Word |
Definition |
A |
|
| a”h | Acronym for Alav/Aleha Hashalom – spoken about the departed – may his/her soul rest in peace |
| Acharon Shel Pesach | Last day (8th day) of Pesach |
| Acharonim | Latter commentaries on Jewish law |
| achdus | Unity |
| Achos Chana | Sisters of Chana |
| achrayus | Responsibility |
| Ad mosai? | How long must we wait for Moshiach? lit. until when? |
| Adam Harishon | Adam the first man |
| Adar | Sixth Jewish month |
| Admor Hazaken | The Alter Rebbe; Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi; Baal Hatanya. Founder of Chabad Chassidism 1745-1812 |
| Adoneinu | Our master |
| adoni | my master |
| afikoman | Dessert; matzah eaten at end of Seder |
| agmas nefesh | Aggravation |
| agunah | A deserted wife |
| ah gutter better/better’n | One who has moved on to the next world who intercedes on behalf of those still in this world (m/f) |
| ahavah | Love |
| ahavas chinam | Unconditional love |
| ahavas Hashem | Love of Hashem |
| ahavas Yisroel | Love for a fellow Jew |
| akeidah | binding (of Yitzchok) |
| akeres habayis | Female pillar of the home |
| akshanim | Stubborn people |
| akshanus | Stubbornness |
| akum | Non-Jews. lit. those who worship stars |
| al cheit | Confession of one’s sins |
| al hamichyah | Grace to be said after certain meals or snacks |
| al kiddush Hashem | For the sanctification of G-d’s name |
| Al netilas lulav | Blessing made on the Four Kinds on the holiday of Sukkos |
| Al pi halachah | according to Jewish law |
| al taharas hakodesh | In pure holiness |
| Aleinu | Last portion of each of the three prayers recited daily |
| aleph | First letter in Hebrew alphabet |
| aliyah | Any form of rising (to the Torah, or to Israel) |
| almanah/almanos | widow/widows |
| Alshich Hakadosh | A prominent rabbi and biblical commentator in the latter part of the 16th century |
| Alter heim | The old country: pre-Holocaust Europe (lit. the old home) |
| Alter Rebbe | Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, first Chabad Rebbe |
| Am Yisroel | The Jewish nation |
| Amalek | The nation we are commanded to destroy |
| amei haaretz | Ignorant person/people. lit. nations of the land |
| amen | Response to a blessing, meaning “true” |
| Amora’im | Rabbis who authored Gemara |
| Amram | The father of Moshe |
| amud | Lectern |
| ananei hakovod | Clouds of Glory (that protected the Yidden during their 40 years in the desert) |
| anash | People in one’s own group or sect, lit. acronym for Anshei Shlomeinu “people who agree” |
| ani maamin | I believe |
| apikores | Heretic, unbeliever |
| aravos | Willow branches, one of the Four Kinds used on Sukkos |
| arba minim | The Four Kinds of plants that we say a blessing on during the holiday of Sukkos |
| arbes | Chickpeas |
| arichas yamim | Long life |
| Arizal | Rabbi Yitzchok Luria, 17th century Kabbalist |
| aron/aron kodesh | ark/Holy ark |
| artzeinu hakedoshah | Our Holy Land |
| Asarah b’Teves | Fast day commemorating the siege of Jerusalem on the 10th day of Teves |
| asarah maamaros | Ten Utterances |
| aseres hadibros | Ten Commandments |
| aseres yemei teshuvah | Ten Days of Repentance/Return. Days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur |
| ashreinu mah tov chelkeinu | How lucky are we, and how good is our lot |
| asiyah | Action, or the spiritual world of Action |
| askan/askanim/askanios | Activist(s) |
| assur | forbidden |
| aufruf | Calling up of a groom to the Torah in Shul on the Shabbos before his wedding |
| Av | Name of fifth Jewish month |
| Av Beis Din | Head of court |
| aveilus | Period of mourning |
| aveirah | Sin |
| avel/aveilim | Mourner(s) |
| Avinu | Our Father |
| avodah | Service of G-d. lit. work |
| avodas hatefillah | the (spiritual) work of prayer |
| avodah zarah | Idolatry |
| avos | Patriarchs: Avraham, Yitzchak, Yaakov |
| Avraham Avinu | Abraham our Patriarch |
| ayin hara | Evil eye |
| azarah | Courtyard of Beis Hamikdash where kohanim brought sacrifices |
| azkir al hatziyun | I will mention it at the graveside of my father-in-law the Frierdiker Rebbe |
B |
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| b’achdus | In unity |
| b’al peh | By heart |
| b’ezras Hashem | With the help of G-d |
| b’gashmius | Physically |
| B’guf | with one’s body |
| b’hester | Secretly |
| b’hiddur | With utmost care |
| b’poel | In action |
| b’rov am | In the midst of a great nation |
| b’ruchnius | Spiritually |
| b’simchah | With joy |
| b’Yisroel | In Israel |
| b’zchus nashim tzidkanios nigalu avoseinu … | In the merit of righteous women our fathers were redeemed from Egypt and in their merit we will be redeemed in the future |
| b’dieved | As a last resort |
| B’hatzlachah | with success, good luck |
| b”H | Acronyn for baruch Hashem, thank G-d. lit. bless G-d |
| baal korei | Torah reader |
| baal shacharis | Chazzan (cantor) for shacharis in shul |
| Baal Shem Tov | Founder of the Chassidic movement (1698-1760) |
| Baal Shem Tov | Rabbi Yisroel, founder of Chasidism (1698-1760) |
| baal simchah | Host of the party |
| baal tokeya | Shofar blower |
| baal/baalas teshuvah | One who became Torah observant later in life, not born into an observant family. lit. returner. M/F |
| Baal/ei ga’avah | A haughty person (pl.) |
| baalabos/balabatim | Supporter(s) of good causes, lit. homeowner(s) |
| Baba Meztia | Section of Gemara |
| bachur/bachurim | Unmarried male(s) |
| Bais Chana | school for baalos teshuvah |
| Bais Rivkah | Lubavitch girls’ school in Crown Heights |
| bakashah | Request |
| balabusta | Competent homemaker |
| Balebatim | people with homes, families, and good livelihood who are able to support Torah institutions |
| bamah | Altar |
| banim | Sons |
| bar/bas mitzvah | Jewish male over 13/female over 12, and the celebration marking their rite of passage |
| baruch | Blessed |
| Baruch Dayan Ha’emes | Blessed be the True Judge – Said upon being notified of a death |
| baruch haba | Welcome |
| baruch Hashem | Thank G-d (abbreviated B”H) lit. bless G-d |
| bas kol | Heavenly voice |
| bas melech | Daughter of the King |
| Bas Mitzvah | A girl who at age 12 assumes the responsibility of mitzvos. Also the celebration marking this rite of passage. |
| bas talmid chacham | Daughter of Torah scholar |
| bas Yisroel | Daughter of Israel, Jewish girl or woman |
| bashert | Pre-ordained by G-d |
| Basi L’Gani | Title of the last Chassidic discourse said by the Frierdiker Rebbe, and the first discourse said by the Rebbe upon assuming leadership |
| batei knesses | Synagogues |
| battim macher | One who is skilled at making the boxes of tefillin |
| bayis | House |
| bayis ne’eman | True Jewish home |
| becher | Goblet used to make Kiddush |
| Bechinas achoray’im | an unwilling manner of giving as if throwing from behind |
| bechor | Male that is first-born child |
| bedikah | Inspection |
| Bein adam lachaveiro | Between man and his friend |
| bein adam laMakom | Between Man and G-d |
| beinoni | One who is in-between tzaddik and rasha |
| Beis Chabad | Place established by Lubavitcher Rebbe to strengthen all facets of Judaism, lit. House of Chabad |
| beis din | Rabbinical court |
| beis din shel Maalah | Heavenly court |
| beis hachaim | Cemetery |
| Beis Haknesses | Synagogue |
| Beis Hamikdash | Holy Temple in Jerusalem |
| Beis Hamikdash Hashlishi | The Third Holy Temple |
| Beis Medrash | House of study |
| Beis Moshiach | House of Messiah – refers to 770 Eastern Parkway |
| Beis Nissan | 2nd day of the month Nissan, Yahrtzeit of the fifth Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Sholom DovBer Schneersohn (“Rashab”) |
| Beis Rabbeinu | House of our Rebbe |
| bentch | Bless, or say prayer after meals |
| bentch licht | To say a blessing on a candle before the start of Shabbos or Yom Tov |
| bentcher | Booklet of Grace after meals |
