Glossary

• Ahavas Yisroel: Love of a fellow Jew, as enjoined by the Biblical precept "Love your fellow-man like yourself" (Leviticus 19:18).
• Aliyah: "Ascent"--being called upon in synagogue to ascend the dais for the public reading of a portion of the Torah.
• Aron Hakodesh: The Ark.
• Avodah: The service of G-d, whether in sacrifice, prayer or self-effacement.
• Avodah Zera : Idol worship.
• Baal Shem Tov: Lit. "Master Of The Good Name." A name given to Rabbi Israel ben Eliezer (1698-1760), founder of the chasidic movement.
• Baal-Tefillah: a sort of choirmaster and leader of prayer who stands at the pulpit in the synagogue, and is responsible for musical compositions.
• Baal Teshuvah (pl. baalei teshuvah): One who returns to G-d; a penitent who returns to the Torah way of life after having been astray.
• Bas: Daughter of
• Beis hamidrash: A synagogue and place of study.
• Beis HaMikdash: The Holy Temple (First or Second) in Jerusalem
• Beis Din: Literally, "house of law"--assembly of three or more learned men acting as a Jewish court of law.
• Ben: Son of.
• Berochah (pl., berochos): Blessing.
• Besht : Acronym of the Baal Shem Tov, Master of the Good Name.
• Bimah: The dais in the center of the synagogue, where the Torah is read.
• Bnei Yisroel: Sons of Israel.
• Bochur (pl., bochurim): An unmarried young man.
• Boruch Hashem: Thank G-d.
• Bris (pl., brisim): Circumcision.
• Bubbe: A term for grandmother.
• Calpac: A nineteenth century military hat.
• Cantor: "The officiant who leads the musical service in the synagogue has been known throughout history by twelve different names in three different languages. In English he is called cantor, precentor and reader. In Hebrew he is known as kerobah, sheliah tzibbur, ba'al tefillah and chazzan. In Germany he was called vorbeter, vorsinger, schulsinger, sangmeister, and oberkantor. Subtitles are ba'al Shaharit, ba'al Musaf, chazzan-rishon (chazzan elyon), chazzan-sheni (unterkantor) and mathil." Macy Nulman, Concepts of Jewish Music and Prayer, p. 90.
• Chabad: A chasidic movement founded by Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, 1745-1812. The word comprises the initials of Chochmah, Binah, Daas: Hebrew for wisdom, understanding and knowledge.
• Chanukah: Literally, "dedication"--an eight-day festival, beginning 25 Kislev, commemorating the Maccabees' rededication of the Temple in the second century B.C.E. and marked by the kindling of lights.
• Chasid (pl. chasidim): Literally, "a pious man"--a follower.
• Chasidic: Related to Chasidism.
• Chasidishe: Related to Chasidism.
• Chasidism: The movement of spiritual reawakening within Judaism founded by the Baal Shem Tov.
• Chasidus: See Chasidism.
• Chas vesholom: Popularly known as "Heaven forbid" or "G-d forbid."
• Chazzan : See Cantor.
• Cheder: Elementary Hebrew school for religious studies.
• Chometz: Leavened bread or substances, altogether prohibited to be enjoyed or even possessed on Passover.
• Chupah: The wedding canopy under which the marriage is solemnized. Also, the ceremony itself.
• Daven: Pray.
• Dveikus: The ecstatic state of cleaving to the Creator.
• Diaspora: See Golus.
• Dibbuk: The restless soul of a deceased individual which takes possession of the living body of a man or a woman.
• Divrei Torah: A formal or informal discussion of Torah subjects.
• Ein Sof: The Infinite One.
• Emunah: Faith.
• Eretz Yisroel: The Land of Israel.
• Esrog (pl., esrogim): Citron, one of the four species used during the Festival of Sukkos.
• Farbrengen: (a) an assemblage addressed by a rebbe; (b) an informal gathering of chasidim for mutual edification and brotherly criticism.
• Gabbai: In the chasidic community, the rebbe's personal aide and attendant.
• Gadlus hamochin: Exuberant frenzy.
• Gadol hador: Greatest sage of any generation.
• Gan Eiden: Garden of Eden.
• Gehenna: Hell.
• Gemara: Discussion and rulings forming part of the Babylonian and Palestinian Talmud. The Oral Law.
• Geulah: Redemption.
• Golem: Inanimate body. Although there have been numerous manmade golems in Jewish history, the golem I refer to was alleged to have been created in the time of the Crusades in France by Rabbi Samuel, the father of the famous Judah Hasid. He fashioned a mannequin, but he could not make it talk. Wherever he went, this golem accompanied him as his servant and vigilant bodyguard.
• Golus: Literally, "exile"--the Diaspora.
• Haggadah: Literally, "telling." The Haggadah is the book that tells the story of the Exodus from Egypt.
• Hakofos: The sevenfold procession made with the Torah scrolls in the synagogue on Simchas Torah and accompanied by singing and dancing.
