh-based Judaism. Karaites maintain that all of the commandments handed down by Moses were recorded in the written Torah, and that an Oral Law was not given at Mount Sinai. Contrary to Orthodox Judaism, Karaite Judaism follows patrilineal descent, meaning a Jew is someone whose father is Jewish. Karaite Jews are not circumcised.
karger
(Yid.) miser
karpas
vegetables (usu. parsley, celery, potato) dipped in salt water and eaten at Seder
kasha
couscous-like dish made of buckwheat
kashe
question, esp. on ritual observance
kasher
to make kosher, esp. meat or dishes
kashrut
the laws of kosher-ness
kapoteh
long, black coat worn by chasidim; also: condom
kavanah
lit.=intention: sincerity, earnestness, esp. while praying or doing mitzvot. Conscious thought, intention, concentration.
kavod
honour, glory
katzisher kop
(Yid.) forgetful one
kedoshim
lit.=holy ones: martyrs
kedushin
the marriage ceremony
kehillah
congregation; community
kemfer
(Yid.) fighter; activist
ken
(Heb.) no
ken ayina hora
lit.=without the evil eye: "Not to jinx it" (said after complimenting)
Keren HaYesod
Literally, Israel Foundation Fund. The central fiscal institution of the World Zionist Organization that finances its activities in Israel
kesher
lit.=knot: emotional bond between people, esp. a couple
kesef
money
keter Torah
ornamental crown placed on Sefer Torah
ketubah
lit.=writ: marriage contract; marriage settlement
kever
grave
kevurah
Jewish burial
kezatzkeh
Russian dance involving kicks from a squatting position
khap
grab, snatch; understand [v]; insight [n]
kibbitz
(Yid.) chitchat
kibbutz (pl. kibbutzim)
Israeli collective farm
kichel
air-filled cookies
kiddish
celebratory meal after synagogue services
kiddush
prayer/blessing for wine
kiddush haShem
lit.=sanctification of the Name: selfless act, esp. martyrdom
kiddush lavona
prayer for the new moon
kiddushin
This is the ceremony where the "chasan," the groom, places an object of some value, generally a plain ring, in the bride's hand, and declares the Hebrew equivalent of, "Behold, you are now betrothed unto me by this ring, according to the Law of Moses and Israel. " At this point, the "chasan" and "kallah" are considered to be married, in the sense that that she is forbidden to any other man. But bride and groom may not live intimately with each other until the ceremony of "yichud," "spending a short amount of time with each other in complete privacy." That process completes their wedding.
kinder(lach)
(small) children
Kinneret
lit.=small harp: lyre-shaped lake in northern Israel
kipah (pl. kipot)
(Heb.) skullcap
kiruv
lit.=closeness: outreach
kishef-macher
lit=magic maker: (Yid.) wizard, sorcerer; surprisingly effective one
kishka
seasoned mashed potatoes in a casing
kishkas
(Yid.) innards; "guts" ("She's got..."; "I feel it in my...")
Kislev
3rd Jewish month (Nov-Dec), 25th is Chanukah
kitel
white robe, esp. for Pesach and Yom Kippur
kitniot
leguminous vegetables such as beans, peas, corn and rice.
kitsel
(Yid.) tickle
Klal Yisrael
(Heb.) The Jewish People
klezmer
Yiddish music: part Jewish, part big-band
klog is mir
(Yid.) "Woe is me!"
klutz
lit=wooden block, beam: (Yid.) clumsy one
klutz kasheh
an unanswerable question, or one that reveals deep ignorance; the kind of question a klutz would ask
Knesset
Israel's Parliament
k'neidlach
(Yid.) matzah balls
k'nish
puff pastry filled with meat or potatoes
ko'ach
strength; endurance, energy
koch-alein
lit.=cook alone: summer cottage with a kitchen
koch-leffel
lit.=cooking ladel: one who "stirs the pot" with rumors or gossip
kodesh
(Heb.) holy
kohen (pl. kohanim)
descendant of Moses, Aaron; thus, a member of the priest class. The Kohanim are a subset of the Tribe of Levi. Thus, every Kohen is a Levi, but not every Levi is a Kohen.
kol b'seder
lit.=all (is) in order: "Everything's fine!", "It's all good." (said to be source of "copacetic")
Kol Nidre
"All Vows," key prayer, by chazan on Erev Yom Kippur
kollel
all-day yeshiva, esp. for the married
kol tuv
lit.=all (is) good: "Everything's fine."; "I'm all right."
kop'drayenish
lit.=head-spinning: confusing, crazy-making
korban
(Heb.) holy sacrifice; (Yid.) scapegoat
kos
(Heb.) wine goblet
kosher
permissible to eat under Jewish law
Kotel (HaMa'aravi)
The (Western) Wall
kovod
(Heb.) honor [n]
krechts
lit.=creak: groan
krenk
(Yid.) sick
kreplach
won tons
kriyah
lit.=ripping: the tearing of one’s clothes to signify mourning
kriyat haTorah
the reading of the Torah
krovim
lit.=close ones: relatives
kugel
casserole, usu. of potatoes or noodles; tease [v, slang]
kumsitz
lit.=come, sit: sing-along and storytelling session
Kuni Lemel
fool [n] (after a fictional character)
kvatter
or kvatterin (female) among Ashkenazi Jews is for the person who, when the circumcision ceremony starts, carries the baby from the mother to the father, who in turn carries him to the mohel. This honor is usually given to a couple without children, as a merit or charm that they should have children of their own.
kvell
derive deep pride or intense satisfaction
kvetch
(Yid.) whine(r), complain(er)
kvitsch
(Yid.) short shriek of surprise


L
Ladino
the Jewish-Spanish language
Lag BaOmer
the thirty-third day of the Omer, minor spring holiday
lamden
lit.=learned one: scholar
Lamed Vovnik
lit.=one of the 36: righteous person who often labours in anonymity. According to tradition, the world continues to exist due to the merits of these unknown 36 individuals.
Land for peace
an interpretation of UN Security Council Resolution 242 which has formed the basis of subsequent Arab-Israeli peace making. The name Land for Peace is derived from the wording of the resolution's first operative paragraph which affirms that peace should include the application of two principles; Withdrawal of Israeli forces (Giving Up Land), and Termination of all claims or states of belligerency (Making Peace). Since the resolution stipulates that both principles should apply they can be viewed jointly as giving up land for peace, referred to more concisely as 'land for peace'.
