Glossary of Terms and Concepts

Glossary of Terms and Concepts

Though I would by no means characterize myself as an authoritative Hebrew scholar, I have a great love of Hebrew and Yiddish. In fact, I believe that because its authors were Jewish, even the New Testament can only be fully understood by those with a grasp of Hebrew. Therefore, I speak to you of Hebrew out of the passion of a starved user, rather than the satiety of a scholar.

This glossary grew out of a need to understand the essential concepts that are intrinsic to the Tanakh and the B’rit Hadashah (the Old and New Covenant).

These definitions are not meant to be exhaustive but referral. They reflect the way I choose to use them in my approach to Scriptural midrash. Since this is not meant to be a technical treatise, some issues, such as the use of masculine and feminine, or the technically appropriate use of plurals, have been largely ignored. The terms are spelled as they are generally used, rather than as they probably SHOULD be used.

In many cases, I’ve included the appropriate reference number found in Strong’s concordance and many other study tools so that further biblical research can be facilitated.

Choosing English letters to replace Hebrew characters (a process referred to as “transliteration”) is an incredible challenge. It almost seems that there are as many ways to transliterate as there are Hebrew scholars! After changing the way I spelled words a couple dozen times, out of frustration, I finally settled on a few protocols of my own. They include:

With few exceptions, I have chosen to use Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 11^th edition as my guide.
Most Hebrew words emphasize the last syllable. This emphasis is indicated by the capitalized letters in my pronunciation guides.
Generally, if the Hebrew word begins with the letter hay I have chosen to use the English “h” as in home.
If the Hebrew word begins with the letter het (a guttural sound not found in English), or if the word has het or haf in the middle, I generally use “ch’” to indicate this sound in my transliteration and “kh” in the pronunciation guide. The same usage applies to an ending khaf. Generally, I’ve found that anywhere you see ch in anyone’s transliteration it indicates this guttural sound rather than the Anglit soft ch as in “church” or hard ch as in “character”. The reason I use the apostrophe is that I found myself often forgetting that difference when I saw the simple ch and sometimes accidentally memorized the word wrong. Then it was very difficult to get that wrong pronunciation out of my head. So I started using the apostrophe to make it look just different enough to help me remember. I’m kind of slow. I have to use those kinds of tricks. So sue me.
Ch’ indicates a guttural h sound. Any other time an apostrophe is found in a word indicates a glottal stop. For example Ani Ma’amin is pronounced ah-NEE mah-ah-MEEN with a glottal stop between “mah” and “ah”
For the sake of simplicity (and space), I have not painstakingly phoneticized every single phrase. Most of the principle words have pronunciation helps. A person who wants to make sure they are pronouncing a phrase correctly only has to scan a few surrounding words to get a gist of the appropriate sounds.
Generally:

A – ah as in “father”
Ai – igh as in “high”
Ch’ – kh; this guttural h sound has no English equivalent
Ei – ay as in “day”
Er – air as in “air”
I – ee as in “feet”
Im – eem as in “redeem”
In – een as in “seen”
It – eet as in “beet”
Kn – kuh-n…as in “connection”
Shon – shone as in “shone”
Ur – oor as in “boor”

Abba – (AH-bah); (Strong’s #1); Literally “father” but less formal. Better understood as “daddy”.

Abur ach’er – (ah-BOOR ah-KHAIR); (Strong’s #5668 +309); Altruism; literally for the sake of another

Ach’arei aruch’at hatzohorayim - After lunch

Acharei hatzohorayim - In the afternoon

Ach’aron shel Pesach’ – the last day of Passover

Ach’at - One

Ach’eret - Otherwise

Ach’i - My brother

Ach’ich’em - Your brother

Ach’iv - His brother

Ach’inu - Our brother

Ach’oti - My sister

Ach’otich’em - Your sister

Ach’otenu - Our sister

Adar - Jewish month, corresponding to February-March.

