Glossary

Literally, “my master;” the Jewish proper name for God; Yud Heh Vav Hey, the unpronounceable name of God often is pronounced as “Adonai.”

"Dessert" (Greek); matzah is the official "dessert" of the Passover seder meal. During the seder, the children traditionally "steal"and hide the afikoman, and it must be redeemed by the seder leader.

King of Persia (modern-day Iran) and a main character in the Purim story. When his queen, Vashti, refuses to entertain guests at the king’s feast, he banishes her. Young women from throughout the kingdom are brought to the king to be considered, and Ahashverosh chooses Esther as his new queen.

witness; Jewish law requires two witnesses sign the ketubah (Jewish marriage contract)Customarily, both are Jewish men who are not related to either marriage partner or to one another.  In Reform Judaism both men and women serve as witnesses.  Plural: aidim

"Binding." The story in Genesis of the near-sacrifice of Isaac, Abraham’s son, which is read on Rosh HaShanah.

A concluding prayer of the worship service that reiterates humankind’s responsibility to make the world a better place and expresses the desire to bring the world together in peace.  

"Going up." The honor of being called to recite the blessings before and after the Torah reading. Also refers to immigration to Israel, to "make aliyah" to Israel; plural: aliyot. Lit. "Ascent."

“nation” or “people.” Am Yisrael is often used to describe the people of Israel, especially throughout the Bible. 

People of the Book.

 

Literally, “sacred people;” used to describe the Jewish people based on this verse in Leviticus 20:26: “You shall be holy to Me, for I the Eternal am holy, and I have set you apart from other peoples to be mine.”

Literally, “the people of Israel.” The nation or people of Israel. The Jewish people.

Literally, the people of Israel lives. A popular Jewish song.