Land of Israel
See Eretz Israel. Since 1967, the English term Eretz Israel particularly has been associated with the political right in Israel.
landsman
fellow native (usu. of place in Old Country)
landsmanshaft(en)
organization(s) of fellow natives
langeh loksh
lit.= long noodle: (Yid) tall, thin, gangly one
lashon harah
lit.=bad language: slander, gossip
Lashon HaKodesh
lit.=holy tongue: Hebrew
latke
potato pancake, esp. for Chanukah
lavayah
lit.=procession: funeral
Law of Return
Passed by Knesset in July 1950 stating that "Every Jew has the right to come to (Israel) as an olah (new immigrant)."
layn
read from the Torah, etc., with trop
lechaim
"To Life!" (the traditional Jewish toast)
lechem
(Heb.) bread
lechen di finger
finger-lickingly tasty
Lehi
Acronym for Lohamei Herut Yisrael, literally, Fighters for Israel's Freedom, a former resistance and political organization, created in 1939 and disbanded under pressure in 1948. Commonly known as the Stern Gang. See also Irgun.
leibedikeh
(Yid.) lively, full of life
leiben ahf dein kop
lit.=life on your head: "Good job! Nice work!"
lev
(Heb.) heart
levi (pl. leviim)
member of the tribe of Levi, but not a descendant of Moses or Aaron; thus, a member of the priest-assistant class. Their task is to assist the Kohanim in matters relating to the Temple. Back in the desert, when the Jewish People carried the Mishkan from place to place, it was the task of the Leviim to carry the various components of the Mishkan, from the boards to the holy vessels from one destination to another. It is also the task of the Leviim to be the choir in the Temple; thus, for example, they would sing the "Psalm (Song of Praise) of the Day" and play the various instruments in the Temple. They were also the gatekeepers of the Temple. Since, like the Kohanim they are not given land in Israel, they are the recipients of "Maaser," one tenth the produce, or income, of each of the other tribes.
licht
lit.=light: Shabbat or yom tov candles
Likud
Israeli conservative political party
lo
(Heb.) no
lobbus
tiny terror, esp. a child or small animal
loch in kopf
lit.=a hole in (the) head: "the last thing I need"
lochshen
wide noodles, esp. for kugel
l'shanah tova
lit.=for a good year: Rosh HaShanah greeting
l'shem shoma'im
lit.=for the sake of Heaven: altruistic
Lubavitch
large and influential chaisidic group focusing on outreach
luftmensch
lit=air man: one without visible means of (monetary) support
lulav
palm frond. used on Succot

M
ma'amin
one who believes
Ma'arat HaMachpela
Tomb of the Patriarchs
ma'ariv
evening prayer
ma'aseh
lit.=action: anecdote
Maccabi
follower of Judah of the Maccabis
maccabiah
Jewish preteen mini-Olympics (cap. if official version)
Machal
(also: Mahal) an acronym for Mitnadvei Hutz LaAretz, lit. Volunteers from outside the Land [of Israel]). It applies to the foreign soldiers in the Israeli defense forces since 1948
machatonim
child's spouse's parents, co-in-laws
machatonista
child's mother-in-law
macher
lit.=maker: mover-and-shaker
machmir
strict, esp. with regard to observance of halachah
machotin
child's father-in-law
machsheifeh
witch, harpy
machzor
holiday prayerbook, esp. for High Holidays
madrich
camp counselor; youth-group leader; tour guide
mafte'ach
lit.=opener: key
Mahalnik
Foreign soldier in Israeli military forces. See Machal.
maidel
lit.=maiden: (Yid.) young woman
makos
(Heb.) whip-lashes; plagues
malach
messenger
Mama Loshon
lit.=mother tongue: Yiddish
mamosh
definitive(ly)
mamzer
In Jewish religious law a mamzer is a person born from certain forbidden relationships, or the descendant of such a person. Roughly speaking, due to the Jewish definition of marriage, a mamzer is someone who is either born of adultery by a married woman, or born of adultery, or someone who has a mamzer as a parent.
mandel brot
almond pastry
makol
permissive, esp. with regard to observance of halachah
makpid
rigorous, esp. with regard to details of halachah
malon
(Heb.) hotel
mahair
(Heb.) hurry, "Hurry up!"
Mahalnik
Foreign soldier in Israeli defence forces (see Machal)
ma hasha'ah
lit.=what's the hour?: "What time is it?"
ma koreh
lit.=what happens?: "What's hapening? What's up?"
ma nishma
lit.=what will we hear?: "What's going on? What's new?"
Ma Nishtanah
"What Distinguishes?" set of children's questions in Haggadah, the "Four Questions"
maot chitim
lit.=wheat money: charity given for poor to buy matzah
Marrano
lit.=pig: derogatory name for Converso
marror
bitter herb eaten on Pesach
mashgiach
kashrut consultant, lit. "Supervisor". A person who supervises the kashrut status of a kosher establishment
Masorti
Masorti movement is the name given to Conservative Judaism in Israel and other countries outside Canada and U.S. Masorti means "traditional" in Hebrew. It should not be confused with the large part of Israeli Jews (25% to 50% depending on definitions) who define themselves as "masorati" - meaning religiously "traditional" and at least nominally Orthodox.
matrilineal descent
determining descent by the mother; this is the method of determining religious identity; that is, from the point of view of biology, a child is Jewish if and only if its mother was Jewish; as opposed to patrilineal descent
matzah (pl. matzot)
unleavened bread, esp. eaten on Pesach
matzah brei
French-toasted matzah
matzav
lit.=situation: state of terror, terrorism
matzevah
tombstone, monument
matzlema
lit.=image-maker: camera
mayim
water
mayveen
(Heb.) understand; speak a language
mayven
lit.=understander: expert; know-it-all
mazel
lit.=constellation: luck
mazel ritual
a noncontractual agreement in the diamond business, concluded by a simple handshake and the magic word mazel. The ritual is based on the trust, loyalty, and reputation of the diamantair, which is built up inside his ethnic community, and which secures him from various risks and dangers from the outside world. When, however, disputes or conflicts among diamantairs arise, the community provides mechanisms to solve them by an inner arbitration system. The main purpose is to protect the individual reputation of the diamantair on one hand, and the collective reputation of the diamond community.
mazel und broche
luck and blessing
Mazel Tov
lit.= (a) good star: "Congratulations!"
mazik
impish person, esp. a child
mechaya
lit.= which makes live: relief; joy (said of a person, thing, or situation)
mechilah
forgiveness, esp. of sin or personal slight
mechitza
partition between men and women in shul
medaber
speaking, or the state of being capable of speech
medina
country (the actual territory)
Medinat Yisrael
(Heb.) The State of Israel
megillah
(Heb.) Esther, Ruth, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Lamentations (Yid.) any long, drawn-out story
Megillah
The Book of Esther
mekabel
lit.=accepting: embracing a concept or interpretation [adj.]
melach
salt
melamed
religious teacher, esp. a non-rabbi
melaveh malkeh
Shabbat party
melech/Melech
king/ capitalize in reference to G-d
meltzar(eet)
waiter (waitress)
menachem avel
lit.=comforting a mourner: paying a condolence call
menorah
candelabra, esp. for Chanukah
mensch (pl. menschen)
(Yid.) upstanding person
menschlach
decent, morally upright, polite
menuvl
detestable one
me'od
(Heb.) very; much
MERCAZ
(Abbr.) the Zionist organization of the Conservative Movement, and represents Conservative/Masorti Jews the world over.
