02.19. Hebrew Vocabulary

Hebrew Vocabulary

Introduction This Vocabulary is designed for those who would and should be acquainted with the words and phrases (mostly of religious or ritual nature) which are common among the Jewish people. Since most of these expressions are in Hebrew, I feel it necessary to have here some remarks as to the pronunciation and transliteration of the Hebrew.

A. PRONUNCIATION. There are two main pronunciations:

1. The Sephardi Pronunciation, which has been in use among Oriental Jews,
2. The Ashkenazi Pronunciation, used by Occidental (European and American) Jews.

Since the Sephardi Pronunciation has been introduced in Israel, the Jews in Diaspora, too, are gradually adopting this pronunciation. Thus, in this vocabulary, we also follow their example, but we give in brackets also the Ashkenazi Pronunciation form if it is still widely in use.
The main differences in the two pronunciations are:

1. The unstressed consonant tav is pronounced by the Ashkenazi like “s,” while the Sephardi pronounce it like “th.” (Thus, in Sephardi: ba”ith; in Ashkenazi: ba”is).

2. The long vowel kammatz, which in Sephardi is “ah,” is in Ashkenazi, “uh” (or “oh”). (Thus, in Sephardi, aron; but in Ashkenazi, uh”m),

3. The accent. According to the Sephardi pronunciation, the accent generally comes on the last syllable of the word, except when the last vowel sounds are “ee” or “ai.” In the Ashkenazi pronunciation, the accent generally comes on the next to the last syllable.

(We shall indicate the accent in the Ashkenazi pronunciation, which comes in brackets, as well as the exceptions in the Sephardi pronunciation by [“].) (As a whole the Ashkenazi pronounces the words somewhat negligently. Only the stressed vowel is well recognized; the others are not quite distinguishable. So “chanukkah” becomes to Ashkenazi, cha”n-k-; milchamah” - mlchu”m-).

B. TRANSLITERATION. Many of the Hebrew letters have no equivalent or counterpart in the English alphabet. Yet, disregarding the complicated rules, signs and symbols of grammarians, we have tried here to simplify the transliteration of Hebrew into English so that the reader may be enabled to pronounce the words at least approximately like the Jews do it (and incidentally, the Jews vary in pronunciation of the Hebrew in accordance with their various vernaculars).
The following few rules may be of help in reading the words of our vocabulary correctly:

1. Hebrew has no silent letters; every vowel as well as consonant is distinctly pronounced.

2. G is always G, as in give, get, good.

3. Th is pronounced as in thin, both.

4. Y is always a consonant, as in Yes, You.

5. Tz is like the German Z (in Zwei, ZU”RICH).

6. Ch is a guttural sound equivalent to the German in ach, bach, and the Scottish in loch.

7. The vowels: a=as in arm, far e=as in get, end i=as in in, pity o=as in lord, orbit u=as in put, or as oo in noon, uh long u as in food.

Diphthongs: a’a like two a-a ai like ah+i ei like eh-+-i 8. (“) Indicates where the accent should be.

9. (‘) Indicates that some vowel is omitted; it serves also as a secondary accent.

10. Affixes to a word are shown in non-capital letters: for example haKoHEN -the Kohen; L’Shanah -to a year; uBrachah - and a blessing; v Attah - and you (u, or v prefixing a word means “and”).

There is no indefinite article in Hebrew.
The Hebrew letter kaf is generally pronounced like k, sometimes it is pronounced like the guttural cheth, and in that case we represent it by ch (as in loch).

HEBREW VOCABULARY
Mostly of Religious Significance Often Used by Jews
in Common Parlance ADON, MASTER, LORD. THUS Adon Olam, Lord of the Universe (God). In modern Hebrew also, Mister.

ADONAI, God. Notice the word is a plural noun, and literally means: “My lords.”

AGGADAH (Agud”de), Narrative, legend, allegory. The non-legal portions of the Talmudic literature.

AGMATH NE”FESH (ag”mes-ne”fesh), Grief, deep sorrow.

AGUNAH, A woman, whose husband deserted her, or whose husband’s death cannot be legally established.