| Bereishis | Genesis, lit. in the beginning |
| besamim | Spices |
| Besht | Acronym for Rabbi Yisroel Baal Shem Tov |
| besuros tovos | Good news |
| bikur cholim | Visiting the sick |
| bikurim | first fruits brought by Jews to kohanim in the time of the Beis Hamikdash |
| Bimah | The podium from which the Torah is read in shul |
| bimheirah b’yomeinu | Speedily in our days |
| binah | Understanding |
| binyan adei ad | An everlasting edifice |
| birchas hamazon | Grace after meals |
| birur | 1. Explanation 2. Refinement |
| birur hanitzutzos | The elevation of sparks (fulfilling potential) |
| bissel | Small amount |
| bitachon | Trust, very strong faith |
| bitul | Self-nullification |
| biur chometz | The burning of the leaven performed on Erev Pesach |
| Biyas | Comming of… |
| blech | Metal sheet placed over burners to keep food warm on Shabbos |
| bli ayin hara | May the evil eye spare us |
| bli neder | Without a halachically binding promise |
| bnei melech | Princes |
| bnei Torah | People who live by the principles of the Torah |
| bnei Yisroel | Children of Israel – Jewish nation |
| bni bechori Yisroel | Term of endearment from a father (G-d) to His eldest son (the Jewish nation) |
| bnos melech | Princesses |
| Borchu | Prayer said 7 days a week as introduction to blessings preceding “Shema,” also said by one called up to the Torah |
| Bosi L’Gani | A Chasidic discourse, or maamar, said by the Frierdiker Rebbe and added onto by his successor |
| brachah/brachos | Blessing(s) |
| bris milah/brissen/brissos | Ritual circumcision/s |
| Bubbe/Bubby | Grandmother |
C |
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| Chabad | Branch of Chassidus based upon Chochmah, Binah and Daas – wisdom, understanding and knowledge |
| Chabadnik | Follower of Chabad movement |
| chachamim | Sages |
| chag | Holiday |
| chag sameach | Happy Holiday |
| chag kosher v’same’ach | Happy and Kosher Holiday (Pesach) |
| chalav Yisroel | Any dairy product which was under Jewish supervision from time of milking |
| chalilah | G-d forbid |
| challah | Braided bread eaten at every Shabbos and Yom Tov meal |
| chametz | Leaven, forbidden during Passover |
| Chanukah | Festival of Lights, in December |
| chap arain | Seize the moment |
| chareidi | Religious, G-d fearing |
| chas v’shalom | G-d forbid (abbreviated c”v) |
| chasdei Hashem | The kindness of G-d |
| Chasidim ein mishpacha | Chassidim are one family |
| Chassan Bereishis | The honor of receiving the first Aliyah when beginning to read the Torah on Simchas Torah. Also the one who receives this honor. |
| Chassan Torah | The honor of receiving the last Aliyah when concluding the Torah on Simchas Torah. Also the one who receives this honor. |
| chassan/chassanim | Groom(s) |
| chassidei Chabad | Followers of Chabad, members of Chabad |
| chassidei umos haolam | Kind people among the non-Jewish nations of the world |
| Chassidic | Pertaining to or adhering to Chassidism |
| chassidim | followers of Chassidus |
| chassidish/chassidishe | befitting one raised with Chassidus |
| chassidiste | female follower of Chassidus |
| Chassidus Chassidism | Interpretation of Torah based upon teachings of Besht, Alter Rebbe and other Chassidic Rebbeim |
| chassunah | Wedding |
| Chasunah | wedding |
| Chatzos | midnight |
| chaveirim | Friends |
| chavrusa | Study partner, lit. friendship |
| chayil | 1. Strenth 2. Bravery 3. Wealth 4. Acronym for chossid, yerei Shamayim and lamdan |
| chayus | Vitality |
| chazak | Stay strong |
| chazak v’ematz | Be strong and courageous |
| Chazal | Acronym referring to our Sages of Blessed Memory |
| chazarah | Review |
| chazaras hashatz | Chazzan’s repetition of Shemoneh Esrei |
| chazzan | Cantor |
| cheder/chadarim | School(s) for Jewish children |
| cheilek | Portion |
| cheilek Elokah mimaal mamash | Literally a part of G-d from above |
| chein | Favor or grace |
| cheirem | Excommunication |
| cheit | Sin |
| cheit eitz hada’as | Sin of the Tree of Knowledge |
| chelko/chelkah | His/her share |
| Ches | Eighth letter Hebrew alphabet |
| cheshbon nefesh | An accounting of oneself |
| cheshbon/cheshbonos | Calculation(s) |
| chessed | Kindness |
| chevlei Moshiach | Birthpangs of Moshiach |
| Chevra Kadisha | Burial society |
| chevreman | One who accomplishes a lot in admirable ways |
| chiloni | Non-religious |
| chilul Hashem | Desecration of G-d’s name |
| chinuch | Education |
| chisaron | A lack |
| Chitas | Acronym for Chumash (Torah), Tehillim (Psalms) and Tanya. All 3 are studied in daily portions as prescribed by the Frierdiker Rebbe in early 1900’s |
| chitzonius | Exterior |
| chizuk | Strength, encouragement |
| chochmah | Wisdom |
| Chof Av | 20th day in the month of Av, anniversary of passing of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak (Rebbe’s father) |
| Chof Beis Shvat | 22nd day of the month of Shvat, anniversary of passing of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka (Rebbe’s wife) |
| Chol Hamoed | Intermediate days in both Sukkos and Pesach |
| choleh | Sick person |
| cholent | Traditional hot Shabbos lunch of potatoes, meat and beans that’s been cooked overnight |
| Chosech shivto, sonei bno | One who spares the rod hates his son |
| chossid | Follower of Chassidism, lit. pious person |
| chozer | Reviewer/Repeater |
| Chumash | Five books of Moses, Pentateuch |
| chumros | Stringencies |
| chuppah | Wedding canopy and ceremony in which it is used |
| churban | Destruction (primarily of the Temple) |
| chush | Sense |
| chutz laaretz | Outside of the Land of Israel |
| chutzah | Outside |
| chutzpadik | Exhibiting chutzpah (nerve, gall) |
| chutzpah | Audacity, nerve |
D |
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| D’oraysa | Of the (written) Torah (as opposed to the Oral Torah) |
| daas | Knowledge |
| daf | Page |
| daled amos | One’s immediate environment, lit. four cubits |
| dam | Blood |
| dan l’chaf zchus | Judge favorably |
| dati | Religious |
| Davar be’ito mah tov | how good is something in its (proper) time |
| daven/davening/davenen | Pray(ing)/to pray |
| davka | Specifically or deliberately |
| dayan | Judge |
| dayeinu | It would be sufficient for us |
| deckel | Cover |
| derech | Way |
| derech eretz | Decency, courtesy, manners |
| derech eretz kadmah l‘Torah | Having courtesy and good manners precedes the learning of Torah |
| Derech Hatevah | the way of nature |
| dibur | Speech |
| didan natzach | Cry of victory pertaining to the holy books that the courts awarded to the Rebbe and his chassidim on 5 Teves 5747 (1987) |
| dikduk | Grammar |
| din Torah | The law according to Torah |
| din v’cheshbon | Reckoning |
| dinim | Laws |
| dirah b’tachtonim | Dwelling place in this world below |
| divrei | Words of… |
| dor | Generation(s) |
| dor hashvii | Seventh generation |
| dos iz a shvacha chossid | This is a weak chossid |
| Dovid Hamelech | King David |
| drasha | Sermon, speech |
| dreidel | Spinning top used on Chanuka |
| drush | What we learn out |
| duch (din v’cheshbon) | Accounting, report (acronym for din v’cheshbon) |
| Duchan | To bless the Jews as only a kohen can |
| Duchan | To bless the Jews as only a kohen can |
| dugma | Role model |
| dvar/divrei Torah | Thought(s) from the Torah |
| dveikus | Closeness, or meditation about closeness between Jew and G-d |
E |
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| Ehrlicher | Honest and refined |
| Eibershter | The One Above |
| eidel | Refined |
| eigener | Of our own kind, one of us |
| eimah v’yirah | Terror and awe |
| Ein Od Milvado | There is nothing but Him |
| einiklach | Grandchildren |
| eishes chayil | Woman of valor |
| eitz hadaas | Tree of knowledge |
| eivorim | Limbs |
| eizer k’negdo | Helpmate |
| Elisha | Prophet who succeeded Eliyahu Hanavi |