• Halachah: Body of Jewish Law.
• Hallel: "Praise"--Psalms 113-118 recited on Rosh Chodesh and certain festivals.
• Hashgochah perotis: Divine providence.
• Haskalah: Literally, "enlightenment"--a movement originating in 18th century Germany to acquire culture and customs of the outside world. An adherent was called a maskil.
• Havdalah: Literally, "distinction"--the blessings recited over a cup at the conclusion of a Sabbath or festival to distinguish it from the ordinary weekdays that follow.
• Hishtapchus hannefesh: The outpouring of the soul and its effort to rise out of the mire of sin, out of the shell of the evil spirit, the kelipah, and to reach the second stage, hishorerus, spiritual awakening.
• Hislahavus: Religious enthusiasm, or flaming ecstasy.
• Hispashtus hagashmiyus: A stage when the soul casts off its garment of flesh and becomes a disembodied spirit.
• Kabbalah: The body of classical Jewish mystical teachings.
• Kabbolas Shabbos: Service to welcome the Sabbath.
• Kallah: Bride.
• Kapote: Black frockcoat, usually worn in honor of the Sabbath.
• Kavonah: Inner direction, inwardness in prayer or religious observance.
• Kedushah: Sanctity.
• Kelal Yisroel: The entire Jewish Nation.
• Kelos Hanefesh: Expiry of the soul out of spiritual rapture.
• Kiddush: Blessing over wine expressing the sanctity of Shabbos or a festival.
• Kiddush Hashem: Sanctification of G-d's Name.
• Kinor: A little harp.
• Koach: Strength.
• Kohen (pl., Kohanim): High Priest.
• Kol Nidrei: Opening words of the evening service of Yom Kippur.
• Korban: The sacrifice offered in Temple times on the eve of a festival.
• Kotel: The Western Wall of the Temple.
• Lechaim: Literally, "to life"--traditional words of a toast on alcholic drinks.
• Loshon hora: Slander.
• Lulav: Palm branch. One of the four species used during Sukkos.
• Maamar: In Chabad circles, it means a formal chasidic discourse first delivered by a rebbe.
• Maariv: The evening prayer service.
• Maggid: Usually, a popular, roving preacher, a teller of stories.
• Malach: Angel; divine messenger.
• Mashke: Strong, alcoholic drinks.
• Maskil (pl., maskilim): Exponent of the Haskalah.
• Master of the Good Name: Rabbi Israel ben Eliezer, the Baal Shem Tov, 1698-1760.
• Matzoh: The unleavened bread eaten on Passover.
• Mechitzah: Literally, "partition"--the partition separating the men's and women's sections in a synagogue.
• Megillas Esther: The biblical Scroll of Esther, which relates the story of Purim.
• Melamed: (a) Teacher at Torah school; (b) private tutor.
• Melaveh Malkah: A festive meal eaten after Shabbos is over.
• Menorah: Seven-or eight-branched candelabrum.
• Mesiras nefesh: Self-sacrifice.
• Mezuzah: Tiny parchment scroll affixed to a doorpost.
• Midrash (pl., midrashim): A general term applied to a large and very important section of Jewish literature.
• Mikvah: Body of water used for ritual immersion.
• Milah: Ritual circumcision.
• Minhag (pl., minhagim): A Jewish custom.
• Mincha: Afternoon prayer service.
• Minyan: Quorom of ten Jewish men required for divine service.
• Mishnah: Collection of the discussion and legal interpretations of the Bible by the Rabbis (Tannaim) compiled by Rabbi Yehudah Ha-Nasi about 200 c.e.
• Mishnayos: Passages from the Mishnah.
• Misnaged (pl., misnagdim): An early opponent of the chasidic movement.
• Mitzvah: Literally, "command"--a religious obligation; one of the Torah's 613 commandments.
• Mizrachi: A religious-Zionist home.
• Mohel: One who performs circumcision.
• Moshiach: Messiah.
• Motzoei Shabbos: The time of the departure of the Shabbos.
• Musaf: Additional prayer recited on Shabbos.
• Neginah: Chasidic and liturgical music.
• Ne'ilah: Concluding service of Yom Kippur.
• Neshomah: Jewish soul.
• Niftar: A deceased person.
• Niglah: The revealed or exoteric part of the Torah or Jewish tradition, touching specifically upon halachah.
• niggun (pl., niggunim): A wordless song, generally.
• Nistar: The concealed or esoteric part of the Torah or Jewish tradition.
• Nusach: A term applied to varying manners of carrying out prayers in different Jewish communities.
• Ohel: Edifice over a grave.
• Olom habo: The World-to-Come.
• Olom hazeh: This world.
• Pesach: Passover, seven-day (eight in the Diaspora) festival commemorating the Exodus from Egypt.
• Pidyon: Contributions given to the rebbe.
• Pidyon shevuyim: Ransom of Jewish captives.
• Pintele Yid: Spark of Judaism.
