For some, Judaism is a religion. For others, Judaism is a culture. For other still, it’s both. And like many religions and cultures, there is language that goes with it.

To help you wade through some of the more common words, we’ve put together this glossary. (You’ll also find all of these words highlighted in articles on our site. Just move your mouse over the word to see definitions.)

Afikomen
“Dessert” in Greek, it refers to the matzah that is hidden at the beginning of the Passover seder and which, customarily, children look for and ransom back to the adults before the conclusion.
Alternate spelling: Afikoman.

Al Shlosha Devarim
Hebrew for “on three things,” the first words (and name) of a song in some Jewish worship services.
Alternate spellings: Al Shlosha D’varim.

Alef Bet
The Hebrew alphabet, of which alef and bet are the first two letters.
Alternate spellings: Alef Beis, Alef Bet, Alef-Beis, Alef-bet, Aleph Beis, Aleph Bet, Aleph Beth, Aleph-Beis, Aleph-Bet, Aleph-Beth. Note: “Beis” is the Ashkenazior Yiddishpronunciation of the letter bet.

Aleynu
Hebrew for “our duty,” it’s the name and first word of a prayer recited at the end of three daily services in traditional Jewish liturgy.
Alternate spellings: Alaynu, Aleinu.

Aliyah
Hebrew for “going up,” it refers to the honor of saying the blessing over the Torah reading. It can also refer to the act of immigrating to Israel. (e.g. “After falling in love with Jerusalem, Rachel and Christopher made aliyah.”)
Alternate spellings: Aliya. Sometimes pluralized as “Aliyahs,” the plural form is “Aliyot” or Aliyos.”

Amidah
Tefilat Amidah, Hebrew for “The Standing Prayer,” is the central prayer of Jewish liturgy. It is recited during every prayer service. Traditionally it’s recited individually in silence, then repeated aloud as a congregation; some congregations omit the silent recitation and/or abbreviate the repetition.
See also:Shmoneh Esreh.

Ark
A cabinet- or cupboard-like structure that houses the Torah(s) in a synagogue.

Ark or Aron: look for it in the synagogue.

Aron
Hebrew for “cupboard” or “closet,” it usually refers to the ark, a structure that houses the Torah(s) in a synagogue.
See also:Aron Kodesh.

Aron Kodesh
Hebrew for “holy cupboard” or “holy closet,” a name for the ark, a structure that houses the Torah(s) in a synagogue.

Ashkenazi
Having Jewish family origins in Germany or Eastern Europe.

Ashkenazic
Of the culture of Jews with family origins in Germany or Eastern Europe.

Ashkenazim
Jews with family origins in Germany or Eastern Europe.

Aufruf
Yiddish for “calling up,” it’s a celebration of a couple on the Jewish Sabbath prior to their wedding. It usually involves the honor of an aliyah (saying the blessing over the Torah). After the Torah reading, the congregation customarily sings a congratulatory song and may also throw candies at the couple.
Alternate spellings: Auf ruf.

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B’vakasha
Hebrew for “please” and “you’re welcome.”

Bar Mitzvah
Hebrew for “son of the commandments.” In modern Jewish practice, Jewish boys come of age at 13. When a boy comes of age, he is officially a bar mitzvah and considered an adult. The term is commonly used as a short-hand for the bar mitzvah’s coming-of-age ceremony and/or celebration. The female equivalent is “bat mitzvah.”
Alternate spellings: Bar Mitzva.

Baruch Atah Adonai
Hebrew for “Blessed are You [,my God].” Introductory words to many Jewish prayers. “Adonai” may be translated in other ways, such as Lord or Ruler.
Alternate spellings: Baruch Ata Adonai, Barukh Atah Adonai, Barukh Ata Adonai.

Baruch Ha’ba’ah
Hebrew for “welcome” (when welcoming a female).
Alternate spellings: Baruch habaah, baruch haba’ah, barukh ha’ba’ah, barukh habaah, barukh haba’ah.

Baruch Ha’bah
Hebrew for “welcome” (when welcoming a male).
Alternate spellings: Baruch habah, baruch haba, barukh ha’bah, barukh habah, barukh haba.

Baruchot Ha’ba’ot
Hebrew for “welcome” (when welcoming more than one female).
Alternate spellings: Baruchot ha’bahot, baruchot habaot, barukhot ha’ba’ot, barukhot ha’bahot, barukhot habaot.

Bat Mitzvah
Hebrew for “daughter of the commandments.” In modern Jewish practice, Jewish girls come of age at 12 or 13. When a girl comes of age, she is officially a bat mitzvah and considered an adult. The term is commonly used as a short-hand for the bat mitzvah’s coming-of-age ceremony and/or celebration. The male equivalent is “bar mitzvah.”
Alternate spellings: Bat mitzva, bas mitzvah.

Beit Din
Rabbinic court involved in matters of Jewish law, including conversion and traditional divorce procedures.
Alternate spellings: Beis din.

Benching
In Yiddish, “bentshn” means “to bless.” It means “blessing” and refers to saying the blessing after meals, “Birkat Hamazon” (Hebrew for “Blessing on Nourishment”).
Alternate spellings: Bensching, bentshing.

Brachah
Hebrew for “blessing” (and “bounty”). Plural form is “brachot.”
Alternate spellings: Beracha, berakhah, bracha, b’racha, bracho, brakha, brakhah. Alternate spellings for plural: Berachot, brachos, brachas, brakhas, brakhosbrakhot.

Bimah: can you spot it in this video?

Bimah
The elevated area or platform in a synagogue, from which Torah is read. Worship service leaders, such as clergy, may lead services from the bimah as well.
Alternate spellings: Bima.

Birkat Erusin
Engagement blessings, part of Jewish wedding service.
Alternate spellings: Bircat erusin, birchot erusin, birkas erusin.

Birkat Ha’Mazon
Hebrew for “Blessing on Nourishment,” the blessing after meals.
Alternate spellings: Birkat Hamazon, birkas hamazon, birkas ha’mazon.

