AskMoses

Mitzvah

(pl. Mitzvot). A commandment from G-d. Mitzvah also means a connection, for a Jew connects with G�d through fulfilling His commandments.

Shabbat

(pl: Shabbatot). Hebrew word meaning "rest." It is a Biblical commandment to sanctify and rest on Saturday, the seventh day of the week. This commemorates the fact that after creating the world in six days, G-d rested on the seventh.

Torah

Torah is G�d�s teaching to man. In general terms, we refer to the Five Books of Moses as �The Torah.� But in truth, all Jewish beliefs and laws are part of the Torah.

Oral Law

G�d orally explained all the 613 Commandments to Moses. These explanations constitute the Oral Law.

Moshiach

Moshiach is the person who will usher in an era of peace and tranquility for all of humanity when there will be no jealousy or hate, wars or famine. This is a fundamental Jewish belief.

Tzedakah

"Tzedakah," commonly translated as charity, literally means righteousness, or the right thing to do. Giving to those in need is one of the most important of G-d's commandments.

Tzaddik

(fem. Tzidkanit; pl. Tzaddikim). A saint, or righteous person.

Teshuvah

Repentance. Or, more literally, "return" to G-d. Teshuvah involves regretting the past and making a firm resolution not to repeat the offense.

Leap Year

Every 2-3 years an extra month is added to the Jewish calendar. Since the lunar year, which Jews follow, is 11 days shorter than the solar year, it is necessary to keep pace, so that holidays corresponding to certain seasons remain in sync. On a leap year, a second month of Adar is added.

Chametz

Any leavened product which is produced from wheat, barley, rye, spelt or oats. This includes bread, cake, cereals, crackers, biscuits, yeast, pasta and whisky. It is forbidden for a Jew to possess or consume Chametz throughout Passover.

Matzah

(pl. Matzot). Unleavened bread which is eaten on Passover, especially at the Passover Seder (feast), commemorating the Matzah which the Jews ate upon leaving Egypt. It consists of only flour and water and resembles a wheat cracker.

Talmud

Usually referring to the Babylonian edition, it is a compilation of Rabbinic law, commentary and analysis compiled over a 600 year period (200 BCE - 427 CE). Talmudic verse serves as the bedrock of all classic and modern-day Torah-Jewish literature.

Passover

A Biblically mandated early-Spring festival celebrating our exodus from Egypt in the year 1312 BCE.

Halachah

Jewish Law. All halachah which is applicable today is found in the Code of Jewish Law.

Halachic

Pertaining to Jewish Law.

Kohain

(pl. Kohanim). A priest of G-d. This title belongs to the male descendants of Aaron, brother of Moses. The primary function of the Kohain was to serve in the Holy Temple. Today the Kohain is still revered and it is his function to recite the Priestly Blessings on certain occasions.

Levite

A descendant of Levi, son of Jacob. The Levites were the teachers and spiritual leaders in the Land of Israel. They had various responsibilities in the Holy Temple, including choir and orchestral duties.

Rosh Hashanah

The Jewish New Year. An early autumn two day holiday marking the creation of Adam and Eve. On this day we hear the blasts of the ram's horn and accept G-d's sovereignty upon ourselves and the world. On Rosh Hashanah we pray that G-d should grant us all a sweet New Year.

Sukkot

A seven day autumn festival commemorating the miracle of the Heavenly Clouds which enveloped the Jews while traveling in the desert for forty years. On this holiday we dwell in makeshift booths and shake the Four Species.

Shevat

The eleventh month on the Jewish calendar, normally corresponding to January-February.

Shehecheyanu

A blessing recited on joyous occasions. The blessing thanks G-d for "sustaining us and enabling us to reach this occasion."

Tachanun

Sections of the prayers involving confession and asking for forgiveness. Tachanun is omitted from the prayers on the festive days of the Jewish calendar.

Av Harachamim

A solemn piece of the Sabbath prayer service. In this prayer we ask G-d to avenge the blood of Jewish martyrs throughout history. This piece is omitted if Sabbath falls out on a festive day.

Tzidkatecha

A solemn piece of the Sabbath afternoon prayer service. This piece is omitted if Sabbath falls out on a festive day.