AIN HARAA (anne ho”rre), “Evil-Eye.”

ALAV HASHALOM (uh”lev hashuh”lem), “Peace be upon him”; expression used after mentioning the name of a departed person.

ALEF BEITH (aleph bais), Alphabet.

ALMAN, Widower.

ALMANAH, Widow.

AM haARETZ (amme uh”retz), Literally: “people of the land.” An ignoramus, a crude person.

APIKO”RES, Atheist; skeptic.

AHBA KANFOTH, Literally: “four corners.” see Tallith Kattan.

ARON (uh”rn), Chest, Ark; Coffin.

ARON haKO”DESH (um”m koi’desh), The “Holy Ark” where the sacred scrolls are kept (at the synagogue).

ASHKENAZIM, Term appied to the descendants of the so-called “Germon Jews.” These include all European Jews (and those that emigrated from Europe), excepting those of Spanish Jewish origin, called Sephardim.

ASSARAH b’TEVETH^ (asuh”re btai”ves), See chapter on “Feasts and Fasts.”

ASSE”RETH haDiBROTH (assei”rs ha-dib”res). The Ten Commandments.

ASSE”RETH Y’MAI T’SHUVAH (assei”rs y’mai tshi”ve), “Ten Days of Penitence.” See chapter on “Feasts and Fasts.”

AVEIL (uh”vl), Mourner. See Shiv’ah.

AVEIRAH, Transgression, sin.

AVODAH ZARAH (avoi”de zuh”re),”Foreign (strange) worship, i.e., idol worship, idolatry.

BA’AL BA”YITH (balebus”), Owner of a house, or boss.

BA’AL BRITH (ba’al bris), Father of the boy at the circumcision ceremony; also ally; and confederate.

BA’AL CHAI, Living Creature.

BA’AL CHOV, Debtor.

BA’AL KORE, Lector, reader of the scroll of the Toral at the service in the synagogue.

BA’AL MAZZAL (or BAR MAZZAL), A fortunate man.

BA’AL M’LACHAH, Artisan.

BA’AL MUM, Cripple.

BA’AL NESS, One used to miracles; miracle worker.

BA’AL SHEM, Miracle worker (by the power of the Divine Name).

BA AL SIMCHAH, Host of the feast (as at weddings, circumcisions, bar mitzvah, and other such joyous occasions).

BA’AL TORAH, Scholar of the Toral.

BA’AL T’FILLAH, Cantor, one who leads in prayer at the synagogue.

BA’AL TZ’DAKAH, Philanthropist.

BADCHAN, Entertainer at weddings.

BETH DIN (BEZN), House of law, court house, often: the Rabbinate.

BETH haMIKDASH, The sanctuary, the Holy Temple.

BETH K’VAROTH, Graveyard, cemetery.

BETH KNESSETH (beis aknei”ses), Synagogue.

BETH MIDRASH, Synagogue, where religious books are studied.

BAR MITZVAH, Literally: Son of Commandment.” At the age of 13 the Jewish boy reaches his religious majority. See chapter on “CUSTOMS.”

BARUCH DA YAM EMMETH (buh”reck da”yen e”mmes), “Blessed be the true Judge”; this formula is to be uttered upon hearing of the death of a Jew.

BARUCH haBA (buhrechab”be), Welcome. (Blessed is he who has just come).

BARUCH haSHEM, “Thank God.” Literally: “Blessed be the Name.”

BASAR V’DAM (buh”ser veda”m), “Flesh and blood, mortal man.

BATH MITZVAH, “Daughter of Commandment.” See Bar Mitzah.

BATLAN, Idler, unpractical person. B’CHINAM, Free of charge, gratuitously, for nothing, in vain, without cause.

B’CHOH, “First Born,” Eldest Son. (See Exodus 13:2; Exodus 13:12-13, and Numbers 18:14-16).

BEMA (or, BIMA, or BAMA), Elevated stage in the synagogue, whereon the scroll of the Torah is placed when it is being read.

B’NAI BRITH, pl., Sons of the Covenant; name of well-known Jewish Fraternity.

BEN YACHID (yuc”ched), “The only son.”