| Eliyahu Hanavi | Elijah the Prophet |
| Elokus | G-dliness |
| Elter Zeide/Bubbe | Great-grandfather, great-grandmother |
| eltere chassidim | Older Chassidim |
| Elul | Twelfth Jewish month, month of stock-taking that precedes the New Year |
| emes | Truth |
| emunah | Faith |
| emunah pshutah | Simple faith |
| emunas… | Faith in… |
| Er zitst in Gan Eden un hert Chassidus fun Shver | “He is sitting in Gan Eden and learning Chassidus with my father-in-law [the Previous Rebbe].” |
| erenste | Serious, earnest |
| Eretz Yisroel | Land of Israel |
| Erev… | Day before or eve of… |
| erliche | Pious |
| esrog | Citron fruit used on Sukkos |
| etzem | Essence |
| Ezer k’negdo | Helpmate opposite him |
| ezras nashim | Women’s section (in a Synagogue) |
F |
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| farbrengen | Gathering of chassidim where honest discussion, Torah learning and singing of niggunim take place |
| fargin | be happy with others’ good fortune without being jealous or resentful of them |
| farher | Test |
| farvoss | Why |
| Fier kashes | 4 questions (recited at the Pesach seder) aka the Mah Nishtanah |
| fleishig | Meat |
| freilach | Joyful, happy |
| freye Yidden | Jews who are not yet Torah-observant |
| Frierdiker Rebbe | Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Schneerson (1880-1950) |
| frum/frumkeit | Religious, religiousness |
G |
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| gabbai/gabba’im | Sexton(s) |
| galus | Exile |
| gam zu l’tovah | This, too, is for the best |
| gan | Garden/Pre-school |
| Gan Eden | The next world, paradise, lit. Garden of Eden |
| gaon | Genius (in learning) |
| gartel | Black fabric belt men use during davening |
| gashmius | Anything physical or tangible |
| gebroktz | Matzah which has come into contact with water or any form of cooking that allows for that |
| Gedolah tzedakah shemikareves… | How great is charity that it hastens the redemption. |
| gedolei Yisroel | Great Jews; leaders of Jews |
| gehinnom | Purgatory |
| gelt | Money |
| gemach | Interest-free loan fund, lit. acronym for Gemilas Chesed which means lovingkindness |
| Gemara | Portion of Talmud written by Amora’im which explains Mishna, written by Tanna’im |
| gematria | Numerical equivalence of the Hebrew letters of the alphabet |
| gemilas chassadim | Acts of charity and kindness |
| ger | Convert (m) |
| geshmak | Tasty, a taste for |
| get | Jewish divorce |
| Getlichkeit | G-dliness |
| Geulah | Redemption |
| Geulah ho’amitis v’hashleima | The true and complete redemption |
| Geulah shleimah | Complete redemption |
| gevurah | Strength |
| gezeirah | Decree |
| gezunte | Healthy |
| Gilgul | incarnation |
| giluy Moshiach | Revelation of the Messiah |
| giluyim | Revelation |
| gimmel klipos hatmayos | Evil which cannot be redeemed or reversed |
| Gimmel Tammuz | 3rd day of Tammuz, day of histalkus of the Lubavitcher Rebbe |
| giyores | Convert (f) |
| glatt kosher | Higher standard of Kashrus than Kosher., lit. “smooth kosher” referring to smoothness of animal’s lung |
| gmar chasimah tovah | May you be sealed for a sweet new year |
| goilem | (need to know context to define, though hard to define in any case) |
| golah | Exile |
| goldeneh medineh | Golden country; how Europeans referred to U.S. after World War II |
| goy/goyim | Gentile(s), lit. nations |
| goyish/goyishe | Pertaining to non-Jews |
| guf gashmi | Physical body |
| gut/gutskeit | Good(ness) |
| Gzeiros | decrees |
H |
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| hachanah | Preparation |
| hachlatos tovos | Good resolutions |
| hachnasas kallah | Help to brides, usually financial |
| hachnasas orchim | Taking guests into one’s home |
| Hadar HaTorah | Yeshiva for men of limited Torah background |
| hadassim | Myrtle branches, one of the Four Kinds used on Sukkos |
| hadlakas neiros | Candle lighting |
| hadrachah | Guidance |
| hafotzas hamaayonos | Dissemination of the wellsprings (of Chassidus) |
| hafrashas challah/hafrasha | mitzvah of separating a portion of dough before baking bread/separating (of a piece of challah dough) |
| haftorah | Portion from Prophets read in the Synagogue on Shabbos and Yom Tov |
| Haggadah | Text said at Pesach seder. lit. story telling |
| Hakadosh Baruch Hu | The Holy One (Blessed Be He)- reference to G-d |
| hakafos | marching or dancing in a circle around the Shul |
| hakaras hatov | Gratitude for kindness rendered |
| hakhel | Gathering of all Jewish men, women and children when King would read excerpts from Torah. Took place every 7 years. |
| Hakitzu v’ranenu shochnei afar | Those who rest in dust will awaken and rejoice |
| Hakohen | the Kohen (member of the priestly family that descends from Aharon) |
| halachah/halachic | Jewish Law |
| halevai | Would that it were so |
| Hallel | Prayer of praise to G-d, sung on holidays |
| Hamaaseh hu ha’ikar | the action is the main thing |
| hamantashen | Three-cornered cookies traditionally enjoyed on Purim |
| hamidbar | The desert |
| hamotzi | Blessing on bread |
| hanhagah | Conduct/Behavior |
| hanhalah | Administration |
| Har Hazeisim | Mount of Olives (Cemetery in Jerusalem) |
| Har Sinai | Mount Sinai |
| Harabbanis… | The Rebbetzin, or Rabbi’s wife |
| Hareini mochel | I hereby forgive |
| hartzik | Heartfelt, sincere |
| Hashanah Rabbah | (change spelling to HOshana Raba) 7th day of Sukkos |
| Hashavas Aveidah | returning a lost object |
| Hashem | G-d |
| Hashem yikom damam | May G-d avenge their blood |
| Hashem yikom damam Hy”d | May G-d avenge their blood |
| hashgachah | Supervision |
| hashgachah pratis | Divine Providence |
| hashkafah | Outlook, perspective |
| hashpa’ah | Influence |
| haskalah | Enlightenment movement |
| Haskamah | approbation, consent |
| haskamah | Approbation |
| hasmadah | Diligence in studying |
| hataras nedarim | Nullifying a vow |
| Hatzalah | 1. Cry to be rescued 2. Jewish ambulance service |
| hatzlachah | Success |
| havdalah | Service at conclusion of Shabbos and Yom Tov, lit. separation |
| havtachah | Assurance |
| Hayom Yom | An encyclopedia of daily Torah insights authored by the Rebbe |
| hechsher | Sign of kashrus certification |
| hefkeirus | Free for all, state of having too much freedom, and being out of control |
| heichal | Inner chamber |
| heilik/heilike | Holy |
| heimishe | As in your own home |
| heter | Permissible ruling |
| hiddur | Beautification |
| Higia zman geulaschem | The time of your redemption has arrived. |
| Hilchos… | Laws of… |
| hilulah | Yahrzeit of a tzaddik |
| himmel | Heaven |
| Hisbonenus | contemplation, meditation |
| hisgalus Moshiach | Revelation of Messiah |
| hishtatchus | Visiting grave of righteous person |
| hiskarvus | Causing closeness |
| hiskashrus | Connection between Rebbe and chossid |
| hisnagdus | opposition |
| hisorerus | Awakening, arousal |
| histalkus | Passing away, elevation |
| hitvaadut/hisvaadus | Hebrew for farbrengen. Gathering of chassidim where honest discussion, Torah learning and singing of niggunim take place |
| Hk”m | Said in first year after passing of parent or Rebbe, acronym for Hareini Kaporas Mishkovo, meaning, “May any suffering due to him fall on me” |
| hodaah | Thanks, praise |
| horaah | A directive |
| horaas shaah | A directive for that time only |
| Hoshanah Rabbah | Last intermediate day of the Sukkos holiday |
| hy”d | Acronym for Hashem yikom damo/damam, May Hashem avenge their blood |
I |
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| Igeres Hakodesh | Holy letter of the Rebbe |
| Igros | Letters |
| ikar | Primary or more important |
| im yirtzeh Hashem (iy”H) | G-d willing |
| Imahos | Matriarchs: Sarah, Rivkah, Rochel and Leah |
| Imeinu | Our mother |
| inyan nifla | Wondrous idea |
| inyan/inyanim | Idea(s) or subject(s) |