meshuge
(Yid). crazy
meshugene
(Yid.) crazy one
meshulach
lit.=sent one: messenger, esp. one seeking funding for an organization
meshumad
one who has abandoned his Jewish faith
mesirah
the notion of not turning another Jew in, or send him to prison to be among the goyim
mesorah
traditional
metziah
lit.=a find: a bargain
mezeg avir
lit.=condition of (the) air: the weather
mezuma
lit.=ready: ready money, esp. cash
mezuman
lit.=ready: quorum of three adults needed for pre-Birkat HaMazon blessing
mezuzah
biblical passage on a parchment scroll, placed in an ornamental case and affixed to a doorpost. According to halakha, the mezuzah should be placed on the right side of the door, in the upper third of the doorpost (i.e., approximately shoulder height), within approximately 3 inches (8 cm) of the doorway opening.
midot
lit.=measures: manners, behavior, conduct
Midrash
collection of extra-biblical stories
mihu Yehudi
who is a Jew
mikvah
ritual bath designed for the purpose of ritual immersion
milah l'shem giur
circumcision for the purpose of conversion
milchamah
war
milchig
dairy
mincha
afternoon prayer
minhag
Jewish custom
minyan
quorum of 10 required for certain prayers
mishalach manot
gifts of food given on Purim
misheberach
blessing of healing given during kriyat haTorah
mishegas
(Yid). craziness, nonsense, absurdity; eccentricity
Mishkan
portable Holy Temple used during Exodus
mishloach manot
Purim basket; wrapped basket of sweets, drinks and other foodstuffs, given as a present on Purim day. According to the halakha, every Jew over the age of Bar and Bat Mitzvah must send two different, ready-to-eat foods and/or drinks to one friend to fulfill the mitzvah of giving mishloach manot. In some countries, the practice has evolved to sending large and often elaborate baskets to more than one recipient. Over time, the mitzvah of giving mishloach manot has become one of the most prominent features of the celebration of Purim.
mishmash
eclectic collection or arrangement
Mishnah
oral law, parallel to Torah. Written down circa 200 C.E.
mishpoche
family
mitn derinnin
lit.=in the middle of it: (Yid.) "All of a sudden..!"
mitzvah (pl. mitzvot)
religious commandment
mizbe'ach
a place of slaughter or sacrifice, altar where animal are slaughtered
Mizbe'ach
altar used in Holy Temple.
mizrach
east, dir. American Jews face when praying
Mizrachi
Orthodox Zionist movement
Mizrahim
Jews descended from the Jewish communities of the Middle East, Central Asia and the Caucasus. The term Mizrahi is used in Israel in the language of politics, media and some social scientists for Jews from the Arab world and adjacent, primarily Muslim-majority countries. This includes Iraqi Jews, Syrian Jews, , Yemenite Jews, Persian Jews, Afghan Jews, Bukharian Jews, Maghrebi Jews, Berber Jews, Kurdish Jews, Mountain Jews, Georgian Jews and Ethiopian Jews. It would also include the Jews of India, Jews of Pakistan, and Baghdadi Jews who settled in the last few centuries
moach
brain
mochel
forgiving
Mogen David
lit.=Shield of David: Jewish star
mohel
one who performs circumcisions
Mordechai
hero of Book of Esther
moshav
kibbutz, but with more private property
Moshe Kapoyer
one who does everything backward (from a fictional character)
Moshiach
the Messiah
moshol
parable, fable, usu. with a moral
motzo'ei Shabbat
lit.=(the) leaving of Shabbat: Saturday night, after the end of Shabbat
motzi
see "HaMotzi"
mujahid (pl. mujahideen)
(Ar.) struggler, freedom fighter
muktzah
forbidden on Shabbat, said esp. of an object
musaf
lit.=gathered: additional post-shacharit prayers on holidays
mussar
constructive criticism; moral, ethics


N
na'areshkeit
lit.=adolescent stuff: worthless things or activities
nachas
pride, esp. parental pride for children; pleasure to see the fruits of your labour
nahala
Ladino for Yartzeit, annual anniversary of the day of death of a relative.
nais
(Heb.) miracle
nakba
catastrophe, names the Palestinian experience in 1948. Expulsion and transfer from their homes in historic Palestine allowed for the creation of Israel as a Jewish state. The Nakba was and is the dark side of Jewish statehood
nakbaphobia
Jewish fear of acknowledging and taking responsibility for the irrefutable historical record of the Palestinian experience in 1948
nasi
lit.=prince: head of Biblical tribe or Sanhedrin
national camp
Israeli right-wing politics collection of organizations, in contrast to the peace camp. Criticism from the right-wing is focused against the ideology of the peace camp, claiming that a land for peace deal with Palestinian Liberation Organization is endangering the existence of Israel and will not lead to true peace. Moreover, they claim that such a deal is morally unacceptable as it involves the uprooting of people from their houses in Israeli settlements. Right-wingers have suggested alternative peace plans in which the Palestinian refugees would either establish themselves in Arab countries ("transfer with agreement"), or remain in their place, but be granted Jordanian citizenship. The right wing also have strong criticism over the left's "partner for peace".
navi
prophet
nazir
Hebr. meaning "consecrated" or "separated"; ascetic abstainer from wine, haircuts, and contact with death.
nebach
(Yid.) "(Such) a pity!"
nebbish
pitiful person
nechomah
(Heb.) pity
nechtiker tog
lit.=yesterday's-day: "Forget it! It's history."
nefesh
soul, essence of life
Negev
the southern, desert part of Israel
negiah
guidelines for physical contact
Ne'ilah
lit.=closing (of the gates): final prayer on Yom Kippur
ner tamid
lit.=forever candle: eternal flame, esp. in shul
neshoma
(Heb.) soul
netilat yadayim
the washing of the hands, esp. before eating bread
Nevi'im
biblical writings and stories of Prophets
niddah
temporary marital separation due to menstruation
nifter
lit.=exempt: deceased
niggun
tune to which liturgy is sung; wordless melody sung by chasidim
Nine Days
days of mourning leading up to Tisha B'Av
NIS
(abbr.) In September 1985, the new Israeli shekel (NIS) went into circulation, replacing the Israeli shekel that had existed since 1980. (Before 1980 the Israeli currency was called the Israeli pound or lira.) The NIS is equivalent to 1,000 old Israeli shekels and is divided into 100 agorot.
