havdalah
Literally, “separation." The Saturday night home ritual that separates the Sabbath from the beginning of the new week. The ritual uses wine, spices, and candles to transition from Sabbath to the weekdays.
High Holidays
Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur
Kiddush
"Sanctification;" blessing recited or chanted over wine (or grape juice), emphasizing the holiness of Shabbat and festivals.
L’Shanah Tovah Tikateivu
"May you be inscribed [in the Book of Life] for a good year" is a greeting offered on Rosh HaShanah.
lulav
A date palm frond with myrtle and willow sprigs attached; used in Sukkot rituals.
machzor
"Cycle;" High Holiday prayerbook; plural: machzorim.
menorah
Seven- or nine-branched candelabra; commonly refers to the nine-branched Hanukkah lamp; plural: menorot.
Parashah
Torah portion. The five books of the Torah are divided into 54 parashiyot or portions.
Shabbat
"Sabbath;" plural: Shabbatot. Refers to the 7th day of Creation. In the Hebrew Bible, Shabbat is juxtaposed to the construction of the Tabernacle that carried the tablets of the Law throughout the period of wandering.
Shabbat HaGadol
"Great Sabbath;" the Shabbat that precedes Passover.