Judaism

Yom Kippur

Day of Atonement, the most sacred day of the Jewish year.

Sephardim

Jews of Spain, Morocco, and the Mediterranean region.

Ashkenazim

Jews who lived in or came from central Europe.

Tanakh

The complete Hebrew Scriptures, made up of the Torah, Prophets, and Writings.

Holocaust

The destruction of European Judaism by the Nazis; also known as Shoah (Hebrew: "extermination").

diaspora

The dispersion of Jews beyond Israel, particularly to Persia, Egypt, and the Mediterranean region.

Western Wall

The foundation stones of the western wall of the last temple of Jerusalem, today a place of prayer.

Orthodox

The most traditional branch of Judaism.

Zionism

The movement that has encouraged the creation and support of the nation of Israel.

yarmulke

The skullcap worn by devout males.

Passover

A joyful spring festival that recalls the Hebrews' exodus from Egypt and freedom from oppression.

Reconstructionism

A modern liberal branch of Judaism that emphasizes the cultural aspects of Judaism.

Reform

A movement beginning in the nineteenth century that questioned and modernized Judaism; a liberal branch of Judaism.

prophet

A person inspired by God to speak for him.

rabbi

A religious teacher; a Jewish minister.

Messiah

A savior figure to be sent by God, awaited by the Jews.

Canaan

An ancient name for the land of Israel.

Hanukkah

An early-winter festival recalling the rededication of the Second Temple, celebrated with the lighting of the candles for eight days.

Conservative Judaism

A branch of Judaism that attempts to blend the best of old and new Judaism.

menorah

A candelabrum usually containing seven—and occasionally nine—branches used for religious celebrations.

covenant

A contract; the contract between the Hebrews and their God, Yahweh.

Rosh Hashanah

"Beginning of the year"; the celebration of the Jewish New Year, occurring on the seventh lunar month.

bat mitzvah

"Daughter of the commandment" (Aramaic); the coming-of-age ceremony that marks the time when a young woman is considered a legal adult within the Jewish community.

Sabbath

"Rest"; the seventh day of the week (Saturday), a day of prayer and rest from work.

kosher

"Ritually correct"; said particularly about food consumption and food preparation.

bar mitzvah

"Son of the commandment" (Aramaic); the coming-of-age ceremony that marks the time when a young man is considered a legal adult within the Jewish community.

Torah

"Teaching," "instruction"; the first five books of the Hebrew scriptures; also the additional instructions of God, believed by many to have been transmitted orally from Moses through a succession of teachers and rabbis.