Birkat Nissuin
Hebrew for “the wedding blessings,” also known as sheva brachot (“the seven blessings”), are blessings that are recited for a couple as part of their marriage ceremony.
Alternate spellings: Bircat nissuin, bircat nisuin, birchot nissuin, birchot nisuin, birkas nisuin, birkat nisuin, birkot nissuin, birkot nisuin.

Birthright Israel
An international program that sends thousands of young Jews to Israel each year for free.

Blintze
A thin crepe-like pancake that’s fried, folded or wrapped around a fruit or cream cheese filling, and then fried again.
Alternate spellings: Blintz.

B’nai mitzvah
Hebrew plural of “bar mitzvah” or “bat mitzvah.” In modern Jewish practice, Jewish children come of age at 13. When a child comes of age, he or she is officially a bar mitzvah (“son of the commandments”) or bat mitzvah (“daughter of the commandments”) and considered an adult. The terms are commonly used as a short-hand for the bar/bat mitzvah’s coming-of-age ceremony and/or celebration.
Alternate spellings: B’nai mitzva, bnai mitzvah, bnai mitzva.

Brit milah
Hebrew for “covenant of circumcision,” a ritual for Jewish boys when they are 8 days old. It is commonly known as “bris,” which is the Ashkenazi or Yiddish pronunciation of “brit.”
Alternate spellings: Brit, bris, bris milah, brit mila, bris mila.

Brit bat
Hebrew for “daughter’s covenant,” a ceremony or ritual for welcoming baby girls into the Jewish community. The “t” is commonly pronounced as an “s,” which is the Ashkenazi or Yiddish pronunciation of “brit.”
Alternate spellings: Bris bat, bris bas.

Bruchim ha’baim
Hebrew for “welcome” (when welcoming more than one male or a group of males and females).
Alternate spellings: Bruchim habaim, bruchim ha’ba’im, brukhim habaim, brukhim ha’baim, brukhim ha’ba’im.

Bubbe
Yiddish for “grandmother.”
Alternate spellings: Bubbie, bubby.

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Cantor
A member of the Jewish clergy who leads a congregation in songful prayer. (“Hazzan” in Hebrew.)

Chag sameach
Hebrew for “happy holiday,” can be used as a greeting.
Alternate spellings: Hag Sameach.

Challah: most frequently an egg bread that is braided.

Challah
A bread that comes in a few different varieties; its most common variation is a braided egg bread, though there are water challahs that don’t have eggs, and there are whole-wheat challahs which sometimes also don’t have eggs. It is customary to being Sabbath and holiday meals by saying blessings and eating challah.
Alternate spellings: Challe, challeh, challahs, challot, challos, hallah.

Chametz
Hebrew for “leavened,” foods that are not kosher for Passover, such as bread and wheat-based products. It refers to products that are both made from one of five types of grain and have been combined with water and left to stand raw (rise) for longer than eighteen minutes.
Alternate spellings: Hametz, chometz, chumetz, hometz, humetz.

Charoset
Derived from the Hebrew word “cheres,” which means clay, it’s a mixture of fruit, nuts, and wine eaten as part of the Passover seder. Symbolizing the mortar that the Hebrew slaves used to build the cities for Pharaoh in Egypt, it’s one of the symbolic food items on the seder plate.
Alternate spellings: Charoses, haroset, haroses.

Chasid
Hebrew for “pious,” commonly refers to a member of an Orthodox Jewish mystic movement founded in the 18th century in Eastern Europe by Baal Shem Tov that reacted against Talmudic learning and maintained that God’s presence was in all of one’s surroundings and that one should serve God in one’s every deed and word. Adjective form: chasidic.
Alternate spellings: Hasid, hasidic.

Chazan
Hebrew for “cantor,” a member of the Jewish clergy who leads a congregation in songful prayer.
Alternate spellings: Chazzan, hazan, hazzan.

Chesed shel emet
Hebrew for “true kindness,” refers to burial of the dead.
Alternate spellings: Chesed shel emes, hesed shel emet, hesed shel emes.

Chol ha’moed
Hebrew for “weekdays of the festival,” refers to the intermediate days of Passover and Sukkot. For example, the first two days of Passover are a holiday, but the next days are not; on the first days, work is not permitted according to traditional Jewish law, but on the intermediate days work is permitted.
Alternate spellings: Chol hamoed, hol ha’moed, hol hamoed.

Cholent
From the Yiddish word “tsholnt,” a stew that is brought to a boil before the Sabbath and then kept warm overnight to fully cook in time for Saturday’s lunch. There are several different stories for the origin of the word, though most seem to connect it to Old French, “chalant” (“to warm”) or “chaud lent” (“hot slow”).
Alternate spellings: Chulent

Chuppah: simple or ornate, big or small, the wedding canopy under which the couple stands.

Chuppah
Hebrew for “canopy” or “covering,” the structure (open on all four sides) under which a Jewish wedding ceremony takes place. In its simplest for, it consists of a cloth, sheet, or tallit stretched or supported over four poles.
Alternate spellings: Chupah, chuppa, huppah, huppah, huppa, hupah.

Chutzpah
A Yiddish word meaning audacity, for good or for bad; commonly used to imply something was gutsy. Derived from the Hebrew word for “insolence.”
Alternate spellings: Chutzpa, hutzpah.

Confirmation
A ceremony created by the Reform movement as a way for young adults to show their decision to embrace Jewish study and reaffirm their commitment to Judaism. Confirmation is typically held at the end of the tenth grade.

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Daven
Yiddish for “prayer,” it’s often used as a verb in English. (“I’m going to daven Saturday morning.”)
Alternate spellings: Davven.

Davening
From the Yiddish word for “prayer,” it’s often used as a verb in English. (“I’m davening at services tonight.”)
Alternate spellings: Davvening, davening, davvenning.