B’EZrath haSHEM (see haShem), “With God’s help.

B’HEIMAH, Cattle, beast; used to describe a dull-witted person.

B’LI NEI”DER, “Without Vow.”

BRACHAH (bruh”che), Blessing, benediction.

BRITH (briss), Short for Brith Milah - Covenant of Circumcision. Denotes ceremony of Circumcision.

BRITH CHADASHA, “New Covenant” - The New Testament.

CHACHAM (chuh”chem), Sage, wise man. Title of Sephardie Rabbi.

CHAGA (cho”gge), A non-Jewish festival (used disparagingly).

CHALLAH, (1) Loaf of white bread, usually in braided form. (2) The priest’s share of the dough. See Numbers 15:20-21.

CHAMETZ (chum”ets), Leaven. Term applied to all leavened food and objects that come in close contact with leaven.

CHATHAN (chuh”sn), Bridegroom.

CHATHUNAH (chas”sene), Wedding.

CHAVEIR (chav”r), Friend, associate, companion, mate, member.

CHAZIR (chazr), Swine, pig: port. (The most objectionable food to the Jew).

CHAZZAN (chazn), Cantor.

CHEI”DER, “Room”; religious elementary school.

CHEI”REM, Ban, excommunication.

CHESHBON, Reckoning, account, calculation, bill, arithmetic.

CHESHBON haNEFESH, Moral stocktaking, introspection.

CHEVHAH (see Chaveir), Company, society, association.

CHILLUL haSHEM (ss haShem), Desecration of the Divine Name. (see Kiddush haShem).

CHOCHMAH, Wisdom, prudence, popularly: a wise saying, a bright idea.

CHO”DESH, “New,” term applied to the New Moon, month.

CHUMASH, The Pentateuch, the Five Books of Moses.

CHURBAN (chor”bn), Ruin, Destruction; often used as short of Churban Beth haMikdash, “The destruction of the Temple.”

CHUPPAH, Wedding, canopy.

CHUTZPAH, Impudence, boldness.

DAYAN, Rabbinic Judge.

DIN, Law, judgment. The commandments as interpreted by the Rabbis.

DIBBUK, Ghost, possessing man’s body.

EIDUTH (ei”ds), Testimony; witness.

EI”SHETH ISH (aishes ish), Married woman, another man’s wife..

EITZAH, Advice, counsel.

EMETH, (em”es), Truth.

EMUNAH, Faith.

ELOHIM, God. The Hebrew word Elohim is a plural noun, which means“Gods” and suggests the plurality of the Godhead. so also Adonai, which refers to God, is in the plural and means “my lords.”

ELOKIM, In order not to take the name of the Lord in vain, would use Elokim instead of the sacred name Elohim.

ERETZ ISRAEL, Land of Israel.

EREV SHABBATH, The day preceding the Shabbath.

EREV PE”SSACH, The day before Pessach.

GABBAI (gab”be), Collector, treasurer.

GAM ZU ITOVAH, “This too, is for the good.”

GANAV (gan”ef), Thief, cheat, crook.

GAN E”DEN (g’nai”dem), Paradise.

GAON, (guh”en), Genius, Renowned and learned Rabbi.

GAZLAN, Robber, briggand.

GEHE”NNOM, Hell.

GER, Proselyte. A Gentile converted to Judaism.

GET, Divorce.

GEULAH, Redemption (usually refers to the coming of the Messiah).

G’MARA, The usual name for the Talmud.

GO”LEM (goi”lm), Shapless matter. Clumsy, awkward person. (Legendary human formed of clay, robot).

GORAL (goi”rl), Lot, portion, fortune, fate.

GOY, Non-Jew, Gentile. Popularly also: an ignorant or unobservant Jew.

HACHNASATH ORCHIM (hachnuh”ses orchim), “Bringing in the guests” hospitality.

HAGGADAH (haguh”de), “Narrative” (see also Aggadah). The story of the deliverance from Egypt, as recided, from the book by that name, on eht Evve of Passover. haKADOSH BARUCH HU (hakuh”desh bor”che), “The Holy One, Blessed be His Name.” One of the names the Jew uses for “God.”

