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Glossary
Literally, “the order of the Torah reading.” The section of the worship service in which the Torah scroll is read. Reading of the Torah scroll occurs in synagogue on Monday and Thursday mornings, on Shabbat morning and afternoons, and on all Jewish holidays. In some Reform congregations, the Torah also is read at services on Friday evenings.
A plate that holds ritual foods used throughout the Pesach (Passover) seder. Each item on a seder plate is a symbol of the Exodus story and helps participants at the seder retell the story each year.
Hebrew for "scroll of cutting off". Refers to a get.
Lit. "Book of the Torah" and refers to the Torah scroll with the five books of Moses (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy).
"Forgiveness;" special penitential prayers recited during Elul and the High Holidays.
Jews who come from Spanish backgrounds and from lands around the Mediterranean Sea.
"Meal of condolence;" mourners' first meal upon returning from the ceremony; generally prepared by friends.
"Commanded meal;" a festive meal that follows the fulfillment of a mitzvah, i.e., bar mitzvah, wedding, brit milah.
Jewish affirmation of belief in one God. Lit. "Hear/Listen/Understand." The affirmation of God's unity is found in Deuteronomy 6:4.
"Eighth day of assembly;" conclusion of Sukkot.
"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. The rabbis of the Talmud determined, therefore, that all the categories of work that were required to construct the Tabernacle would cease on the 7th day. There are 39 categories of work as noted in the Talmud. The goal is to cease effecting change in the world through work of any kind and to become "one" with God, community and the environment through prayer, study, community, and rest.
"Great Sabbath;" the Shabbat that precedes Passover.