Dayeinu
Hebrew for “enough for us,” it’s the refrain and name of a liturgical song from the Passover seder.
Alternate spellings: Dayenu.

Dreidel: a spinning top, enjoyed on Hanukkah.

Dreidel
Yiddish for “spin,” a four-sided spinning top played with during the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah.
Alternate spellings: Dreydel, dreydl.

Dreydlekh
The plural form of the Yiddish word “spin,” four-sided spinning tops played with during the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah.

D’varTorah
Hebrew for “word of Torah,” a lesson or sermon based on the weekly reading of the Torah.
Alternate spellings: DvarTorah.

D’var
Short for “d’var Torah,” Hebrew for “word of Torah,” a lesson or sermon based on the weekly reading of the Torah.
Alternate spellings: Dvar.

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Eretz Yisrael
Hebrew for “Land of Israel,” a biblical name for Israel.

Eruv
Hebrew for “mixture,” a ritual enclosure that traditionally observant Jewish communities construct in their neighborhoods as a way to permit the transference of objects from one domain type to another. For example, it allows Jews to carry food, push strollers, etc. from their homes through public areas on the Sabbath and holidays, acts that otherwise would not by allowed by traditional Jewish law.

Etrog: yellow citron, one of the ritual items used on Sukkot.

Etrog
Hebrew word for a yellow citron, used ritually in the holiday of Sukkot. Plural form is “etrogim.”
Alternate spellings: Esrog, esrogim.

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G-d
God. In traditional Jewish circles, it is forbidden to write or say God’s full Hebrew name. This custom has carried over into English by some, who write “God” without the vowel (o) and replace it with a hyphen. Some use variations of this, such as G!d or G@d.

Gefilte fish
Yiddish for “stuffed fish,” a patty made of ground up varieties of fish, matzo meal and spices, boiled in fish broth. A popular dish on Passover, sometimes served on Shabbat and other holidays as well.

Gelt
Yiddish for “money,” usually refers to chocolate coins given on Hanukkah (and used as bets during the dreidel game).

Goy
Yiddish for “gentile,” or someone who is not Jewish. Some use this term with affection, however it’s still largely understood to have a derogatory connotation. Plural is “goyim,” sometimes angliacized as “goys.”

Gut Shabbos
Yiddish for “good Sabbath,” a customary greeting leading into, and during, the Sabbath.
Alternate spellings: Gut Shabbes

Gut vokh
Yiddish for “good week,” a customary greeting on Saturday evenings after the Sabbath ends (when the new week begins).

Gut yontif
Yiddish for “happy holiday,” can be used as a greeting.

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Haftorah
A selection from the books of Prophets that is read following the weekly Torah portion. There is a Haftorah for each Torah portion.
Alternate spellings: Haftara, haftarah, Haftora.

Haggadah
Hebrew for “telling,” the text that outlines the order of the Passover seder. There are many, many versions of this book, which dates back almost 2,000 years. Because we are commanded to expand upon the story, the Haggadah contains ancient interpretations, as well as stage directions and explanations, for the Passover meal.
Alternate spellings: Hagaddah.

Haggadot
Plural form of the Hebrew for “telling,” it’s the text that outlines the order of the Passover seder. There are many, many versions of this book, which dates back almost 2,000 years. Because we are commanded to expand upon the story, the Haggadah contains ancient interpretations, as well as stage directions and explanations, for the Passover meal.
Alternate spellings: Hagaddot, haggados.

Halakha
Hebrew for “Jewish law,” it’s the body of Jewish religious law including biblical law (those commandments found in the Torah), later Talmudic and rabbinic law, as well as customs and traditions.
Alternate spellings: Halacha, halakhah, halachah.

Halakhic
Derived from the Hebrew for “Jewish law,” it’s pertaining or according to the body of Jewish religious law including biblical law (those commandments found in the Torah), later Talmudic and rabbinic law, as well as customs and traditions.
Alternate spellings: Halachic.

Hamentaschen: pastries enjoyed on Purim.

Hamentaschen
Yiddish for “Haman’s pockets,” and shaped after the three-corner hat of Haman (the villain of the Purim story), these are triangular cookies with poppy seed, jam or fruit filling in the middle. This is the plural form of the word; one of these treats is a hamentasch.
Alternate spellings: Hamantaschen, hamantashen, hamentashen, homentaschen, homentashen.

Ha’Motzi
Hebrew for “brings forth” or “expels,” the first unique or identifying word of the blessing over bread (“…brings forth bread from the earth”). Some say this blessing over bread, others recite it as a catch-all before a meal.
Alternate spellings: HaMotzi, Ha-motzi, Motzi.

Hanukkah
Hanukkah (known by many spellings) is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt of the 2nd Century BCE. It is marked by the lighting of a menorah and the eating of fried foods.
Alternate spellings: Channukah, Chanuka, Chanukah, Chanukkah, Hannukah, Hanuka, Hanukah, Hanukka.

Hanukkah: a winter holiday. For more information, check out our booklet.

Ha’Shem
Hebrew for “The Name.” Used as a substitute for the Hebrew name for God, which religious Jews are forbidden from uttering outside of prayer. (“This lovely dinner was provided by Ha’Shem — and the Goldsteins!” or “If, Ha’Shem willing, we arrive safely…”)
Alternate spellings: HaShem, Hashem, Ha-shem.

Hatafat dam brit
Hebrew for “drop of blood covenant,” it is a ritual circumcision for those already circumcised. (Usually men who are converting to Judaism.)
Alternate spellings: Hatafas dam bris.

Havdalah
Hebrew for “separation” or “distinction,” the ceremony marking the end of the Sabbath on Saturday evenings.
Alternate spellings: Havdala, Havdalla, Havdallah.

Havurah
Hebrew for “fellowship,” a lay-led group that meets for Shabbat or holiday prayer services, life cycle events, and/or Jewish learning or discussion.
Alternate spellings: Havura, chavurah, chavura.

