Glossary of common Hebrew words and terms

Father​

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The 12th month of the Jewish calendar.

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G~D. This is usually reserved for prayer, not general conversation.

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This common Passover term refers to a piece of matzah that is broken and set aside during the seder and eaten after the meal.

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The Hebrew alphabet.

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Central prayer during service.

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Ark or holy chest. This is also what we call the cabinet we keep the Torah in.

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Jews predominantly from Eastern Europe, France and Germany and their descendants. Traditions and customs vary between Jews from different cultures.

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The 5th month of the Jewish calendar.

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Our Father, Our King.

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Son of the commandment. A boy who has reached the age of 13 and is required to observe the commandments. Also the term used for the celebration marking this event.​

Daughter of the commandment. A girl who has reached the age of 12 and is required to observe the commandments. Also the term used for the celebration marking this event.

House of learning or study. A classroom. Also used to refer a the class being taught at a synagogue.​​

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Grace after meals.

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Life. Also the Hebrew representation for 18.

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Bread served at Shabbat and holiday meals. Usually braided.

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Leaven. Common term used around Passover, when we only consume unleavened bread and avoid all leavened products.

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This is a sweet, dark-colored paste made of fruits, nuts, and wine/juice eaten during the Passover Seder.

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The 8th month of the Jewish calendar.

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The 5 books Moses and readings from the Prophets. Used for study rather than a Torah scroll.

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Wedding canopy.

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Audacity

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"It would have been enough." A traditional song sung at the Passover seder.

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The ten days from Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur, a time of self-reflection and repentance for sins of the previous year.

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A spinning top played with during Hanukkah.

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The 6th month of the Jewish calendar. 

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Eve or evening. A Jewish day starts in the evening so holidays begin at sundown on the "erev" of the holiday's day.

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A citron fruit very similar to a lemon. It is one of the “four Species” waved during the Sukkot holiday.

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Vegetation used to perform rituals of the Sukkot holiday. The species are willow, myrtle, etrog and palm. They are held together and waved in the Sukkah after reciting a special blessing.

Designated selections from the Books of the Prophets that usually correspond with the weekly Torah portions.

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The blessing said over bread.

"Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melech ha'olam, hamotzi lechem min ha'aretz"

"Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who brings forth bread from the earth"

"The Name"

The name of G~D is sacred and simply shouldn't be spoken or written without just cause. To stay away from accidentally using it we simply say "The Name" or "haShem".

Member of an Orthodox Jewish sect known as Hasidism, a spiritual revival movement that arose in Eastern Europe in the 18th century. Traditions and customs vary between Jews from different cultures.

Sanctification. The blessing said over wine or grape juice.

"Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu, Melech haolam, borei p'ri hagafen".

"Blessed are You, LORD our God, King of the universe, who creates the fruit of the vine".

Also known as a Yarmulke. Skull cap worn by men.

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Holy, set apart, sacred​

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Appropriate or proper. It refers to food that complies with Jewish dietary laws.

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"To life". A toast similar to "cheers".​

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"Good luck" or "good fortune". Commonly used as "congratulations".

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King​

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Written version of the Oral Law given to Moses at Mt. Sinai, plus further decrees and teachings of the Sages. Compiled around 200 CE.

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​Jews from North Africa and the Middle East and their descendants. Traditions and customs vary between Jews from different cultures.​

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Food that contains neither milk nor meat.

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Weekly Torah portion.

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spirit, breath, wind

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Jews from Spain, Portugal, North Africa and the Middle East and their descendants. 

Traditions and customs vary between Jews from different cultures.​

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"Peace, wholeness, tranquility". Used as a greeting to mean both hello and goodbye.

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Central text of of the Jewish Oral Tradition, touching on law, custom, tales and meaningful living.​

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The Hebrew Bible.

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The Five Books of Moses.

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The Hebrew name of Jesus the Messiah​.

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