Nisan
7th Jewish month (Mar-Apr), 15th starts Pesach, 27th is Yom HaShoah
nisht geshtoygen und nisht gefloygen
lit.= (it) doesn't climb and (it) doesn't fly: "Your idea is unsupported"; "Nonsense!"
nishgutgnik
lit.= not good: (Yid.) a good-for-nothing person
nisht-koshe
lit.= not hard: "So-so", "Not bad"
nisht gerferalach
lit.= not dangerous: "Don't worry about it; it's nothing"
nissuin
Jewish wedding ceremony
nit gedeiget
lit.= not to worry: "No worries! Everything's great."
noch
after, still; even
noch-amol
lit.= another time: "Again!"; "Encore!"
noch-shlepper
lit.=again-dragger: follower; hanger-on, coat-tail rider
no-goodnik
a good-for-nothing person
nomen
(Yid.) name [n]
nosh
snack [n,v]
nosherai
snack foods; silly, time-wasting stuff
nu
(Yid.) "So?"
nudge
pest [n], to pester [v]
nudnik
lit.=nausea-maker: (Yid.) unthinking, inconsiderate person
nusach
version of liturgy-- wording, melody, or both


O
ochtsen und dreytsen
lit= 18 and 13: (Yid.) of a less palatable but necessary topic, esp. money
oht azoy
lit.=as thus: "That's right! Just like that!"
olah
burnt offering
olam
world; universe; everything; forever
Olam HaBah
The World to Come
oleh (pl. olim)
lit.=ascender: immigrant to Israel; one who rises, goes up
Omer
period of 49 days between the second night of Pesach and the first night of Shavuot; first 33 are period of national mourning
oneg
party, usu. on Shabbat
ootz
(Yid.) tease; pester
Oriental Jews
see Mizrahim and Sephardi
Orthodox Jews
Adherents of that branch of Judaism that insists on a rigid and strict observance of halakah (q.v.) and an emphasis on national ritual conformity
otobus
lit.=autobus: bus
(The) O.U.
The Orthodox Union (full name: Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America); its kashrut insignia, an 'O' around a 'U'.
oy, gevalt
"Oh, drat!"; "Quick, help!"
oy, gottenyu
"Oh, G-d!"
oy va voy
"Oh my dear!"
oy, vey
lit.=(it) hurts: "Oh, no!"
oy, vey is mir
"Oh, woe is me."
oys gematert
(Yid.) worn out, worn thin; exhausted
oys shiduch
lit.=the engagement is over: "The deal is off!"
oysvorf
(Yid.) outcast
oytser
lit.=treasure: (Yid.) darling one


P
pahst
(Yid.) appropriate
Pale of Settlement
Area of twenty-five provinces of czarist Russia within which Jews were allowed to live, outside of which they could reside only with specific permission
Palmach
Abbreviation for Pelugot Mahatz, shock forces. In British Palestine and until June 1948, it was a commando section of the Jewish military forces. Organized in 1941 to provide the Haganah (q.v.) with a mobile force, it consisted of young men mostly from kibbutzim, who took military training while working part-time at farming, serving in cooperation with the British army, without pay or uniforms
parnasah
livelihood; maintenance
parsha
chapter, esp. of Torah
parshat hashavua
weekly parsha read in shul; the parsha for a given week
parve
status of food containing neither dairy nor meat ingredients; wishy-washy [slang]
pas Yisroel
bread baked by a Jew
paskin
to answer a question on religious practice
paskudnyak
corrupt, degenerate, immoral one
patrilineal descent
determining descent by the father; this is the method of determining "status," in terms of whether son is a Kohen, Levi or Yisrael, and accordingly, whether son's daughter is a bat-Kohen, bat-Levi or bat-Yisrael; as opposed to matrilineal descent.
pe'ah
li.=corner: section of field left for poor to glean
peace camp
The Israeli peace camp is a self-described collection of movements which claim to strive for peace with the Arab neighbours of Israel (including the Palestinians, Syria and Lebanon) and encourage co-existence with the Arab citizens of Israel. The peace camp is mostly associated with Israeli left-wing politics; in contrast, the Israeli right-wing politics collection of Israeli organizations are called the national camp. Whereas Labor Zionist members of the "Peace camp," such as Nobel Prize winner Shimon Peres, share demographic priorities in common with the Israeli right parties, non-Zionists and Anti-Zionists see transforming Israel into a "State for all its citizens" as a prerequisite for peace.
peh
mouth
perek
paragraph, esp. in Torah
perochet
ornamental curtain in front of aron
Pesach
Passover, in spring; holy day and festival commemorating the Hebrews' escape from enslavement in Egypt.
pesachdik
legal for Passover use or consumption
Petach Tikva
Israeli city, east of Tel Aviv-- Chicago's Israeli "sister city"
peyis
sideburns, esp. long ones worn by chasidim
Pharisees
the word Pharisees comes from the Hebrew prushim from parush, meaning "separated", that is, one who is separated for a life of purity. The Pharisees were, depending on the time, a political party, a social movement, and a school of thought among Jews that flourished during the Second Temple Era (536 BCE–70 CE). After the destruction of the Second Temple, the Pharisaic sect was re-established as Rabbinic Judaism — which ultimately produced normative, traditional Judaism, the basis for all contemporary forms of Judaism and even the Karaites use the Rabbinic canon of the Bible.
pidyon haben
the redemption of the bachor from Temple service; still done ceremoniously
pidyon shvuyim
lit.=the redeption of captives: the rescue of refugees
pigua
lit.=encounter, attack: terror attack
Pirkei Avot
"Ethics of the Fathers," a Mishnaic book of sages' sayings
pikuach nefesh
the tenet of violating Jewish law to save a life
pintele
(Yid.) lit.=the point of a Jew: the "spark" of Jewishness within all Jews
pisk
(Yid.) mouth; loudmouth
pisk-malocheh
lit.=mouth work: (Yid.) lip service; one who does not fulfill promises
pits'l
(Yid.) tiny bit; very young or small child
Ploni Almoni
anonymous one, John Doe
plotz
(Yid.) explode, esp. with intense emotion
pogrom
(Rus.) violent, anti-Semitic attack of a Jewish village or area
polke
leg or thigh, esp. of a chicken
ponem
face
posek
one trusted to made halachic decisions. Decider—a legal scholar who decides the Halakha in cases of law where previous authorities are inconclusive.
potch
(Yid.) spank
potchkeh
(Yid.) tamper, fuss
potchkied
(Yid.) overdone, overwrought
poter
exempt, esp. from a mitzvah
pritzeh
(Yid.) princess
Protocols of the Elders of Zion
one of many titles given to a text purporting to describe a plan to achieve global domination by the people. Following its first public publication in 1903 in the Russian Empire, a series of articles printed in The Times in 1921 revealed that much of the material was directly plagiarized from earlier works of political satire unrelated to Jews. Nevertheless, some people continue to view it as factual, especially in parts of the world where antisemitism, anti-Judaism, or anti-Zionism are widespread. It is frequently quoted and reprinted by anti-Semites, and is sometimes used as evidence of Jewish conspiracy, especially in the Middle East.
prust
rough, coarse; socially unrefined
pupik
(Yid.) navel, belly button
Purim
spring holiday festival that commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people living throughout the ancient Persian Empire from a plot by Haman the Agagite to annihilate them, as recorded in the Biblical
Book of Esther. Haman wanted to kill all the Jews, children and adults, in one day, the thirteenth of Adar. However, "Pride goeth before a fall," and his devilish plan wound up on his own head, as he and his ten sons spent the holiday swinging from the gallows that Haman had prepared for Mordechai.