HAL’VAY, Interjection: Oh that, Would that, “I wish that it be so.” haSHEM, “The name.” God’s proper name, the tetragrammaton, which is written in Hebrew by the four letters Yod Hei Vav Hei, and pronounced in English “Jehovah,” is never uttered by the Jew. When he meets with that name while reading the Bible, or at prayer he substitutes (pronounces it) the word Adonai, otherwise he uses instead the word haShem -”The Name” - often with the addition of Yith-barech -”Blessed be He.” Thys b’Ezrath haShem, Baruch haShem, L’md’an haShem -”For the sake of God.” haTIKVAH, “The hope.” generally applied to the Hebrew national anthem.

HATZLACHAH (HATZLUH”CHE), Success, luck, prosperity, good fortune.

HAVDALAH (see l’Havdil) (havduh”le), “Separation.” Benediction over a cup of wine at the conclusion of the Sabbath and Festivals, Thus separating the sanctity of the holy day from the routine of the week days. see chapter on “Feasts and Fasts.”

HAZKAHATH N’SHAMOTH (hazko”res nesho”mes), “The remembering of the souls.” The prayer for the departed souls (also called Yizkor), which is solemnly recited in the synagogue on Yom Kippur and on the three pilgrim festivals. see chapter on “customs.”

HECHSHER, A permit issued by a Rabbi certifying that a certain food product is ritually fit to be eaten.

HEFKER, Ownerless property, lawlessness, anarchy.

HESPED, Funeral oration, obituary.

HETTER, “Loosening,” legal permission.

HETTER HORA’AH”, Authorization to function as a rabbi.

IM YIRTZE haSHEM (mer”tsheshem), “If God wills.” see haShem.

IVRI, Hebrew, Jew.

IVRITH, The Hebrew language.

KA”AS, Anger, vexation (grief).

KABBALAH (kabul”leh), Receipt, tradition. see chapter on “kabbalah.”

KABBALATH PANIM (kabul”les puh”-nem), Welcoming, reception.

KABTZAN, Pauper, A poor man. In Yiddish, also: “A shnorrer.”

KADDISH, Prayer recited by mourners during the first eleven months after the death of a near relative.

KADOSH (kuh”dish), Holy, sacred, saint.

KALLAH (kal”e), Bride.

KAMTZAN, Miser.

KAPPARAH (kaphu”re), Atonement, expiation, expia-tory sacrifice. An animal used as a vicarious sacrifice on the day before yom kippur (Day of Atonement). see chapter on “Feasts and Fasts.”

KAROV (kuh’ref), Near relative.

KASHER (kuh”shr), Fit, proper. see chapter on “Customs” (Section Kosher).

KASHYA (kash”e), “Difficulty,” popularly: a difficult question.

KAVANAH (kavuh”ne), Devotion, intention, attention, meaning.

KAVOD (kuv”ed), Honor, dignity, glory, majesty, respect.

KEI”VER, Grave, sepulchre.

KELEV, Dog, disparagingly used for wicked person.

K’HILLAH (Also KAHAL) (kuhl), Congregation, community, assembly.

KIBBUTZ, Gathering; company; in Israel: A group of settlers organized on a cooperative basis.

KIDDUSH, “Sanctification.” Benediction for the Sancti-fication of Sabbaths and festivals over a cup of wine.

KIDDUSH haSHEM, “Sanctification of the Name” God’s Name). A good deed performed by a Jew that arouses praise and commendation by Gentiles is considered as a tribute to God. God is glorified by the acts of his people. To die for Kiddush haShem has been considered as the supreme merit (sacrifice). see Chillul haShem.

KISHUF, Witchcraft, sorcery, magic.

K’LALAH (kluh”le), Curse.

KOHEN, Priest, a descendant of Aaron, brother of Moses.

KOHBAN, Sacrifice.

KHIA’A”, “Rending,” tearing. As a sign of grief the mourner, upon hearing of the death of a near relative (parent, son) makes an incision (rend) in the upper corner of his coat (usually at the lapel), and utters the benediction: “Baruch Dayan Emeth” (see Joel 2:13).

