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Kabbalah and Jewish Mysticism
Mysticism in Judaism
When non-Jews ask about Judaism, they commonly ask questions like: Do you believe in heaven and hell? In angels or the devil? What happens to the soul after death? What is the nature of G-d and the universe? The answers to questions like these define most religions; in fact, I have heard some people say that the purpose of religion is to answer these kinds of questions. Yet in Judaism, most of these cosmological issues are wide open to personal opinion. The areas of Jewish thought that most extensively discuss these issues, Kabbalah and Jewish mysticism, were traditionally not even taught to people until the age of 40, when they had completed their education in Torah and Talmud.
Mysticism and mystical experiences have been a part of Judaism since the earliest days. The Torah contains many stories of mystical experiences, from visitations by angels to prophetic dreams and visions. The Talmud considers the existence of the soul and when it becomes attached to the body. Jewish tradition tells that the souls of all Jews were in existence at the time of the Giving of the Torah and were present at the time and agreed to the Covenant. There are many stories of places similar to Christian heaven and purgatory, of wandering souls and reincarnation. The Talmud contains vague hints of a mystical school of thought that was taught only to the most advanced students and was not committed to writing. There are several references in ancient sources to ma'aseh bereishit (the work of creation) and ma'aseh merkavah (the work of the chariot [of Ezekiel's vision]), the two primary subjects of mystical thought at the time.
In the middle ages, many of these mystical teachings were committed to writing in books like the Zohar. Many of these writings were asserted to be secret ancient writings or compilations of secret ancient writings.
Like most subjects of Jewish belief, the area of mysticism is wide open to personal interpretation. Some traditional Jews take mysticism very seriously. Mysticism is an integral part of Chasidic Judaism, for example, and passages from kabbalistic sources are routinely included in traditional prayer books. Other traditional Jews take mysticism with a grain of salt. One prominent Orthodox Jew, when introducing a speaker on the subject of Jewish mysticism, said basically, "it's nonsense, but it's Jewish nonsense, and the study of anything Jewish, even nonsense, is worthwhile."
The mystical school of thought came to be known as Kabbalah, from the Hebrew root Qof-Bet-Lamed, meaning "to receive, to accept." The word is usually translated as "tradition." In Hebrew, the word does not have any of the dark, sinister, evil connotations that it has developed in English. For example, the English word "cabal" (a secret group of conspirators) is derived from the Hebrew word Kabbalah, but neither the Hebrew word nor the mystical doctrines have any evil implications to Jews.
Kabbalah: The Misunderstood Doctrine
Kabbalah is one of the most grossly misunderstood parts of Judaism. I have received several messages from non-Jews describing Kabbalah as "the dark side of Judaism," describing it as evil or black magic. On the other end of the spectrum, I receive many messages wanting to learn more about the trendy doctrine popularized by various Jewish and non-Jewish celebrities.
These misunderstandings stem largely from the fact that the teachings of Kabbalah have been so badly distorted by mystics and occultists. Kabbalah was popular among Christian intellectuals during the Renaissance and Enlightenment periods, who reinterpreted its doctrines to fit into their Christian dogma. In more recent times, many have wrenched kabbalistic symbolism out of context for use in tarot card readings and other forms of divination and magic that were never a part of the original Jewish teachings. Today, many well-known celebrities have popularized a new age pop-psychology distortion of kabbalah (I have heard it derisively referred to as "crap-balah") that has more in common with the writings of Deepak Chopra than with any authentic Jewish source.
I do not mean to suggest that magic is not a part of Kabbalah. There are certainly many traditional Jewish stories that involve the use of hidden knowledge to affect the world in ways that could be described as magic. The Talmud and other sources ascribe supernatural activities to many great rabbis. Some rabbis pronounced a name of G-d and ascended into heaven to consult with the G-d and the angels on issues of great public concern. One scholar is said to have created an artificial man by reciting various names of G-d. Much later stories tell of a rabbi who created a man out of clay (a golem) and brought it to life by putting in its mouth a piece of paper with a name of G-d on it. However, this area of Kabbalah (if indeed it is more than mere legend) is not something that is practiced by the average Jew, or even the average rabbi. There are a number of stories that discourage the pursuit of such knowledge and power as dangerous and irresponsible. If you see any books on the subject of "practical kabbalah," you can safely dismiss them as not authentic Jewish tradition because, as these stories demonstrate, this kind of knowledge was traditionally thought to be far too dangerous to be distributed blindly to the masses.
It is important to note that all of these magical effects were achieved through the power of G-d, generally by calling upon the name of G-d. These practices are no more "evil" than the miracles of the prophets, or the miracles that Christians ascribe to Jesus. In fact, according to some of my mystically-inclined friends, Jesus performed his miracles using kabbalistic techniques learned from the Essenes, a Jewish sect of that time that was involved in mysticism.
Ein Sof and the Ten Sefirot
To give you an idea of the nature of Kabbalah, I will briefly discuss one of the better known, fundamental concepts of kabbalistic thought: the concept of G-d as Ein Sof, the Ten Sefirot, and the kabbalistic tree of life. This explanation is, at best, a gross oversimplification. I do not pretend to fully understand these ideas.
According to Kabbalah, the true essence of G-d is so transcendent that it cannot be described, except with reference to what it is not. This true essence of G-d is known as Ein Sof, which literally means "without end," which encompasses the idea of His lack of boundaries in both time and space. In this truest form, the Ein Sof is so transcendent that It cannot have any direct interaction with the universe. The Ein Sof interacts with the universe through ten emanations from this essence, known as the Ten Sefirot.
These Sefirot correspond to qualities of G-d. They consist of, in descending order, Keter (the crown), Chokhmah (wisdom), Binah (intuition, understanding), Chesed (mercy) or Gedulah (greatness), Gevurah (strength), Tiferet (glory), Netzach (victory), Hod (majesty), Yesod (foundation) and Malkut (sovereignty). The middle five qualities are mentioned explicitly and in order at I Chronicles 29:11: Yours, O L-rd, is the greatness (gedulah), the strength (gevurah), the glory (tiferet), the power (netzach), and the splendor (hod). I have seen this passage translated in widely varying ways, but the Hebrew corresponds to the names of the Sefirot in order.
The Ten Sefirot include both masculine and feminine qualities. Kabbalah pays a great deal of attention to the feminine aspects of G-d.
The Sefirot are commonly represented as in the diagram at left. This diagram is commonly known as the Tree of the Sefirot or the Kabbalistic Tree of Life. There is great significance to the position of these various attributes and their interconnectedness.
The Sefirot are not separate deities, as some might think by taking this too literally. They are intimately a part of G-d, and yet they are in contact with the universe in a way that the Ein Sof is not. The Sefirot connect with everything in the universe, including humanity. The good and evil that we do resonates through the Sefirot and affects the entire universe, up to and including G-d Himself.
Suggested Reading
Readings in this area should be undertaken with extreme caution. There is entirely too much literature out there under the name "Kabbalah" that has little or nothing to do with the true Jewish teachings on this subject. Any book on the subject of practical Kabbalah should be disregarded immediately; no legitimate source would ever make such teachings available to a faceless mass audience. Books written by Christians should be viewed with extreme skepticism, because many Christian sources have reinterpreted Kabbalah to fit into Christian dogma.
There is a nice online introductory Kabbalah course available from Aish Ha-Torah at Kabbala 101.
For an academic and scholarly information about Jewish mysticism and Kabbalah, check out the works of Professor Gershom Scholem. He was a prolific writer on the subject, and his writings are widely available and well-respected by both Jews and non-Jews. Dozens of his books are available at amazon.com. Click here to see a list.
For a more personal and experiential approach to Jewish mysticism and Kabbalah, see the works of Aryeh Kaplan. I am informed that his books are reliably authoritative and uncompromisingly Orthodox. I have found his materials on meditation and prayer, especially Jewish Meditation, to be particularly useful in my own devotional practices. Click here to see a list of his books available at amazon.com
Of course, if you are serious about Kabbalah, you must get yourself a teacher that you can work with one-on-one, either online or in person.
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资料来源：http://www.jewfaq.org/toc.htm
转发人：顾晓鸣老师
Table of Contents
Current Calendar
What's Nu?