Mincha

Afternoon prayer service. One of the three prayers a Jew is obligated to pray every day.

Mussaf

The additional prayer service added (after the morning prayers) on Sabbath, Biblically mandated holidays and the first day of the Jewish month.

Tishrei

The seventh month of the Jewish calendar. This month, which arrives in early autumn, has more holidays than any other month: Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot and Simchat Torah.

Tefillin

Black leather boxes containing small scrolls with passages of the Bible written on them. Every day, the adult Jewish male is required to wrap the Tefillin--by means of black leather straps--around the weaker arm and atop the forehead. This practice is not done on the Sabbath and Jewish holidays.

Maimonides

Moses son of Maimon, born in Spain in 1135, died in Egypt in 1204. Noted philosopher and authority on Jewish law. Also was an accomplished physician and was the personal doctor for members of the Egyptian royalty. Interred in Tiberius, Israel.

Mitzvot

Plural form of Mitzvah. Commandments from G-d. Mitzvah also means a connection, for a Jew connects with G�d through fulfilling His commandments.

Yom Kippur

Day of Atonement. This late-autumn high-holiday is the holiest day of the year. We devote this day to repentance and all healthy adults are required to fast.

Sukkah

The temporary structure where we are required to dwell for the duration of the holiday of Sukkot. The Sukkah must have at least three walls and its roof consists of unsecured branches, twigs or wooden slats.

Kosher

Literally means "fit." Commonly used to describe foods which are permitted by Jewish dietary laws, but is also used to describe religious articles (such as a Torah scroll or Sukkah) which meet the requirements of Jewish law.

Halachot

Laws governing the Jewish way of life.

Kippah

(pl. Kippot). The head-covering worn by Jewish males. Serves as a constant reminder of the existence of a Higher Being.

Kippot

Plural form of Kippah. The head-coverings worn by Jewish males. Serve as constant reminders of the existence of a Higher Being.

Kohanim

Plural form of Kohain. Priests of G-d. This title belongs to the male descendants of Aaron, brother of Moses. The primary function of the Kohain was to serve in the Holy Temple. Today the Kohain is still revered and it is his function to recite the Priestly Blessings on certain occasions.

Mikvah

A ritual bath where one immerses to become spiritually pure. After her menstrual cycle, a woman must immerse in the Mikvah before resuming marital relations.

Chabad

Chabad, an acronym for Knowledge, Wisdom and Understanding is the name of a Chassidic Group founded in the 1770s. Two of the most fundamental teachings of Chabad are the intellectual pursuit of understanding the divine and the willingness to help every Jew who has a spiritual or material need.

Purim

A one-day holiday celebrated in late winter commemorating the miraculous deliverance of the Jewish people from a decree of annihilation issued by Persian King Ahasuerus in the year 356 b.c.e.

Chanukah

An eight day mid-winter holiday marking: 1) The miraculous defeat of the mighty Syrian-Greek armies by the undermanned Maccabis in the year 140 b.c.e. 2) Upon their victory, the oil in the Menorah, sufficient fuel for one night only, burned for eight days and nights.

Kashrut

Laws of Kosher (Jewish dietary laws).

Hallel

Hebrew word meaning "praise." Normally is a reference to Psalms 113-118-- Psalms of jubilation which are recited during the morning prayers of all joyous holidays.

Zohar

The most basic work of Jewish mysticism. Authored by Rabbi Shimeon bar Yochai in the 2nd century.

Rashi

Acronym for Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki (1040-1105). Legendary French scholar who authored the fundemental and widely accepted "Rashi commentary" on the entire Bible and Talmud.

Minhag

(pl. Minhagim). Jewish custom.

Halachically

According to Jewish law.

Hakafot

Literally means "circling." On the holiday of Simchat Torah we take the Torah scrolls and encircle the synagogue's reading table seven times. This ceremony is done by night and repeated next day, and is customarily accompanied by dancing, singing and great joy.

Simchat Torah

An extremely joyous one-day autumn festival following the holiday of Sukkot. In Israel it is the eighth day of Sukkot, outside of Israel it is celebrated the next day, the day after Shmini Atzeret. Every Sabbath we read a portion of the Torah. On this holiday we celebrate the completion of the yearly cycle.

