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Glossary
"Sending of portions" (Hebrew). Baskets of sweets and other foods exchanged among friends on Purim.
Literally “repetition.” Mishnah is a Jewish legal code edited by Rabbi Judah HaNasi in Palestine in 220 C.E. It is the first Jewish legal literature after the codification of the Hebrew scriptures around 90 C.E. Also called “Torah Shebal Peh,” “Oral Torah” or “Oral Law.”
"Repetition of the Torah." This 11th century law code was codified by Rabbi Moses ben Maimon (also known as Maimonides or RAMBAM) in Alexandria, Egypt. It stirred controversy for 100 years because the RAMBAM dispensed with Talmudic methodolgy and the citation of sources in the interest of presenting a clear guide to the Jewish community on what to do and how to do it in all areas of life.
Literally, “commandment." A sacred obligation. Jewish tradition says the Torah contains 613 mitzvot Mitzvot refer to both religious and ethical obligations.
A main character of the Purim story, Mordechai was Esther’s cousin, who raised her after her parents died. He saves the king’s life when he overhears a plot against the king. Mordechai also incurs the wrath of Haman by refusing to bow to him, which leads Haman to plot to kill all the Jews of Persia.
The blessing recited over bread and any meal that includes bread. This blessing thanks God for bringing forth bread from the earth.
The additional prayer service on Shabbat and holidays, immediately following Shacharit, the morning service. Musaf generally is not recited in Reform congregations.
Literally, “State of Israel.” The modern State of Israel was founded in 1948.