punim
(Yid.) face
pushka
box or canister for collecting tzedakah


R
ra
evil, bad
ra'ashan
litt. "noisemaker". Purim gragger.
rabbotai
lit=sirs: "May I have your attention," a call to order
rachamim
mercy, compassion
rachmanah l'tzlan
"May the Merciful One forbid!"
rachmanut
(Heb.) mercy
rachov
(Heb.) street
Rambam
Maimonides. His Hebrew name was Moshe ben Maimon, however, most Jewish works refer to him by the Hebrew acronym of his title and name— (Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon)—thus, among Jews he is known as the Rambam.
rasha
wicked person
rav
term of endearment for rabbi
reb/rebbe/rebbie
terms of endearment for rabbi
rebbetzin
wife of a rabbi
Rebbono Shel Olam
lit.=rabbi of the universe: God
rechitza
ritual washing of a body as part of burial preparation. See taharah and halbashah.
Reconstructionist Judaism is a modern American-based Jewish movement based on the ideas of Mordecai Kaplan (1881–1983). The movement views Judaism as a progressively evolving civilization. It originated as a branch of Conservative Judaism before it splintered. The movement developed from the late 1920s to 1940s, and it established a rabbinical college in 1968. Reconstructionist Judaism allows its rabbis to determine their own policy regarding officiation at intermarriages. Some congregations accept patrilineal descent as well as matrilineal, i.e., children of one Jewish parent, of either sex, are considered Jewish if raised as Jews. This is less restrictive than the traditional standard that only considers children with Jewish mothers to be Jewish, regardless of how they were raised.
Reform Jews (sometimes called Progressive or Liberal Jews)
emphasize rationalism and ethical behavior, reject the absolute authority of halakah, and assert the private religious nature of Judaism
refusenik
one refused an exit visa from the Soviet Union
regah
(Heb.) minute; "One minute!"
regel
(Heb.) leg, foot
retevet
lit.=rescue: "Help! Emergency!"
richtiker cheifetz
lit.= right desire: (Yid.) the genuine article, the "real deal"
rimon
(Heb.) pomegranate; grenade
rimonim
ornamental cylinders placed on Sefer Torah
Rishonim
lit.=first ones: post-Gemarah-era commentators, incl. Rashi & Maimonides
rofeh
doctor
Rosh Beth Din
lit. "Head of the Court", is equivalent to a chief justice. He will be the senior member of a three-judge panel of a beth din. In smaller courts the av beth din also serves as the rosh.
Rosh Chodesh
lit.= head of the new (moon): first day of the new month
Rosh HaShanah
lit.=head of the year: Jewish New Year, autumn holiday
rotzeh
(Heb.) want [v]
ruach
lit.=wind: (Heb.) spirit; enthusiasm
ruggelach
croissant-like pastries, usu. w/ chocolate or cinnamon


S
saba
(Heb.) grandfather
sabra
(Heb.) prickly-pear fruit
Sabra
native born Israeli Jew
sakanot nefashot
lit.=dangers of (the) souls: life-endangerment
sakin
The knife used for shechita. Called a hallaf by Ashkenazim.
same'ach
(Heb.) happy
savta
(Heb.) grandmother
Sanhedrin
ancient rabbinical council of 70 sages
saychel
(Yid.) common sense
s'chach
loose thatch used for succah roof, must be from plants
s'char
reward, esp. in the metaphoric sense, for mitzvot
schav
cold soup of leafy vegetables
schlaf
(Yid.) sleep [v]
schlemazel
luckless one
schlemiel
bumbler, one who "can't do anything right"
schlep
carry; drag, lug; drag one's feet; travel a great distance [v], lazy one; unkempt person [n]
schlock
(Yid.) poorly made items or works
schlump
(Yid.) slump, flop [v]; stoop-shouldered person [n]
schmaltz
(Yid.) fat, grease, oil; maudlin sentimentality
schmateh
(Yid.) rag; cheap piece of clothing
schmear
(Yid.) smear, usu. of cream cheese on a bagel; bribe, as in "to grease one's palm" ["The whole schmear" means "the whole ball of wax; all of it"]
schmek
(Yid.) small sample, esp. whiff or taste of food
schmeggege
disorganized one, one who "doesn't have it together"
schmeichl
(Yid.) smile; smooth-talk
schmendrik
(Yid.) dismissible one
schmo
(Yid.) mediocre, average one
schmooze
(Yid.) intimate chat [n]; persuade [v]
schmutz
(Yid.) filth, scum
schnapps
whiskey
schneider
lit.=needle-user: tailor [n]; in gin, to win in a shutout
schnook
gullible one
schnorrer
moocher; also: illegal taxi driver
schpatzir
stroll [n,v]
schpiel
(Yid.) story; sales pitch (n); play an instrument (v)
schpilkes
lit.=pins: anxiousness
schtatlan
Jewish community representitive to governing authority
schtark(er)
(Yid.) strong (one)
schtick
bit, piece; comic act; eccentricity
schtickl(ach)
little bit(s) or piece(s)
schtiebl
small synagogue, often a storefront or private home
schlotlz
(Yid) arrogance
schtreiml
large, round, fur-edged hat worn by chasidim
schtuk
trouble, danger
schtum
quiet (n)
seder
Pesach ceremonial meal
sedrah
reading from Tanach
sefer
(Heb.) book, esp. of religious topic
Sefer Torah
(Hebr.) "Book(s) of Torah” or “Torah scroll(s)”) is a handwritten copy of the Torah or Torah scrolls, the holiest book within Judaism.
sefirat haOmer
counting of the days of the Omer
self-hating Jew
a pejorative term used to allege that a Jewish person holds antisemitic beliefs or engages in antisemitic actions.
semachot
euphemism, meaning "happy occasions" for tragic occurrences. The basis of Jewish humour.
Sephardi
of Mediterranean (Spanish, Portuguese) Jewish tradition
se'udah
lit.= meal: feast, esp. for Shabbat or holiday
seudat mitzvah
Hebr. meaning "commanded meal"). In Judaism an obligatory festive meal, usually referring to the celebratory meal following the fulfillment of a mitzvah (commandment), such as a bar mitzvah, a wedding, a brit milah (ritual circumcision), or a siyum. Sharing a meal is considered a bonding experience celebrating the covenant between God and the Jewish people.
seudat purim
On Purim day, typically toward evening, a festive meal called Seudat Purim is held, with wine as a prominent beverage. While Jews have long been noted for a lack of alcohol abuse, drunkenness is not uncommon at this meal. The jovial character of this feast is illustrated in the saying of the Talmud stating that one should drink on Purim until he can no longer distinguish between the phrases, arur Haman ("Cursed is Haman") and baruch Mordechai ("Blessed is Mordechai").
sha
"Shh! Quiet!"
