dict 18933 960301 Dictionary of Judaica (Key words and phrases) +----------------------------------------------------------------------+ DICTIONARY OF KEY WORDS AND PHRASES A Yiddish/Hebrew refresher course +----------------------------------------------------------------------+ A JewishGen InfoFile --- * S 3 O N - L I N E G L O S S A R Y * - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ========================================================= An Introductory Sampling of Foreign Words & Expressions Used within the Judaism Section of the Religion Forum ========================================================= Contents of Sections -------------------- FOREWORD I. Common Words & Brief Expressions II. Important Acronyms III. Several Important Religious Occasions IV. Some Basic Religious Texts V. A Sample of Other Significant Expressions ========================================================= FOREWORD -------- The following brief sections of word lists have been compiled to assist, primarily, newcomers to the Judaism Section of the Religion Forum, both Jews and non-Jews, who may be unfamiliar with the frequent use of Hebrew and Yiddish words and expressions that they will likely encounter in the various message threads. Pronunciation and parts of speech for these selected words are omitted: nobody `hears' forum posts -- and the simple definitions offered herein are deemed sufficient for the small scope of this glossary's usefulness. Also, since the spelling of words differs considerably among forum members, the reader will need to use discernment in identifying variant spellings; the same holds true for the initial and internal capitalization of letters within some words. Of course, one will still encounter many foreign words on-line that are not included in this file. In such cases, if the words aren't translated by the writer, one can politely request translations from the person in question or ask for help from the co-section leaders. "Chabad-Lubavitch in Cyberspace" also has a small glossary of terms, many of which aren't mentioned here, that can be easily accessed through their WWW page at "http://www.chabad.org/" (don't use the quotation marks when using this address); this is another fine resource for finding answers to other questions about Judaism. * * * * * Special thanks must be mentioned for the help of Alan Ganapol (73352,1212) and Gedalayah Blumenthal (71242,2130) (current co-section leader in the Judaism Section of the Religion Forum). Additional thanks are extended to Francine Beth Ferraro (72241,2340) and Dan Rickman (100322,205) for their excellent suggestions and contributions toward the beginning of this humble gesture of hospitality. The efforts of those above are certainly appreciated along with all other efforts to promote unity among Jews and represent a very warm welcome to all non-Jews who respectfully wish to become more familiar with Judaism. Please send e-mail to my address below, if you have any further suggestions or corrections. I will be happy to continue improving this file as needed. L'Shalom... Jerry J. Haumberger CompuServe 71722,373 INTERNET:71722.373@compuserve.com January 6, 1995 ---------------------- Third `revised edition' -- 2/11/96. ========================================================= I. Common Words & Brief Expressions -------------------------------- aleph-baiz (-bayz) -- the alphabet; the `abcs'. aliyah -- (lit.,an `ascending') a return to Israel with holy significance for Jews; also, being called upon to read the Torah in a synagogue. amain, omain -- amen. am-ha'aretz -- a common, ordinary person -- often used to denote an `ignorant' person. apikoros -- unbeliever; heathen. Ashkenazic Jews -- one of the branches of Jews that primarily originated from northern France, central and eastern Europe. averah -- sin. avodah -- worship; service. baleboss -- the man of the house. baleboosteh -- the lady of the house, and usually an especially praiseworthy one. bentsh -- to bless, say a blessing. bais (bet, bes) din -- rabbinical court. Baruch Habah -- welcome (masc.). binah -- wisdom. B'Nai Noach -- Sons of Noah; name for non-Jews who strive to live by basic laws for humanity derived from the Torah. bris, brith -- (literally) covenant; commonly refers to the circumcision ceremony, or circumcision itself. broche (pl. broches) -- a blessing. Brucha Habaha -- welcome (fem.). B'Shalom -- in peace. B'Shira -- in song. bubeleh -- (loosely translated) dear, sweetheart, etc.. chacham (pl. chachamim) -- a wise person. chachma -- wisdom. Chag Sameach -- happy festival. chametz -- anything with leaven in it. Chassid (pl. Chassidim) -- a disciple within a branch of Judaism (founded in Europe in the eighteenth century). Chasidim are widely considered to adhere strictly to traditional Jewish custums, and, among other things, to stress the importance of a personal relationship with G-d by spontaneous prayer, tznius, emunah, tzedaka, etc.. chassidus -- teachings, etc., which involve Chassidim. chazzen, hazzen -- one who leads in liturgical prayer; cantor. chaver (masc.), chaverta (fem.), chavarim (pl.) -- friend. cheder -- a room or school where Hebrew is taught. Chelm -- a make-believe town of happy, not-too-bright and foolish people. chesed -- kindness. chevra -- group of friends. chutzpa -- something brazenly outrageous. cohen (kohen) -- Hebrew priest. daven -- pray. dayan, dayyan (pl. dayanim) -- rabbinical judge. drasha -- word of Torah. draydl -- four-sided, top-like toy used during Chanuka. dybbuk -- an evil spirit. emmes -- truth. emunah -- faith. Eretz Yisrael -- the Land of Israel. Erev Shabbat -- the eve of a Sabbath. eytse -- advice. Freilichen Yomtov -- `have a pleasant festival'. frum -- observant; orthodox. gadol -- (literally) huge, large, great; `great one', leading Torah personality. Galut -- the Diaspora; exile. Gan Eden -- The Garden of Eden. gaon -- the honorary title of a very great rabbi, especially, the head of a Talmudic academy. gebentsht -- blessed. get -- a divorce. G-d -- a respectful way to write a common designation for Hashem. golem -- an unintelligent, sub-human creature, which, according to Jewish legend, was created as a protector and servant of Jews. gonif -- a thief; a dishonest, shady person. goy (pl. goyim) -- non-Jew. It's best for non-Jews to use only the plural, if at all, since the singular has been so commonly used in a derogatory way. The words "gentile" or "non-Jew" are safer. halevai (alevai) -- if only; I hope. haimish -- comfortable, informal, cozy. halacha -- Jewish law. Haskalah -- a movement among Jews similar to the Enlightenment in Europe during the eighteenth century. Hashem, Ha-Shem -- The Name; another designation for G-d. Havdala -- a ceremony indicating the end of the Sabbath. hechsher -- kosher certification; seal of approval. heter (pl. heterim) -- halachic ruling. inyan -- idea. Kabbalah, Cabala -- (literally) tradition; the Jewish mystical movement. Kaddish -- a prayer given at the end of synagogue prayers that glorifies the name of G-d. kahal -- congregation. kashrut, kashrus -- kosher observance. kibbutz -- a settlers' community co-op in Israel. kibbitz -- to talk, comment and advise someone while they are working, playing, etc.. Kiddush -- a prayer and ceremony used to sanctify the Sabbath and other Jewish holy days. kippa -- a skullcap worn by observant Jewish males. Kol Nidre -- the prayer which ushers in Yom Kipper. Kol Tuv -- all the best. kosher -- something ritually clean to eat according to Jewish dietary laws (kashrus). latke -- potato pancake. L'Chayim -- to life; to good health (as when offering a toast). l'havdil, lehavdil -- (lit., "the difference"); used to contrast, as a form of modesty, something great to something far less significant. L'hitraot -- good-bye; `see you later'. lox -- smoked salmon. L'Shalom -- to peace, to wholeness. maggid (pl. maggidim) -- itinerant teacher; preacher. mama-loshen -- mother's tongue, i.e., *her* way of speaking; often it refers to Yiddish itself. mamzer -- a child born from an adulterous union. mashgiach -- one who oversees the kashrut of an eating establishment. Mashiach, Moshiach -- the Messiah, as defined by Jewish tradition. matzo -- unleavened bread. mazel tov -- good luck! congratulations! melacha -- work; (specifically) one of the specified 39 categories of labor prohibited on Shabbat. melamed -- a teacher, especially of elementary Hebrew. menorah -- candelabrum; usually refers to the eight-branched one used during Chanuka. mensh, mensch -- a *real* man; a decent, noble person. mezuzah -- a small, oblong container set to the right of a Jew's front door-jamb, in which there is a tiny scroll with the Shema (Deut. 6:4-9; 11:12-21) written on it. midrash -- commentary; interpretation. mikva -- a bath for the ritual purity of Orthodox Jewish women. mincha -- the daily religious service