Glossary

A Hebrew term for “sin.” Cheit is a Hebrew archery term meaning “missing the mark.” A section of High Holiday liturgy is the Al Cheit, a confession of ways in which we “missed the mark” during the past year.  

Kindness

Compassionate concern and kindness of the living for a deceased.

"Missing the mark;" a Hebrew term for sin.

"Sacred society;" organization whose members are entrusted with the mitzvah of preparing a body for burial.

"Wheat money;" money collected prior to Passover and used to assist the needy to celebrate the holiday.

"Secular part of the occasion;" during Passover and Sukkot, the intermediate days of the festival.

The Torah in the form of a book. The word “Chumash” derives from the Hebrew word chamesh (five) because the Torah is the first five books of the Bible. Used during communal worship and study, the Chumash often includes commentaries on the Torah text.

"Canopy" under which a couple is married, often thought to represent their first home as a married couple. Typically the roof of the canopy is composed of cloth; a tallit is sometimes used for this purpose. "Chuppah" can also refer to the entire wedding ceremony.

A broad category of Jewish literature that addresses halachah (Jewish legal teachings).

A broad term for the recorded words of individuals throughout centuries, offering insights and new perspectives on Torah, Tanach, and Jewish texts. According to some, the interpretive nature of translating a text from its original language means “all translations are commentaries.”

Ceremony acknowleging one's commitment to Jewish life and the completion of religious school studies; often held on Shavuot.