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Ideas
What Is Judaism? Basic
What Do Jews Believe? Basic
The Nature of G-d Intermediate
Human Nature Advanced
Moshiach: The Messiah Intermediate
Kabbalah and Jewish Mysticism Advanced
People
Who Is a Jew? Basic
Jewish Population Basic
Movements of Judaism Basic
Ashkenazic and Sephardic Jews Basic
Jewish Attitudes Toward Non-Jews Basic
The Role of Women Intermediate
Rabbis, Priests, and Other Religious Functionaries Basic
The Patriarchs and the Origins of Judaism Basic
Moses, Aaron and Miriam Basic
Prophets and Prophecy Intermediate
Sages and Scholars Intermediate
Places
The Land of Israel Basic
Synagogues, Shuls and Temples Basic
Things
Signs and Symbols Basic
Jewish Cooking Basic
Words
Hebrew Alphabet Basic
Hebrew Language: Root Words Intermediate
Yiddish Basic
Common Expressions and Greetings Basic
The Name of G-d Basic
Torah Basic
Torah Readings Intermediate
Prayers and Blessings Intermediate
Jewish Liturgy Intermediate
Deeds
Halakhah: Jewish Law Intermediate
Aseret ha-Dibrot: The "Ten Commandments" Intermediate
Love and Brotherhood Basic
Speech and Lashon Ha-Ra Intermediate
Kashrut: Jewish Dietary Laws Intermediate
Kosher Sex Advanced
Tzedakah: Charity Intermediate
Treatment of Animals Intermediate
Qorbanot: Sacrifices and Offerings Advanced
A List of the 613 Mitzvot (Commandments) Advanced
Times
Jewish Calendar Basic
Shabbat Basic
Jewish Holidays Basic
Introduction Basic
The Month of Tishri Basic
Rosh Hashanah Basic
Days of Awe Basic
Yom Kippur Basic
Sukkot Basic
Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah Basic
Chanukkah Basic
Tu B'Shevat Basic
Purim Basic
Pesach: Passover Basic
Pesach Seder: How is This Night Different Intermediate
The Counting of the Omer Basic
Shavu'ot Basic
Tisha B'Av Basic
The Month of Elul and Selichot Basic
Minor Fasts Basic
Rosh Chodesh Basic
New Holidays Basic
for Gentiles:
A Gentile's Guide
to the Jewish Holidays
Life Cycle
Birth and the First Month of Life Basic
Bar Mitzvah, Bat Mitzvah and Confirmation Basic
Marriage Basic
Divorce Basic
Life, Death and Mourning Basic
Olam Ha-Ba: The Afterlife Basic
Reference
Recommended Books and Publishers Basic
Common Prayers and Blessings Intermediate
Glossary of Jewish Terminology Basic
Other useful Jewish links:
Go Daven! (a worldwide database of Orthodox prayer groups, so you can go and daven)
Maven - The Virtual Know-It-All (a search engine of Jewish and Israel websites)
613.org (a source of educational Orthodox Jewish audio and video files, all available for free viewing online using RealPlayer!)
The Jewish Dance (A weird and wonderful site, full of Jewish animated .gifs, Yiddish proverbs, and Jewish MIDIs. Each .gif has a hidden link to a Jewish website.)
The Mining Company's Guide to Judaism (a great resource for Jewish information with extensive links)
Shamash Home Page (a little bit of everything!)
Virtual Jerusalem (a wide variety of resources from a site based in Israel)
OU Online (home page of the Orthodox Union)
Chabad in Cyberspace (Lubavitcher Chasidic Judaism)
BSZ Net (Sephardic Judaism)
Ethiopian Jewry Home Page (also known as Falasahas or Beta Israel)
JewishGen: The Home of Jewish Genealogy (an excellent resource for researching your family history!)
Jews for Judaism (counter-missionary organization)
The Conversion to Judaism Home Page (an extensive resource for people considering conversion to Judaism, written from a Conservative perspective)
AICE - American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise (an activist organization to strengthen the U.S.-Israel relationship by emphasizing the values our nations share)
These sites offer e-mail courses in Jewish education and other valuable resources:
Project Genesis - Torah on the Information Superhighway
Yeshivat Har Etzion - Virtual Beit Midrash
http://www.mnment.com/judaism/glossary.php
Glossary of Jewish Terminology
# A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Following is a partial list of Hebrew, Yiddish and other Jewish terms used on this web site. Unless otherwise specified, the terms are Hebrew.
I have attempted to provide pronunciations for most of these terms. Some of the pronunciations may not be strictly, technically correct, but they are the way I usually hear the terms pronounced. Unfortunately, what I usually hear is a mix of Ashkenazic and Sephardic pronunciations. I have tried to present the Sephardic pronunciation as much as possible, but some things I never hear pronounced that way!
Guide to pronunciation:
' - a vowel that is not quite pronounced; a very short u or i
a - as in at
ah - as in father
ahy - as in my
aw -as in awe (often used as awr to sound like or)
ay - as in way
e - as in bet
ee - as in me
eh - as in bet
ehy - as in they
i - as in it
oh - as in hope
oo - as in food
uh - as in up
u - as in put
kh - as in Scottish or German, a throat clearing noise
tsch - as in chair
ts - as in paints
- # -
13 Principles of Faith
The most widely accepted list of Jewish beliefs, compiled by Rambam.
613 Commandments
Judaism teaches that G-d gave the Jews 613 commandments, which are binding on Jews but not on non-Jews. See Halakhah: Jewish Law; A List of the 613 Mitzvot.
- A -
Aaron
Older brother of Moses. Founder of the priesthood, and the first Kohein Gadol (High Priest). He helped Moses lead the Children of Israel out of Egyptian bondage. See also Rabbis, Priests, and Other Religious Functionaries - Kohein.
Abortion
Judaism permits abortion in appropriate circumstances, and sometimes even requires abortion. See Kosher Sex - Abortion.
Abraham (Abram)
The first Jew, the founder of Judaism, the physical and spiritual ancestor of the Jewish people. One of the three Patriarchs of Judaism.
Adar
The twelfth month of the Jewish year, occurring in February/March. See Months of the Jewish Year.
Adoption
There is no formal procedure for adoption in Judaism, but one who raises another person's child is acknowledged as the parent in many important ways.
Adoshem
A substitute for a name of G-d.
Afikomen
From Greek meaning "dessert." A half piece of matzah set aside during the Passover Seder, which is later hidden by children and then ransomed by parents, or hidden by parents and found by children. It is eaten as the last part of the meal.
Afterlife
Contrary to popular belief, Judaism does believe in an afterlife, but it is not the primary focus of our religion and there is a lot of room for personal opinion about the nature of the afterlife.
Agunah
Lit. anchoed. A woman whose husband disappeaed without divorcing her.
Akiba (uh-KEE-buh)
One of the greatest rabbis recorded in the Talmud.
Al Cheit (AHL CHAYT)
Lit. for the sin. A confession of community sins recited repeatedly on Yom Kippur. See Yom Kippur Liturgy.
Alefbet (AH-lef-bet)
The Hebrew alphabet. The name is derived from the first two letters of the alefbet.
Aliyah (uh-LEE-uh; ah-lee-AH)
Lit. ascension. 1) Reading from the Torah; (or reciting a blessing over the reading) during services, which is consideed an honor (generally reffered to in English as having or getting an aliyah and pronounced uh-LEE-uh). See also Bar Mitzvah. 2) Immigrating to Israel (generally reffered to in English as making aliyah and pronounced ah-lee-AH).
Amidah (uh-MEE-duh)
Lit. standing. A prayer that is the center of any Jewish religious service. Also known as the Shemoneh Esrei or the Tefilah. See Jewish Liturgy.
Amud (ah-MOOD)
A lower lectern found in some synagogues. Not to be confused with the bimah, which is the primary podium from which the Torah is read. See Synagogues, Shuls and Temples.
Animals
See Treatment of Animals; Qorbanot: Sacrifices and Offerings.
Aninut
The period of mourning between the time of death and the time of burial.
Antisemitism
The term "antisemitism" comes from the roots "anti" (against) and "Semite" (a term that applies to both Hebrews and Arabs). However, the word "antisemitism" is used specifically to refer to hated of Jews and Judaism. Although the Holocaust is the best-known example of antisemitism, it is only the latest in a long and tragic history of expulsions, forced conversions, limitations of civil and political rights, lies and slanders such as the infamous Blood Libel and mass murders like the Russian pogroms and the mob violence incidental to the Crusades. An entire website could be devoted to the subject. I have made a conscious decision not to cover these subjects on this site, because this site is about Jews and Judaism and I refuse to let my people be defined by what others have done to us.
Arbah Minim
Lit. four species. Fruit and branches used to fulfill the commandment to "rejoice before the L-rd" during Sukkot. See also Blessing over the Arba Minim.
Ark
The English translation of aron kodesh, lit., holy chest. The cabinet where the Torah scrolls are kept. The word has no connection with Noah's Ark, which is "teyvat" in Hebrew. See Ritual Items in the Synagogue.
Aron Kodesh (AH-rohn KOH-desh)
Lit. holy chest. The cabinet where the Torah scrolls are kept. See Ritual Items in the Synagogue.
Asham (ah-SHAHM)
A guilt offering. A type of sacrifice used to atone for sins of stealing things from the altar, for when you are not sure whether you have committed a sin or what sin you have committed, or for breach of trust.
Asher
1) Son of Jacob (Israel). Ancestor of one of the tribes of Israel; 2) The tribe that bears his name.
