Glossary

Literally, "to busy oneself with words of Torah;" the end of the blessing for Torah study.

Also called “Judeo-Spanish,” Ladino is the language of Jews from the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal), drawing from pre-16th century Spanish and written in the Hebrew aleph bet.

Thirty-third day of the Omer;" a joyful and festive day that celebrates the end of a plague that took the life of thousands of Talmudic scholar Rabbi Akiba's students.

The 33rd Day of the Counting of the Omer when weddings are traditionally permitted.

"Pancake" (Yiddish); fried potato pancake often eaten on Hanukkah; plural: latkes.

Literally, “to accompany.” To accompany the dead to their final resting place is a great mitzvah and shows true honor for the dead because the deceased cannot respond to those who perform this mitzvah. 

Lit. "accompanying the dead;" walking behind the casket to the gravesite.

 

"Learning Torah." The learning (or occupation with words of Torah) is considered greater than all of the commandments combined because, mystically, engagement with the words in the Torah is an act of yichud—unification with God in the world.

A date palm frond with myrtle and willow sprigs attached; used in Sukkot rituals.

Literally, “for a good year.”  This is a customary greeting for Rosh HaShanah. Also, “shanah tovah.” 

"May you be inscribed [in the Book of Life] for a good year" is a greeting offered on Rosh HaShanah.