| Ir Hakodesh | Holy city |
| issur (chamur) | (Strict) prohibition |
| Ivrit | Modern Hebrew |
| iy”H | Acronym for im yirtzeh Hashem. G-d willing |
K |
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| k’dai | Appropriate or worthwhile |
| K’heref ayin | In the blink of an eye |
| k’zayis | The size of an olive, a halachic measurement |
| ka”h | Acronym for kein ayin hara – May the evil eye do no harm |
| Kabbalah | Mystical teaching |
| kabbalas malchus | Acceptance of royalty |
| kabbalas ol | Acceptance of yoke of Torah |
| kabbalas pnei Moshiach | Greeting Moshiach |
| Kabbalas Shabbos | Friday night davening, lit. receiving Shabbos |
| Kabballah (for shechitah) | apprenticeship at a certified shochet before becoming certified |
| Kaddish | Prayer said for the deceased |
| kadosh | Holy |
| kal v’chomer | How much more so |
| kallah | Bride |
| kaparah | Trade-off with G-d, when, for example, we are grateful for only breaking a leg because at least we survived the fire, lit. forgiveness |
| kapitel/kapitlach | Chapter(s) usually of Psalms |
| kapota | A Prince Albert coat worn by married Lubavitcher men |
| kashrus | Keeping kosher |
| kavanah | 1. Concentration 2. Motive |
| kavod | Honor, respect |
| ke’arah | Platter, Seder plate |
| kedushah | Holiness |
| kedushas | Holiness of… |
| kehillah | Community |
| kehunah | The priesthood |
| keili/keilim | Vessel(s) |
| kein ayin hara | May the evil eye do no harm |
| kein yirbu | So shall they multiply |
| Keren Ten Yad | Charity to help cover wedding expenses |
| keruvim | Cherubs |
| kesser | Crown |
| kesubah | Wedding contract |
| kesuvos | Writings |
| Kevayachol | so to speak |
| Kever Rochel | Grave site of Rochel |
| kever/kevarim | Grave(s) |
| kevurah | Burial |
| kevutzos | Groups |
| Kfar Chabad | A village in Israel where many Lubavitchers reside, established by the Frierdiker Rebbe in1949 |
| kibud av va’em | Honoring one’s parents |
| Kibud horim umorim | honoring parents and teachers |
| kiddush | Blessing recited over a goblet of wine expressing the sanctity of Shabbos or a Festival |
| kiddush Hashem | An act which sanctifies the name of G-d |
| kinderlach | (Beloved) children |
| kinus | Gathering, convention |
| Kinus HaShluchim/HaShluchos | Gathering of the emissaries (female) |
| kippah | Skullcap |
| kiruv | Drawing close |
| kisei shel Eliyahu | Throne of Elijah the Prophet |
| kisui harosh | Mitzvah of covering the head of married women |
| kittel | White garb worn on Yom Kippur by married men |
| Kitzur Shulchan Aruch | Code of Jewish Law |
| kivush ha’olam al yedei shluchei Adoneinu | Conquering the world through the Rebbe’s emissaries |
| kiyor | Wash basin used by the kohanim before service in the Beis Hamikdosh |
| Klal Yisroel | Jewish nation |
| Kli Yakar | Rabbeinu Shlomo Efraim, 16th century classic commentary on Torah |
| klipah | Bark or shell, symbol of evil |
| Knesses Yisroel | Congregation of Israel |
| koach/kochos | Strength(s) |
| kochi v’otzem yodi | My strength and my mighty arm |
| kodesh | Holy |
| Kodesh Hakadashim | Holy of Holies |
| kohanim | Jewish Priest(s) |
| Koheles | Ecclesiastes |
| kohen gadol | High Priest |
| Kol Chamira | Prayer disavowing all ownership to any chametz in our possession |
| kol hakavod | Expression of Bravo! Well done! Lit. all honor (to you) |
| Kol kvudah bas melech pnima | The glory of the king’s daughter is within |
| Kol NIdrei | First prayer of Yom Kippur in which we nullify our vows |
| kollel | Place where young married men learn Torah all day |
| Korach | First cousin of Moshe, rebelled against him in desert and met a horrible death |
| korbanos | Sacrifices |
| kores | Punishment of being cut off from the Jewish people |
| kos shel brachah | Cup of blessing (from which the Rebbe pours wine for everyone who asks) |
| Kosel/Kotel Hamaaravi | Wailing/Western Wall – last remnant of Holy Temple in Jerusalem |
| kriah | 1.Reading 2. Tearing |
| krias haTorah | Public reading from the Torah |
| Krias Shema | Recitation of Shema |
| krias Yam Suf | Splitting of the Red Sea |
| Krovim | relatives |
| kuchen | Cooking |
| kugel | Sweet or savory pudding, usually made of potatoes or noodles and served on Shabbos |
| kumzitz | An informal get together for honest discussion and singing |
| kuntres/kuntreisim | Pamphlet(s) |
| Kuntz | trick |
| kvatter/kvatterin | Those honored with handing the baby at the bris (male/female) |
| kvell | Derive pleasure and pride |
| Kvetching | moaning/complaining |
| Kvitlach | notes to the Rebbe |
| kvittel | Short note requesting blessing or guidance from the Rebbe, also called pidyon or pidyon nefesh |
| kvius | Regular appointment |
| Kvod Harav | With the permission of the Rav (an expression of honor, used before speaking in front of a Rav) |
| kvutzah | Group (usually of students) |
L |
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| l’chaim | 1. Alcoholic beverage, lit. to life 2. Engagement party |
| l’havdil | To separate |
| l’iIuy nishmas/nishmasah | For the elevation of his (her) soul |
| l’matah mei’asarah tfachim | In a tangible, visible, down-to-earth way |
| l’olam Hashem devarcha nitzav bashamayim | Forever G-d, your word stands firm in the heavens |
| l’olam va’ed | Forever after |
| l’sheim Shamayim | For the sake of Heaven |
| l’vonai Ani tzorich | Now I need my children |
| Lag Ba’omer | 33rd day of Sefiras Ha’omer (49 days between Pesach and Shavuos). |
| lamdan/lamdanim | Scholar(s) |
| lamdus | Scholarship |
| lashon hakodesh | Hebrew, lit. holy tongue |
| lashon hara | Speaking badly of others |
| Lebedig un freilich | lively and joyous |
| lebedikeit | Liveliness, enthusiasm |
| Lechah Dodi | Portion of Friday night prayer. Lit. To you my beloved |
| Lechatchilah | Ideally |
| lechatchilah ariber | Transcending the limitations |
| lechem | Bread |
| lechem mishneh | Double loaves required for every Shabbos and Yom Tov meal |
| leichter | Candlesticks |
| lein/leining | Read in public from the Torah |
| lekach | Honey cake |
| levayah | Funeral |
| Levi/Leviim | Levite(s) |
| levush/levushim | garment(s) |
| licht | Candles |
| licht bentchen | Candle lighting |
| lichtikeit | Light |
| Likutei Sichos | Collection of Sichos – see Sichah |
| limudei chol | Secular studies |
| limudei kodesh | Studies that are part of Torah, non-secular |
| lishma | For the sake of a mitzvah |
| Litvish | Originating in Lithuania |
| lo aleinu | May we be protected from it |
| lo sa’aseh | Prohibition commanded by G-d |
| lo zocheh | Not merited |
| Lubavitch | 1. Small town in Russia from which emerged the Lubavitcher movement, lit. city of love 2. The Chabad movement |
| Lubavitchers | Followers of the Lubavitcher Rebbe |
| luchos | Tablets on which were engraved the Ten Commandments |
| lulav | Palm branch used on Sukkos |
M |
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| ma’os chittim | Funds for Passover needs |
| maalah | A positive attribute or advantage (pl) |
| maamar/maamarim | Chasidic discourse(s) |
| maamoros (Ten) | utterances |
| maariv | Evening prayer |
| maaseh | 1. Deed 2. Story |
| maaser | Mitzvah to tithe 1/10 of one’s earnings |
| maasim tovim | Good deeds |
| mach freilach | Make (others) happy |
| machlokes | Contention, discord, argument |
| machnis orach/orchim | Host of guest(s) |
| Machon Chana | School for Jewish women with limited Jewish background in Crown Heights, NY |
| machshavos tovos | Positive thoughts |
| machshir | To make kosher |
| machzor | Prayerbook for High Holidays |
| madreigah | Level, or step |
| madrich/madrichim | Male leader, counselor (plural) |
| madrichah/madrichos | Female leader, counselor (plural) |
| maftir | One who reads aloud in Shul a portion of Prophets on Shabbos,Yom Tov, and certain fast days. |
| magen Dovid | Star of David |
| maggid | Preacher |