Ashkenazic Jews (ahsh-ken-AH-zik)
Jews from eastern France, Germany and Eastern Europe, and their descendants.
Assyrian Text
A style of writing the Hebrew Alphabet, commonly used in books.
Av
The fifth month of the Jewish year, occurring in July/August. See Months of the Jewish Year.
Avelut
The year of mourning after the burial of a parent.
- B -
Ba'al Shem Tov (bahl shem tohv)
Lit. Master of the Good Name. Rabbi Israel ben Eliezer. The founder of Chasidic Judaism.
Bagel (BAY-g'l)
Donut-shaped bread that is boiled before it is baked.
Balfour Declaration
A letter from British foreign secretary Lord Balfour to Lord Rothschild expressing the British government’s commitment to creating a Jewish state in Palestine. See Zionism and the Formation of the State of Israel.
Bar Kokhba (BAHR KOHKH-buh)
Aramaic: Son of a Star. Simeon ben Kosiba, the leader of the last and most successful Jewish rebellion against Rome in 132-135 C.E. He died in battle when the rebellion was defeated. Rabbi Akiba believed he was the Moshiach (Messiah).
Bar Mitzvah (BAHR MITS-vuh)
Lit. son of the commandment. A boy who has achieved the age of 13 and is consequently obligated to observe the commandments. Also, a ceremony marking the fact that a boy has achieved this age.
Bashert (bah-SHAYRT)
Yiddish: fate, destiny. 1) A soul mate, an ideal, pedestined spouse. 2) Any good or fortuitous match, such as the perfect job or the perfect house.
Bat Mitzvah (BAHT MITS-vuh)
Lit. daughter of the commandment. A girl who has achieved the age of 12 and is consequently obligated to observe the commandments. Also, a ceremony marking the fact that a girl has achieved this age.
B.C.E.
Before the Common (or Christian) Era. Another way of saying B.C.
Beginning of Day
A day on the Jewish calendar begins at sunset. When a date is given for a Jewish holiday, the holiday actually begins at sundown on the preceding day. See When Holidays Begin.
Beit Din (BAYT DIN)
Lit. house of judgment. A rabbinical court made up of three rabbis who resolve business disputes under Jewish law and determine whether a prospective convert is ready for conversion.
Beit Hillel (BAYT HIL-el; BAYT hil-EL)
Lit. House of Hillel. A school of thought during the Talmudic period, generally contrasted with the stricter, more legalistic views of Beit Shammai.
Beit Knesset (BAYT K'NESS-et)
Lit. house of assembly. A Hebrew term for a synagogue.
Beit Midrash (BAYT MID-rahsh)
Lit. house of study. A place set aside for study of saced texts such as the Torah and the Talmud, generally a part of the synagogue or attached to it.
Beit Shammai (BAYT SHAH-mahy)
Lit. House of Shammai. A school of thought during the Talmudic period, generally contrasted with the more lenient, humanistic views of Beit Hillel.
Beliefs
Judaism has no dogma, no formal set of beliefs that one must hold to be a Jew. In Judaism, actions are far more important than beliefs, although there is certainly a place for belief within Judaism. See What Do Jews Believe?; The Nature of G-d; Human Nature; Kabbalah, Olam Ha-Ba: The Afterlife.
Benjamin
1) Son of Jacob (Israel). Ancestor of one of the tribes of Israel; 2) The tribe that bears his name.
Bentsch (BENTSCH)
Yiddish: bless. To recite a blessing. Usually refers to the recitation of the birkat ha-mazon (grace after meals). See Prayers and Blessings; Common Prayers and Blessings.
Berakhah (B'RUHKH-khah; b'ruhkh-KHAH); pl: Berakhot (b'ruhkh-KHOHT)
A blessing. A prayer beginning with the phrase "barukh atah..." (blessed art Thou...). See Prayers and Blessings; Common Prayers and Blessings.
Berurya
A woman of great learning, and the wife of Rabbi Meir. The Talmud records several instances where her opinions on Jewish Law were accepted over those of her male contemporaries. See The Role of Women.
Beta Israel
The black Jews of Ethiopia, sometimes reffered to as Falashas. See Ashkenazic and Sephardic Jews.
Betrothal
The first part of the two-part process of Jewish marriage, which creates the legal relationship without the mutual obligations. In Hebrew, it is called "kiddushin."
Bible
Also reffered to as the Tanakh. The Jewish Bible more or less corresponds to what non-Jews call the "Old Testament." See Torah.
Bimah (BEE-muh)
The pedestal on which the Torah scrolls are placed when they are being read in the synagogue; i.e., the pulpit.
Binah (bee-NAH)
Intuition, understanding, intelligence. A quality that women supposedly have in greater degree than men. Also, in kabbalistic thought, one of the Ten Sefirot.
Birkat Ha-Mazon (BEER-kaht hah mah-ZOHN)
Lit. blessing of the food. Grace after meals. The recitation of birkat ha-mazon is commonly reffered to as bentsching.
Birth
See Birth and the First Month of Life.
Birth Control
Jewish law permits certain methods of birth control in appropriate circumstances.
Blessing
A prayer beginning with the phrase "barukh atah..." (blessed art Thou...). See Prayers and Blessings; Common Prayers and Blessings.
Blintz (BLINTS)
Yiddish. A thin, crepe-like pancake rolled around a filling of potato and onion, cheese, or fruit.
Block Print
A style of writing the Hebrew Alphabet, commonly used in books.
B'nai Mitzvah (b'NEHY MITS-vuh)
Lit. children of the commandment. Plural of Bar Mitzvah. Children who have achieved the age of 13 and are consequently obligated to observe the commandments. Also, a ceremony marking the fact that children have achieved this age.
B'nei Noach (b'NEHY NOH-ahkh)
A movement of non-Jews who have consciously accepted the responsibility of following the Seven Laws of Noah.
Books
See Torah; Recommended Books and Publishers.
Brit Milah (BRIT MEE-lah)
Lit. covenant of circumcision. The ritual circumcision of a male Jewish child on the 8th day of his life or of a male convert to Judaism. Frequently reffered to as a bris.
Burial
Under Jewish law, the dead must be buried in the earth, not cremated, and must be buried in a simple coffin, simply dressed. See Care for the Dead.
Burnt Offering
A type of sacrifice that represented complete submission to G-d's will. It was completely consumed by fire on the altar. In Hebrew, it was called an olah.
- C -
Calendar
Judaism uses a lunar/solar calendar consisting of months that begin at the new moon. Each year has 12 or 13 months, to keep it in sync with the solar year. See Jewish Calendar; Current Calendar; Jewish Holidays.
Caro, Rabbi Joseph
Author of the Shulchan Arukh, the last of the great medieval codes of Jewish law, and one of the most respected compilations of Jewish law ever written.
C.E.
Common (or Christian) Era. Used instead of A.D., because A.D. means "the Year of our L-rd," and we do not believe that Jesus is our L-rd.
Chag Sameach (KHAHG sah-MEHY-ahkh)
Hebrew. Literally, joyous festival. A greeting for any holiday, but especially Sukkot, Shavu'ot and Pesach (Passover). See Common Expressions and Greetings.
Chai (KHAHY, rhymes with Hi!)
Lit. living or life. The word is often used as a design on jewelry and other ornaments. Donations to charity are often made in multiples of 18, the numerical value of the word.
Challah (KHAH-luh)
A sweet, eggy, yellow bread, usually braided, which is served on Shabbat and holidays.
Chametz (KHUH-mitz)
Lit. leaven. Leavened grain products, which may not be owned or consumed during Passover.
Chanukkah (KHAH-nik-uh; KHAH-noo-kah)
Lit. dedication. An eight day holiday celebrating the ededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after it was defiled by the Selucid Greeks. See also Chanukkah Candle Lighting Blessings.
Chanukkat Ha-Bayit (KHAH-noo-KAHT hah BAHY-eet)
Lit. dedication of the house. A brief ceremony dedicating a Jewish household, during which the mezuzah is affixed to the doorposts. The procedure and prayers for affixing the mezuzah is available.
Chanukkiah (KHAH-noo-KEE-ah)
A name sometimes use for a Chanukkah menorah.
Charity
In Judaism, helping the poor and needy is as much an obligation as any of the more familiar ritual observances. It is reffered to as tzedakah (righteousness).
Charoset (khah-ROH-set; khah-ROH-ses)
A mixture of fruit, wine and nuts eaten at the Passover seder to symbolize mortar used by the Jewish slaves in Egypt.
Chasidism (KHAH-sid-ism); Chasidic (khah-SID-ic)
From the word "Chasid" meaning "pious." A branch of Orthodox Judaism that maintains a lifestyle separate from the non-Jewish world.
Chatat (khah-TAHT)
A sin offering. A type of sacrifice used to atone for and expiate unintentional sins.