Hebrew: language of Jewish prayer and texts. Original Judaic Hebrew calligraphy artwork by Alan Najman. Inquiries can be sent to alan@ideabilities.com

Hebrew
A language of West Semitic origins, culturally considered to be the language of the Jewish people. Ancient or Classical Hebrew is the language of Jewish prayer or study. Modern Hebrew was developed in the late-19th and early 20th centuries as a revival language; today it is spoken by most Israelis.

Hechsher
Hebrew for “kosher approval,” marking found on food and some kitchen products (like tin foil or dish soap) that shows the item has been certified kosher.
Alternate spellings: Hechscher, heksher.

Hekhel
The Sephardi term for the ark, a cabinet- or cupboard-like structure that houses the Torah(s) in a synagogue.

Hesped
Hebrew for “eulogy.”
Alternate spellings: Chesped.

Horah: a circle dance.

Horah
Hebrew, derived from the Greek word for “dance,” a variety of dances done in a circle, popular in Israel (and the Balkans) and danced at Jewish celebrations such as weddings.
Alternate spellings: Hora.

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Kaddish
Hebrew for “holy,” a prayer found in Jewish prayer services. There are many versions of the Kaddish, the best known being the Mourner’s Kaddish, said by mourners.

Kasher
Hebrew for “fit” (as in, “fit for consumption”), the action of making something kosher (like cleaning a kitchen).

Kashrut
Hebrew for “fit” (as in, “fit for consumption”), the Jewish dietary laws.
Alternate spellings: Kashrus.

Kavannah
Hebrew for “intention,” referring to having the proper mindset necessary for carrying out rituals or the commandments.
Alternate spellings: Kavvana.

Kedusha
Hebrew for “holiness,” refers to the prayer of holiness (the third section of the Amidah, or The Standing Prayer).

Keriah
Hebrew for “tearing,” refers to the custom of mourners tearing a garment (usually a shirt, jacket or vest) or a ribbon (and affixing it to one’s garment) that is worn throughout the shiva period (the first stage of mourning).
Alternate spellings: Keriyah, kria, kriah.

Keruv
Hebrew for “bringing close,” a term meaning Jewish outreach.
Alternate spellings: Kiruv.

Ketubah: for more information on wedding documents, read Choosing an Interfaith Ketubah.

Ketubah
Hebrew for “document,” a legal document that is both a prenuptial agreement and a certification that a Jewish marriage has taken place.
Alternate spellings: Ketuba.

Ketubot
Plural form of the Hebrew word “ketubah,” meaning “document,” a legal document that is both a prenuptial agreement and a certification that a Jewish marriage has taken place.
Alternate spellings: Ketubos.

Kevod ha’met
Hebrew for “respect for the dead,” an important concept throughout Jewish bereavement rituals and customs.
Alternate spellings: Kevod hamet.

Kiddush
Hebrew for “sanctification,” a blessing recited over wine or grape juice to sanctify the Sabbath and Jewish holidays.

Kiddusha
Hebrew for “holiness,” refers to the prayer of holiness (the third section of the Amidah, or The Standing Prayer).

Kiddushin
Hebrew for “sanctification,” Jewish marriage is often referred to as Kiddushin, as one partner (traditionally, the bride) becomes “sanctified” (dedicated) to the other partner (traditionally, the groom).

Kippah: available in a variety of sizes, colors and materials.

Kippah
Hebrew for “skullcap,” also known in Yiddish as a “yarmulke,” the small, circular headcovering worn by male Jews in most synagogues, and female Jews in more liberal congregations. Traditional Jews were kippot (plural of kippah) all the time.
Alternate spellings: Kipa, Kippa.

Kippot
Plural of “kippah,” Hebrew for “skullcap,” also known in Yiddish as a “yarmulke,” the small, circular headcovering worn by male Jews in most synagogues, and female Jews in more liberal congregations. Traditional Jews were kippot (plural of kippah) all the time.
Alternate spellings: Kipot.

Knish
Yiddish word for a stuffed pastry, typically baked and round, filled with potato, meat or kasha.
Alternate spellings: Knishe.

Kol Nidre
Aramaic for “all vows,” the opening words and name of the first prayer that begins the evening service on Yom Kippur. Kol Nidre has come to refer to the name of the evening service itself.

Kollel
Hebrew for a “gathering,” usually refers to a gathering or collection of scholars, or an institute for advanced Talmud study.

Kosher
Hebrew for “fit” (as in, “fit for consumption”), the Jewish dietary laws.

Kreplekh
Plural form of the Yiddish word “krepl,” dumplings filled with meat and usually cooked in soup.
Alternate spellings: Kreplach.

Kugel
Yiddish word for a savory or sweet pudding made from either noodles, potatoes or matzah.
Alternate spellings: Kuggel.

Kvater
Yiddish for “godfather,” often the individual who carries a baby in for his bris (circumcision).
Alternate spellings: Kvatter.

Kvaterin
Yiddish for “godmother,” often the individual who carries a baby in for his bris (circumcision).
Alternate spellings: Kvatterin.

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Ladino
A language, also known as Judaeo-Spanish or Judezmo, once widely used by Sephardic communities, but now close to extinction. It is influenced by Hebrew, Arabic, Spanish and Turkish. It is comparable to the language of many Ashkenazi communities, Yiddish.

Lag BaOmer
Hebrew for “33rd [day] of the Omer,” a minor Jewish holiday that falls 33 days after the start of Passover.
Alternate spellings: Lag B’omer(note: this spelling is gramatically incorrect).

Latke: potato pancake, usually fried in oil.

Latke
Yiddish word for a potato pancake, traditionally eaten during Hanukkah.
Alternate spellings: Latkah, latkahs, latkeh, latkehs, latkes.

L’chayim
Hebrew for “to life,” usually said as a celebratory toast. When couples become engaged, a celebration for them is often called a “l’chayim” as friends and family will offer the couple toasts for a happy life together.
Alternate spellings: L’chaim, l’chayyim, l’haim, l’hayim.