performed late in the afternoon. minhag -- a custom. minyon -- ten male Jews required for religious services. mishpocheh -- family; ancestors; lineage. mitzvah (pl. mitzvot) -- a commandment; good deed. mohel -- one who circumcises. Moshe -- Moses. naches -- pride and joy; (especially) the pleasure which parents receive from their children. narr -- a fool. narrishkeit -- foolishness. neshoma -- soul. nosh -- to snack. oy! -- similar to "Oh!". oy vay! -- woe is me! (similar to "oh, no!" or "good grief!"). pareveh -- an adjective that qualifies a food, according to the Jewish laws of kashrus, that has neither dairy or animal products in it and can be eaten with either of these. parsha (pl. parshot) -- weekly Torah reading. payot -- unshorn sideburns of Orthodox Jews. pilpul -- hair-splitting debate. poskim -- an authoratative halachic ruling. p'shat -- simple, obvious meaning (as with a sacred text). reb, rav, rov -- short for rebbe = rabbi. rebbitzen -- rabbi's wife. refuah shelaymah - [have a] full and peaceful healing. sefer -- book. Sephardic Jews -- one of the branches of Jews that primarily originated in Spain and southern France. Shabbat Shalom -- [have a] peaceful Sabbath. Shabbes, Shabbos, Shabbat -- Sabbath. shadchen -- a professional matchmaker. shailo -- a judgement; ruling. shalom -- peace. 1. shalom aleikhem; 2. aleikhem shalom -- (1st., when greeting) `may you have peace'; (and 2nd., when saying `good-bye') `and peace unto you'. shammes -- the caretaker of a synagogue. Shavuah Tov -- [have a] good week. shaytel -- an Orthodox (Ashkenazic) Jewish woman's wig. shechitah -- ritual animal slaughter. Shema -- see mezuzah. shiddach -- an arranged marriage. shikker -- to be drunk. shiva -- (literally) seven; the first seven days which begin the period of mourning by those with a death in the immediate family. shlemiel -- a foolish, clumsy person; a misfit. shlep -- to drag something; to lag behind. shlepper -- a sloppy, lazy person. shlimazel -- an unusually unlucky person. shlump -- a slouchy, depressing person. shmooze, schmooze -- informal and pleasurable conversation. shnook -- a passive, `wishy-washy' person; a patsy. shnorrer -- begger; bum; cheapskate. Shoah -- the Holocaust. shofar -- a ram's horn used in announcing festivals, Shabbat, etc.. shohet -- a ritual slaughterer. shtetl -- a little Jewish village, especially of Ashkenazic Jews of eastern Europe before World War II. shul -- synagogue. simcha -- a happy occasion; celebration. slicha -- excuse me. sufganiah (pl. sufganiot) -- jelly doughnut. tallis -- prayer shawl used by Jewish males when praying at religious services. talmid chacham -- a wise scholar and expert of the Talmud. tefilla -- prayer. tefillin -- phylacteries. teshuvah -- repentence (lit., "return"). Todah Rabah -- thank you. trayf -- not kosher. tzaddik -- a holy, righteous man. tzedakah -- (literally) righteousness, justice; (loosely trans.) charity. tzitzit -- fringes on a male's prayer shawl and the tallis katan (a sort of jacket worn underneathe an Orthodox male's outer garment). tznius -- modesty. tzooris, tzuris -- trouble; woe; suffering. vort -- explanation; discourse; opinion. yarmulke -- same as kippa. Yahrzeit -- anniversary of someone's death. Yasher Koach -- `you should have strength'. yeshiva -- a rabbinical college. yeshiver bucher -- a yeshiva student. yiches -- family status or prestige. Yid (pl. Yidden) -- a Jew. Non-Jews should avoid using this word in the singular, as it has often been used by them in a derogatory sense which bothers some Jews. Yiddishkeit, Yiddishkleyt -- Jewishness. yontif -- holiday. Zion -- Jerusalem. ========================================================= II. Important Acronyms ------------------ B"H -- Boruch Hashem, blessed be the Name (literally), used as a sign of piety normally at the beginning of a correspondence. n"y (nero yoir) -- `may his candle shine' (literally); similar in general sentiment to shlita, but said of lesser mortals. shlita -- short for *shyehai lo yomim tovim vearuchim*: that `a person should have good and many days'. Said of an acknowledged scholar, religious leader, while they are still alive. z"l (zichrono levrochah) -- `may he be remembered for good'. The phrase for an am-ha'aretz (a regular person) who has passed on. z"tl (zecher tzaddik livrocho) -- (literally) `remembering the righteous person for a blessing'. This is an Orthodox custom, said of an acknowledged