Chazzan (KHAH-zen)
Cantor. The person who leads the congregation in prayer. May be a professional or a member of the congregation.
Chelev (KHE-lev)
The fat surrounding organs, as distinguished from the fat surrounding muscles. Forbidden to be eaten under the laws of Kashrut.
Chevra Kaddisha (KHEV-ruh kah-DEESH-uh)
Lit. holy society. An organization devoted to caring for the dead.
Children of Israel
The most common designation of the Jewish people used in Jewish literature. It signifies the fact that we are descended from Jacob, who was also known as Israel. See The Jews are a Nation or a People
Chillul Ha-Shem (khil-LOOL hah SHEM)
Lit. profanation of the Name. Causing G-d or Judaism to come into disrespect, or causing a person to violate a commandment. See The Name of G-d.
Chol Ha-Mo'ed (KHOHL hah MOH-ed; KHOHL hah moh-AYD)
The intermediate days of Passover and Sukkot, when work is permitted.
Cholent (TSCHUH-lent)
A slow cooked stew of beef, beans and barley, which is served on Shabbat.
Chukkim (khook-EEM)
Jewish religious laws for which no reason is given in the Torah. Some believe that they are meant to show our obedience to G-d.
Chumash (KHUH-mish)
Lit. five. A compilation of the first five books of the Bible and readings from the prophets, organized in the order of the weekly Torah portions.
Chuppah (KHU-puh)
The wedding canopy, symbolic of the groom's home, under which the nisuin portion of the wedding ceremony is performed.
Circumcision
Removal of the foreskin, a commandment in Judaism performed on the 8th day of a male child's life or upon conversion to Judaism. See Brit Milah: Circumcision.
Clergy
See Rabbis, Priests and Other Religious Functionaries.
Clothing
Although Chasidic Jews wear special and distinctive clothing, other Jews have no special requirements other than dressing modestly and not cross-dressing. For information about ritual clothing, see Tzitzit and Tallit; Yarmulke.
Commandments
Judaism teaches that G-d gave the Jews 613 commandments, which are binding on Jews but not on non-Jews. See Halakhah: Jewish Law; A List of the 613 Mitzvot.
Confirmation
A ceremony performed in some Reform and Conservative synagogues to replace or supplement the Bar Mitzvah.
Conservative
One of the major movements of Judaism, accepting the binding nature of Jewish law but believing that the law can change.
Contraception
Jewish law permits certain methods of birth control in appropriate circumstances.
Conversion
Judaism does not seek out converts, and actively discourages converts (because a person does not need to be a Jew to be righteous in G-d's eyes), but conversion to Judaism is possible. See Who is a Jew?; Jewish Attitudes Towards Non-Jews; Conversion.
Cooking
See Jewish Cooking; Kashrut: Jewish Dietary Laws.
Counting of the Omer
The counting of the days between Passover and Shavu'ot.
- D -
Daf Yomi (DAHF yoh-MEE)
Lit. page of the day. Refers to the practice of studying a page of Talmud every day.
Dagesh (dah-GEHSH)
A dot found in the center of some Hebrew letters in pointed text, used as an aid to pronunciation. See Vowels and Points.
Daniel
A book of the Torah, or the writer of that book. The book is included in the Writings, not the Prophets, because by definition prophecies are meant to be proclaimed, and his visions were meant to be written, not proclaimed. See Prophets and Prophecy.
Dati (DAH-tee)
Orthodox Jews in Israel.
Dan
1) Son of Jacob (Israel). Ancestor of one of the tribes of Israel; 2) The tribe that bears his name.
Daven (DAH-ven)
Yiddish: Pray. Observant Jews daven three times a day, in addition to reciting blessings over many common activities. See Prayers and Blessings; Jewish Liturgy; Common Prayers and Blessings.
Days of Awe
Ten days from Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur, a time for introspection and considering the sins of the previous year.
Death
In Judaism, death is not a tragedy, even when it occurs early in life or through unfortunate circumstances. Death is a natural process. See Life, Death and Mourning.
Diaspora
Any place outside of the land of Israel where Jews live. Refers to the fact that Jews were dispersed from the land of Israel by the Romans after the last Jewish War. The Hebrew/Yiddish term for this is "galut" (pronounced gah-LOOT or gah-LOOS).
Divorce
Judaism has always accepted divorce as a fact of life, albeit an unfortunate one, and permits divorce for any reason, but discourages divorce. See Divorce; Marriage.
Dreidel
A top-like toy used to play a traditional Chanukkah game.
Dreyfus, Captain Alfed
A Jewish officer in the French military who was unjustly convicted of passing secrets to the Germans. His trial sparked a wave of anti-Jewish sentiment that inspied the early Zionist political movement.
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Ein Sof (ayn sohf)
Lit. without end. In Jewish mysticism, the true essence of G-d, which is so transcendent that it cannot be described and cannot interact directly with the universe.
Elokaynu
A substitute for a name of G-d. See The Name of G-d.
Elul
The sixth month of the Jewish year, a time of repentence in preparation for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. See also Months of the Jewish Year.
Ephraim
1) Son of Joseph. Ancestor of one of the tribes of Israel; 2) The tribe that bears his name.
Esau
Son of Isaac; older twin brother of Jacob (Israel). He had little respect for the traditions of his ancestors, and sold his birthright for a bowl of lentil stew.
Essenes
A movement of Judaism that began approximately 2200 years ago. It died out shortly after the destruction of the Temple.
Esther
One of the heroes of the story of Purim. Also, the book in the Bible that tells her story.
Ethics
Laws are at the heart of Judaism, but a large part of Jewish law is about ethical behavior. See Love and Brotherhood, Speech and Lashon Ha-Ra, Tzedakah: Charity, and Treatment of Animals.
Ethiopian Jews
The Jews of Ethiopia, whose customs and practices are somewhat different than those of Ashkenazic or Sephardic Jews. See Ashkenazic and Sephardic Jews.
Etrog (ET-rohg)
A citrus fruit native to Israel, used to fulfill the commandment to "rejoice before the L-rd" during Sukkot. See also Blessing over the Arba Minim.
Euthanasia
Euthanasia, suicide and assisted suicide are strictly forbidden by Jewish law, because life is so precious. See Life, Death and Mourning for more information.
Evil Impulse
Humanity was created with a dual nature: an impulse to do what is right an a selfish (evil) impulse. Free will is the ability to choose which impulse to follow.
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Falashas
The black Jews of Ethiopia, who prefer to be known as the Beta Israel. See Ashkenazic and Sephardic Jews.
Family Purity
Laws relating to the separation of husband and wife during the woman's menstrual period. Also reffered to as the laws of niddah or taharat ha-mishpachah.
Fast Days
Several Jewish holidays are fasts, upon which we may neither eat nor drink. See Yom Kippur; Tisha B'Av; Minor Fasts.
Festivals
See Jewish Holidays and pages following it, especially Passover, Shavu'ot and Sukkot.
Firstborn
If a woman's first child is a male child born by natural childbirth, then the child must be edeemed from a kohein (priest) by a procedure called Pidyon Ha-Ben. In addition, firstborn males must observe a special fast the day before Pesach (Passover), commemorating the fact that they were saved from the plague of the first born.
Fleishig (FLAHYSH-ig)
Yiddish: meat. Used to describe kosher foods that contain meat and therefore cannot be eaten with dairy. See Kashrut - Separation of Meat and Dairy.
Food
See Jewish Cooking; Kashrut.
Four Species
Fruit and branches used to fulfill the commandment to "rejoice before the L-rd" during Sukkot. See also Blessing over the Arba Minim.
Four Questions
A set of questions about Passover, designed to encourage participation in the seder. Also known as Mah Nishtanah (Why is it different?), which are the first words of the Four Questions.
Free Will
Humanity was created with a dual nature: an impulse to do what is right an a selfish (evil) impulse. Free will is the ability to choose which impulse to follow.
Funerals
See Life, Death and Mourning.
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G-d
A way of avoiding writing a name of G-d, to avoid the risk of the sin of erasing or defacing the Name. See The Name of G-d, The Nature of G-d.
Gad
1) Son of Jacob (Israel). Ancestor of one of the tribes of Israel; 2) The tribe that bears his name.
Galut (gah-LOOT or gah-LOOS)
Lit. exile or captivity. Any place outside of the land of Israel where Jews live. Refers to the fact that Jews were exiled from the land of Israel by the Romans after the last Jewish War.
Gan Eden
Lit. Garden of Eden. A place of spiritual reward for the righteous dead. This is not the same place where Adam and Eve lived.
Gefilte Fish (g'-FIL-tuh)
Yiddish: lit.stuffed fish. A traditional Jewish dish consisting of a ball or cake of chopped up fish.
Gehinnom (g'hee-NOHM); Gehenna (g'HEHN-uh)
A place of spiritual punishment and/or purification for a period of up to 12 months after death. Gehinnom is the Hebrew name; Gehenna is Yiddish.