Adat ha E-l Ch’ai - Community of the Living God

Adat Hashem - Congregation of Hashem

Ad ha erev - Until this evening (response upon departing)

Ad mach’ar - Until tomorrow (response upon departing)

Ad me’ah ve’esrim shanah! - May you live to be 120!

Admor - Leader and teacher of the Adonaists. See also: Tsaddik, Reb, Rebbe.

Adonaic Law: see Halach’a

Adon ha shamayim ve Eretz - Master of heaven and Earth

Adon olam - Master of the Universe

Af al pe ch’ain - Despite that it is so; In spite of it all

Aggadah – (ah-gah-DAH); This is the singular Aramaic form. The plural is aggadoth (ah-gah-DOTE). It literally means “narrative.” Aggadoth are stories, legends, historical stories, jokes, ethical tales, and sermons. They are not considered legally binding but are used to explain and elaborate on the Scriptures and the required behavior of the Ransomed.

Agunah – (ah-goo-NAH); literally “chained”. A person who has divorced for the wrong reasons is considered “agunah” or “chained”. They are not permitted to remarry with the blessing of the church. Of course they may seek a civil marriage and they will be loved and allowed to attend church and even have certain forms of ministry. However, they are considered to be living in adultery and are thus barred from leadership or teaching positions.

Ahavah – (Strong’s #160) Love

Ahavah olam - Everlasting love or eternal love

Ahavat haemet - Love of the truth

Ahavat ch’esed - Love of kindness

Ahavat Yisra’el – (ah-hah-VAHT yis-rah-ALE); It literally means “love of the Jewish people.”

Ain davar k’zeh- There is no such thing; drop it, it doesn’t exist

Ain mazel b’Yisrael - The people of Yisrael transcend astrological influences

Ain shaliach’ le-dvar aveierah – (ighn shah-LEE-akh lay-duh-VAHR ah-vay-RAH); Literally “there is no messenger in a case of sin. Normally a messenger is not responsible for the content of the message he delivers; responsibility is borne by the one who sent it. But if a messenger is sent to perform an evil act (a hired assassin, for example), he cannot defend himself with the claim that he was acting at someone else’s command. The messenger bears responsibility for the evil he does. (insight by Rabbi J. Telushkin)

Akedah – (ah-kay-DAH); Literally “binding.” This term refers to the time when God commanded Abraham to bind his son Isaac and sacrifice him. It is thus also sometimes referred to as “akedat Yitzchak.” The term is used in Adonaism to communicate the Ransomed’s willingness to sacrifice for their beliefs.

Alav ha shalom – (ah-LAHV hah-shah-LOME); A phrase customarily said immediately after mentioning the name of someone who has died that is similar to “may he/she rest in peace.” The masculine is alav. The feminine is alev.

Al tedag - Don’t worry

Amarta amarta - You said, you said; You said it, so it’s good enough for me

Aman – (ah-MAHN) (Strong’s #539) steadfastness, faithfulness, to stand firm, to trust, to be certain, to believe in.

Amen – (ah-MEN); Literally, “so be it.” It is generally used as either an ending statement for prayer or as a statement of agreement to a point another has made.

Am Hasefer – (ahm-ha-say-FAIR); “People of the Book” referring to godly people’s love for the Scriptures.

Am Kadshech’a - People of Your Holiness

Amud - page

Am Yisrael - The People of Israel [all Jews]

Anach’nu - We

Anglit - English

Ani - I

Ani Ch’ai - I live

Ani etkasher ele’ch’a - I’ll call you

Ani koreh Ivrit, aval lo medaber (masc.) - I read Hebrew but do not speak

Ani koreh vekotev, aval lo medaber (fem.) - I read and write [Hebrew] but do not speak

Ani ledodi vedodi li - I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine

Ani lo mevin (masc.); Ani lo mevinah (fem.) - I do not understand

Ani lo mevin otch’a (masc.); ani lo mevin otach’ (fem.) - I don’t understand you

Ani lo yode’a (masc.); Ani lo yoda’at (fem.) - I don’t know

Ani ma’amin – (ah-NEE mah-ah-MEEN); Literally “I believe.” It is sometimes used as the first words of a series of doctrinal statements.