| Mah Nishtanah | The 4 Questions asked at the Pesach Seder, lit. “Why is this night different…?” |
| Maharash | Rabbi Shmuel Schneerson, fourth Chabad Rebbe (1834-1882) |
| maidele | Little girl |
| Makkah | plague |
| makom Torah u’tefillah | A place of Torah and prayer |
| makom Torah u’tefillah | Place of Torah and prayer |
| makor | Source |
| makor hachaim | Source of life |
| makpid | Strict, particular |
| malach/malachim | Angel(s) |
| malchus | Royalty |
| mamash | Actually |
| mamzer | Bastard |
| Maos Chittim | Money given to help the needy afford Pesach needs |
| mara d’asra | Rabbinic authority of a community |
| marbitz Torah | Disseminate Torah |
| maror | Bitter herbs eaten at Pesach Seder |
| Masechta | tractate (of mishna or gemara) |
| mashal | Example, parable, analogy |
| mashgiach/mashgichim | Supervisor(s) |
| mashkeh | Alcoholic beverages |
| mashpia/mashpiim | People who teach others Chassidus and offers guidance |
| maskilim | Followers of the so-called enlightenment movement |
| masmid | Diligent student |
| matanah | Gift |
| mattan Torah | Giving of the Torah |
| matzah | Unleavened bread |
| matzav | Situation |
| matzeivah/matzeivos | Tombstone(s), monument(s) |
| mazel tov | Congratulations, good luck |
| mazeldik | Fortunate |
| mazkirus | Secretary/ secretariat |
| Me’oras Hamachpelah | Cave where Patriarchs and Matriarchs are buried |
| mechalel Shabbos | One who desecrates the Sabbath |
| mechanech/mechaneches/mechanchim/mechanchos | To educate; an educator (male/female/male plural/female plural) |
| mechilah | Forgivness |
| mechitzah | Partition |
| mechuyav | Obligated |
| Medrash Rabbah | One of the best known books of homiletic interpretations of the Torah |
| medrash/medrashim | Stories on the Torah which are only implied in the text |
| meforshim | Commentaries |
| megillah | Parchment scroll, most commonly referring to the scroll of Esther read on Purim |
| mehader | Adheres scrupulously |
| Meilitz/melitzas yosher | Advocate m/f |
| meis | Dead body |
| Meis Mitzvah | The mitzvah of arranging for the burial of those who have died with no family to take care of the burial |
| mekabel | Recipient |
| mekabel pnei Moshiach | Welcome and greet Moshiach |
| mekarev | To bring someone closer |
| mekatreg | Prosecutor |
| mekayem | Fulfilled |
| mekor hachaim | Source of life |
| mekubal | Mystic |
| mekuravim | Those who came closer |
| mekushar | Connected |
| melachah | Activity forbidden on Shabbos |
| melamed zchus | Positive opinion, or judgment |
| melamed/melamdim | Torah teacher of young boys |
| melaveh malkah | Meal eaten as the Shabbos Queen departs |
| melech | King |
| Melech basadeh | the king is in the field |
| melech haMoshiach | King Messiah |
| memaleh makom | Successor |
| menachem | To comfort |
| menachem avel | To pay a condolence call |
| menahel | Administrator or principal |
| menorah | Candelabra |
| mentsch/mentschen | 1. People 2. Decent, upstanding person (people) |
| Mentschlich | Decent, proper |
| menuchah | Peace |
| menuchas hanefesh | Peace of mind |
| merachek | To cause distance |
| meraglim | Spies |
| Merkos shlichus | Vacation time visits by students of Lubavitcher Yeshivos to strengthen Judaism in faraway places |
| mesader kiddushin | One who officiates at a marital ceremony |
| Mesame’ach | To bring happiness |
| Meshares | Servant |
| meshulach | Charity collector, lit. messenger or representative |
| mesirus nefesh | Self-sacrifice |
| Mesivta | Yeshiva High School |
| mesorah | Torah, as our inheritance, also our tradition |
| mesudar | An organized person |
| Metzudos | A commentary on Torah written by Rabbi David Altshuler |
| meya’eish | Despair |
| Mezonos | Baked goods other than bread which have the blessing borei minei mezonos, usually cake or cookies |
| Mezritcher Maggid | Disciple of Rabbi Yisroel Baal Shem Tov, founder of Chassidism |
| mezuman | 1. Three men to say Grace After Meals 2. Cash |
| mezuzah/mezuzos | Handwritten scroll(s) with Shema Yisroel in it, hung on doorposts for protection |
| MH”M | Melech Hamoshiach, King Messiah |
| mid’Oraysa | From the Torah |
| mid’Rabbanan | From the sages, from the Oral Torah |
| midah | Attribute |
| midbar | Desert |
| midos | Attributes |
| midos tovos | Good attributes, positive ways to act, think, and speak |
| Mihu Yehudi | Who is a Jew? Controversy over non-Orthodox conversions |
| Mikdash | 1. Holy Temple 2. Sanctuary |
| Mikdash Me’at | Miniature sanctuary – could refer to either home or Shul |
| mikvah/mikvaos | Ritual bath(s) which provides spiritual purification |
| Milchig | Dairy |
| Minashim b’ohel tivorach | (Shiras Dvorah, Shoftim 5:25) She is blessed by women in the tent |
| minchah | Afternoon prayer |
| minhag | Custom |
| minyan | Group of 10 men necessary for certain prayers |
| Miriam Haneviah | Miriam the prophetess, sister of Moses |
| mishale’ach | Sender |
| mishkan | Tabernacle, or portable sanctuary used in desert for 480 years |
| Mishlei | Book of Proverbs written by King Shlomo |
| mishloach manos | Food gifts between Jews on Purim |
| Mishnah | Recorded oral law of Torah |
| Mishnayos | 6 tractates of oral law (Talmud) |
| mishpachah | Family |
| misnagdim | Opponents of chassidim |
| mispallelim | People praying |
| Mitteler Rebbe | Rabbi Dovber Schneuri, second Lubavitcher Rebbe, and first to establish court in the city of Lubavitch (1773-1827) |
| Mitzrayim | Egypt |
| mitzvah tank | An RV used by Chabad chasidim to do mivtza’im |
| mitzvah/mitzvos | Good deed(s), commandment(s) |
| mivtza/mivtza’im | Public campaign(s) of the Rebbe (examples: Shabbos candle lighting, love of a fellow Jew, filling one’s home with Jewish books, etc) |
| Mivtzah | commandment; good deed |
| mizbayach | Altar |
| Moach shalit al halev | The mind controls the heart |
| mochel | Forgive |
| Modeh Ani | A prayer said immediately upon awakening in the morning which offers thanks to G-d for “mercifully returning my soul within me” each day |
| mofsim | Miracles |
| mohel | One who performs circumcisions |
| Morah | Teacher (female) |
| Moreinu v’Rabbeinu | Our teacher and rabbi |
| mosad | Organization(s) |
| mosdos | Institutions |
| Moshe Rabbeinu | Moses, our teacher and leader |
| Moshiach | The anointed one, Messiah |
| Motzoei Shabbos | Saturday night, after Sabbath ends |
| muktzeh | Forbidden to touch or use on Shabbos |
| Mussaf | Additional Shabbos prayer |
| mussar | Criticism, harsh words designed to help listeners/readers repent and mend their ways |
N |
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| N’shei Chabad | Women in Chabad-Lubavitch movement |
| naaseh v’nishma | We will do and we will hear |
| Nach | Acronym for Neviim (Prophets), Kesuvim (Writings) |
| nachas/nachat | Mixture of pleasure and pride |
| nashim tzidkanios | Righteous women |
| nasi | Prince(s), president(s), Rebbe(s) |
| nasi hador | Leader of the generation |
| navi/neviim | Prophet(s) |
| Ne’ilah | Concluding prayer on Yom Kippur |
| nebach | A pity |
| nechamah | Comfort |
| neder | Vow |
| nefesh | Soul |
| nefesh Elokis | G-dly soul as opposed to animal soul |
| nefesh habehamis | Animal soul as opposed to G-dly soul |
| negel vasser | Ritual washing of hands for spiritual purification, lit. nail water |
| Neginah | music, singing |
| neiros leho’ir | Candles to light other candles – lamplighters |
| neiros shabbos | Shabbos candles, lit to usher in the Shabbos |
| nekudos | Hebrew vowel sounds, lit. dots |
| neshamah/neshamos | Jewish soul(s) |
| neshamalach | Plural diminutive of neshamah |
| neshek | Acronym for Neiros Shabbos Kodesh: holy Shabbos candles, lit. ammunition |
| nesius | Reign |
| netilas yadayim | Ritual handwashing |
| neviah | Prophetess |
| nevuah | Prophecy |
| nichum aveilim | Visit by friends and family to house of mourning during week of Shiva, lit. comforting of mourners |