Gemara (g'-MAHR-uh)
Commentaries on the Mishnah. The Mishnah and Gemara together are the Talmud.
Gematria (g'-MAH-tree-uh)
A field of Jewish mysticism finding hidden meanings in the numerical value of words.
Gentiles
See Jewish Attitudes Toward Non-Jews; Non-Jews Visiting a Synagogue.
Gesundheit (g'-SUND-hahyt)
Yiddish. Literally, health. This is the normal response when somebody sneezes. See Common Expressions and Greetings.
Get (GET)
A writ of divorce. Also called a sefer k'ritut.
Gezeirah (g'-ZAY-ruh)
A law instituted by the rabbis to prevent people from unintentionally violating commandments.
Glatt Kosher (GLAHT KOH-sher)
A standard of kashrut that requires an additional degree of stringency in the inspection of the lungs of cattle, to determine whether the lungs are free from adhesions. See Kashrut: Jewish Dietary Laws.
Golem (GOH-luhm)
Lit. an unformed thing. 1) A term used in the Talmud to describe Adam before he had a soul. 2) A creature of Jewish folklore, a man made of clay and brought to life. See Kabbalah and Jewish Mysticism.
Gossip
Gossiping is a serious sin in Judaism. See Speech and Lashon Ha-Ra.
Goy
Lit. nation. A non-Jew, that is, a member of one of the other nations. There is nothing inherently insulting about the term; the word "goy" is used in the Torah to describe Israel. See Jewish Attitudes Toward Non-Jews.
Grace After Meals
reffered to in Hebrew as Birkat Ha-Mazon. It is one of the most important prayers in Judaism, one of the very few that the Bible commands us to recite.
Grager (GREG-er; GRAG-er)
A noisemaker used to blot out the name of Haman during the reading of the Megillah on Purim.
Guide for the Perplexed
Rambam's masterpiece of Jewish philosophy and theology, written from the perspective of an Aristotelian philosopher.
Guilt Offering
A type of sacrifice used to atone for sins of stealing things from the altar, for when you are not sure whether you have committed a sin or what sin you have committed, or for breach of trust.
Gut Shabbes (GUT SHAH-biss)
Yiddish. Literally, good Sabbath. A general, all-purpose shabbat greeting. See Common Expressions and Greetings.
Gut Yontiff (GUT YAHN-tiff)
Yiddish. Literally, good holiday. A general, all-purpose holiday greeting. See Common Expressions and Greetings.
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Haftarah (hahf-TOH-ruh)
Lit. conclusion. A reading from the Prophets, read along with the weekly Torah portion.
Haggadah (huh-GAH-duh)
The book read during the Passover Seder, telling the story of the holiday.
Halakhah (huh-LUHKH-khuh)
Lit. the path that one walks. Jewish law. The complete body of rules and practices that Jews are bound to follow, including biblical commandments, commandments instituted by the rabbis, and binding customs. See also Torah, A List of the 613 Mitzvot.
Hallel
Lit. praise G-d. Psalms 113-118, in praise of G-d, which are recited on certain holidays. See Jewish Liturgy.
Haman (HAY-men)
The villain of the story of Purim.
Hamentaschen (HAH-men-TAH-shen)
Lit. Haman's pockets. Triangular, fruit-filled cookies traditionally served or given as gifts during Purim.
Hamesh Hand; Hamsa Hand
An inverted hand with thumb and pinky curling outward. A popular motif in Jewish jewelry.
Haedi
Ultra-Orthodox Jews in Israel.
Ha-Shem (hah SHEM)
Lit. The Name. The Name of G-d, which is not pronounced. The phrase "ha-Shem" is often used as a substitute for G-d's Name.
Hatafat Dam Brit (hah-tah-FAHT DAHM BRIT)
A symbolic circumcision of a person who has already been circumcised or who was born without a foreskin. It involves taking a pinprick of blood from the tip of the penis. See Brit Milah: Circumcision.
Ha-Tikvah
Lit. The Hope. The anthem of the Zionist movement and the state of Israel.
Havdalah (Hahv-DAH-luh)
Lit. separation, division. A ritual marking the end of Shabbat or a holiday. See Havdalah Home Ritual.
Heaven
The place of spiritual reward for the righteous dead in Judaism is not reffered to as Heaven, but as Olam Ha-Ba (the World to Come) or Gan Eden (the Garden of Eden). See Olam Ha-Ba: The Afterlife.
Hebrew
The language of the Torah, in which all prayer should be recited. See Hebrew Alphabet; Hebrew Language: Root Words.
Hebrew Fonts and Word Processors
See Hebrew Alphabet.
Hell
The place of spiritual punishment and/or purification for the wicked dead in Judaism is not reffered to as Hell, but as Gehinnom or She'ol. According to most sources, the period of punishment or purification is limited to 12 months, after which the soul ascends to Olam Ha-Ba or is destroyed (if it is utterly wicked). See Olam Ha-Ba: The Afterlife.
Herzl, Theodor
The founder of the Zionist political movement in the late 1800s.
High Holidays
The holidays of Rosh Hashanah, the Days of Awe and Yom Kippur are commonly reffered to as the High Holidays or the High Holy Days.
Hillel (HIL-el; hil-EL)
One of the greatest rabbis recorded in the Talmud. His more liberal views of Jewish law are often contrasted with the stricter views of Shammai. Also: a Jewish college student organization under the auspices of B'nai Brith.
Hiloni
Secular Jews in Israel.
History
See The Patriarchs and the Origins of Judaism; Moses, Aaron and Miriam.
Holidays
Judaism has over a dozen holidays, ranging from deeply solemn fast days like Yom Kippur to all-out parties like Purim. See Jewish Holidays and pages following it.
Holishkes (HOH-lish-kuhs)
Cabbage leaves stuffed with meatballs served in a tomato-based sweet and sour sauce.
Homosexuality
Homosexual orientation is not a sin in Judaism, but homosexual acts are. Male-male sex is forbidden by the Torah. Lesbian sex is not prohibited by the Torah, but is generally consideed prohibited as "licentiousness."
Hoshanah Rabba (hoh-SHAH-nuh RAH-buh)
Lit. great hosanna. The seventh day of Sukkot, on which seven circuits are made around the synagogue reciting a prayer with the refrain, "Hosha na!" (please save us!).
Human Nature
Humanity is in the image of G-d, in that we have the ability to think, reason and understand. Humanity was created with a dual nature: an impulse to do what is right an a selfish (evil) impulse. Free will is the ability to choose which impulse to follow.
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Image of G-d
Humanity was created in the image of G-d, which means we have the ability to reason and discern; however, G-d has no physical form or image. See The Nature of G-d.
Interfaith Marriage
Marriage to a non-Jew is not recognized as "marriage" in Jewish law. The increasing frequency of intermarriage is a source of great concern to traditional Jews. See also Marriage.
Isaac
Son and spiritual heir of Abraham. Father of Jacob (Israel). One of the three Patriarchs of Judaism.
Ishmael
Firstborn son of Abraham by Sarah's Egyptian maidservant, Hagar. According to both Muslim and Jewish tradition, he is the ancestor of the Arabs.
Israel
1) The land that G-d promised to Abraham and his descendants. 2) The northern kingdom that was home to the "ten lost tribes." 3) Alternate name for Jacob. 4) A country in the Middle East located in the ancient homeland that has a pedominantly Jewish population and government.
Issachar
1) Son of Jacob (Israel). Ancestor of one of the tribes of Israel; 2) The tribe that bears his name.
Iyar
The second month of the Jewish year, occurring in April/May. See Months of the Jewish Year.
- J -
Jacob (Israel)
Son of Isaac. Father of twelve sons, who represent the tribes of Judaism. One of the three Patriarchs of Judaism.
Jew
A person whose mother was a Jew or who has converted to Judaism. According to the Reform movement, a person whose father is a Jew is also a Jew. Although the term is derived from the term "Judahite" (meaning a member of the tribe of Judah or a citizen of the kingdom of Judah), it has historically been applied to the patriarchs, the matriarchs and all of the descendants of Jacob and all converts to their faith. See Who Is a Jew?
Jewish Law
The complete body of rules and practices that Jews are bound to follow, including biblical commandments, commandments instituted by the rabbis, and binding customs.
The Jewish People
Another name for the Children of Israel. It is a reference to the Jews as a nation in the classical sense, meaning a group of people with a shaed history and a sense of a group identity rather than a territorial and political entity. See The Jews Are a Nation or a People.
Jewish Race
The Jews are not a race. See What is Judaism?; Are Jews a Race?
Jewish Religion
Judaism is the religion of the Children of Israel, that is, the Jewish people. Most of the pages on this site deal with the Jewish religion to one extent or another. See especially What is Judaism?; What Do Jews Believe?
