Hebrew 101

Here are some commonly used terms that may help you to better understand the Bar or Bat Mitzvah:

• Alliyah – (plural, Alliyot) – Literally means “going up” to the Bimah to say the blessings over the Torah Scroll.
• Bimah – The raised platform or pulpit in most Synagogues where the service is conducted.
• Chatan – Hebrew word for groom.
• Chuppah – Wedding canopy that signifies a home or shelter; literally means “that which covers or floats” in Hebrew.
• D’var Torah – An explanation of the weekly Torah portion, or parsha.
• Haftarah – Readings from the biblical books of the Prophets.
• Havdalah – Literally means separation or distinction. The ceremony that ends the Shabbat.
• Horah – Traditional circle dance. The bride and groom, the Bar/Bat Mitzvah and their families are lifted up on a chair during the dancing.
• Kallah – Hebrew for bride.
• Kashrut – The Jewish dietary laws. If prepared accordingly, food is certified Kosher.
• Kiddushin – The betrothal ceremony – the first part of the wedding ceremony.
• Kippah – Hebrew for skull cap, (plural, kippot) worn as a sign of respect for G_d. Yarmulke is the Yiddish word.
• Klezmer – Traditional Yiddish celebratory music.
• Mazel Tov! – Congratulations!
• Mikvah – Ritual bath for brides, and grooms too.
• Mitzvah – An obligation of Jewish life.
• Motzi – Blessing over the bread recited before meals.
• Nisuin – Nuptial ceremony – the second part of the wedding ceremony.
• Parsha – The Torah portion of the week. Also sometimes referred to as the sedra.
• Simcha – A joyous event. Often used to refer to a Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony, or other celebrations.
• Tallit – A prayer shawl.
• Tefillin – Two black leather boxes, fastened to leather straps, containing portions from the Torah; also called phylacteries.
• Sephardic – Jews of Spanish, Portuguese and North African descent.
• Shabbat – Jewish Sabbath, beginning Friday at sundown and ending Saturday at dusk.
• Sheva B’rachot – Seven marriage blessings recited under the chuppah.
• Sofer – A Hebrew scribe.
• Torah – The word Torah means “teachings.” Torah is also referred to as the first five books of the Bible or the five books of Moses. Sometimes Torah means the whole Bible and everything Jews believe in.
• Tzedakah – Charity. The mitzvah of sacred giving.
• Ufruf – A ceremony honoring the groom (and in some cases the bride) by calling them to the Torah on the Shabbat (before their wedding.)
• Yad – The pointer shaped at the end like a hand, which the reader of the Torah uses to keep his/her place.
• Yichud – Brief seclusion (10-15 minutes) of bride and groom immediately after the wedding ceremony.