| Niflaos haBorei | Wonders of the Creator |
| niftar | Passed away, or one who passed away |
| niggun/niggunim | Jewish melody (plural) |
| nigleh | Revealed parts of Torah as opposed to esoteric parts of Torah |
| Nigunim | (Chassidic) songs, often melodies without words |
| nimshal | Meaning of parable |
| nirtzach | Murder victim |
| nisayon | Challenge(s), test(s) |
| nishmas | Prayer said on Shabbos morning, lit.” the soul of…” |
| nishmaso Eden | His soul is in Gan Eden |
| Nissan | Seventh Jewish month in which Pesach falls out, also a boy’s name |
| nissim | Miracles |
| Nistalek | Passed away or hidden |
| Nitzachon | Victory |
O |
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| o.b.m. | Of blessed memory |
| Ohel | Resting place of a holy person, lit. tent |
| Ohev Yisroel | One who loves a fellow Jew |
| Oholei Menachem | Boys’ school in Crown Heights |
| Ohr Hachaim | Commentary on Torah by Rabbi Chaim ben Atar |
| oif lange yoren | May he/she/they live long, lit. of long years |
| Oifen Pripitchuk | Yiddish lullaby |
| Olam Ha’Emes | The world of truth |
| Olam Haba | The world to come |
| Olam hatikun | World in a state of repair (one stage of Creation, according to Kabbalah) |
| Olam hatohu | World in a state of chaos (one stage of Creation, according to Kabbalah) |
| Olam Hazeh | The present world |
| Olei regel | Those who went up to Yerushalayim three times a year for the festivals |
| On ben Peles | Leading member of Korach’s neighboring tribe of Reuven |
| Oneg Shabbos | Pleasure or joy of Shabbos |
| opsherenish | Boy’s first haircut at age 3 |
| orchim | Guests |
| ot ot kumt Moshiach | Any second now Moshiach is coming |
| Oved (in learning or davening) | one who works |
| Oy vey | Woe is me! |
P |
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| padah b’shalom nafshi | “My soul has been redeemed in peace” (Psalms 55:14) |
| pahn | Acronym for pidyon nefesh, soul-deep accounting to Rebbe |
| Pakod pakadeti | remember, I remembered |
| parah adumah | The red heifer |
| pareve | Neutral, neither milk nor meat |
| parnassah | Livelihood |
| paroches | Curtain for the aron kodesh (Holy Ark) |
| parshah | Torah portion |
| pas Yisroel | Bread or other baked goods baked by a Jew |
| pasken | To make a halachic ruling |
| passuk/psukim | Sentence(s) or verse(s) |
| passul | Not halachically acceptable |
| pegishah | Meeting, encounter |
| peirush/peirushim | Explanation(s) |
| peklach | Packages or burdens |
| perek | Chapter |
| Pesach | Passover |
| Pesach seder | Ritual observance at festive meals first 2 nights of Pesach, lit. order |
| petirah | Passing |
| petzu’im | Wounded |
| peulos | Positive accomplishments |
| peyos | Earlocks |
| pidyon | Request of a Rebbe made in writing |
| pidyon haben | Redemption of the firstborn son |
| pidyon shevuyim | Redemption of captives |
| pikuach nefesh | A matter of life or death |
| pilpul/pilpulim | Torah dissertation(s) |
| pintele Yid | The G-dfearing and G-d-loving essence within every Jewish soul |
| Pirkei Avos | Ethics of the Fathers |
| pisgam | Saying |
| pnimiusdik | Inner, essential |
| poretz | Non-Jewish landowner |
| Poretz geder | breaks all boundaries |
| poskim | Law codifiers (examples: Alter Rebbe, Reb Yosef Caro, Rosh, Rambam) |
| pritzus | Frivolity |
| prost | Unrefined |
| pru u’vu | Be fruitful and multiply |
| psak | Rabbinic ruling |
| pshat | Simple explanation |
| psukei d’zimrah | Verses of praise |
| Purim | Holiday which takes place on the 14th of Adar, commemorating G-d’s miracles done for Jews in the year 3404 |
| pushke/pushkes | Charity box(es) |
R |
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| R”l | Acronym for Rachmana litzlan, May they be granted mercy |
| ra’ah | Bad |
| Rabban | Rabbi |
| Rabbanim | Rabbis |
| Rabbeinu Hakadosh | Our holy Rabbi, referring to R’ Yehuda Hanasi |
| Rabbeinu Tam’s tefillin | Second pair of Tefillin, according to Rabbeinu Tam, in addition to tefillin according to Rashi |
| Rabbi Shneur Zalman | First Chabad Rebbe, Alter Rebbe or Baal Hatanya (1745-1812) |
| Rachmana litzlan | May Hashem save us (from such an occurrence) |
| rachmanus | Pity |
| Ramash (Rebbe) | Initials of Reb Mendel Schneerson |
| Rambam | Maimonides, Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon |
| Ramban | Nachmanides, Rabbi Moshe ben Nachman, a famous Torah commentator |
| rasha | Wicked one |
| Rashab | Rabbi Sholom DovBer Schneerson, fifth Chabad Rebbe (1860-1920) |
| Rashi | Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki, foremost Biblical and Talmudic commentator |
| ratzon | Will |
| Rav | Rabbi who decides halachah |
| Rayatz | Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneerson, sixth Chabad Rebbe aka Frierdiker Rebbe (1880-1950) |
| Rebbe/Rebbeim | Chassidic leader(s) or yeshiva teacher(s) |
| Rebbetzin | Rabbi’s wife |
| Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka | Wife of the Rebbe and daughter of Frierdiker Rebbe |
| rebbi (teacher) | Yeshiva teacher |
| Rechush gadol | with great wealth |
| redt | Talk |
| refuah shleimah | Complete recovery |
| Refuah/os | cure(s) |
| remez | Hint |
| Reshimos | Writings of Rebbeim |
| Reshus harabim | Public domain |
| reviyis | About 3.3 ounces, a halachic quantity |
| Ribono Shel Olam | Master of the Universe (G-d) |
| Rishonim | Early Rabbinic authorities |
| rofeh yedid | Doctor who is also a dear friend |
| Rosh Chodesh | First day of new Jewish month, lit. head of the month |
| Rosh Chodesh Kislev | First day of the month of Kislev, day we celebrate the Rebbe’s recovery from heart attack in 1977 |
| Rosh Hashanah | Jewish New Year |
| Roshei | Heads of… |
| roshei teivos | Initials |
| Roshei Yeshivos | Heads of Jewish schools |
| Rov | Rabbi and leader of a community who decides law (??) |
| ruach | Spirit, lit. wind |
| ruach hakodesh | Divine spirit, prophecy |
| ruach shtus | (Sin brought on by) foolish inclination |
| ruchnius | Spirituality |
S |
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| S’iz mekushar tzum Rebb’n | It is connected to the Rebbe |
| sakanas nefashos | Endangering of life |
| same’ach b’chelko | Happy with his/her lot |
| sandek | Man honored with holding baby during circumcision |
| Sanhedrin | Jewish court of law in times of Beis Hamikdash |
| Sar (of Mitzraim) | officer |
| Savta | Grandmother |
| schach | Branches that cover sukkah |
| schar limud | Yeshiva tuition |
| schmaltz | Animal fat (used in cooking) |
| Sdom | Wicked city in times of Avraham |
| seder/sedarim | Ritual observance at festive meal(s), first 2 nights of Pesach, lit. order |
| Sefer Haminhagim | Book of customs |
| Sefer Hamitzvos | The Rambam’s order of mitzvos |
| Sefer Torah | Torah scroll |
| Sefer Yetzirah | Kabbalistic work written by Avraham our father |
| sefer/sefarim | Holy book(s) |
| Sefira/Sefiras Ha’omer | The counting of the Omer, formal counting of the 49 days from Passover to Shavuos |
| sefiros | Divine attributes, emanations or manifestations numbering ten |
| segulah/segulos | Something you do to increase the likelihood of good things happening |
| seichel | (Common) sense |
| seudah | Meal, feast |
| seudas hoda’ah | A festive meal where one offers thanks to G-d after experiencing a personal salvation |
| Seudas Shabbos | Shabbos meal which begins with kiddush |
| seudaso d’Dovid Malka Meshicha | Feast of King Moshiach (see melaveh malkah) |
| Seven Noahide Laws | Laws given to Noach, binding upon all people, Jews and non Jews alike (adultery, idolatry, murder, eating limb from live animals, blasphemy, stealing, appointing courts of justice) |
| Sforno – Rabbeinu Ovadiah Sforno | Italian commentator on the Torah and doctor |
| Shabbat Shalom | Have a good Shabbos |
| sh’eilah | Question |
| Shaar blatt | Title page |