L’dor va’dor
Hebrew for “from generation to generation.”
Alternate spellings: L’dor vador, l’dor v’dor(note: this spelling is gramatically incorrect).

Leyn
Derived from the Yiddish word “leyenen,” meaning “read,” it refers to the act of reading (chanting) Torah.

L’shanah tovah
Hebrew for “to a good year,” a typical greeting on Rosh Hashanah.
Alternate spellings: L’shana tova, l’shana tovah, l’shanah tova.

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Mah Nishtanah
Hebrew for “what is different,” the first words of the Four Questions, traditionally recited by the youngest child at the Passover seder.
Alternate spellings: Ma nishtana, ma nishtanah, mah nishtana.

Ma’asim tovim
Hebrew for “good deeds.”
Alternate spellings: Maasim tovim.

Magen David: six-point star.

Magen David
Hebrew for “shield of David,” it is more commonly recognized as the star of David, a six-point star. The symbol has origins in the Torah, and has been used as a symbol of Jewish identity and Judaism in Europe since the Middle Ages.
Alternate spellings: Mogein Dovid.

Maoz Tzur
Hebrew for “Stronghold of Rock” (more commonly known in English as “Rock of Ages”), a Jewish liturgical poem sung on Hanukkah after lighting the candles.
Alternate spellings: Maoz Tsur, Ma’oz Tsur, Ma’oz Tzur.

Maror
Hebrew for “bitter,” one of the ritual food items on the Passover seder plate. Commonly represented by horseradish or romaine lettuce.

Matzah
Hebrew word for an unleavened bread, traditionally eaten during the holiday of Passover.
Alternate spellings: Matza, matzo, matzoh, matzos.

Matzah brei
Yiddish for “fried matzah,” a common Passover breakfast dish that can be savory or sweet, ranging in style from closer to an omelette to closer to French toast, made of matzah and egg.
Alternate spellings: Matza brei, matza brie, matzah brie, matzah brie, matzo brei, matzoh brei, matzoh brie, matzos brei.

Mazal tov
Hebrew and Yiddish for “good luck,” a phrase used to express congratulations for happy and significant occasions.
Alternate spellings: Mazel tov.

Megillat Esther: scroll/book of Esther, read on Purim. For more information, check out our video, The Whole Megillah.

Megillah
Hebrew for “scroll,” usually refers to the Scroll of Esther (“Megillat Esther”), the biblical book read on the holiday of Purim.

Megillat Esther
Hebrew for “Scroll of Esther” (or, Book of Esther), the biblical book read on the holiday of Purim.
Alternate spellings: Megillas Esther.

Mensch
Yiddish term for an honorable, decent person, usually means “a person of integrity and honor,” someone of good character and a deep sense of what is right.
Alternate spellings: Mench, mentsh.

Menorah
Hebrew for “candelabrum” or “lamp,” it usually refers to the nine-branched candelabrum that is lit for the holiday of Hanukkah. (A seven-branched candelabrum, a symbol of the ancient Temple in Jerusalem, is a symbol of Judaism and is included in Israel’s coat of arms.)
Alternate spellings: Menora.

Meshugeneh
Yiddish for “crazy.”
Alternate spellings: Meshugah, meshuge, meshuggeneh.

Meshugas
Yiddish for “craziness.”

Meshugener
Yiddish for “crazy person.”

Mezuzah: for more information, watch our video on how to affix a mezuzah or read our booklet, Mezuzahs: What’s on the Door?.

Mezuzah
Hebrew for “doorpost,” it now refers to a small box containing a scroll (of the Hebrew text of the Shema prayer) which is affixed to the doorposts of Jewish homes. Strictly speaking, mezuzah only refers to the scroll itself, not the case in which it’s housed.
Alternate spellings: Mezuza.

Mezuzot
Plural form of “mezuzah” (Hebrew for “doorpost”), it now refers to a small box containing a scroll (of the Hebrew text of the Shema prayer) which is affixed to the doorposts of Jewish homes. Strictly speaking, mezuzah only refers to the scroll itself, not the case in which it’s housed.

Mi Shebeirach
Hebrew for “May He Who blessed,” the first words of the prayer of the same name. Traditionally said in synagogue during the Torah service, a holistic prayer for physical and spiritual healing, asking for blessing, compassion, restoration and strength.
Alternate spellings: Mi Shabeirach, Mi shebeirach, Mi Sheberach, Mishabeirach, Mishebeirach, Mi-shebeirach, Mi-sheberach, M’shbeirach, M’shberach.

Midrash
Hebrew for “story,” a way of interpreting biblical stories that often fills in the gaps left in the biblical narrative and expands on events of characters that are only hinted at.

Mikveh: water, bath used for ritual immersion.

Mikveh
Hebrew for “collection,” referring to the “collection of water,” is a bath used for the purpose of ritual immersion in Judaism. Today it is used as part of the traditional procedure for converting to Judaism, by Jews who follow the laws of ritual (body) purity, and sometimes for making kitchen utensils kosher.
Alternate spellings: Mikvah.

Minyan
Hebrew for “count,” it refers to the quorum of ten Jewish adults (in some communities only men are counted; in others both men and women) required to hold a Torah service, recite some communal prayers, and the home-based recitation of the Kaddish. Minyan may also now refer to group that meets for prayer service, similar to a synagogue’s congregation or a havurah.

Mishnah
Hebrew for “repetition” (from the verb meaning “to study and review”), it refers to the first major written redaction of the Jewish oral traditions (“Oral Torah”). Mishnah is the first post-biblical collection of Jewish legal materials, and the primary building block of the Talmud (the major collection of Jewish law), as interpreted by the rabbis.
Alternate spellings: Mishna.

Mitzvah
Hebrew for “commandment,” it has two meanings. The first are the commandments given in the Torah. (“You should obey the mitzvah of honoring your parents!”) The second is a good deed. (“Helping her carry her groceries home was such a mitzvah!”)
Alternate spellings: Mitzva.