Jewish Star
The six-pointed star emblem commonly associated with Judaism, also known as the Magen David, the Shield of David or the Star of David.
Joseph
Son of Jacob (Israel). Ancestor of two of the tribes of Israel. He was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, but became powerful in Egypt and paved the way for his family's settlement there.
Judah
1) Son of Jacob (Israel). Ancestor of one of the tribes of Israel; 2) The tribe that bears his name; 3) The Southern Kingdom after the death of Solomon when Israel was split into two kingdoms; the Kingdom of Judah included the tribes of Judah, Benjamin and part of the tribe of Levi.
Judah Ha-Nasi (JOO-duh hah NAH-see)
Compiler of the Mishnah.
Judaism (JOO-dee-ism; JOO-duh-ism)
The religion of the Children of Israel, that is, the Jewish people. See What is Judaism?; What Do Jews Believe?
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Kabbalah (kuh-BAH-luh)
Lit. tradition. Jewish mystical tradition.
Kaddish (KAH-dish)
Aramaic: holy. A prayer in Aramaic praising G-d, commonly associated with mourning practices. See also Jewish Liturgy. Full text of the Mourner's Kaddish is available.
Kapparot
Lit. atonements. A custom during the Days of Awe.
Kareit (kah-REHYT)
The penalty of spiritual excision, imposed by G-d. Certain sins, such as failure to circumcise, are so severe that one who violates them has no place in the World to Come.
Kashrut (KAHSH-rut; KAHSH-root; kahsh-ROOT)
From a root meaning "fit," "proper" or "correct." Jewish dietary laws.
Kavanah (kuh-VAH-nuh; kah-vah-NAH)
Concentration, intent. The frame of mind requied for prayer or performance of a mitzvah.
Kavod Ha-Met (kuh-VOHD hah MAYT)
Lit. respect for the dead. One of the purposes of Jewish practices relating to death and mourning.
Keriyah (k'REE-yuh)
Lit. tearing. The tearing of one's clothes upon hearing of the death of a close relative. See Mourning.
Ketubah (k'TOO-buh)
Lit. writing. The Jewish marriage contract.
Kiddush (KID-ish)
Lit. sanctification. A prayer recited over wine sanctifying Shabbat or a holiday. See also Common Prayers and Blessings.
Kiddush Ha-Shem (ki-DOOSH hah SHEM)
Lit. sanctification of The Name. Any deed that increases the respect accorded to G-d or Judaism, especially martyrdom. See The Name of G-d.
Kiddushin
Lit. sanctification. The first part of the two-part process of Jewish marriage, which creates the legal relationship without the mutual obligations.
Kippah (KEY-puh)
The skullcap head covering worn by Jews during services, and by some Jews at all times, more commonly known as a yarmulke.
Kislev
The ninth month of the Jewish year, occurring in November/December. See Months of the Jewish Year.
Kitniyot (kit-NEE-yot; kit-NEE-yos)
Foods that are prohibited during Pesach (Passover) by the rulings of Ashkenazic rabbis. Sephardic Jews do not follow these restrictions. Includes rice, corn, peanuts, and legumes (beans).
Kittel (KIT-'l, rhymes with little, but the t is pronounced distinctly)
The white robes in which the dead are buried, worn by some during Yom Kippur services.
Knaydelach (KNAY-duhl-ahkh)
Yiddish: dumplings. Commonly refers to matzah balls. Can also be used as a term of affection for small children. See Jewish Cooking.
Knish (KNISH)
Yiddish. A potato and flour dumpling stuffed with potato and onion, chopped liver or cheese.
Kohein; (KOH-hayn) pl: Kohanim (koh-HAHN-eem)
Priest. A descendant of Aaron, charged with performing various rites in the Temple. This is not the same thing as a rabbi.
Kol Nidre (KOHL NID-ray)
Lit. all vows. The evening service of Yom Kippur, or the prayer that begins that service.
Kosher (KOH-sher)
Lit. fit, proper or correct. Describes food that is permissible to eat under Jewish dietary laws. Can also describe any other ritual object that is fit for use according to Jewish law.
Kugel (KOO-gul; KI-gul)
Yiddish: pudding. A casserole of potatoes, eggs and onion, or a dessert of noodles, fruits and nuts in an egg based pudding.
- L -
Ladino (Luh-DEE-noh)
The "international language" of Sephardic Jews, based primarily on Spanish, with words taken from Hebrew, Arabic and other languages, and written in the Hebrew Alphabet.
Lag b'Omer (LAHG BOH-mayr)
The 33rd day of the Counting of the Omer. A minor holiday on which the mourning restrictions of the Omer period are lifted.
Latkes (LAHT-kuhs; LAHT-kees)
Potato pancakes traditionally eaten during Chanukkah.
Lashon Ha-Ra (LAH-shohn HAH-rah; luh-SHOHN hah-RAH)
Lit. the evil tongue. Sins against other people committed by speech, such as defamation, gossip, swearing falsely, and scoffing.
L'Chayim (l'-KHAHY-eem)
Lit. to life. A common Jewish toast. See Common Expressions and Greetings.
Leah
Wife of Jacob. Mother of six of his sons. Sister of Rachel. One of the Matriarchs of Judaism.
Leap Year
A year with an extra month, to realign the Jewish lunar calendar with the solar year. See Jewish Calendar.
Levi (LAY-vee); Levite (LEE-vahyt)
1) A descendant of the tribe of Levi, which was set aside to perform certain duties in connection with the Temple; 2) Son of Jacob (Israel). Ancestor of the tribe of Levi.
Liberal
One of the most liberal movements of Judaism in the United Kingdom, but somewhat more traditional than the American Reform Movement.
Life
In Judaism, life is valued above almost all else, and almost any commandment can be violated to save a life.
Life after Death
Contrary to popular belief, Judaism does believe in an afterlife, but it is not the primary focus of our religion and there is a lot of room for personal opinion about the nature of the afterlife.
Liturgy
Observant Jews pray three times a day, and Judaism has an extensive liturgy. See Prayers and Blessings; Jewish Liturgy; Yom Kippur Liturgy; Common Prayers and Blessings.
L-rd
A way of avoiding writing a name of G-d, to avoid the risk of the sin of erasing or defacing the Name. See The Name of G-d.
Love and Brotherhood
Laws are at the heart of Judaism, but a large part of Jewish law is about love and brotherhood, the relationship between man and his neighbors.
Lox (LAHKS)
Smoked salmon. Commonly served on a bagel.
L'Shanah Tovah (li-SHAH-nuh TOH-vuh; li-shah-NAH toh-VAH)
Lit. for a good year. A common greeting during Rosh Hashanah and Days of Awe. See Common Expressions and Greetings.
Lubavitch (luh-BUH-vitsh)
A sect of Chasidic Judaism that is active in outreach to other Jews and has a high media presence.
Lulav (LOO-lahv)
Lit. palm branch. A collection of palm, myrtle and willow branches, used to fulfill the commandment to "rejoice before the L-rd" during Sukkot. See also Blessing over the Arba Minim.
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Ma'ariv (MAH-reev)
Evening prayer services. See Jewish Liturgy.
Machzor (MAHKH-zawr)
A special prayer book for the High Holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
Maftir (MAHF-teer)
Lit.The person who reads or blesses the reading of the last part of the Torah reading and the entire haftarah reading.
Magen David (mah-GAYN dah-VEED; MAH-gen DAH-vid; MOH-gen DAY-vid)
Lit. shield of David. The six-pointed star emblem commonly associated with Judaism.
Mah Nishtanah
Lit. Why is it different? A set of questions about Passover, designed to encourage participation in the seder. Also known as the Four Questions.
Maimonides (mahy-MAH-ni-dees)
Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon, one of the greatest medieval Jewish scholars. Commonly reffered to by the acronym 'Rambam'.
Mamzer (MAHM-zer)
Lit. bastard. The child of a marriage that is prohibited and invalid under Jewish law, such as an incestuous union.
Manasseh
1) Son of Joseph. Ancestor of one of the tribes of Israel; 2) The tribe that bears his name.
Marriage
Marriage is vitally important in Judaism, and refraining from marriage is consideed unnatural. Marriage is not solely for the purpose of procreation, but is primarily for the purpose of love and companionship. See also Interfaith Marriages; Kosher Sex; Divorce.
Masekhtot
A subdivision of the Mishnah and Talmud.
Mashgiach
A person who certifies that food is kosher.
Masorti
Jews in Israel who are traditionally observant but not Orthodox.
Masturbation
Jewish law strictly prohibits male masturbation. Female masturbation is a matter of less clarity, but it is also frowned upon.
Matzah (MAHTZ-uh)
Unleavened bread traditionally served during Passover.
Matzah Ball Soup
Thin chicken soup with dumplings made from matzah meal.
Matzah Meal
Crumbs of matzah, commonly used in Jewish Cooking in much the same way that other cultures use flour or bread crumbs.