K’RIATH SH’MA’A” (krish”me), “The reading of sh’ma.” (“sh’ma Israel.”) Sh’ma’a” (“Hear”) is the first word of the verse: “Hear O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one” (Deuteronomy 6:14). This is considered as the Jewish confession of faith.

K’THUBAH (ksi”be), Marriage contract.

LAMDAN, Learned man, scholar (especially in rabbinic lore).

LA”MED VAV TZADIKIM, “36 righteous.” (The popular belief is that there are at least 36 righteous Jews in every generation without whose merit the world would perish).

LASHON HARA’ (luh”shn horre”e), “Bad tongue,” evil talk, calumny, gossip.

LASHON KO”DESH (luh”shn koi”dish), The sacred tongue, “Hebrew.” l’CHAYIM, “To life”: The customary saluatation (toast) among Jews when imbibing some alcoholic beverage (Usually on festive occasions).

LEVI (lai”veh), Levite; of the tribe of Levi. As to the original functions of Kohen and Levi, see Numbers 18:1-32; Deuteronomy 10:8-9; Deuteronomy 10:18; Nehemiah 10:35-39. l’HAVDIL, To differentiate. see Havdalah.

L’MA”AN haSHEM, “For the sake of God.” see haShem. l’SHANAH TOVAH (l’shuh”ne tof’ve), “To a good year.” (Equivalent to: “Happy New Year.”) see chapter on “Feasts and Fasts.”

LU”ACH, Board, tablet, schedule, calendar.

L’VAYAH, Funeral.

MA’ARIV, The evening prayer. One of the three daily prayers.

MA’ASEH, Story, tale. Deed.

MACHSHEIFAH, Witch, sorceress.

MACHZOH, Prayer book for the holidays.

MAGEIFA, Plague, epidemic.

MAGEN DAVID, “Shield of David” sexagram.

MAKKOTH (Singular MAKKAH) or MALKOTH, Beating, blows, plagues.

MAL’ACH, Angel, messenger.

MAL’ACH haMA”VETH, The angel of death.

MAMZEH, Bastard, illegitimate child.

MASHI”ACH, “Anointed’ Messiah.

MASHKON, Security pledge.

MASKIL, A wise man, enlightened, cultured.

MATTANAH, Gift, present.

MATZAH, Unleavened bread.

MAZZAL, Luck, fortune.

MAZZAL TOV, “Good luck.”

MAZZIK, Injurer; one who causes damage or trouble, demon.

MENORAH, Candlestick, lamp.

METH (mess), Dead; corpse.

M’GILLAH, ROLL, Scroll; The Book of Esther.

MIKVEH, Reservoir, pool; ritual bath. see chapter on ‘ Synagogue.”

MILAH, Circumcision. see chapter on “Customs.”

MILCHAMAH, War, fighting, battle.

MINCHAH, (Present gift). The afternoon prayer.

MINHAG, Custom, usage.

MINYA”N, Number, quorum. A quorum of at least ten men over the age of 13 is required to perform public worship.

MISHPACHAH, Family.

MITZVAH, Command, act of charity, pious deed. The rabbis counted 613 Mosaic commandments (TaR-YaG Mitzvoth); of these 248 are positive commands (“do’s”) and 365 negative commands (“don’ts”), i.e., prohibitions.

MIZRACH, East, Orient.

MIZRACHI, A religious-political party in Israel.

MOHEL, Circumciser.

MOSHAV Z’KEINIM, Old people’s home.

MOTZAEI SHABBATH, The outgoing of the Sabbath.

M’SHOREIR, Poet.

M’SHUMMAD, Apostate (fem. MESHUMEDETH), renegade. This word is used as an opprobrious epithet for a Jew who was converted to Christianity.

MUMMAR, Convert, apostate. (See M’shummad).

MUSSAR, Instruction, exhortation.

M’YUCHAS, Of good family, especially of a rabbinic family.

M’ZUZAH, Door post (literally). The word is applied to the parchment scroll which the Jews attach on the right side door post of their dwellings (rooms). The inscriptions on the parchment are: Deuteronomy 6:4-12; Deuteronomy 11:13-21.