Ashkenazi

(pl. Ashkenazim). A Jew of Northern or Eastern European ancestry.

Ashkenazim

(pl.) Jews of Northern or Eastern European ancestry. (singular: Ashkenazi)

Sephardi

(pl.) A Jew whose ancestors stem from Southern Italy, Spain, Portugal, North Africa or the Arabian countries. (singular: Sephardi).

Sephardim

(Pl.: Sephardim) A Jew whose ancestors stem from Southern Italy, Spain, Portugal, North Africa or the Arabian countries.

Chassid

(Pl.: Chassidim; Adj.: Chassidic) A follower of the teachings of Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov (1698-1760), the founder of "Chassidut." Chassidut emphasizes serving G-d with sincerity and joy, and the importance of connecting to a Rebbe (saintly mentor).

Chassidim

(Pl.: Chassidim; Adj.: Chassidic) Following the teachings of Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov (1698-1760), the founder of "Chassidut." Chassidut emphasizes serving G-d with sincerity and joy, and the importance of connecting to a Rebbe (saintly mentor).

Chassidic

Mezuzah

A rolled up scroll containing certain verses from the Torah which is affixed to the right-hand doorpost of doorways in a Jewish home.

Shofar

The horn of a Kosher animal. The Shofar is sounded on the holiday of Rosh Hashanah, and is intended to awaken us to repentance. Also blown to signify the conclusion of the Yom Kippur holiday.

Glatt

[Lit. smooth - Yiddish] According to Jewish dietary laws, an animal which is extremely un-healthy is not Kosher. A determining factor is the smoothness of its lung. Therefore, an animal with a completely smooth lung is glatt Kosher. However, if it has lesions on its lung, depending upon their severity it may be non-glatt Kosher or it may be rendered non-Kosher.

Kabbalah

Jewish mysticism. The word Kaballah means "reception," for we cannot physically perceive the Divine, we merely study the mystical truths which were transmitted to us by G-d Himself through His righteous servants.

Neshama

The soul of a Jew. This soul belongs to anyone who was born to a Jewish mother or converted according to the dictates of Jewish Law. The soul is a spark of G-d Himself.

Rebbe

A Chassidic master. A saintly person who inspires followers to increase their spiritual awareness.

Lubavitcher

One who follows the teachings of the Chassidic group which was formerly based in the Belarus village of Lubavitch. Today, the movement is based in Brooklyn, New York with branches worldwide. The Lubavitch movement is also widely known as "Chabad."

Shatnez

A garment which contains both wool and linen. A Jewish person is forbidden to don a Shatnez garment.

Chassidut

The teachings of the Chassidic masters. Chassidut takes mystical concepts such as G-d, the soul, and Torah, and makes them understandable, applicable and practical.

Yetzer Hara

Evil inclination. Found in the heart of all humans, and also known as the "Animal Soul"; its purpose is to deter a person from following a life of spirituality and selflessness.

Hamotzie

The blessing recited over bread, Challah, or Matzah.

Shiva

Seven day mourning period observed by immediate relatives of the deceased. During this week the mourner follows specific rules of mourning and remains at home to receive condolences from visitors.

bracha

(Pl. Brachot). A blessing. A Jew is required to recite a bracha before gaining any sort of benefit or pleasure such as eating or drinking (and usually afterwards as well); or before fulfilling a Mitzvah (commandment).

Etrog

A citron; a greenish-yellow citrus fruit. We are required to take an Etrog on the holiday of Sukkot and shake it together with a palm branch, a myrtle and a willow.

Grace After Meals

Biblically mandated prayer, consisting of four blessings, recited after eating more than an ounce of bread.

Brachot

(Plural form of "bracha.") Blessings. A Jew is required to recite a bracha before gaining any sort of benefit or pleasure such as eating or drinking (and usually afterwards as well); or before fulfilling a Mitzvah (commandment).

Kiddush

Prayer recited at the beginning of the Sabbath or Holiday meal--both the evening and afternoon meals. This prayer, acknowledging the sanctity of the day, is recited over a cup of wine or grape juice.