Shabbat
the Sabbath, observed from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset
shacharit
morning prayer
shadchan
professional matchmaker
shailah
question, esp. on religious matters
shaliach
messenger; representative; ambassador; Israeli delegate to community, youth group, synagogue, etc.
shaliach tzibur (abbr. shatz)
lit.=messenger of (the) congregation: cantor
shalom
peace; "Hello/Goodbye"
shalom aleichem
lit.=peace to you: "Hello" (response is "aleichem, shalom")
shalom bayit
lit.=peace of the house: domestic (marital) harmony
Shalosh Regalim
lit.=three pilgrimages: Pesach, Shavuot, and Succot
shalosh se'udot
third (and last) meal of Shabbat
shamayim
Heaven; the sky
shamos
assistant synagogue manager
shamosh
candle that kindles the Chanukah candles
shanda
(Yid.) disgrace, scandal
Sharia
Ar. "way" or "path"); refers to the "way" Muslims should live or the "path" they must follow. Sharia is derived from the sacred text of Islam (the Qur'an), and Traditions (Hadith) gathered from the life of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad. There are different interpretations in some areas of Sharia, depending on the school of thought (Madh'hab), and the particular scholars (Ulema) involved. Traditionally, Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh) interprets and refines Sharia by extending it's principles to address new questions. Islamic judges (Qadi) apply the law, however modern application varies from country to country. Sharia deals with many aspects of life, including crime, politics, economics, banking, business, contracts, family, sexuality, hygiene, and social issues. Punishments might include (depending on the country) death by hanging (in public), amputation of oneor both hands for theft and stoning for adultery and apostasy.
Shas
an acronym for "Shisha Sidrei (Mishnah)," the "six volumes of the Mishnah," therefore a nickname for the Talmud as a whole (also the name of an Israeli Orthodox political party)
shatnez
the presence of both wool and linen in the same garment, forbidden by the Torah
Shavuot
Pentecost; holiday for receiving the Torah, in autumn
shayna maideleh
(Yid.) beautiful girl
Sh'china
God's presence
shechita
kosher slaughtering. The act is performed by cutting the animal's throat by drawing a very sharp knife horizontally across it, severing the carotid arteries and jugular veins, and allowing the blood to drain out. It is believed to kill quickly and with minimal pain but scientific and animal welfare organisations have disputed this. The animal must be killed with respect and compassion by a shochet
shecht
slaughter, esp. in a kosher manner; to defeat soundly, as in sports [slang]
Shehecheyanu
blessing for annual, lifetime, or historic events
sheker
falsehood, untruth, lie
sheket
(Heb.) quiet, silence
shekia
sunset
shelamim
peace offering
Shema
lit.=Hear (O Israel): a key Jewish prayer
sherutim
lit.=facilities: restroom
Sheva B'rachot
set of seven blessings said at weddings and at parties for one week after
sheytl
(Yid.) wig, esp. for married women
Shia (or Shiite, from Shiat Ali, the Party of Ali)
A member of the smaller of the two great divisions of Islam. The Shias supported the claims of Ali and his line to presumptive right to the caliphate and leadership of the Muslim community, and on this issue they divided from the Sunnis (q.v.). Shias revere Twelve Imams, the last of whom is believed to be hidden from view
shiduch
match (see shadchan)
shiduchim
marriage prospects
shikor
drunk; drunkard
shira (pl. shirim)
(Heb.) song
shita
method; tendency, general way of doing things
shiur
lesson; class
shiva
period of mourning observed for seven days after a family member's funeral. Shiva is the first stage of avelut. During this period, mourners traditionally gather in one home and receive visitors.
It is considered a great mitzvah (commandment) of kindness and compassion to pay a home visit to the mourners. Traditionally, no greetings are exchanged and visitors wait for the mourners to initiate conversation. The mourner is under no obligation to engage in conversation and may, in fact, completely ignore his/her visitors.
shiva calls
when distant family and friends come to visit or call the mourners to comfort them
Shiv-asor B'Tamuz
17th of Tamuz, summer fast day for destruction of Holy Temple
shlichah
forgiveness
shloshim
period of mourning observed for thirty days after a family member's funeral. Shloshim is the second stage of avelut. During shloshim, a mourner is forbidden to marry or to attend a seudat mitzvah ("religious festive meal"). Men do not shave or get haircuts during this time.
Since Judaism teaches that a deceased person can still benefit from the merit of mitzvot (deeds commanded by God) done in their memory, it is considered a special privilege to bring merit to the departed by learning Torah in their name. A popular custom is to coordinate a group of people who will jointly study the complete Mishnah during the shloshim period.
shmad
conversion away from Judaism
Sh'mini Atzeret
eighth day of Succot, a holiday
shmita
Shabbat of the land: every seventh year, when Israeli land lies fallow
Shmonah Esrei
lit.=18: shacharit Amidah consisting of 19 blessings (1 was added later, but the name stuck)
shmooz; (shmuess)
chat, talk; chatting; engaging in conversation about matters which may or may not be, depending on the context, relatively unimportant and sometimes, inappropriate.
Shmot
Exodus (2nd bk. of Torah)
shmul
face
shneim asar chodesh
third stage of avelut. Those mourning a parent additionally observe a twelve-month period, counted from the day of death. During this period, most activity returns to normal, although the mourners continue to recite the mourner's kaddish as part of synagogue services for eleven months.
Shoah
lit.=destruction: The Holocaust
shochet
ritual slaughterer who slaughters in the kosher manner
shofar
ram's horn, blown like a bugle on holidays
shomer
observant of (a given mitzvah)
shok’l
sway meditatively during prayers
shonda
shame
shoyn
(Yid.) already
shoyn fergessen
lit.=already forgotten; "I just had it, it's on the tip of my tongue."
shpritz
spray; shower; tirade, diatribe
shtum
quiet; shut up
shul
synagogue
shtetl
Eastern European Jewish village
shoter
(Heb.) police officer
shtar
contract
shtus
(Yid.) nonsense; foolishness
Shulchan Aruch
lit.=set table: Code of Jewish Law, a major work codifying the halachah
shvach
(Yid.) weak; tepid, unsubstantial
sh'varim
shofar blast of three short sounds
Shvat
5th Jewish month (Jan-Feb), 15th is Tu B'Shvat
shvitz
(Yid.) sweat [v]; sauna [n]
siddur
daily prayerbook
simcha
happiness; special happy occasion, esp. bris, wedding, etc.
