GlossaryA-Z about Judaism:
Abraham One of the three patriarchs of the Jewish people. He recognised the existence of one God as a young child. Aged 99, he became the first Jew to undergo brit milah. A year later his and Sarah's son Isaac was born. Barmitzvah Literally, son of the commandment. Refers to a boy's obligation to fulfil Torah law on reaching the age of 13. Also refers to the synagogue service and party held in honour of the event. Challah A glazed bread, often plaited and made with an egg-dough, served at the beginning of Shabbat and holiday meals. David King of Israel and author of the book of Psalms. Aged 17, he killed the giant Goliath armed with nothing more than a slingshot. According to Jewish tradition, the Messiah will be one of his direct descendants. Egel Hazahav A golden calf, created as an idol by the Jewish people only 40 days after receiving the Torah at Mount Sinai. God wanted to entirely destroy the people as a punishment for their faithlessness and rebellion, but Moses intervened on their behalf and his prayers saved them. Fleishig Yiddish word translating as meaty. After eating a -fleshing- meal, dairy products may not be consumed for a significant period of time - usually either three or six hours. Gan Eden The Garden of Eden. Home to Adam and Eve until they sinned and ate from the forbidden Tree of Knowledge. Also refers to the place where the righteous will receive their reward after physical death, in the World to Come. Hagba The honour of lifting the Torah scroll after the synagogue reading and turning it so it faces the congregation. Israel Land promised by G-d to Abraham and his descendants. Also another name for Jacob. Jacob Son of Isaac and his spiritual heir. The last of the three patriarchs and the father of 12 sons, who became the 12 tribes of Israel. Tricked into marrying his intended bride Rachel�s older sister Leah by their father Lavan. Eventually married Rachel too, as well as his wives� two maidservants, Bilha and Zilpa. Kabbalah Jewish mystical tradition, based on the book the Zohar, written in the second century by Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai. Lashon Hara Translates as evil speech. Refers to sins committed through speech, slandering or gossiping about a fellow Jew. The truth or otherwise of the information is irrelevant. Maccabees The name given to the heroes of the Chanukah story. Nissan The first month of the Jewish year, during which Pesach falls. Olam Haba The world to come, where righteous souls will go after death. Parev Yiddish word for neutral, used to describe foods made with neither meat nor dairy products (and that therefore can be eaten with either). Queen Esther Heroine of the Purim story. Forced into marriage with King Achashverosh, she at first concealed her Jewish heritage. But she eventually revealed Hamas plot to destroy Persian Jewry to her husband, allowing them to emerge victorious. Rabbi A religious teacher, scholar or pastoral leader. Someone qualified to make decisions on points of Jewish law. Sarah The first Matriarch and the wife of Abraham. Miraculously gave birth to Isaac at the age of 90 and died at the age of 127. Tallit Prayer shawl, worn by men during morning services. Urim Vetumim Breastplate worn by the High Priest in Temple times. Twelve stones set on the surface represented the 12 tribes of Israel. Vayikra (Leviticus) Third book of the Torah. Deals with matters relating to the Temple, such as animal sacrifices and ritual purity. Yahrzeit Anniversary of the death of a loved one. Zion Another name for Jerusalem. |
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