Megillah

A scroll. Usually a reference to the Book of Esther which is read--from a scroll--on the holiday of Purim.

Rishonim

"The First Ones." The Torah scholars who lived from about the eleventh through the fifteenth-sixteenth centuries.

Haman

Descendant of anti-Semitic tribe of Amalek and prime minister of the Persian Empire in the 5th century b.c.e. Schemed to annihilate all the Jews, and the holiday of Purim was established when the plot was foiled.

Joshua

Assumed the leadership of the Jewish people after Moses died in 872 b.c.e. He split the Jordan River and led the Jewish people in their conquest of the Promised Land.

Amalek

Anti-Semitic tribe descendant from Esau; first to attack the Jews upon leaving Egypt. We are commanded to remember their vile deed and obliterate all memory of them.

Esther

Jewish wife of Persian King Ahasuerus in the 5th century b.c.e. Foiled the plot of Haman, the prime minister, to exterminate all the Jews. The holiday of Purim commemorates this miraculous salvation.

Ahasuerus

King of the Persian Empire in the 5th century b.c.e. Husband of Esther, heroine of the Purim story.

Mordechai

Cousin of Queen Esther, and Jewish leader in the 5th century b.c.e. Played a large role in saving the Jews after Haman, the Persian prime minister, plotted to exterminate them all. The holiday of Purim was established to commemorate this miracle.

Sanhedrin

The Jewish Supreme Court. The court would convene in a designated chamber in the Holy Temple, and was comprised of 71 of the greatest scholars of the time. Continued after the destruction of the Temples, but was dissolved in the 5th century when due to Roman persecution the seat of Torah scholarship relocated from Israel to Babylon.

Moses

[Hebrew pronunciation: Moshe] Greatest prophet to ever live. Led the Jews out of Egyptian bondage amidst awesome miracles; brought down the Tablets from Mount Sinai; and transmitted to us word-for-word the Torah he heard from G-d's mouth. Died in the year 872 b.c.e.

Adar

The twelfth month on the Jewish calendar. This month (which falls out approx. February-March), is the most joyous month on the calendar due to the holiday of Purim which is on the 14th and 15th of this month.

Nissan

The first month of the Jewish calendar. This month, which falls out in early spring, is known for the holiday of Passover which starts on the 15th of Nissan.

Tanya

Foundation text of Chabad chassidism. Authored by Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, founder of the Chabad movement, and first published in 1796. Considered to be the "Bible" of Chassidism.

Haggadah

Text read at the Passover feasts. The Haggadah recounts in great detail the story of our Exodus from Egypt.

Mishloach Manot

Gifts of food which every Jew is required to give to an acquaintance on the holiday of Purim.

Hamantasch

Triangular pastry filled with jelly or poppy-seeds customarily eaten on the holiday of Purim.

l'chaim

Hebrew word meaning "to life!" Traditionally, L'chaim is the first word used when making a toast on an alcoholic beverage at a Sabbath or holiday meal or at any festive occasion.

Amidah

Highlight of every prayer, recited silently while standing. Weekday Amidah consists of nineteen blessings, Sabbath and holiday Amidah contains seven blessings.

Yeshiva

(Pl.: Yeshivot) Religious school which teaches Jewish studies. Most Yeshivot offer secular studies too.

Tevet

The tenth month on the Jewish calendar. Falls out in mid-winter.

Men of the Great Assembly

An institution of 120 rabbis who led the Jewish people at the onset of the Second Temple Era. They canonized the 24 books of the Bible and composed most of the prayers we have today. This institution lasted approximately 200 years.

Aliyah

Literally means to be elevated. Has two popular meanings: 1. Being called up to the Torah scroll to recite the blessings when the Torah is being read. 2. To emigrate to the Holy Land.

Rosh Chodesh

The "Head of the Month," Rosh Chodesh is observed the first day of every Jewish month. If the previous month had 30 days, then the last day of the previous month is also observed; hence a two-day Rosh Chodesh. Rosh Chodesh is a semi-holiday, marked by Torah-reading and special prayers.

Shacharit

Morning prayer service. One of the three prayers a Jew is obligated to pray every day.