Simchat Torah
holiday celebrating the Torah, in autumn
sinah
hate
sitzfleish
(Yid.) lit.=sit-flesh: patience, the ability to sit still
Sivan
9th Jewish month (May-Jun), 5th and 6th are Shavuot
sivivon
(Heb.) dreidle, esp. in Israel
siyum
completion of the study of a section of scripture or Talmud; a celebration thereupon
slicha
forgiveness; "Forgive me/Pardon me"
Slichot
prayers of repentance said around High Holidays
smicha
rabbinic ordination
smol
left. left hand, "Turn left."
sof
lit.=end; "Enough discussion, let's decide!"
sof-sof
lit.=end of ends: (Yid.) "Finally!"
sofer
scribe; author. Jewish scribe who can transcribe Torah scrolls and other religious writings such as those used in Tefillin and Mezuzot. Also needed in case of a get.
soneh
enemy
Stern Gang
see Lehi
succah (pl. succot)
outdoor hut lived in on Succot
Succot
Tabernacles; harvest holiday, in autumn
sufganiot
donuts, esp. jelly-filled, served on Chanukah
Sunni (from sunna, meaning orthodox)
A member of the larger of the two great divisions of Islam. The Sunnis supported the traditional method of election to the caliphate and accepted the Umayyad line. On this issue they divided from the Shias (q.v.) in the first great schism within Islam
supersol
lit.=super basket: supermarket


T
ta'am
taste; sample
ta'anit
day of fasting
tachlis
(Yid.) essence, substance; worth; basics, "brass tacks"
tachrichim
traditional burial clothing
taharah
The term taharah is used to refer both to the overall process of burial preparation, and to the specific step of ritual purification. See halbashah and rechitzah.
taharat haMishpacha
"family purity;" laws regarding sexual discipline in marriage. In marital law, immersion of the wife in a mikvah is a vital component. These laws are based on the verse: "You shall not come near a woman, while she is impure by her uncleanness, to uncover her nakedness" (Lev. 18:19).
taitch
lit.=interpretation: (Yid.) translation, esp. of Hebrew to Yiddish
taikef (u'miyad)
immediately (and at once)
takanah
amendment to a halachah, esp. to adjust to a recent development
takkah
(Yid.) really
talit (pl. taliot)
prayer shawl
talmid (chochom)
lit.=(wise) student: (noteworthy) sage
Talmud
Mishna with its relevant Gemara, bound together
Tamuz
10th Jewish month (Jun-Jul), 17th is Shiv-asor B'Tamuz
tana'im
lit.=conditions: pre-ceremony signing of the wedding contract between bride's and groom's parents, after which the couple's mothers together break a plate to signify a fait accompli (not to be confused with the ketubah, a contract between the bride and groom themselves).
Tana'im
lit.=teachers: compilers of Mishna
tante
(Yid.) aunt
tarfos
that which is trayf
Tashlich
Rosh HaShanah practice of throwing bread, etc. into water, symbolically casting away our sins
tattoos
while Halakha (Jewish law) forbids tattoos, there is a common myth that Jews with tattoos are not permitted to be buried in Jewish cemeteries. This is not true, and a Jew with a tattoo will receive a normal funeral service.
tayglach
small, fruit- or nut-filled pastries, dipped in honey
tchep
pester, irritate
techina
sesame paste, a Mid-Eastern food
tefillah
prayer
tefillin
biblical passages on parchment scrolls, placed in small boxes and affixed with leather straps, worn during weekday morning prayers.
Tehillim
Psalms
teibeleh
lit.=little dove: (Yid.) darling one
teiva
craving, urge
tekhelet
a blue dye mentioned in the Jewish Bible (Tanakh). Its uses include the clothing of the High Priest, the tapestries in the mishkan, and the tassels (known as tzitzit) to be affixed to the corners of one's garments.
teretz
reason, explanation, excuse
Tevet
4th Jewish month (Jan), 10th is Asoroh B'Tevet
Three Weeks
period of mourning from Shiv-asor B'Tamuz to Tisha B'Av
thirty-nine melochot
39 categories of "work" prohibitted on Shabbat
tichel
kerchief; headcovering, esp. for married women
tikun
study book for layning
tikun layl Shavuot
all-night study session on the eve of Shavuot
tikun olam
the repair or completion of the world
tikva
(Heb.) hope
Tinok shenishba (literally, "captured infant") is a Talmudical term that refers to an individual who sins inadvertently as a result of having been raised without an appreciation for the rules of Judaism. The Talmud discusses the case of a "Tinok Shenishbah Bein Ha'Akum" - a child raised from infancy amongst gentiles and who therefore has no understanding of Judaism. Such a person is not held accountable for not living in accordance with the Torah because he cannot be blamed for his lack of belief and observance
tipesh
fool [n]
tisch
lit.=table: groom's pre-ceremony wedding reception
Tisha B'Av
the 9th of Av, a major fast day for the destruction of the Holy Temples, in summer
Tishrei
1st Jewish month (Sep-Oct), 1st is Rosh HaShanah, 10th is Yom Kippur, 15th is Succot, 22nd is Sh'mimi Atzeret, 23rd is Simchat Torah
t'kia
shofar blast of one long sound
todah (rabbah)
"Thank you (very much)"
Torah
the written Jewish law; the first five books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy; often called the Pentateuch or the Law of Moses. In a broader sense, the entire body of traditional religious teaching and study.
Tosafot
mediæval commentaries on the Talmud
tov
(Heb.) good [adjective]
tovah
(Heb.) goodness; (Yid.) favor [n]
tractate
section of the Talmud
trayf
lit.=torn: not kosher
trombenik
lit.=trombone-like fellow: (Yid.) braggart, one who "toots his own horn"
trop
marks indicating musical notes for chanting the Torah, etc.
tru'a
shofar blast of nine staccato sounds
truma
tenth of a crop, given to kohanim
Tu B'Shvat
the 15th of Shvat, Jewish Arbor Day
tuchus
lit.=under: buttocks
tumler
lit.=tumbler: clown; agitator
tzadik
righteous person, esp. a rabbi.
tzadreit
(Yid.) mixed up
tzar ba'aleh chaim
the suffering of living things
tzarich
(Heb.) need [v]
tzarot
troubles, misfortunes
tzechisht
(Yid.) distraught
tzedakah
lit.=justice: charity
tzeiter
tremble, shiver
tzelem
image; picture, photograph
tzevah
color
tzevah adom
lit.=the color red: "Red alert!"
tzibur
congregation
tzidkanit
righteous woman
tzimis
carrot/pineapple compote, usu. with raisins or prunes; a hullabaloo [slang]
Tzionut
Zionism
tzitzit
fringes worn on the corners of a four-cornered garment; the garment and fringes together
tzniut
modesty, esp. of dress
tzom
day of fasting
tzuros
(Yid.) pains; troubles, problems, distresses (from "tzora'as," a disease mentioned in the Torah usu. defined as "leprosy" but actually a physical manifestation of a spiritual malaise.)
tzutzik
(Yid.) ambitious or energetic person
Tzvah Haganah L'Yisrael (Tzahal)
Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Israel's army


U
ulpan
Hebrew-language course, esp. in Israel
umglick
lit.=un-luck: (Yid.) bad luck; one with persistent bad luck
ummeglich
(Yid.) impossible
ungebloozen
(Yid.) surly
ungepotchkied
(Yid.) overwrought, overdone
untershteh shurah
lit.=under-most row: the "bottom line"


V
Vaad...