Ani medaber Ivrit (masc.); Ani medaberet Ivrit (fem.) - I speak Hebrew

Ani mitzta’er (masc.); Ani mitzta’eret (fem.) - I’m sorry

Ani ohev otach’ (masc.); Ani ohevet otch’a (fem.) - I love you

Ani tzarich’ lalech’et ach’shav - I must go now

Ani ve’atah neshane et ha’olam! - You and I will change the world!

Ani yode’a (masc.); Ani yoda’at (fem.) - I know

Ani yode’a Ivrit (masc.); Ani yoda’at Ivrit (fem.) - I know Hebrew

Ani yode’a milim ach’adot (masc.) - I know a few words [of Hebrew]

Ani yoda’at rak milim ach’adot (fem.) - I know only a few words [of Hebrew]

Arba – Four

Arba minim – the four species of vegetation used in ritual observance during the holiday of Sukkot (see Leviticus 23:40). Traditionally they are:

· Lulav – a ripe green closed frond from a date palm tree.

· Hadass – boughs with leaves from a myrtle tree

· Aravah – branches with leaves from a willow tree

· Etrog – the fruit of a citron tree

Arba pinot ha Eretz - The four corners of the Earth

Arbaim yom ve’arbaim lailah - Forty days and forty nights

Aruch’at boker - Breakfast

Aruch’at erev - Dinner

Aruch’at tzohorayim - Lunch

Asir todah (masc.); Asirat todah (fem.) - Ever so grateful

Atah (masc. sing.); At (fem. sing.) - You

Atah bech’artanu - You have chosen us

Atah lo mevin (masc.); At lo mevina’ (fem.) - You don’t understand

Atah lo tzodek (masc.); Ata lo tzodeket (fem.) - You are wrong

Atah medaber Ivrit? (masc.); At medaberet Ivrit (fem.) - Do you speak Hebrew?
Possible Responses:

Me’at - A little;
Ken, me’at - Yes, a little;
Me’at me’od - Very little;
Rak me’at - Just a little;
Lo, ani lo medaber (masc.) - No, I do not speak

Atah mevine? (masc.); At mevina? (fem.) - Do you understand?

Atah mevin Ivrit? (masc.) - Do you understand Hebrew?

At mevinah et hamilim (fem.); Do you understand the words?
Possible Responses:

Ken, ani mevinah et hamilim (fem.) - Yes, I understand the words;
Ani mevin et hamilim, aval lo et hamishpat (masc.) - I understand the words, but not the sentence;
Ani mevin, aval lo medaber (masc.) - I understand but do not speak;

Atah tzodek (masc.); At tzodeket (fem.) - You are right

Atem (masc. plural); Aten (fem. plural) - You

Av Beit Din: The supervisor of the Beit Din and all of its functions. In Adonaic Christianity the senior teaching elder of the church is appointed the Av Beit Din or his designee as the administrator in any Beit Din proceeding or hearing.

Avad (Strong’s #6) (Jonah 1:6,14; 3:9; 4:10) To wander away; to go astray; to be lost. To die, perish, or be destroyed (but not annihilated). To lose usefulness. The Ransomed believe that before they submitted their will to Hashem’s, and made Him their King, their Master, or their Shepherd, they were “avad.”

Avak lashon hara – (ah-VAK lah-SHONE hah-RAH) This is literally “the dust of an evil tongue.” In this case a person is not making a positive statement that could entrap him if the lie is discovered. What the person does is simply choose which part of the truth to tell. It is in the lack of full disclosure or the timing of the telling in which the sin lies. Because it is more insidious, in my opinion this is a far more dangerous sin and should be dealt with more harshly by the elders.