Seudah Shlishit

The third meal of the Sabbath. This meal, customarily much lighter than the previous two, is eaten on Sabbath afternoon.

Seder

Festive meal eaten on the first two nights of the holiday of Passover (In Israel, the Seder is observed only the first night of the holiday). Seder highlights include: reading the story of the Exodus, eating Matzah and bitter herbs, and drinking four cups of wine.

Matzot

(Pl.: Matzot) Unleavened bread which is eaten on Passover, especially at the Passover Seder (feast), commemorating the Matzah which the Jews ate upon leaving Egypt. It consists of only flour and water and resembles a wheat cracker.

Shul

Yiddish for synagogue.

Abraham

First Jew, and first of our three Patriarchs. Born into a pagan society in Mesepotamia in 1812 BCE, he discovered monethieism on his own. He was told by G-d to journey to the Land of Canaan where he and his wife Sarah would give birth to the Jewish People.

Chol Hamoed

(lit. "mundane [days] of the festival"), the intermediate days of the Festivals of Passover and Sukkot. On these days many of the holiday work restrictions are lifted.

Kabbalistic

(adj.) Pertaining to Kabbalah�Jewish mysticism.

Shavuot

Early summer festival marking the day when the Jews received the Torah at Mount Sinai in the year 2448 (1312 BCE).

Kitniyot

Legumes. The medieval sages banned eating kitniyot during the holiday of Passover because it resembles Chametz (leavened grain products) which is Biblically forbidden during this holiday.

Sephardic

(adj.) A Jew whose ancestors stem from Southern Italy, Spain, Portugal, North Africa or the Arabian countries.

Mishna

First written rendition of the Oral Law which G-d spoke to Moses. Rabbi Judah the Prince compiled the Mishna in the 2nd century lest the Oral law be forgotten due to the hardships of the Jewish exiles.

Havdallah

Prayer signifying the end of the Sabbath or Jewish holiday. This "separation" prayer is recited after nightfall over a cup of wine.

Haftorah

Section from the prophetic writings that is read at the conclusion of the Torah reading on the Sabbath, Jewish holidays and fast days. The Haftorah contains a similar message to the weekly reading, or speaks of the current holiday.

Siyum

Completion. Usually referring to one who has completed a tractate of the Talmud; a joyous event which warrants a festive meal.

Erev

The day beforehand. For example, "Erev Pesach" means the day before Passover.

Muktzeh

An object which may not be moved on Shabbat or Jewish holidays, usually because it serves no permissible purpose on these days.

Shmini Atzeret

A joyous one-day autumn festival immediately following the holiday of Sukkot. Outside Israel this holiday is celebrated for two days, the second day is known as Simchat Torah.

Baal Shem Tov

Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov (1698-1760), Polish mystic and founder of the Chassidic movement.

Galut

Traditionally translated to mean exile. It refers to the state of the Jewish people until the coming of the Messiah.

Hashem

"The Name." Out of respect, we do not explicitly mention G-d's name, unless in the course of prayer. Instead, "Hashem" is substituted.

Musaf

The additional prayer service added (after the morning prayers) on Sabbath, Biblically mandated holidays and the first day of the Jewish month.

Omer

Starting from the second day of Passover, we count forty-nine days. The fiftieth day is the holiday of Shavuot. This is called the �Counting of the Omer� because on the second day of Passover the barley �Omer� offering was offered in the Holy Temple, and we count forty-nine days from this offering. [Literally, "Omer" is a certain weight measure; the required amount of barley for this sacrifice.]

chazan

A cantor, or any individual who leads the congregation in prayer.

Iyar

The second month on the Jewish calendar, normally corresponding to April-May. The 18th of this month is the holiday of Lag b'Omer.

Sivan

The third month on the Jewish calendar, normally corresponding to May-June. This month features the holiday of Shavuot.

Lulav

A palm branch. One of the Four Species we are required to take on the holiday of Sukkot. We shake it together with a citron, myrtle, and willow.

Maariv

Evening prayer service. One of the three prayers a Jew is obligated to pray every day.

