maror
"Bitter;" the bitter herb or vegetable (i.e., horseradish) eaten during the seder to symbolize the bitter plight of the enslaved Israelites.
matzah
Unleavened bread eaten during the seder that symbolizes the hurried departure of the Israelites from Egypt. Eating matzah is obligatory only at the seder. During the rest of Pesach, one may abstain from matzah as long as all chametz is avoided; plural: matzot
m'gillah
"Scroll;" One of the five m'gillot (plural) in the Bible: Esther, Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentation and Ecclesiastes.
mishloach manot
"Sending of portions" (Hebrew). Baskets of sweets and other foods exchanged among friends on Purim.
(the) Omer
The 49-day period that begins on the second night of Passover and ends on Shavuot.
Pesach
"Passover;" a major Jewish spring festival that commemorates the Israelites Exodus from Eqypt more than 3,000 years ago.
Purim
"Lots" (Hebrew). Holiday that commemorates Queen Esther's actions to save the Jews of Persia from death; marked by a festive reading of the story, contained in the Scroll of Esther.
Purim spiel
Humorous play performed as part of the celebration of Purim.
Seder
"Order;" ritual dinner that includes the retelling of the story of the Israelite's Exodus from Egypt; plural: s'darim.
Shabbat HaGadol
"Great Sabbath;" the Shabbat that precedes Passover.