Mitzvot
Plural form of the Hebrew word “mitzvah” which means “commandment,” it has two meanings. The first are the commandments given in the Torah. (“You should obey the mitzvah of honoring your parents!”) The second is a good deed. (“Helping her carry her groceries home was such a mitzvah!”)
Alternate spellings: Mitzvahs, mitzvas, mitzvos, mitzvoth.

Mizrahi
Hebrew for “eastern,” the term refers to Jews descended from the Jewish communities of the Middle East, North Africa 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.
Alternate spellings: Mizrachi.

Mohel
Hebrew for “circumciser” (Yiddish term is “moyel”), the person who performs a ritual circumcision. The feminine form is “mohelet.”

Moyel
Yiddish for “circumciser,” the person who performs a ritual circumcision. The Hebrew masculine form is “mohel,” the Hebrew feminine is “mohelet.”

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NCSY
National Conference of Synagogue Youth, the youth group of Judaism’s Orthodox in the United States, Canada, Israel and Chile. It offers local and regional Shabbat programming, summer programs and post-high school programs.

Ne’ilah
Hebrew for “locking,” the concluding prayer service on Yom Kippur. The name alludes to the closing of both the holiday and the final chance for prayers of repentance. The service ends with the blowing of the shofar.
Alternate spellings: Neila, Ne’ila, Neilah.

Neshamah
Hebrew for “soul” or “spirit,” the word literally means “breath.” In modern Judaism, it is believed that a person receives their soul from God with their first breath (based on Genesis 2:7).

NFTY
North American Federation of Temple Youth, the youth group of Judaism’s Reform movement in North America. It offers local and regional youth groups, summer programs and post-high school programs.

Nichum aveilim
Hebrew for “condolence of mourning,” a visit made to the mourners during the first week of mourning (the period known as shiva). This is also referred to as “making a shiva call” and is considered a mitzvah (a good deed or commandment).
Alternate spellings: Nichum avelim.

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Omer
Hebrew term for a unit of dry measure, it was used to measure barley and is sometimes translated as “sheaf” (as in, “sheaf of barley”). Omer now refers to the period of 49 days from Passover to Shavuot. Today, instead of bringing an omer of barley to sacrifice, the days are counted (“counting the Omer”). It’s also a period of semi-mourning, when traditional Jews will refrain from partying, dancing, listening to live music, or cutting their hair.

Oneg Shabbat
Hebrew for “Sabbath joy,” the term for the light refreshments served after a Shabbat service.

Oznei Haman
Hebrew for “Haman’s ears,” these fried pieces of dough, shaped to look somewhat like an ear, and made with orange blossom water and orange peel, are drizzled with rich sugar syrup. They are a Sephardi treat for the holiday of Purim.
Alternate spellings: Oznai Haman.

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Parashah
Hebrew for “portion,” one of 54 sections of the Torah read, during Shabbat services, in order on a weekly basis throughout the year.
Alternate spellings: Parasha, parsha, parshah.

Parashot
Plural form of “parashah,” Hebrew for “portion.” One of 54 sections of the Torah read, during Shabbat services, in order on a weekly basis throughout the year.
Alternate spellings: Parashas, parshahs, parshas, parshot.

Passover
The spring holiday commemorating the Exodus of the Jews from slavery in Egypt. The Hebrew name is “Pesach.” The Yiddish name is “Peysakh” or “Peysekh.”

Payot
Hebrew and Yiddish for “sidelock” or “sidecurls,” derived from the Hebrew word “pe’eh,” meaning “corner” or “side,” these are locks of hair that some Orthodox boys and men refrain from cutting or shaving.
Alternate spellings: Payos, peye, peyeh, peyes, peyos, peyot.

Pikuach Nefesh
Hebrew for “saving a life,” a principle in Jewish law that the preservation of human life overrides virtually any other religious consideration.
Alternate spellings: Pikua hanefesh, pikuach ha’nefesh, pikuah ha nefesh, pikuah hanefesh, pikuah nefesh(note: most of these spellings are not gramattically correct).

Pirkei Avot
Hebrew for “Chapters of the Fathers,” and commonly known as “Ethics of the Fathers,” a compilation of ethical teachings of the rabbis of the Mishnaic period. Included in the Mishnah, it’s the only tractate dealing exclusively with ethical and moral principles; there is little or no Jewish law included in these teachings.
Alternate spellings: Pirkei Avos, Pirkei Avoth.

Purim
Hebrew for “lots,” referring to the lots cast by Haman, the story’s antagonist, to determine the date on which to kill the Jewish people. It’s a spring holiday commemorating the Jewish people’s triumph. The story is told through the biblical Book of Esther; the namesake heroine, a Jewish woman, marries the Persian king. Their interfaith relationship is central to the story.

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Rabbi
Hebrew for “my master,” the term refers to a spiritual leader and teacher of Torah. Often, but not always, a rabbi is the leader of a synagogue congregation.

Rav
Hebrew for “master,” the term refers to a spiritual leader and teacher of Torah. Often, but not always, a rabbi is the leader of a synagogue congregation. Another word for “rabbi.”

Rebbe
Yiddish for “my master,” derived from the Hebrew word “rabbi,” the term refers to a spiritual leader and teacher of Torah. Often, but not always, a rabbi is the leader of a synagogue congregation. In some Orthodox communities, the title refers to the leader or founder of a particular hasidic movement (for example, the Lubavitcher Hasids refer to their rabbi as rebbe).

Rosh Hashanah
Hebrew for “Head of the Year,” the Jewish New Year. With Yom Kippur, known as the High Holy Days.
Alternate spellings: Rosh Hashana.

Rugelach
Yiddish term for a rolled pastry, often filled with chocolate or nuts, cinnamon, apricot or other flavors, and usually shaped like small crescent rolls.

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Sandek
Hebrew for “godfather,” the word is specific to the role of holding the baby during a brit milah ceremony.

