Glossary

Literally 'ascent' — refers to immigration to Israel, considered a spiritual elevation in Jewish tradition.

A Jewish coming-of-age ceremony marking a boy's assumption of religious responsibilities at age 13; the equivalent for girls at age 12 is called a bat mitzvah.

The covenant of circumcision, performed on Jewish baby boys eight days after birth as a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham.

A braided bread traditionally eaten on Shabbat and Jewish holidays, often made with eggs and slightly sweet.

The wedding canopy under which Jewish couples are married, symbolizing the new home they will build together.

A four-sided spinning top played during Hanukkah, with Hebrew letters representing 'A great miracle happened there.'

The text read during the Passover Seder that tells the story of the Exodus from Egypt, including prayers, songs, and rituals.

The eight-day Jewish Festival of Lights, celebrating the Maccabean victory over the Seleucid Empire and the rededication of the Second Temple.

A collective community in Israel, traditionally based on agriculture, where members share property and responsibilities equally.

A small cap worn on the head as a sign of reverence to God, also known as a yarmulke.

Food that meets Jewish dietary laws (kashrut), including rules about permitted animals, preparation methods, and separation of meat and dairy.

A seven-branched candelabrum that is an ancient symbol of Judaism; also refers to the nine-branched hanukkiah used during Hanukkah.

A parchment scroll inscribed with Torah verses, placed in a decorative case on the doorposts of Jewish homes as a sign of faith.

A ritual bath used for spiritual purification, required for conversion to Judaism and traditionally used by women, brides, and converts.

A commandment or religious duty in Judaism; there are 613 mitzvot in the Torah. Commonly used to mean a good deed.

Passover, the spring festival commemorating the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt.

A Jewish teacher, scholar, and spiritual leader ordained to make decisions on Jewish law and lead a community.

The Jewish day of rest, observed from Friday evening to Saturday night.

A Hebrew word meaning peace, completeness, and well-being, commonly used as a greeting for both hello and goodbye.

A ram's horn trumpet blown during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services, producing a powerful, primal sound that calls Jews to repentance.

A Jewish house of worship, study, and community gathering, also known as a shul or temple.

A Jewish prayer shawl with fringes (tzitzit) on each corner, worn during morning prayers.

The central compilation of rabbinic discussions on Jewish law, ethics, customs, and history, consisting of the Mishnah and Gemara.

The central sacred text of Judaism, consisting of the first five books of the Hebrew Bible.

Literally 'good day' — refers to Jewish holy days and festivals when work restrictions similar to Shabbat apply.