• Posuk: A sentence.
• Purim: Literally, "lots"--a one-day festival falling on 14 Adar and commemorating the miraculous salvation of the Jews of the Persian Empire in the fourth century B.C.E.
• Rabbi: A qualified authority in Torah learning.
• Rabosai: Yiddish expresion of respect, equivalent to "gentlemen."
• Rambam: Moses ben Maimon, also known as Maimonides, Spanish physician, theologian, jurist, codifier of the Jewish law, 1135-1204.
• Rashi
• Rav: A rabbi.
• Rebbe (Reb, pl., Rebbeim): Religious leader of a chasidic community.
• Rebbitzen: The wife of a rabbi or rav.
• Reb Yid: An informal term of address to an individual whose name is not known.
• Rosh Hashanah: The New Year festival.
• Rosh Yeshiva: Yeshivah principal.
• Ruach ha-hokdesh: Divine Spirit.
• Seder: The order of the festive meal at home on the first and second nights of Pesach.
• Sefer: Book.
• Sefer Torah: Scroll of the Law.
• Seudah: Meal.
• Seuda Shlishis: The Third Meal held at sunset on the Shabbos.
• Seudas mitzvah: Meal held in celebration of a religious obligation.
• Shabbos (Shabbos): The Sabbath.
• Sabbath Queen, Shabbos Queen, Shabbos Queen: The Sabbath personified.
• Shacharit: Morning service.
• Shalos Seudos: The third meal eaten after the afternoon service on Shabbos. Often the setting for chasidic teachings.
• Shammas: A beadle. A man responsible for the cares of the synagogue.
• Shechinah: Divine Presence. The spirit of the Omnipresent as manifested on earth; the indwelling presence of G-d.
• Shechitah: The Jewish ritual method of slaughtering anmimals for food.
• Sheliach (pl., shluchim): An emissary of the Lubavitcher Rebbe.
• Shemini Atzeret: The last day of Sukkos.
• Shema: The Shema is one of the central sections of the siddur. It copmprises three paragraphs taken from the Torah: Devarim 6:4-9; 11:13-21 and BaMidbar 15:37-41.
• Shemoneh Esrei: The prayer that is central in the three daily services.
• Shiur: Torah lecture.
• Shiva: Seven days of mourning after a person dies.
• Shmura Matzoh: Special matzoh that is used solely during Passover, the making of which never involves water.
• Shochet: Ritual slaughterer.
• Shofar: A ram's horn, blown on Rosh Hashanah and at the termination of Yom Kippur.
• Shtieble: Small chasidic house of prayer and study.
• Shtreimel: fur hat usually worn on Shabbos and festivals.
• Shulchan Aruch: Code of Jewish Laws.
• Sicha (pl., sichot): A talk. In Chabad-Chasidism, generally an in-formal talk delivered by a rebbe on a variety of subjects ranging from expositions of Torah to pronouncements on topical themes.
• Siddur (pl., siddurim): Prayer book.
• Simchah: Joy or festive occasion.
• Simchas Torah: The Festival of Rejoicing with the Torah, celebrated on the 23rd of Tishrei.
• Sukkah: Thatched hut that is resided in on the holiday of Sukkos.
• Sukkos: Feast of the Tabernacles, celebrated from the 15th to the 22nd of Tishrei.
• Tallit: Prayer shawl with four fringes.
• Talmid Chochom: Torah scholar of standing.
• Talmud Torah: School for young students, preparatory for the yeshivah.
• Tefillin: Small black leather cubes containing parchment scrolls inscribed with Shema Yisrael and other biblical passages, bound to the arm and forehead and worn by men at weekday morning prayers.
• Teshuva: Repentance.
• Tehillim: Book of Psalms.
• Tisch: Festive table at which a chasidic rebbe presides and delivers a discourse.
• Tisha B'Av: The ninth day of the month of Av; fast day commemorating the destruction of both the First Temple and Second Temple in Jerusalem.
• Toite chasidim: Dead followers.
• Tzaddik (pl., tzaddikim): A completely righteous person; a rebbe.
• Tzedaka: Charity.
• Tzivos Hashem: Lit., "Army of G-d"--Name of The Lubavitch Children's Organization.
• Yahrzeit: Anniversary of the passing of a near relative.
• Yechidus: Private interview at which a chasid seeks guidance and enlightenment from his rebbe.
• Yeitzer hora: Evil impulse.
• Yerushalmi: Jerusalem (or Palestine) Talmud, as distinguished from the more common Bavli (Babylonian Talmud).
• Yeshivah: Talmudic academy.
• Yiddishkeit: The Torah way of life.
• Yirat Shamayim: Fear of Heaven.
• Yom Kippur: Day of Atonement.
• Yom Tov (pl., yom tovim): A Festival.
• Zemiros: Shabbat table hymns.
• Zohar: Title of basic work of the Kabbalah, essentially composed by the second century Tanna Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai.

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