Mazel Tov (MAHZ-z'l TAWV)
Lit. good luck. A way of expressing congratulations. Note that this term is not be used in the way that the expression "good luck" is used in English. See Common Expressions and Greetings.
Meal Offerings
An offering of meal or grain.
Mechitzah (m'-KHEETZ-uh)
The wall or curtain separating men from women during religious services.
Megillah (m'-GILL-uh)
Lit. scroll. One of five books of the Bible (Esther, Ruth, Song of Songs, Lamentations, and Ecclesiastes). The remaining books are reffered to as sefers (books). Usually refers to the book of Esther. See Purim. In Yiddish, the term can be used to refer to something that is long, drawn out and excessively detailed.
Melachah (m'-LUH-khuh)
Lit. work. Work involving creation or exercise of control over the environment, which is prohibited on Shabbat and certain holidays.
Menorah (m'-NAW-ruh; me-NOH-ruh)
A candelabrum. Usually refers to the nine-branched candelabrum used to hold the Chanukkah candles. Can also refer to the seven-branched candelabrum used in the Temple. See also Chanukkah Candle Lighting Blessings; Ritual Items in the Synagogue.
Messiah
Anglicization of the Hebrew, "moshiach" (annointed). A man who will be chosen by G-d to put an end to all evil in the world, rebuild the Temple, bring the exiles back to Israel and usher in the world to come. It is better to use the Hebrew term "moshiach" when speaking of the Jewish messiah, because the Jewish concept is very different from the Christian one.
Messianic Age
A period of global peace and prosperity that will be brought about by the messiah when he comes.
Mezuzah (m'-ZOO-zuh; m'-ZU-zuh)
Lit. doorpost. A case attached to the doorposts of houses, containing a scroll with passages of scripture written on it. The procedure and prayers for affixing the mezuzah is available.
Midrash (MID-rash)
From a root meaning "to study," "to seek out" or "to investigate." Stories elaborating on incidents in the Bible, to derive a principle of Jewish law or provide a moral lesson.
Mikvah (MIK-vuh)
Lit. gathering. A ritual bath used for spiritual purification. It is used primarily in conversion rituals and after the period of sexual separation during a woman's menstrual cycles, but many Chasidim immerse themselves in the mikvah regularly for general spiritual purification.
Milchig (MIL-khig)
Yiddish: dairy. Used to describe kosher foods that contain dairy products and therefore cannot be eaten with meat. See Kashrut - Separation of Meat and Dairy.
Minchah (MIN-khuh)
1) Afternoon prayer services. See Jewish Liturgy. 2) An offering of meal or grain. See Food and Drink Offerings.
Minhag (MIN-hahg)
Lit. custom. A custom that evolved for worthy religious reasons and has continued long enough to become a binding religious practice. The word is also used more loosely to describe any customary religious practice.
Minyan (MIN-yahn; MIN-yin)
The quorum necessary to recite certain prayers, consisting of ten adult Jewish men. See Group Prayer.
Miriam
Older sister of Moses and Aaron, and a prophetess in her own right. She helped Moses and Aaron lead the Children of Israel out of Egyptian bondage.
Mishnah (MISH-nuh)
An early written compilation of Jewish oral tradition, the basis of the Talmud.
Mishneh Torah (MISH-ne TOH-ruh; MISH-nay TOH-ruh)
A code of Jewish law written by Rambam. One of the most respected compilations of Jewish law ever written.
Mitnagdim (mit-NAG-deem)
Lit. opponents. Orthodox Jews who are not Chasidic.
Mitzvah (MITS-vuh); pl: Mitzvot (mits-VOHT)
Lit. commandment. Any of the 613 commandments that Jews are obligated to observe. It can also refer to any Jewish religious obligation, or more generally to any good deed. See Halakhah: Jewish Law - The 613 Mitzvot; A List of the 613 Mitzvot.
Mohel (Maw-y'l; rhymes with oil)
Lit. circumciser. One who performs the ritual circumcision of an 8-day-old male Jewish child or of a convert to Judaism. See Brit Milah: Circumcision.
Mordecai (MOR-duh-khahy)
One of the heroes of the story of Purim.
Moses
The greatest of all of the prophets, who saw all that all of the other prophets combined saw, and more. See also Prophets and Prophecy.
Moshiach (moh-SHEE-ahkh)
Lit. anointed. A man who will be chosen by G-d to put an end to all evil in the world, rebuild the Temple, bring the exiles back to Israel and usher in the world to come. Generally translated as "messiah," but the Jewish concept is very different from the Christian one.
Motzaei Shabbat (moh-tsah-AY shah-BAHT)
The night after Shabbat. Shabbat ends at nightfall on Saturday; the term motzaei shabbat is used to refer to the period on Saturday night after shabbat ends. See Shabbat; When Holidays Begin.
Motzi Sheim Ra (MOH-tsee SHAYM RAH)
A person who "spreads a bad report"; that is, who tells disparaging lies. It is the worst of the sins involving speech. See Speech and Lashon Ha-Ra.
Mourning
Judaism has extensive mourning practices broken into several periods of decreasing intensity.
Movements
The denominations, branches or sects of Judaism, although the distinctions between Jewish movements are not as great as those between Christian denominations.
Musaf (MOO-sahf; MU-sahf)
An additional prayer service for Shabbat and holidays. See Jewish Liturgy.
Music
See The Music of Pesach (Passover); Chanukkah Music.
Mysticism
Mysticism and mystical experiences have been a part of Judaism since the earliest days, but specific beliefs in this area are open to personal interpretation.
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Nachman of Breslov
An 18th century Chasidic tzaddik and founder of the Breslover Chasidic sect.
Nachmanides
Rabbi Moshe ben Nachman, one of the greatest medieval Jewish scholars. Commonly reffered to by the acronym 'Ramban'.
Name of G-d
Judaism has a wide variety of names for the Creator; however, these names are not casually written down because of the risk that someone might destroy the writing, an act of disrespect for G-d and His Name.
Names
Jewish children are ordinarily given a formal Hebrew name to be used for religious purposes. See Naming a Child.
Naphtali
1) Son of Jacob (Israel). Ancestor of one of the tribes of Israel; 2) The tribe that bears his name.
Nation
Throughout this site, the term "nation" is used in the classical sense, meaning a group of people with a shaed history and a sense of a group identity. As the term is used in this site, a nation is not necessarily a territorial or political entity. When referring to a territorial or political entity, this site uses the term "country" or "state." The Jewish People are consideed to be a nation, contrasted with the other nations of the world. See The Jews Are a Nation or a People.
Navi (nah-VEE); pl. N'vi-im (n'-vee-EEM)
From niv sefatayim meaning "fruit of the lips." A prophet. A spokesman for G-d, chosen to convey a message or teaching. Prophets were role models of holiness, scholarship and closeness to G-d. Also: A section of the Tanakh containing the writings of the prophets.
Ne'ilah (n'-EE-luh)
Lit. closing. The closing service of Yom Kippur.
Ner Tamid (NAYR tah-MEED)
Lit. continual lamp. Usually translated "eternal flame." A candelabrum or lamp near the ark in the synagogue that symbolizes the commandment to keep a light burning in the Tabernacle outside of the curtain surrounding the Ark of the Covenant.
Nesekh
An offering of undiluted wine.
New Year
See Rosh Hashanah.
Niddah (nee-DAH)
The separation of husband and wife during the woman's menstrual period. Also refers to a woman so separated. Also reffered to as taharat ha-mishpachah or family purity.
Nihum Avelim
Lit. comforting mourners. One of the purposes of Jewish practices relating to death and mourning.
Nikkud; pl. N'kkudim
A system of dots and dashes used to indicate vowels and other pronunciation in Hebrew.
Nissan
The first month of the Jewish year, occurring in March/April. See Months of the Jewish Year.
Nisuin
Lit. elevation. The second part of the two-part Jewish marriage process, after which the bride and groom begin to live together as husband and wife.
Noahic Commandments
Seven commandments given to Noah after the flood, which are binding on both non-Jews and Jews.
Number of Followers
There are approximately 13-14 million Jews in the world. For details and links to population resources, see Jewish Population.
Numbers
In Hebrew, all letters have a numerical value, and numbers are written using letters. See Numerical Values of Words.
Numerology
See Kabbalah and Jewish Mysticism; Numerical Values of Words.
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Offerings
Jewish practices of sacrifices and offerings were extensive in ancient times, but have not been practiced since our Temple was destroyed, because we are not permitted to bring offerings anywhere else.
Olah (oh-LAH)
Derived from a root meaning ascention. A burnt offering, a type of sacrifice that represented complete submission to G-d's will. It was completely consumed by fire on the altar.
Olam Ha-Ba (oh-LAHM hah-BAH)
Lit. The World to Come. 1) The messianic age; 2) the spiritual world that souls go to after death.