Committee (or Council) of...
varnishkes
farfalle, "bow-tie" pasta
Vayikra
Leviticus
viduy
confession to G-d of a sin
vilde chaya
(Yid.) wild animal; uncontrolled person
vo den?
(Yid.) "What then?"
vos macht-su
lit.= what makes you: "How are you?"
vos macht a Yid
lit.= what makes a Jew: "What's going on?"

W
World Zionist Organization (WZO)
Founded in August 1897 at the First Zionist Congress called by Theodor Herzl at Basel, Switzerland. The movement, named after Mount Zion in Jerusalem, was designed to establish in Palestine a national home for Jews scattered throughout the world. Since 1948 its efforts have been devoted primarily to promoting unity of the Jewish people and raising funds. In 1929 it established the Jewish Agency (q.v.). Until 1960 its formal name was Zionist Organization, but word World added in new constitution

Y
ya'aleh
lit.=arise: "Get up! Let's go, already! Hurry it up!"
yacneh
(Yid.) gossipy one
yad (pl. yaddayim)
lit.=hand: Torah pointer
Yad VaShem
lit.=hand and name: Israeli Holocaust Museum
yam
pron. "yom": (Heb.) sea
Yam HaMelech
(...of salt) the Dead Sea
Yam HaGadol
(...the large one) the Mediterranean Sea
Yam Kinneret
(...shaped like a harp) Sea of Galilee
Yam Suf
(...the final one) the Red Sea
yareach
the moon
yarmulke
pron. "yamaka": (Yid.) skullcap
yartzeit
anniversary of a death. Lighting a yartzeit candle in memory of a loved one is a minhag ("custom") that is deeply ingrained in Jewish life honouring the memory and souls of the deceased.
yashar
lit.=straight: "Keep going forward for a while, it's up ahead."
yasher ko'ach
lit.=(go) straight, (as) strong: "Good job! Keep up the good work!"
yayin
wine
yemach shemoh
lit.=may his name be erased: said after mentioning an anti-Semitic leader
yemeen
right, right hand, "Turn right."
Yene Veld
lit.=the other world: the afterlife, Heaven
yenem('s)
someone else('s)
yente
gossipy one [n]
yerusha
inheritance; heritage
Yerushalayim
(Heb.) Jerusalem
yeshiva (pl. yeshivot)
Talmudic seminary
yeshiva boch'r
seminary student
Yeshu HaNotzri
Jesus of Nazareth
yeshuv
Israeli town
yetzer tov/harah
(Heb.) good/evil impulse. Yetzer harah is a part of human nature, which is most commonly understood as a tendency to commit wrongful acts. It is not viewed as a state of being, but as one of two competing tendencies (good and bad). Understood as the animal nature, responsible for desires to eat, procreate, etc. There would be no earthly survival without it, and though Jews are encouraged to rise above it, they are not encouraged to eliminate it. Instead, when a child comes of age (13 for boys and 12 for girls) he is considered to have added the “Yetzer HaTov”; literally “Good Inclination.” As the Yetzer Hara is responsible for personal survival, the Yetzer HaTov is responsible for helping others to survive. Without the Yetzer HaRa, there would be no sex and no children. Without the Yetzer HaTov there would be no feeding and nurturing of children. Both are essential (and when in harmony, good) aspects of humanity. It cannot be equated with the Christian concept of Original Sin (which has no good aspects). Further, although Original Sin condemns a person to hell without salvation, the Yetzer Hara does not. The Jew does not need to be saved from his humanity, but instead needs to “grow up” in it. See bechirah chofshit.
Yetziat Mizrayim
(Heb.) Exodus from Egypt. The story of the departure of the Israelites from ancient Egypt described in the Hebrew Bible.
yichud
lit.=togetherness: post-recessional wedding seclusion of the bride and groom
yichus
lineage
Yiddish
language based on medieval Rhineland German used by Jews in eastern, northern, and central Europe (Ashkenazim) and in areas to which Jews from these regions migrated. It also contains elements of Hebrew, Russian, and Polish, and it is commonly written in Hebrew characters
Yiddishe kop
lit.= Jewish head: clever, resourceful, ingenious one
Yiddishkeit
Jewishness
yichud
prohibitions of seclusion with the opposite sex. Such seclusion is prohibited when the man and woman are not married to each other in order to prevent the two from being tempted or having the opportunity to commit adulterous or promiscuous acts.
yingel
lit.=youngster: (Yid.) dear boy (used as a term of endearment)
yirat
awe of... (God, Heaven), fear of... (sin)
Yishuv
The Jewish community in Palestine before statehood. Also used in referring to the period between 1900 and 1948
yisrael
member of a tribe other than Levi or Cohen; thus a member of the nonpriest class
Yisrael
(Heb.) Israel
Yizkor
litt.: remembrance. Communal service for personal mourning
yofee
lit.=pretty: "Great! Very nice! Very good! I like it!"
yold
(Yid.) gullible one
yom
pron. "yome": (Heb.) day
Yom HaAtzma'ut
Israel Independence Day
Yom HaShoah
Holocaust Memorial Day
Yom HaZikaron
Israel Memorial Day
Yom Kippur
Day of Atonement, in autumn
yom tov
lit.=good day: holiday
Yom Yerushalayim
Jerusalem Reunification Day
Yomim Nora'im
High Holidays, Rosh HaShanah & Yom Kippur
yontif
Yiddish pronunciation of "yom tov"
yored (pl. yordim)
lit.=descender: emigrant from Israel (considered impolite)
yoter
(Heb.) more
Yovel
every 50th yr.; see shmita (trans. Jubilee)


Z
za'atar
an Israeli spice
zachor
remember
zaftig
(Yid.) juicy
zecher
in remembrance of
zecher tzadik livracha (abbr. zt"l)
"(May) the memory of the righteous (be) for a blessing." Said of deceased rabbis
zechut
merit, worth
zeide
(Yid.) grandfather
zetz
(Yid.) jab, poke (can be pysical or verbal)
zhlub
(Yid.) slob
zichrono livracha (abbr. z"l)
"(May) his/her memory (be) for a blessing." Said of the deceased
zieskeit
lit.=sweetness: sweetheart
Zionism
the international nationalist political movement that originally supported the reestablishment of a homeland for the Jewish people in the Land of Israel (Hebrew: Eretz Yisra'el).
zivah
abnormal bodily discharges
zmirah (pl. zmirot)
Shabbat song
zoch
(Yid.) illness
Zohar
major tract of Kabbalah
zokein
lit.=bearded: elderly one
zol zein
lit.="Let it be! That's all!"
zug nisht
lit.=say nothing: (Yid.) "It's a secret, not a word!"; "No more out of you!"
zulat
the other person, as opposed to one's self, to emphasize the importance of the other