NACHATH (na”ches), Satisfaction, enjoyment; it refers to pleasure which parents derive from the conduct or happiness of their children.

NADAN, Dowry, trousseau.

NAVI (nu”ve), Prophet.

N’DAVAH (ndu”ve), Alms, donation.

NEIDER, Vow, votive offering.

NIGUN, Melody.

N’SHAMAH, Soul (breath).

N’VEILAH, Carcass, carrion, (a despicable person).

OLAM haBAH, The coming world, eternal life.

OLAM haZEH, This world, carnal life.

PANIM (phu”nem), Face.

PANIM EL PANIM, Face to face.

PARASHAH (par”she), Section, division, subject matter.

PARNASAH, Livelihood, sustenance.

PASUK (puh”sik), A verse of the Bible, sentence.

PASUL (puh”sl), Ritually unfit, disqualified.

PATUR (phu”ter), Acquitter, free.

PEYOTH (pay”es), Sidelock of hair (which is to be left growing).

PEREK, Chapter.

PIRU”ACH NE”FESH, “Saving life.” A law may be broken (suspended) if by breaking it, a life may be saved.

PILPUL, Debate, casuistry, sophistical or equivocal reasoning.

P’SHARAH, Compromise, settlement.

RABBI (rebb”e) or RAV (ruf), Master; one learned in Jewish Law.

RACHMANUTH, Mercy, compassion.

R’FUAH, Remedy, cure, medicine.

RASHA (ru”she), Guilty, a wicked person.

RAV (ruf), See Rabbi.

RIBONO SHEL OLAL (riboi”ne shel oi”lm), Lord of the Universe.

RU’ACH, Wind, breath, mind, spirit, ghost, disposition.

RUACH haKO”DESH, The Holy Spirit.

ROTZE”IACH, Murderer, (a violent person).

SAR, Chief, leader, nobleman.

SEI”DER, “Order”; the order of home service on Passover Eve.

SEIFER, Book.

SEIFER TORAH, The Book (Scroll) of the Torah.

S’FARADI, See Ashkenazim.

SIDDUR, Literally, “arrangement,” the Jewish prayer book.

SIDRAH (also called PARASHATH ha’SHAVUAH), The “weekly Section” (of the Pentateuch read in the synagogue). See CHUMASH.

SIMCHAH, Joy, gladness, festive occasion.

SOFEIR, Writer, scribe, author; copyist of sacred writings on parchment, as the scrolls of the Bible, or the Bible passages of the Tephilin, Mezuzah, etc. See chapter on Synagogue.

SONEI ISRAEL (soi”ne isro”el), Enemy of the Jewish people.

S’UDAH, Meal, dinner, banquet.

SHAB”BES GOI, Epithet for a Gentile who is employed to perform some necessary chores which the Jews are not allowed to do on the Sabbath, such as kindling a light or a fire, or extinguishing it.

SHACHARITH, The morning prayers.

SHACHEN (shuh”chn), Inhabitant, tenant, neighbor.

SHADCHAN, Marriage broker.

SHALI”ACH, Messenger, deputy.

SHALOM, Peace. See Shalom Alei”chem.. The common greeting in Israel.

SHALOM ALEI”CHEM, “Peace be unto you” is the usual greeting when Jews meet. The response is: “Alei”chem shalom”: “unto you be peace.”

SHAMASH, Beadle, attendant, servant.

SHASS, See Talmud.

SHED, Demon, devil.

SHE”IVET, Tribe, staff, scepter.

SH’CHINAH, Divine Presence. The Shechina Glory. (This word is derived from Shachan - to abide, to dwell, to settle down, inhabit). God as He is revealed to man.

SHIDDUCH, Proposal of marriage (See Shadchan).

SHIKKOR, Intoxicated, drunkard.

SHIV’AH, Literally, “seven.” Denotes seven days of mourning for a near relative. See chapter on “Customs.”

SH’MAA ISRAEL, “Hear, O Israel.” See Kriath Sh’ma’a.