Av haroeh beseter - Father Who sees in secret

Avi - My father

Avich’em - Your father

Avi ch’ol - Father of all

Avodah – (ah-voh-DAH); Literally, “divine service.” There are three great pillars upon which righteous behavior rests: 1) Study of the Scripture; 2) Acts of kindness toward our fellow man; 3) Humble service to and worship of God. This is often used in the Christian sense of “sanctification” i.e. efforts made toward self-refinement empowered by the Ruach’ ha Kodesh.

Avodat Hashem – service rendered to the Name.

Avodah zarah - (ah-voh-DAH zah-RAH) idolatry

Avoteinu - Our fathers

Avraham avinu - Avraham our father

Avinu Malkeinu - Our Father, Our King

Av she bashamayim - Father in heaven

Avinu she bashamayim - Our Father in heaven

Ayin – (ah-YEEN); the Hebrew word for “well” or “spring”. Oddly enough, it also means “eye”.

Az haroth - Exhortations.

Azkarah – a memorial service.

Az mah? - So what?

Azov oti - Leave me [alone]

Azoi? - Really?

Azru li! - Help me!

Baal hakerem -Master of the vineyard

Baal bayit -Master of the house

Baal midot tovot (masc.); Baalat midot tovot - Master of good attributes; A person of good character

Baal Nefesh – A religious Jew

Baali - My husband

Baboker - In the morning

Bach’ur (masc.); Bach’urah (fem.) - Young man; Young woman

Ba li - I felt/feel like it

Balnes - Miracle worker

Balshem - Faith healer; performer of miracles

Bamidbar – Lit. “In the wilderness”; Used of the fourth book of the Torah which is called in English “Numbers”.

Barch’ot vetefillot - Blessings and prayers

Barei lev - pure in heart

Bari veshalem - Safe and sound

Bar Mitzvah (masc.); Bat Mitzvah (fem.) - Son/Daughter of the Commandment

Baruch’ atah Adonai – (bah-RUKH ah-TAH ah-doe-NYE); These three words begin many prayerful blessings (brach’ot). It can be translated “Blessed are You, Adonai.”

Baruch’ habah! (pl. Bruch’im habaim) - Welcome!

Baruch’ habah b’Shem Adonai - Blessed is the Name of the Lord

Baruch’ Hashem – (bah-RUKH hah-SHEM); Literally, “blessed be the Name”. An expression meaning “Thank God!”

Baruch’ Hu vebaruch’ Shmo - Blessed be He and Blessed be His Name

Baruch’ She’amar - Blessed be He who spoke

Baruch’ Shem kivod leolam va’ed - Blessed be His glorious majesty forever and ever

Baruch’ Shem kivod malch’uto leolam va’ed - Blessed be His glorious name whose kingdom is forever and ever

Baruch’ Shemah - Blessed be the Name

Bat - Daughter

Bat Tziyon - Daughter of Zion

Batu’ach’? - Are you sure?

B’ahavah - With love

B’H – An abbreviation of the Hebrew “Baruch’ Hashem” meaning “blessed is God.” It is used to express gratitude to the Lord and to recognize the fact that all our success and health comes from Him.

BSD (Aramaic acronym - B’Siyata D’Shamaya) - With the help of heaven/God

Bech’ayech’a! (masc.); Bech’ayech’! (fem.) - On your life!; Really? Oh sure!

Bech’ayai! - Really! Sure!

Bech’ol’zot - Nevertheless

Be’einei Hashem - In the eyes of Hashem

Behatzlach’a - Good luck!; All the best!

Beit Din – (BAYT-DEEN); A group of elders gathered together in order to render a ruling or judgment on a matter. A Beit Din should be composed of at least three adult believers, at least one of whom needs to be widely knowledgeable in halach’a, and must be sufficiently knowledgeable to instruct the other two members in any matters of halach’a relevant to the case being heard. A Beit Din may be called to rule on such religious matters as the granting of a gett or to determine a persons’ fitness to lead in ministry.