scholar and/or religious leader, and refers to the general belief that the tzaddik (righteous person) can intercede favorably on our behalf in the Olam Haba (world to come, afterlife). ========================================================= III. Several Important Religious Occasions * ------------------------------------- Chanuka, Chanukah -- Festival of Dedication or Lights; commemoration of the victory of the Jewish Maccabees (167 B.C.) over Syrian despots for religious freedom. Pesach -- Passover. Purim -- festival commemorating the rescue of Persian Jews (based on the record in the book of Esther). Rosh Hashanah -- celebration, commemoration, of the Jewish new year; the anniversary of the Creation. Shevuot(h) -- the Festival of Weeks; Pentecost. Simchat Torah -- a festival celebrating the end and beginning of the cycle of Torah readings for the year. Succot(h) -- the Feast of Booths that begins on the fifth day after Yom Kippur and lasts eight days among the Orthodox Jews, seven in Israel and among Reform Jews. Yom Kippur -- Day of Atonement; annual occasion of Jewish confession and repentance. * SPECIAL NOTE ------------ Chag -- related to the Rabic Haj (pilgrimage) used traditionally for the three foot festivals (Pesach -- Passover; Shavout -- Pentecost; Succot -- Tabernacles), which required a pilgrimage to Jersusalem when the Bais (or Bet in Sephardi -- Spanish, oriental pronunciation) Hamikdosh, Temple, was standing. Nowadays used by modern Orthodox to describe almost any day of any significance, even Yom Ha'atmaut (Israel's Independence Day -- this would be Yom Hatmaus in Ashkenaz (east European/German pronunciation), but no-one says this!). (Special comments on "Chag" by courtesy of Dan Rickman.) ========================================================= IV. Some Basic Religious Texts -------------------------- Gemara -- commentary on the Mishna. Gematria -- Jewish work on numerology. Haftorah -- a portion from the Nevi'im (Prophets) that's read on the Sabbath or other festivals. Haggadah -- 1. the part of the Talmud without the same authoritative law of the Halacha; 2. the narrative read at the Passover Seder, which describes the Jews rescue from Egyptian bondage. Mishnah -- the codified core of the Oral Law. Sefer Torah -- The scroll of the five books of Moses that's kept in the Ark at the front of a synagogue or temple. Shulchan Aruch -- the codified standard reference of the Jewish Law. Siddur -- daily and Shabbat prayer book. Tanach, TaNaCH -- the Sacred Scriptures of the Jews grouped into three main sections: the Torah (the Written Law); the Nevi'im (the Prophets); the Kethubim (the Writings). Christendom calls these writings the `Old Testament', which includes the `books' of Genesis to Malachi. Torah -- Written Law; the five books of Moshe (Moses). Talmud -- sixty-six volumes of commentary on the Torah; composed of the Mishna (Oral Law) and Gemara (commentary on the Mishna). Legally binding parts of the Talmud are called the Halacha, other portions the Haggadah. Zohar -- the most important book of the Cabbalistic movement. ========================================================= V. A Sample of Other Significant Expressions ----------------------------------------- chas vesholem -- (lit., peace and pity) close to "G-d forbid!"; "chas vechalila" is used in a similar way. chillul Hashem -- profanation of The Name. Da'as Torah -- Torah perspective. Derech Eretz -- good manners; (literally) way of the land. ein somchim al ha'nes -- `one should not rely on a miracle', i.e., halacha forbids a person to fulfill a mitzva in a hazardous manner. hashgocho protis -- divine providence (intervention). kal va-khomer -- `how much more so', a common statute defining how the application of a principle that is true on a lesser level *must* be true on a greater level. kibud av v'em -- respect for mother and father. loshen hora -- slander. Ma-aseh Listor (or Rayo Listor) -- an expression in the Talmud that means `a proof to the contrary' (or `on the contrary'). Olam Haba -- the next world; the world to come. Tikkun Olam -- the `repairing of the world'; more precisely applies, in the view of Orthodox Jews, to a `repairing of matters' among Jews themselves. yetzer hara -- evil inclination. yetzer tov -- good inclination. ----------- [3Mar96]bik Provider: Jerry J. Haumberger <71722.373@compuserve.com> +----------------------------------------------------------------------+