SH’MAD, Apostasy (religious persecution).

S’HMONEH ESREI, Eighteen, The Eighteen Benedictions, together with the Sh’ma’a Israel form the most solemn part of the three daily services.

SHOCHET, Slaughterer, one who slaughters animals according to ritual, for Kosher meat consumption. Yiddish: Shecten: “to slaughter.”

SH’VUAH, Oath.

TA’ANITH (ta”nes), Fast day.

TACHRICHIN, Shrouds.

TALLITH (tal”es), Prayer shawl - a four-cornered shawl, to each of which corners Tzitzith (fringes) are attached. This shawl is worn over the outer garment during the morning prayer. See Numbers 15:39-40 and Deuteronomy 22:12. (Besides the Tallith which only mature males over the age of 13 wear, there is also the Tallith Kattan (the small Tallith, also called Arba Kan- forth), which all males, even little boys, have to wear beneath their garments.

TALMID CHACHAM (chu”chem.), Wise pupil. (See Lamdan).

TALMUD, Also called G’MARA, or SHASS. (See Chapter on “Talmud and Midrash.”) TALMUD TORAH, Jewish religious school.

TaNaCH, The Bible.

TARGUM, Translation. See Targum in chapter on “Exegesis.”

TARYAG MITZVOTH, “613 Commands.” See Mitzvah.

T’CHIATH HAMEITHIM, Resurrection of the dead.

TEIRUTZ (ter”etz), Answer, excuse.

T’FILLAH, Prayer.

T’FILLIN, Phylacteries.

THILIM (til”em), The Psalms of David.

TORAH, Instruction, guidance, learning, law. In its limited sense it means the Five Books of Moses, but usually it connotes the whole Bible (Old Testament) and sometimes it also included all rabbinic writings. See chapter on “Literature.”

TREIFAH, Literally: “animal torn by wild beast”; now, forbidden food, not Kosher.

T’SHUVAH, Repentance, answer, return.

TZA’AR, Pain, grief, trouble.

TZADDIK, A righteous, pious person. Often applied to the Chassidic rabbi.

TZARAH (tzuh”re), Distress, trouble, anguish.

TZ’DAKAH (tzeduh”ke), Charity, alms, righteousness, justice.

TZITZITH, Fringe, tassels. See Tallith.

TZ’VA’AH (tzvuh”e), Last will, testament.

VIDDUI, Confession of sins (on the death-bed).

YA”IN NE”SECH, Wine for libation. Wine which was touched by a heathen is forbidden to Jews.

YATHOM (yuh”sm), Orphan (male).

Y’THOMAH (ysoi”me), Female orphan.

YE”ITZER TOV, The good impulse.

YE”ITZER haRA, The evil impulse.

YESHIVAH, (Literally: “sitting”), academy, school of higher Talmudic studies (as the Che”der is for element-ary Jewish learning.

Y’HUDI, Of the tribe of Judah; now: “Jew.”

YICHUS, Pedigree, ancestry, of good family.

YID”DISH, Jewish. This is the language generally used by Eastern European Jews (also long after their settling in other countries). It is a German dialect infused with Hebrew and Slavic elements.

YIZKOR, (“May he remember.”) See Hazkarath N’sha-moth.

Y’MACH SH’MO, “May his name be blotted out,” used as a curse.

YOM TOV, A good day - Holiday.

YOVEIL, Jubilee.

Y’RUSHAH, Inheritance.

YORESH, Heir.

Y’SURIM, Affliction, suffering.

Z’CHUTH (z’chuse), Merit.

Z’CHUTH AVOTH (z’chuss o”ves), “The merit of the ancestors,” or “for the sake of the forefathers.”

Z’MIROTH (z’mee’res), Songs. Traditional hymns sung or chanted during the Sabbath meals.

SUPPLEMENTARY VOCABULARY The following is a list of Jargonisms used in Jewish speech. Most of them are originated from Hebrew and German.

ALLEVY”, It should only be so, I wish it were so.

A-MECHA”YEH, Delicious, wonderful.

AZO’CHUNVAY” (From German ach und weh), woe unto . . .