Sandeket
Female version of the Hebrew word “sandek,” which means “godfather,” the word is specific to the role of holding the baby during a brit milah ceremony.

Seder
Hebrew for “order,” refers to the traditional course of events, or service, surrounding the Passover and Tu Bishvat meals.

Sepharad
Of the culture of Jews with family origins in Spain, Portugal or North Africa.
Alternate spellings: Sephardic.

Sephardi
Having Jewish family origins in Spain, Portugal or North Africa. The term literally means “Spanish” in Hebrew.

Sephardim
Jews with family origins in Spain, Portugal or North Africa.

Se’udah
Hebrew for “meal.” Often refers to a celebratory meal at a life cycle event.
Alternate spellings: Seudah, seudat.

Sevivon
Hebrew for “spinning top,” the four-sided toy played with during the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah is more commonly known by its Yiddish name, “dreidel.”
Alternate spellings: sivivon.

Shabbat
The Hebrew word for the Jewish Sabbath, from sunset on Friday to nightfall on Saturday.
Alternate spellings: Shabbes, Shabbos.

Shabbat Shalom
Hebrew for “Sabbath [of] peace,” a greeting on or before the Jewish Sabbath.

Shadkhan
Hebrew for “matchmaker,” someone who carries out a “shiddukh” (match).
Alternate spellings: Shadchan, shadchan, shadkhn.

Shalom Rav
Hebrew for “great peace,” the prayer for peace at the end of the traditional evening liturgy.

Shamash
Hebrew for “helper,” a candle used to light all the other candles in the Hanukkah menorah.

Shanah Tovah
Hebrew for “a good year,” a typical greeting on or before Rosh Hashanah.
Alternate spellings: Shana tova, shana tovah, shanah tova.

Shavuah Tov
Hebrew for “a good week,” a typical greeting on Saturday night, after Havdalah, as the new week starts.

Shavuot
A Summer holiday commemorating the receiving of the Torah on Mount Sinai, it is also known as the Feast of Weeks, as it comes seven weeks after Passover begins.
Alternate spellings: Shavuos.

Shehecheyanu
Hebrew for “Who has given us life,” part of a blessing thanking God for bringing us to a special or new moment.
Alternate spellings: Shehekheyanu, Sh’hekhiyanu.

Shema
Hebrew for “hear,” the first word and name of the central Jewish prayer and statement of faith. It is written on the scroll for a mezuzah.
Alternate spellings: Sh’ma.

Sheva brachot
Hebrew for “the seven blessings,” also known as birkot nissuin (“the wedding blessings”), blessings that are recited for a couple as part of their marriage ceremony.
Alternate spellings: Sheva berachot, sheva brachos.

Shiddukh
Hebrew for “match,” as in a couple that has been set up.
Alternate spellings: Shidduch.

Shiddukhim
Hebrew for “matches,” as in couples that have been set up.
Alternate spellings: Shidduchim.

Shiva
Hebrew for “seven,” refers to the seven days of mourning following the funeral of a family member. During this time the mourners often receive visitors (“shiva call”).

Shloshim
Hebrew for “thirty,” refers to the thirty days of mourning following the funeral of a family member.

Shmoneh Esreh
Hebrew for “The Eighteen,” it’s an alternate name for Tefilat Amidah, Hebrew for “The Standing Prayer,” which is the central prayer of Jewish liturgy. It is recited during every prayer service. Traditionally it’s recited individually in silence, then repeated aloud as a congregation; some congregations omit the silent recitation and/or abbreviate the repetition.
Alternate spellings: Shmonah Esrai.

Shofar
Simple musical instrument made from a ram’s horn that is blown in synagogue on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, as well as each morning after daily services during the Hebrew month of Elul (the month leading up to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur).

Shul
Yiddish for “synagogue.”

Shulkhan Arukh
Hebrew for “Set Table,” also known as the Code of Jewish Law, it is the most authoritative legal code of Judaism, authored by Rabbi Yosef Karo in 1563.
Alternate spellings: Shulchan Aruch.

Shvitz
Yiddish for “sweat.”
Alternate spellings:

Siddur
Hebrew for “prayer book,” the plural is “siddurim.”

Simchah
Hebrew for “gladness” or “joy,” it is often used to refer to a festive occasion or celebration, like a wedding, bat mitzvah, or bris.
Alternate spellings: Simcha, simchahs, simchas, simchat.

Simchat Bat
Hebrew for “daughter’s celebration,” a modern term for a naming ceremony for baby girls.
Alternate spellings: Simchas bas.

Simchat Torah
Hebrew for “Joy of Torah,” a fall holiday that celebrates the completion of the yearlong Torah cycle and the commencement of a new one.
Alternate spellings: Simchas Torah.

Simchot
Plural form of the Hebrew “simchah,” Hebrew for “gladness” or “joy,” it is often used to refer to a festive occasion or celebration, like a wedding, bat mitzvah, or bris.
Alternate spellings: Simchos.

Smachot Bat
Plural form of “simchat bat,” Hebrew for “daughter’s celebration,” a modern term for a naming ceremony for baby girls.
Alternate spellings: Smachos bas.

Sofer
Hebrew for “scribe,” someone who is trained in writing Torahs and other Jewish religious scrolls and texts.

Star of David
Known in Hebrew as “magen David” (literally,” shield of David”), it is more commonly recognized as the star of David, a six-point star. The symbol has origins in the Torah, and has been used as a symbol of Jewish identity and Judaism in Europe since the Middle Ages.

Sufganyot
A Hebrew term for a doughnut, often eaten in Israel during Hanukkah. They are usually filled with jelly and covered in sugar.
Alternate spellings: Soofganiyot.

Sukkah: temporary structure built for the holiday of Sukkot.

Sukkah
Hebrew for “booth,” a temporary hut constructed for use during the week-long Jewish holiday of Sukkot (“booths”).
Alternate spellings: Succah, sukka.