| Shabbaton | A Shabbos dedicated to the spiritual growth of participants |
| Shabbos/Shabbat | Sabbath, seventh day, on Saturday |
| Shabbos Bereishis | The 1st Shabbos after Simchas Torah when we begin reading the Torah portion of Bereishis once again |
| Shabbos Mevorchim | Shabbos before Rosh Chodesh when the new month is blessed |
| shacharis | Morning prayer |
| shadchan/shadchanim | Matchmaker(s) |
| shagur b’fiv | frequently mentioned |
| shalach manos | colloq. for mishloach manos, food gifts passed between Jews on Purim |
| shalom aleichem | Greeting, lit: Peace unto you |
| shalom bayis | Marital peace and harmony |
| shalom bein ish l’ishto | Peace between man and wife |
| shalom zachar | Friday evening party welcoming newborn male |
| shalosh seudos | Third meal of Shabbos |
| shamash | One who serves others |
| Shamayim | Sky, heavens, or G-d |
| Shammes | Caretaker of the synagogue |
| Shana Tovah | Good year |
| shanda | Shame |
| shatnez | Mixture of wool and linen forbidden by the Torah to wear |
| Shavuos | Holiday of Pentecost commemorating the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai |
| Shechinah | Divine Presence |
| shechitah | Ritual slaughter |
| shechunah | Neighborhood |
| shehechiyanu | Blessing made on holidays and on certain new things thanking G-d for keeping us alive to experience this time (??) |
| Sheine kop | Beautiful child, lit. nice head |
| sheitel | Wig |
| Sheitel macher | wig stylist |
| shekalim | Israeli currency, also used in Biblical times |
| shekiah | sunset |
| Shema Yisroel | Hear O Israel, The L-d is our G-d, The L-d is One! |
| Shemitah | seventh year sabbatical |
| shep nachas | To derive nachas, to feel pleasure and pride at some accomplishment or gift |
| sheva brachos | Festivities which take place for seven days following a Jewish wedding; also the blessings said at the wedding |
| shevet | Tribe |
| sheyichyeh | He/she/they should live |
| shidduch/shidduchim | Proposed marital match |
| Shir Hashirim | Song of Songs authored by King Solomon |
| shiur/shiurim | Study periods, lectures, lessons, or prescribed amounts |
| shivah | 7-day period of intense mourning following death of immediate relative |
| shkiah | Sundown |
| shleimus ha’aretz | Eretz Yisroel in its entirety, keeping it whole |
| shlemiel | Clumsy or foolish person |
| shlep | Drag |
| shliach mitzvah gelt | Money given to a traveler to give to charity upon arrival at destination |
| Shliach/shlucha/shluchim/shluchos | 1. Messenger 2. Emissary of the Rebbe male/female/male plural/female plural |
| shlichus | Mission |
| shlishi | Third |
| shlita | May he live a good, long life |
| Shlomo HaMelech | King Solomon |
| shloshim | 30-day mourning period |
| shmad/shmad zich | Convert out of Judaism, G-d forbid |
| shmatta/shmattes | Rag |
| Shmini Atzeres | 8th day of holiday of Sukkos, and a holiday in its own right |
| Shmirah | Patrol, watchmen |
| shmiras haguf | Keeping one‘s body in good health |
| Shmiras halashon | Being careful not to speak badly of others, lit. guarding the tongue |
| shmiras Shabbos | Guarding Shabbos |
| Shmitah | Sabbatical year |
| Shmoneh Esrei | Silent prayer recited thrice daily |
| Shmuel Alef | Third book of early prophets, written by the Prophet Shmuel |
| shmuess | Talk (noun) |
| shmurah matzah | Matzah baked from wheat which was guarded from time of harvest |
| shmutz | Dirt |
| shnas hageulah | Year of redemption |
| shnas hakhel | Every seventh year, when all would assemble to hear the King read Torah |
| shochet/shochtim | Ritual slaughterer(s) |
| shofar | Ram’s horn |
| shomer mitzvos | One who is observant of the Torah and its laws |
| Shomer negiah | One who is careful with the laws of not touching unrelated members of the opposite sex |
| shomer Shabbos | One who observes the Sabbath |
| shomer Torah | Observant, lit. one who keeps Torah |
| shtender | Podium |
| shtetl | Village |
| shtick | Games |
| shtiebl/shtieblach | Little neighborhood shul(s) |
| shtreimel | Fur hat traditionally worn by certain sects of Chassidim (not Lubavitch) |
| shturem | Fuss or noise Lit. storm |
| shul | Synagogue |
| Shulchan Aruch | Code of Jewish law |
| Shushan Purim | Day after Purim |
| Shvat | Fifth Jewish month |
| shver | Father-in-law |
| Shvigger | Mother-in-law |
| Shvii shel Pesach | The seventh day of Pesach |
| sichah/sichos | Address(es) delivered by Rebbe, lit. conversational segment(s) |
| Sichos Kodesh | Holy sichos – see sichah |
| siddur/siddurim | Prayer book(s) |
| Sifrei | Books of |
| sifrei kodesh | Holy books |
| Sifrei Torah | Torah scrolls |
| siman | Sign/clue, a chapter in Shulchan Aruch (Code of Jewish Law) |
| simchah | Joyous event(s), or a state of joy |
| simchah poretz geder | Joy breaks all boundaries |
| simchas beis hashoevah | Dancing and celebration each night of Sukkos, commemorating the celebration that took place in the Beis Hamikdosh |
| Simchas hachayim | joie de vivre |
| Simchas Torah | Festival of rejoicing with the Torah, which occurs at the end of Sukkos |
| sinas chinam | Hatred without provocation |
| sirtuk | Prince Albert black coat worn by Lubav. men on Shabbos |
| Sitra achara | The other side, referring to the side of evil |
| Sivan | Ninth Jewish month |
| siyata d’Shmaya | Heavenly help |
| siyum | Conclusion, or party marking a conclusion |
| smichah | Rabbinical ordination |
| Sochnut | agency |
| sod | Secret |
| sofer/sofrim | Scribe(s) |
| Sugya | Chapter in Talmud |
| Sukkah | Hut with a roof made of leaves or branches used for the holiday of Sukkos |
| Sukkos | Holiday in Tishrei during which we commemorate clouds of glory which protected Jews for 40 years in desert |
| svivah | Environment |
T |
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| taam | Taste or reason |
| Taamei Haminhagim | Jewish textbook showing sources for customs |
| taanis bechorim | Fast of firstborn son, commemorated on the day preceding Pesach |
| Taanis Esther | Fast of Esther, commemorated on the day preceding Purim |
| taavah | Desire or craving |
| taavah/taavos | Craving(s) |
| tachlis | Purpose |
| tachnun | Confession, part of daily (except Shabbos) prayer where sins are recounted in detail, not said on happy occasions |
| tafel | Secondary or less important |
| tafkid | Task, mandate |
| tahaluchah | A march to other neighborhoods to spread Chassidus and the joy of Yom Tov |
| taharah | Ritual cleansing performed on dead body, lit. purity |
| taharas hamishpachah | Laws of family purity |
| takanos | Timely instructions from Rabbanim |
| tallis | Prayer shawl |
| talmid chacham/talmidei chachamim | Scholar(s) of Jewish studies |
| talmid/talmidim | Male student(s) |
| talmidah/talmidos | Female student(s) |
| Talmud | Compendium of Jewish Law |
| Talmud Torah | Learning Torah, also Hebrew school |
| Tammuz | Tenth Jewish month |
| Tanach | Acronym for Torah, N’viim, Kesuvim (written Torah) |
| Tanna’im | Authors of Mishna |
| Tanya | Magnum opus of the Alter Rebbe |
| Tanya b’al peh | Tanya (a written work of the Alter Rebbe) by heart |
| taryag mitzvos | 613 Commandments |
| tashlich | Prayer and rite performed on Rosh Hashanah, on which one symbolically casts away sins in a body of water |
| tatte | Father |
| Tatte, Ich vel ba dir… | Father, I want to ask you four questions (asked by children at the Seder) |
| Tatty | Daddy |
| tbl”ch | May she be separated for life (from one who died) |
| tchup | overgrown haircut |
| techias hemeisim | Resurrection of the dead |
| techum | Distance one may walk on Shabbos |
| tefillah/tefillos | Prayer(s) |
| tefillas haderech | Prayer said when traveling outside one’s city requesting safe journey and peaceful return |
| tefillin | Phylacteries |
| Tehillim | Psalms |
| teikef umiyad mamash | Immediately! |
| teitsch | Translation |