BER”YEH, Complimentary to an efficient, competent woman.

BOB”BE MA”ASE, Grandmother story; fairy tale, a tall story, hooey.

BALEBO”STEH, Housewife; in a complimentary sense, a fine housekeeper.

FLEI”SHIG (see Kosher), Food containing some meat iongredient.

GEFIL”TE Fish, stuffed fish, a favorite dish, consisting of chopped fish mixed with onions, eggs and seasoning, shaped into balls and cooked in salted water.

GUT, Good; used with salutations as:

GUT SHA”BBES! (May you have a good Sabbath!) GUT YOM”TOV (May you have a good holiday!)

GUT VOCH (May you have a good week!), A salutation used on Sturday night, when the new week starts. HALLEVY”, see Allevy.

HA”MAN-TA”SHEN, A special kind of pastry as a Purim treat: (In memory of Haman). They are tri-cornered cakes filled with stewed prunes or poppyseed.

KA”SHA, Porridge, usually of buckwheat. Also used to denote a “mess,” a hodge-podge.

KANEHOR”RE, (Mixture of German and Hebrew words: Kein, Ayin-hara”a): “May no evil eye harm . . . !” Often used in Jewish parlance. For example: “He makes a good living. Kanhorre!” “She recovers nicely. Kanhorre!”

KNAI”DLACH, Dumplings made of Matza meal served (usually) with soup at the saider service. Used as a proverb: “He does not mean the Haggadah, he means the Knaidlach.” - All he wants is to get some material gain. (The Haggadah is the ritual part of the Saider preceding the meal).

KUNTZ, A clever act, a trick, a gimmick.

KU”GEL, Pudding, made from potatoes, or from noodles, especially prepared for the Sabbath meal.

MER”TSHE-SHEM (Corruption of Hebrew. Im-Yirtze-haShem), “If God wills so.” Frequently heard in Jewish parlance. Ex., “I’ll come, Mertshe Shem.”

MIL”CHEG (see Fleishig), Food produced from milk or containing a dairy ingredient.

NAHR, A fool. NAHRISH, Foolish, stupid.

NEB”BICH, Of doubtful origin it implies pity and compassion.

NISHT-KO”SHE (Combination of German-Hebrew), Not so hard, not bad, passable.

NUD”NIK, A bore, a nuisance, a pest.

OI GEVALT”!, Exclamation of suffering or surprise. “Oh, dear!”

PASKUDNIK (Slavic), A disgraceful, nasty person.

PAR”VE, Food which is neither Milchig or Fleishig, and may be eaten with meat or milk.

PUSH”KE, Charity box. Jewish homes have had one or more such boxes placed there by various charity or national organization, such as the Jewish National Fund, or for the upkeep of some charitable institution. On some occasions, especially before kindling the Sabbath lights, coins are dropped inside (to be later collected by representatives of the various organizations).

REB”BE, see Rabbi. REB”BETZIN, Rabbi’s wife.

SHAI”TEL, A wig worn by pious women.

SHLACH-MOO”NES (Corruption from Hebrew Mishloach Manoth), Gifts sent on Purim, usually accompanied by pastry and confections.

SHLEMI”EL OR SHLIM-MAZEL (Shlim-in German; bad. Mazal-in Hebrew; luck. Thus one of ill-luck, a simpleton.

SHLE”PPEH, Beggar, sponger, parasite.

SHMA”TTE, A rag, worthless.

SHNAPS, A drink of whiskey.

SHNOR”REH, A beggar.

TZIM”MES, Desert, Also used: to make a fuss over nothing.

TSHU”LENT, Sabbath noon dish. As no cooking is allowed on the Sabbath. Food consisting of meat, potatoes, or Kasha, or beans are put into a hot oven and allowed to bake until the Sabbath noon meal. A special part of the Tshulent is the Kugel.

TZU GEZUNT”, or GESUNDHAIT!, To health! (Usually exclaimed at someone who is sneezing).

YAHR”ZEIT, Anniversary of the death of a person. On that date, the nearest of kin recite Kaddish during the daily prayer. (Also some other customs are observed).