Old Testament
The Jewish Scriptures more or less correspond to what non-Jews call the "Old Testament." Jews call it Written Torah or the Tanakh.
Omer (OH-mayr)
A unit of measure, often translated as "sheaf." The period between Passover and Shavu'ot is known as the Omer period, because we count the days from the time that the first omer of barley was brought to the Temple. See The Counting of the Omer.
Onah
The wife's right to have regular sexual relations with her husband, a right that is fundamental to every Jewish marriage and that cannot be diminished by the husband. See Kosher Sex; Marriage.
Oral Torah (TOH-ruh)
Jewish teachings explaining and elaborating on the Written Torah, handed down orally until the 2d century C.E., when they began to be written down in what became the Talmud.
Order
A division of the Mishnah and Talmud.
Original Sin
Judaism completely rejects the doctrine of original sin. See Birth; The Dual Nature.
Origins of Judaism
According to Jewish tradition, the religion now known as Judaism was founded by our ancestor, Abraham, almost 4000 years ago.
Orthodox
One of the major movements of Judaism, believing that Jewish law comes from G-d and cannot be changed.
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Parah Adumah (Pahr-AH ah-doo-MAH)
Lit. ed heifer. An animal used as an offering in an unusual and mysterious ritual to purify from the defilement of contact with the dead.
Pareve (PAHR-ev)
Yiddish: neutral. Used to describe kosher foods that contain neither meat nor dairy and therefore can be eaten with either. See Kashrut - Separation of Meat and Dairy.
Parokhet
The curtain inside the Ark (cabinet where the Torah scrolls are kept).
Parshah (PAHR-shah)
A weekly Torah portion read in synagogue. To find this week's portion, check the Current Calendar.
Passover
Holiday commemorating the Exodus from Egypt. The holiday also marks the beginning of the harvest season.
Patriarchs
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The forefathers of Judaism.
Peace Offering
A type of sacrifice expressing thanks or gratitude.
Pentecost
A festival commemorating the giving of the Torah and the harvest of the first fruits, known to Jews as Shavu'ot.
Perutah (pe-ROO-tuh)
A small copper coin, sufficient to acquire a wife by money.
Pesach (PEH-sahkh, PAY-sahkh)
Lit. exemption.1) Holiday commemorating the Exodus from Egypt, known in English as Passover. The holiday also marks the beginning of the harvest season. 2) The paschal lamb that, in Temple times, was sacrificed on this holiday.
Pharisees (PHAR-i-sees)
A movement of Judaism that began approximately 2200 years ago. It is the forerunner of rabbinic Judaism, which encompasses all of the movements of Judaism in existence today.
Phylacteries
Leather pouches containing scrolls with passages of scripture, used to fulfill the commandment to bind the commandments to our hands and between our eyes. Jews refer to them as tefillin. The Greek term "phylacteries" literally means "amulets" and is offensive to some.
Pidyon Ha-Ben (peed-YOHN hah-BEHN)
Lit. edemption of the son. A ritual edeeming the firstborn son from his obligation to serve in the Temple.
Pirkei Avot (PEER-kay ah-VOHT)
Lit. Ethics of the Fathers. A tractate of the Mishnah devoted to ethical advice from many of the greatest rabbis of the early Talmudic period.
Points
Marks used to indicate vowels and other pronunciation tips in certain Hebrew texts. Texts with such marks are reffered to as "pointed texts."
Population
There are approximately 13-14 million Jews in the world. For details and links to population resources, see Jewish Population.
Pork
One of the many foods forbidden under Jewish dietary laws. The prohibition against eating pork is the one best known, because throughout history people have oppressed Jews by forcing us to eat pork.
Prayer
Prayer is a central part of Jewish life. Observant Jews pray three times daily and say blessings over just about every day-to-day activity. See Prayers and Blessings; Jewish Liturgy; Common Prayers and Blessings.
Pre-Marital Sex
Although the Torah does not prohibit pre-marital sex, Jewish tradition strongly condemns the irresponseibility of sex outside of the context of marriage.
Priest
A descendant of Aaron, charged with performing various rites in the Temple. This is not the same thing as a rabbi. See Kohein.
Promised Land
The land of Israel, which G-d promised to Abraham and his descendants.
Pronunciation
Historically, Ashkenazic Jews have had a somewhat different pronunciation of certain Hebrew letters than Sephardic Jews; however, the Sephardic pronunciation is becoming pedominant because it is the one used in Israel. See Hebrew Alphabet.
Prophets
1) A spokesman for G-d, chosen to convey a message or teaching. Prophets were role models of holiness, scholarship and closeness to G-d; 2) A section of Jewish scripture containing the writings of the Prophets.
Purim (PAWR-im)
Lit. lots (as in "lottery"). A holiday celebrating the rescue of the Jews from extermination at the hands of the chief minister to the King of Persia.
Pushke (PUSH-kuh)
A box in the home or the synagogue used to collect money for donation to charity.
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Qorban (Kawr-BAHN); pl. Qorbanot (kawr-BAHN-oht)
From a root meaning to draw near. A sacrifice or offering.
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Rabbi (RA-bahy)
A religious teacher and person authorized to make decisions on issues of Jewish law. Also performs many of the same functions as a Protestant minister. When I speak generally of things that were said or decided by "the rabbis," I am speaking of matters that have been generally agreed upon by authoritative Jewish scholars over the centuries.
Rabbinical Judaism (ruh-BIN-i-kul)
A general term encompassing all movements of Judaism descended from Pharisaic Judaism; that is, virtually all movements in existence today.
Rachel
Favorite wife of Jacob. Mother of Joseph and Benjamin. One of the Matriarchs of Judaism.
Rakheel (Rah-KHEEL)
A tale-bearer. Derived from a word meaning trader or merchant. Tale-bearing is a serious sin in Judaism. See Speech and Lashon Ha-Ra.
Rambam
Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon, one of the greatest medieval Jewish scholars. Also known as Maimonides.
Rashi (RAH-shee)
Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki, one of the greatest medieval Jewish scholars.
Rashi Script
A style of writing used to distinguish commentary from the text it comments upon. Named for Rashi, the greatest commentator.
Rebbe (REHB-bee)
Usu. translated Grand Rabbi. The leader of a Chasidic community, often believed to have special, mystical power.
Rebbetzin (REB-i-tsin)
The wife of a rabbi. See The Role of Women.
Rebecca
Wife of Isaac. Mother of Jacob and Esau. One of the Matriarchs of Judaism.
Recipes
See Jewish Cooking.
Reconstructionism
One of the major movements of Judaism, an outgrowth of Conservative that does not believe in a personified deity and believes that Jewish law was created by men.
ed Heifer (ed Cow)
An animal used as an offering in an unusual and mysterious ritual to purify from the defilement of contact with the dead.
ed Magen David (mah-GAYN dah-VEED; MAH-gen DAH-vid; MOH-gen DAY-vid)
The Israeli equivalent of the ed Cross. "Magen David" is the Hebrew name of the six-pointed Jewish star.
Reform
One of the major movements of Judaism, believing that Jewish law was inspied by G-d and one can choose which laws to follow.
Reincarnation
Belief in reincarnation is not in conflict with Judaism. Many Chasidic sects and other mystically-inclined Jews believe in reincarnation, either as a routine process or in extraordinary circumstances.
Responsa
Answers to specific questions of Jewish law, written by the most respected rabbis of their time.
Responsa Project
A project at Bar-Ilan University in Israel, to compile the vast body of responsa literature into a computer database. For more information, see their website.
Resurrection
Belief in the eventual resurrection of the dead is a fundamental belief of traditional Judaism.
Reuben
1) Son of Jacob (Israel). Ancestor of one of the tribes of Israel; 2) The tribe that bears his name.
Rituals
See Shabbat, Jewish Holidays and specific holidays listed under it, Brit Milah: Circumcision, Bar Mitzvah, Bat Mitzvah and Confirmation, Marriage, Divorce, Life, Death and Mourning, Prayers and Blessings, Common Prayers and Blessings, and Qorbanot: Sacrifices and Offerings.
Root Word
A set of (usually) three consonants that conveys the central meaning of a Hebrew word. Prefixes, suffixes and vowels added to the root clarify the precise meaning.
Rosh Chodesh (ROHSH CHOH-desh)
Lit. first of the month. The first day of a month, on which the first sliver of the new moon appears. See Jewish Calendar.
Rosh Hashanah (ROHSH hah SHAH-nuh; RUSH-uh SHAH-nuh)
Lit. first of the year. The new year for the purpose of counting years.
Rules
See Halakhah: Jewish Law, A List of the 613 Mitzvot (Commandments), or pages dealing with specific rules, such as Shabbat or Kashrut.
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Sabbath
A day of rest and spiritual enrichment. See Shabbat; Shabbat Evening Home Ritual; Havdalah Home Rit
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