Beit ha ch’aim – a cemetery.

Beit hesped – a funeral home.

Beit ha Mikdash – the First or Second Temple in Jerusalem.

Beit knesset – (BAYT-kuh-NESS-et); Literally, “house of assembly.” This phrase can be used to refer to a gathering of believers or a church.

Beit midrash – (BAYT mid-RASH); Literally “house of study.” Used to emphasize the role of study (biblical or secular) in the life of the church and the tzaddikim. Can also be used of a room devoted (even temporarily or occasionally) to that purpose. See also Beit sefer, Yeshivah.

Beit sefer – (BAYT SAY-fair); Literally, “house of (the) book.” A religious or parochial school. See also Beit midrash, Yeshivah.

Bekarov - Soon

Bemeshech’ hayom - During the day

Ben - Son

Bentsch – (BENCH); To recite a blessing or say grace at a meal. The word can also refer to the reciting of any blessing.

Berach’ot - blessings

Beratzon - With pleasure

Beresheet – Lit. “In the beginning”; the first book of the Torah called in English Genesis.

Berishonah - In the first place

B’seder - All right

Be’tach’! - Sure!

Betodah me-rosh - Thank you in advance

Betulah - Unmarried woman

Bevakasha - Please

Bevakasha et zeh - This, please

Bikur ch’olim – (bee-COOR khoe-LEEM); Literally, “visiting the sick.” It refers to doing mitzvot, or good deeds, for someone who is ill. These can include taking them a meal, visiting them in the hospital, or sending them a “get well” card.

Bilui naim - Have a good time

Bimah – (BEE-mah); The raised platform or stage at the front of the sanctuary from which the people are taught the Scriptures.

Bin or Binah – (bee-NAH); Literally “reasoned understanding.” A Hebrew word for discernment that appears 247 times in the OT. It is etymologically related to the word “discrimination” as in the ability to tell the difference between truth and falsehood and so may be defined as the ability to distinguish truth from falsehood or the ability to decipher the hidden meaning of profound statements. In this second meaning, binah entails the process of drawing out, expanding, analyzing or synthesizing the initial insights gained from ch’ach’mah. It is either inextricably linked to “tevunah” (discernment) or almost interchangeable with it. It also can be used to infer intuition or conceptualization or analysis. For further treatment see “tevunah”.

Binat halev - An understanding of the heart

Bitach’on - Trust [in God]

Bobbeh – Grandmother (also spelled bubbee)

Boch’er - Bachelor; unmarried man; young man

Bri’at haolam - Creation of the world

Bevakasha - Please [or your welcome]

B’ezrat Hashem (the acronym appearing as BE’H) - With God’s help

Bli safek - Without a doubt

Bimheirah b’yameinu - Speedily in our days

Boker tov - Good morning

Brach’a – (brah-KHAH); The plural is brach’ot (brah-KHOTE). A Hebrew word that can be literally translated “blessing” but that connotes heaviness, meaning or impact. See also “k’lala.” Used in sense of a prayer, it refers to the many different prayers the Ransomed may raise to thank God for various things. Many brach’a begin with the phrase “Baruch atah Adonai…” (Blessed are You, Adonai). Sometimes it is transliterated “broch’o”.

Brach’a vehazlaha - Blessing and Much Success

Bris – Hebrew for circumcision.

B’rit – (BREET); A covenant, specifically between man and God. For example, after Noah demonstrated his faith by obediently building the ark, God made a covenant with him that He would never again destroy humanity by flooding. God also made a covenant with Abraham, promising that through him all nations would be blessed.

B’rit Hadashah – (BREET hah-dah-SHAH); The New Covenant. What many Christians refer to as the New Testament.

Bruch’im haba’im - Blessed are those who come [to you and your family]; Welcome

Bubbee – Grandmother (also spelled bobbeh)

Charakter – (KARE-uhk-ter); A Greek word that we have transliterated into “character.” A charakter was the engraving on a stylus or stamp.