Midrash

(Pl. Midrashim). Non-legal material of anecdotal or allegorical nature, designed either to clarify historical material, or to teach a moral point. The Midrashim were compiled by the sages who authored the Mishna and Talmud (200 BCE-500 CE).

Tisha b'Av

The saddest day on the Jewish calendar, the 9th day of the Hebrew month of Av. We fast and mourn on this day which saw the destruction of both Holy Temples and many other tragedies.

Shabbatot

Plural form of "Shabbat." Hebrew word meaning "rest." It is a Biblical commandment to sanctify and rest on Saturday, the seventh day of the week. This commemorates the fact that after creating the world in six days, G-d rested on the seventh.

Yom Tov

Jewish Holiday.

Four Species

There is a Biblical command to take "Four Species" on the autumn holiday of Sukkot. These species are: palm branch, citron, myrtle and willow. It is customary to shake these species to all directions.

Kislev

The ninth month on the Jewish calendar, normally corresponding to November-December. The holiday of Chanukah starts on the 25th of this month.

Elul

The 6th month on the Jewish calendar, normally corresponding to August-September. This is the month which precedes Tishrei, the month of the High Holidays, and is a month of introspection and repentance.

Cheshvan

The eighth month of the Jewish calendar, normally corresponding to October-November.

The fifth month of the Jewish calendar, normally corresponding to July-August. The saddest month of the year due to the destruction of the Temples, and the many other tragedies which befell the Jews in this month.

Tammuz

The fourth month on the Jewish calendar, normally corresponding to June-July.

Sarah

First Jewess, first of the four Jewish Matriarchs, wife of Abraham--the first Jew. Lived in Mesopotamia, and then Canaan, in the 19th century BCE.

Jacob

Third of the three Patriarchs and father of the Twelve Tribes. Lived most his life in Canaan and died in Egypt in 1505 BCE. Also known by the name of "Israel."

Western Wall

The western wall of the Temple Mount compound in Jerusalem. "The Divine Presence never left the Western Wall," and to this day, the Wall remains a holy shrine and a place for prayer.

Menorah

Candelabra. Usually a reference to the nine-branched candelabra kindled on the holiday of Chanukah.

Bar Mitzvah

The thirteenth birthday of a Jewish male. On this day -- customarily celebrated with a modest party -- the adolescent reaches adulthood and is responsible to observe all the commandments of the Torah.

Bat Mitzvah

The twelvth birthday of a Jewish female. On this day -- customarily celebrated with a lavish party -- the adolescent reaches adulthood and is responsible to observe all the commandments of the Torah.

Lubavitcher Rebbe

Rabbi Menachem M. Schneersohn, spiritual leader of the worldwide Chabad movement.

Tefillah

Prayer. The Jewish Sages instituted three daily prayers, and an additional prayer on the Sabbath and Jewish holidays.

Tefillot

Plural form of Tefillah (Prayer). The Jewish Sages instituted three daily prayers, and an additional prayer on the Sabbath and Jewish holidays.

Challah

A loaf of bread. Usually refers to: 1) The section of dough separated and given to the priest (today that section is burnt). 2) The sweetened, soft bread customarily consumed at the Sabbath meals.

Halacha

Jewish Law. All halacha which is applicable today is found in the Code of Jewish Law.

Isaac

Second of the three Jewish Patriarchs, son of Abraham and Sarah. Lived in Canaan (Israel); b. 1712 BCE, d. 1532 BCE.

Esau

Rogue son of Patriarch Isaac and Matriarch Rebecca. Elder twin of Patriarch Jacob.

Brit

[Lit. Circumcision]The act of cutting ones foreskin 8 days after birth to form a covenant with G-d, which was originally established by Abraham.

Lashon Hara

Lit.: Evil tongue. Harmful gossip. Lashon Hara is forbidden no matter if the gossip is true or false.

Tzaddikim

Plural form of Tzaddik. A Tzaddik is a saint, or righteous person.

Rebbes

Plural form of Rebbe. A Rebbe is a Chassidic master. A saintly person who inspires followers to increase their spiritual awareness.

Chuppah

Wedding canopy. Under this canopy, the groom betroths the bride with the customary ring, and the traditional marriage benedictions are recited.