Sukkot
Hebrew for “Booths,” it’s a fall holiday marking the harvest, like a Jewish Thanksgiving, complete with opportunities for dining and sleeping under the stars.
Alternate spellings: Succos, Succot, Sukkos.

Synagogue
Derived from the Greek word for “assembly,” a Jewish house of prayer. Synagogue refers to both the room where prayer services are held and the building where it occurs. In Yiddish, “shul.” Reform synagogues are often called “temple.”

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Taglit-Birthright Israel
An international program that sends thousands of young Jews to Israel each year for free.

Tallit and Tallis: prayer shawl.

Tallis
Yiddish for “prayer shawl,” a ritual item that is worn and has knotted fringes (tzitzit) attached to the four corners. The plural form is “talleisim.”

Tallit
Hebrew for “prayer shawl,” a ritual item that is worn and has knotted fringes (tzitzit) attached to the four corners. The plural form is “tallitot.”

Talmud
Hebrew for “instruction” or “learning,” a central text of Judaism, recording the rabbinic discussions pertaining to Jewish law, ethics, philosophy, customs and history. It has two parts: Mishnah (redacted c. 200 CE) and Gemara (c. 500 CE), an elucidation of the Mishnah.

Tanakh
Hebrew acronym standing for “Torah (Five Books of Moses), Nevi’im (Prophets), Ketuvim (Writings),” a name used in Judaism for the canon of the Hebrew Bible.

Tashlich
Hebrew for “send off” or “cast away.” On the afternoon of Rosh Hashanah it is customary to go to a body of moving water for a ceremony in which we cast off our sins by emptying crumbs from our pockets into the water. (See Micah 7:19.)

Tefillah
Hebrew for “prayer.” The plural form is “tefillot” or “tefillos.”

Tefillin: This Barbie models both a tallit and tefillin. (Thanks to Jen Taylor Friedman for creating her!)

Tefillin
Hebrew term derived from the word “to pray,” and translated into English as the unhelpful word “phylacteries.” A set of small black leather boxes containing scrolls on which the Torah verses are written, one goes on the upper arm (with the black leather straps wrapping down the arm and around the hand and fingers) and the other goes around the head (with the straps dropping down the back of the head).

Temple
Reform synagogues are often called “temple.” “The Temple” refers to either the First Temple, built by King Solomon in 957 BCE in Jerusalem, or the Second Temple, which replaced the First Temple and stood on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem from 516 BCE to 70 CE.

Tikkun Olam
Hebrew for “repairing the world,” a goal of the Jewish covenant with God.

Tisha B’Av
Summer holiday that includes a fast, commemorating the destruction of the ancient Temples in Jerusalem.

Torah: the scroll containing the first five books of the Bible.

Torah
The first five books of the Hebrew Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy), or the scroll that contains them.

Torah portion
One of 54 sections of the Torah read, during Shabbat services, in order on a weekly basis throughout the year.

Treyf
Yiddish term for that which is not kosher (in accordance with Jewish dietary law). Common treyf foods include shellfish and pig products (ham, bacon, etc.). Also, food or meals that combine dairy and meat products are treyf.
Alternate spellings: Trayf, treif.

T’shuvah
Hebrew for “return,” the way of repenting for sins in Judaism. The term is most associated with Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
Alternate spellings: Teshuva, teshuvah, t’shuva.

Tu Bishvat
Hebrew for “15th of [the month of] Shevat,” both a date and the name of a holiday celebrated on that date. A holiday that falls in January or February, it’s the New Year for trees.
Alternate spellings: Tu Beshvat, Tu B’Shevat, Tu B’Shvat(note: some of these spellings are not grammatically correct).

Tzitzit
Hebrew for “tassel” or “fringe,” the name for specially knotted ritual fringes (strings). They appear on the four corners of a tallit (prayer shawl worn during prayer services) and tallit katan (small shawl, worn by observant Jews every day under their shirts).
Alternate spellings: Sisith, tzit tzit, tzitzis.

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Ulpan
Hebrew term for a school or institute for the intensive study of Hebrew. Primarily found in Israel, “ulpan method” Hebrew classes are found around the world.

USY
United Synagogue Youth, the youth group of Judaism’s Conservative movement in the United States, Canada and Mexico. It offers local and regional youth groups, summer programs and post-high school programs.

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Yahrzeit
Hebrew for “time of [one] year,” referring to the anniversary of the day of a relative’s death.
Alternate spellings: Yahrtzeit, yartzeit. In Yiddish: yortsayt.

Yarmulke
Yiddish for “skullcap,” also known in Hebrew as a “kippah,” the small, circular headcovering worn by male Jews in most synagogues, and female Jews in more liberal congregations. Traditional Jews were kippot (plural of kippah) all the time.
Alternate spellings: Yamulka, yarmulka

Yiddish
A language, literally meaning “Jewish,” once widely used by Ashkenazi communities. It is influenced by German, Hebrew and Slavic languages, and is written with the Hebrew alphabet. It is comparable to the language of many Sephardi communities, Ladino.

Yizkor
Hebrew for “remembrance,” a memorial prayer service.

Yom Kippur
Hebrew for “Day of Atonement,” the final of ten Days of Awe that begin with Rosh Hashanah. Occurs during the fall and is marked by a 24-hour fast. One of the most important Jewish holidays. See our Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Resource Page.

Yontif
Yiddish for “holiday.”
Alternate spellings: Yontef, Yontev.

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Z”L
Abbreviation for the Hebrew “zichrono libracha” or “zichrona livracha” meaning “may his/her memory be a blessing.” It is common, when mentioning in writing the name of someone who has died, to add z”l after the person’s name. The full phrase is said when speaking.
Alternate spellings: ZL

Zayde
Yiddish for “grandfather.”
Alternate spellings: Zaida, zaide.

Zion
Hebrew term, synonymous with Jerusalem.

Zionism
A form of nationalism of Jews and Jewish culture that supports a Jewish nation state in territory defined as the Land of Israel.

Zionist
A supporter of the ideal that Israel be defined as a Jewish nation state.