| teivah | 1. Ark 2. Word |
| tekias shofar | The blowing of the ram’s horn |
| Terumah, terumah | 1. name of parshah 2. portion belonging to kohen |
| teshuvah | Return to G-d |
| teshuvos | Answers |
| teva | Nature |
| tevilah | Immersion |
| tfachim | Handsbreadths |
| tichel | Kerchief, usually worn to cover hair of married women |
| tikun chatzos | Midnight prayers mourning destruction of Holy Temple |
| tikun olam | Improvement or correction of the world |
| tinok shenishbah | One who was never taught and is therefore not responsible, lit. a child who was taken captive |
| tinokos shel beis Rabban | Schoolchildren |
| Tishah b’Av | Ninth day in Hebrew month of Av commemorating the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem |
| Tishrei | First month of the year in which Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkos take place |
| tizku l’mitzvos | May you merit to fulfill more mitzvos (said to one who performs a mitzvah for you) |
| tochachah | Rebuke |
| toiveling | To immerse |
| Torah leining | Torah reading or chanting |
| Torah sheb’al peh | Oral translation of Torah |
| Torah shebichsav | Written Torah |
| Toras chaim | Living Torah |
| Toras Emes | The Torah of Truth |
| Tosafos | Commentary on Gemara |
| tov | Good |
| tracht gut vet zein gut | Think good (thoughts), it will be good |
| treif | Not kosher |
| trop | Musical notes for reading Torah |
| Tu b’Shvat | New Year for Trees, 15th day of the month of Shvat |
| tumah | Impurity |
| tyere | Dear |
| tzaar | Sorrow, pain |
| Tzach (Tzeirei Agudas Chabad) | Lubavitch Youth Organization, established by the Rebbe in early 1950’s, with international branches |
| tzadekes | Righteous woman |
| tzadik/tzadikim | Righteous man (men) |
| tzaros | Pains, troubles |
| tzedakah | Charity |
| tzeischem l’shalom | Bidding of farewell (lit. go in peace) |
| Tzemach Tzedek | Rabbi Menachem Mendel, third Chabad Rebbe (1789-1866) |
| tzibur | Congregation |
| Tzidkeinu | Our righeous |
| tziduk hadin | Justice of the law |
| tzimmer | Room |
| Tzion | Zion, Jerusalem |
| tzitzis | Fringes men are required to wear on four cornered garment |
| tziun | grave |
| Tzivos Hashem | Army of G-d, referring to Jewish children, also a Jewish children’s organization |
| tznius/tzniusdik | Modesty in dress and behavior (noun/adj.) |
| tzu lange yahren | Blessing for a long life |
U |
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| ufaratzta | Lit: And you shall spread out |
| Unterfirer | One who escorts bride or groom to chuppah |
| upsherenish | Boy’s first haircut at age 3 |
| Ushpizin | Guests in the sukkah visiting from the other World |
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| V’ahavta l’reiacha kamocha | Love your fellow as yourself |
| V’al yivosh mipnei hamaligim | Don’t be embarrassed by those who scoff |
| v’asu li mikdash | Make for me a temple and I will dwell in their midst |
| v’heishiv lev avos al bonim | The children will cause the parents to return |
| v’nizkeh | “May we merit to see ourselves with the Rebbe, down here, and he will redeem us”. The Rebbe said these words after the Frierdiker Rebbe’s histalkus |
| vach nacht | Night before bris, when baby’s father learns all night |
| varemkeit | Warm/warmth |
| vehu yigaleinu | And he will redeem us |
| Viduy | Confession, said before dying |
| Vilde chayah | Wild animal |
| vochedik | Pertaining to the weekday |
| vort | 1. Torah thought 2. engagement party (lit. word) |
| vos macht … | How is… |
| vos shneller | The faster, the better |
| Vov Tishrei | Sixth day of Tishrei, yahrtzeit of Rebbetzin Chana, the Rebbe’s mother |
| Y | ↑TOP |
| Yaakov | Jacob, our Patriarch |
| yad soledes | Hot enough to blister baby’s skin |
| yahrtzeit | Annual date of death |
| Yaldei hashluchim | The children of shluchim |
| Yalkut Shimoni | Anthology of homiletic interpretation of Torah compiled by Rabi Shimon |
| Yam Suf | The Red Sea |
| Yamim Nora’im | The High Holy Days (Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur) |
| Yamim Tovim | Jewish holidays |
| yarmulke | Skullcap |
| yasher koach | More power to you, an expression of thanks |
| ybl”ch | Acronym for yibadel l’chaim, words to separate the name of a person who is alive from the name of one who is not alive |
| Yechi adoneinu moreinu v’Rabbeinu melech ha’Moshiach l’olam vaed | Long live our master our teacher our Rebbe, the king Moshiach forever |
| Yechidah | Highest part of the neshamah or soul |
| yechidus | Private audience with Rebbe |
| Yehoshua | Joshua, leader of Jews after Moshe |
| Yehudah v’Shomron | Judea and Samaria |
| yemach shemam (y”sh) | May their names be erased |
| yemos haMoshiach | Days of Moshiach |
| Yerushah | Inheritance |
| Yerushalayim | Jerusalem |
| Yerushalayim habnuyah | The rebuilt Jerusalem |
| Yeshayahu | Isaiah the prophet |
| yeshiva | Torah school |
| yeshiva ketanah | Yeshiva high school |
| Yeshivah gedolah | Rabbinical college |
| yeshuah v’hatzalah | Salvation and relief |
| yesod | Basis, foundation |
| yetzer hara | Evil inclination |
| yetzer tov | Good inclination |
| yetzias haneshamah | The soul leaving the body, moment of death |
| Yetzias Mitzrayim | Exodus from Egypt |
| yichud | Laws pertaining to the seclusion of unrelated men and women |
| yichus | Pedigree, of noble birth |
| Yid/Yidden | Jew(s) |
| Yiddish | 1. Jewish 2. the language called Yiddish |
| Yiddishkeit | Judaism |
| YidYid/Yidden | Jew/Jews |
| yingel/yingele | Boy |
| yiras Hashem | Fear of G-d |
| yiras Shamayim | Fear of Heaven |
| yirei Shamayim (plural) | Those who fear Heaven |
| Yisbarach | Blessed |
| yishuv | Settlement |
| yishuv Eretz Yisroel | Settlement of the complete land of Israel |
| Yitzchak Avinu | Isaac our forefather |
| Yizkor | Prayer said to honor parents who have passed on |
| yogati umatzasi | Work hard and you will find [success] |
| yom huledes | Birthday |
| Yom Kippur | Day of Atonement |
| Yom Tov | Jewish holiday |
| Yoma d’pagra | Special day |
| Yosef Hatzaddik | Joseph the Righteous |
| Yosher | Justice |
| yotzei | Fulfilled one’s obligation |
| yovel | Fiftieth year in the 50-year cycle of the Jewish calendar |
| Yud Aleph Nissan | 11th day of Nissan, the Rebbe’s birthday |
| Yud Beis Tammuz | The 12th day of the month of Tammuz. Birthday of the Frierdiker Rebbe and day of his release from prison. |
| Yud Daled Kislev | 14th day of Kislev, wedding anniversary of the Rebbe and his wife Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka |
| Yud Shvat | 10th day of Shvat, passing of Frierdiker Rebbe, day the seventh Rebbe became Rebbe |
| Yud Tes Kislev | 19th day of the month of Kislev, the day the Alter Rebbe was freed from Russian prison |
| yungeleit | Young married men |
| yungermahn | Young married man |
Z |
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| z”l | Zichrono livrachah. May his memory be a blessing |
| Zaide | Grandfather |
| zal | Study hall |
| Zchus harabim | The merit of the many |
| zchus, zchuyos, zchusim | Merit (n), plural of merit |
| Zchuso yagen aleinu | May his merit protect us |
| zehn zich mitn Rebben doh l’matah | We should see the Rebbe here, in this lower world |
| Zemiros | Songs sung at a Shabbos meal |
| zivug | Itended marriage partner |
| zman | Time |
| zmiros | Songs we sing at the Shabbos table |
| zocheh | Merit (v) |
| Zohar | Title of the classical text embodying the teachings of Jewish mysticism by Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai |
| zol gezunt zein | Should be healthy |
| Zos haTorah | This is the Torah, said when the Torah is lifted in Shul |
| zrizim | People who are enthusiastic in pursuit of doing good |
| zrizus | Alacrity |
| zt”l | Zecher Tzadik L’vrachah, the memory of a righteous person [brings] a blessing |
GlossaryFaygie Shagalow2022-09-09T07:34:11-04:00