Jewish Terms

Much of the information on this page is based on content found at myjewishlearning.com, chabad.org, and jewishvirtuallibrary

Adonai - a Hebrew term for G-d. In the Torah, the Hebrew word for G-d is made up of four letters, and according to tradition it was only pronounced on Yom Kippur by the High Priest. Saying G-d’s name was considered a very serious and powerful thing. As a result, people have come up with various substitutions. When reading Torah, we generally substitute the word "Adonai" for the four letter un-pronounceable name of G-d. Outside of reading Torah and praying, G-d is often referred to as "HaShem".

Aliyah - “elevation” or “going up”, referring to going up to the bimah at the front of the synagogue to be called to the Torah for an honor. During a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, one receives their first Aliyah. It is also used in a different context, referring to someone who moves to Israel. This is called "making aliyah".

Amidah - “Standing Prayer”. This is the core of Jewish worship. It is sometimes referred to as HaTefillah, or “The Prayer.” It literally means “standing,” and refers to a series of blessings recited while standing. It is also known as "Shemoneh Esrei", meaning 18, because it originally consisted of 18 blessings. Today, the weekday Amidah contains 19 blessings, and the Shabbat Amidah contains seven. On Shabbat, there are some variations in the Amidah that differ from the recitation on other days of the week. On Shabbat morning, the entire middle section describes Moses receiving the Ten Commandments followed by the verses from the book of Exodus that describe the observance of Shabbat as a sign of the covenant between G-d and the Jewish people.

Bar Mitzvah - "son of the commandments” (Bat Mitzvah means “daughter of the commandments”). In Judaism, one doesn’t have a Bar Mitzvah, rather they become a Bar Mitzvah. It represents one becoming an adult in the eyes of the religion and signifies that they are now obligated to observe the commandments that apply to Jewish adults. Before the congregation, family, and friends, one accepts the privilege of receiving an Aliyah (ascent or "going up" to the bimah for a Torah reading) for the first time. They also read from the Torah (Five Books of Moses), and chant the weekly Haftarah (a selection from the Book of Prophets) and lead other parts of the traditional Shabbat service.

Bimah - the raised platform in the synagogue from which the Torah is read and services led. In many synagogues, it is located at the front of the sanctuary, but in others, it is in the center.

Chumash - book-bound (as opposed to scroll) version of the Torah (Five Books of Moses). It also includes weekly Haftarah portions from Nevi'im (Prophets) and commentary on the texts.

D'var Torah - "word of Torah". A sermon or lesson related to one's interpretation of a text such as the weekly Torah or Haftarah portion.

G'lilah - the honor of rolling up and tying the Torah scroll and replacing its cover and ornaments (after completing the reading of the weekly Torah portion). This occurs immediately after "Hagbah" (see below).

Haftarah - "concluding teaching". A portion from one of the biblical books of the Prophets. A Bar/Bat Mitzvah child frequently chants the weekly Haftarah, which has been chosen because it aligns thematically with the Torah portion for that Shabbat.

Hagbah - the honor of lifting the Torah (after completing the reading of the weekly Torah portion). It is then raised, and at least three columns are visible for the entire congregation to see. This occurs immediately before "Gelilah" (see above).

HaShem - a Hebrew term for G-d. Literally, “The Name.” In the Torah, the Hebrew word for G-d is made up of four letters, and according to tradition it was only pronounced on Yom Kippur by the High Priest. Saying G-d’s name was considered a very serious and powerful thing. As a result, people have come up with various substitutions. When reading Torah, we generally substitute the word "Adonai" for the four letter un-pronounceable name of G-d. Outside of reading Torah and praying, G-d is often referred to as "HaShem".

Kiddush - "sanctification". Refers to the prayer recited over a cup of wine (or grape juice) to consecrate Shabbat and Festivals. It also refers to the Shabbat lunch reception at the syngagoue that immediately follows the recitation of Kiddush.

Kippah (plural: Kippot) - also known as a "yarmulke". A head covering traditionally worn by Jewish men as a sign of respect. It represents the acknowledgement that G-d is above us, in our minds, and in our hearts. All men are requested to wear a head covering of some type while in the synagogue. Women are welcome to wear a head covering but are not required to.

Musaf - “additional” or “supplementary.” Musaf consists of additional prayers emphasizing the uniqueness of Shabbat. After the opening blessings of praise, the central section of the Shabbat Musaf begins with a prayer for a return to the Holy Land and the restoration of the Temple. It then describes the additional sacrifice offered on the Sabbath. The final part is a prayer attesting to the joyous nature of Shabbat.

Shabbat - the Sabbath, or Shabbos. A weekly 25-hour observance, from just before sundown each Friday through the completion of nightfall on Saturday. It is the seventh day of the Jewish week and is the day of rest and abstention from work as commanded by G-d. Shabbat involves two interrelated commandments: to remember (zachor) and to observe (shamor).

Shacharit - the morning prayers, which include blessings for putting on tzitzit (braided fringes on the tallit, or prayer shawl), expressing gratitude for the new day and Shabbat, and preparing us for prayer.

Shema - "hear" or "listen". This prayer constitutes a central part of each morning and evening Jewish prayer service. The first line of the Shema, “Hear O' Israel, the L-rd is our G-d, the L-rd is One”, is considered by many to be the most essential declaration of the Jewish faith. It is not a prayer but rather an affirmation of the unity of G-d and the monotheistic essence of Judaism.

Tallis (plural: Tallisim) - a special prayer shawl worn by some Jewish men and women in the synagogue. At his Bar Mitzvah, Elnatan will wear a tallis for the first time. Because the braided fringes at the four corners of the tallis remind its wearer to observe the commandments of Judaism, wearing a tallis is reserved for Jews. Sometimes called "tallit" (plural: tallitot).

Torah - the Five Books of Moses, written on the parchment scrolls by a specially trained scribe. Also known as the Pentateuch.

Trope - "Te'amim" in Hebrew; cantillation. A melody of scriptural readings. It is written above and below the letters in ways that do not change the length of the text. Unlike Western musical notation, trope does not represent a single musical note. It is more of a musical phrase made up of two, three or more notes. There are different tropes for Torah vs. Haftarah. The Torah scrolls do not contain the trope.

Yasher Koach - loosely translated as, “more power to you.” This is what is said when shaking the hand of a person returning from an Aliyah. It's a term used to imply both congratulations and thanks.