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Definitions

Lulav & Etrog

A palm frond, two willow branches, and three myrtle branches, tied together, are a lulav. An etrog is a citrus fruit that looks like a lemon but has a different taste. Together, they are used in a dance in which they are pulled back and shaken to the east south, west, toward the heavens, and toward the earth. This ritual is part of the celebration of Sukkot

Fasting on Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur is a day of total denial. All adults are required to abstain from bathing, sex, work, and use of technology, use of money, food, and drink. Everyone is expected to spend the day looking inward and reflecting on the events of the past year in order to evaluate what could be done in a better way. The study of Torah is also encouraged. For me, this day was very special in that I was able to experience what Judaism is all about. When the fast began, I was expecting it to be very difficult, but it turned out to be very easy for me.

Shofar

A ram’s horn, which is blown during the High Holidays. It is first blown during the morning service of Rosh Hashanah, and then again at the close of Yom Kippur. It is also blown during the month of Elul to remind Jews to start preparing for the High Holidays.

Tisha B’Av

The 9th of Av is the only 25-hour fast other than Yom Kippur in Jerusalem. It is done to commemorate the destruction of the First and Second Temples. The same fasting customs are observed on Tisha B’Av as are observed on Yom Kippur. The 9th of Av has been designated as a day of mourning for the expulsion of Jews from England in 1290 CE, from Spain in 1492 and from Vienna in 1670.

Megilla

The Megilla is one of the five scrolls read on holidays, which are Sukkot, Purim, Pesach, Shavout, and Tisha B’Av. The scrolls, respectively, are Ecclesiastes, Esther, Song of Songs, Ruth, and Lamentations.

Shavout

A Jewish holiday that takes place fifty days, seven weeks, after Passover. Shavout is a celebration of Torah given to the Jewish people at Mount Sinai. Traditionally the Book of Ruth is read on Shavout. Another name for Shavout is the Festival of the First Fruits. Shavout is one of three pilgrimage festivals for which Jews of old would travel from far and near to celebrate in Jerusalem. We read about Ruth because she accepted the Torah willingly. She is considered the first known convert to Judaism.

Sukkah

Booth, hut, or tabernacle covered with branches and decorated with hanging fruits, vegetables, and other decorations. It is built for the observance of Sukkot, a seven-day harvest festival.

Seder

Seder which means order, is a ritual for the home celebration of Passover and Tu B’Shevat. For Passover, it follows the Haggadah. The seder takes place on the first night of Passover in Reform Judaism and on the first and second nights in more traditional Judaism.

Brit Milah

Circumcision performed on the eighth day of a Jewish male’s life. It is also done on a male convert to Judaism if the convert has not been circumcised, or as a ritual drawing of blood if he has

Halacha

Jewish law. It is a term used to describe the law and rules that govern and inform Jewish life. One of the books written and used in Halacha is the Mishnah Torah written by Moses Maimomides.

Inquisition

This took place in Europe during the Middle Ages. Spain was most remembered for this, which was enacted by the Christians against the Christians. The Church used it to weed out heretics. The punishment was to be burned at the stake. People who practiced Judaism were burned with the heretics when they were discovered.

Sitting Shiva

When a child, parent, or sibling of a Jew dies, it is customary to sit Shiva for seven days. This practice involves staying in a home without any luxuries or pleasures. Mourners gather in a common house and receive visitors

Matzah

Unleavened bread that Jews are commanded to eat during Passover. Matzah is one of the foods that we are commanded to eat at this time

Bar/Bat Mitzvah

Ceremony that marks the beginning of a Jewish boy (Bar) or girl (Bat) becoming an active member of the community. It is the first time a person is able to read from Torah

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