Charaktocracy – (kare-uhk-TAW-kruh-see); A term I made up to discuss rule by those with the best character. Ideally this is the goal of church government.

Chosen People – The Ransomed believe that the Jewish people have been uniquely singled out by God to be the source of the Scriptures and the Messiah. God told Abraham that all who blessed Abraham’s descendants would be blessed and those who cursed them would be cursed. God further promised that through Abraham all the nations would be blessed. This came literally true when the Messiah was born among the people of Israel. The Chosen People rejected their Messiah and for a while, they have been set aside. However, when the Messiah returns the people of Israel will recognize Him and convert en masse. He will then reign from Jerusalem, placing them once again in a place of leadership in the world. For these and many other reasons, the Ransomed have ahavat Yisra’el (love of the Jewish people). We pray daily for them and support them in any way we can.

Ch’ (sometimes also transliterated KH)

Ch’abdeihu vech’oshdeihu - Take him with a grain of salt

Ch’ach’mah – (Khakh-MAH) Intuitive wisdom. An flash of insight. Sometimes referred to as the “Aha!” moment. Ch’ach’mah is a valuable tool but must be tempered by sound biblical scholarship and/or binah.

Ch’ag same’ach’! - Happy festival!; Joyous festival!

Ch’ag kasher vesame’ach’ Pesach’! - Happy & kosher Passover festival!

Ch’ag same’ach’ - Happy holidays

Ch’ai – (KHIGH); Ch’aim (KHIGHM); Literally “life”. For example “Lach’aim!” means “to life!”

Ch’allah – the traditional braided loaf of bread eaten on Shabbat.

Ch’alomot tovim - Sweet dreams

Ch’amesh – Five

Ch’ametz – leavened bread, which is forbidden on Passover.

Ch’am li - It is hot to me; I feel hot

Ch’ane – (KHAIN) (Strong’s #2580) grace; As in Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. (Genesis 6:8)

Ch’aron af Hashem - Wrath [anger] of Hashem

Ch’as vech’alilah! - God beware/God forbid!

Ch’as veshalom! - God forbid!

Ch’aval al hazman - Don’t waste your time; It is a waste of time

Ch’aver - friend

Ch’aver shelach’ (masc.); Ch’avera shelach’ (fem.) - Your friend

Ch’ayei olam - Eternal life

Ch’azak – (KHAH-zak); Assertiveness; strength; resoluteness; firmness (Strong’s #2388)

Ch’azak u baruch’ – (KHAH-zak oo bah-RUKH); Literally, “be strong and be blessed.” A term of congratulations and good wishes.

Ch’azzan - A ch’azzan (literally “cantor”) is the person who leads the congregation in prayer and singing. Any person with good moral character and thorough knowledge of the scriptures, songs, hymns and spiritual melodies can lead the service, and in many synagogues or Adonaic congregations, members of the community lead some or all parts of the service. In smaller congregations, the rabbi often serves as both rabbi and ch’azzan. However, because music plays such a large role in Adonaic religious services, larger congregations usually hire a professional ch’azzan, a person with both musical skills and training as a religious leader and educator.

Professional ch’azzans are ordained clergy. One of their most important duties is teaching other people to lead all or part of a worship service so that every generation will be able to continue praising and worshipping the Lord. But they can also perform many of the pastoral duties once confined to rabbis, such as conducting weddings and funerals, visiting sick congregants, and teaching adult education classes. The rabbi and ch’azzan work as partners to educate and inspire the congregation.

Ch’eder (pl. Chadarim) – (Yiddish) lit. “rooms” as in a “learning room” but generally indicating a kindergarten.

Ch’ele kodesh - Sacred objects

Ch’esed – (KHEH-said); Literally, “loving kindness.” Used to indicate loving feelings based on gratitude and compassion. It is the emotional imperative which drives gemilut hasadim.

Ch’eshbon ha nefesh – (KHESH-bone hah-NEH-fesh); Literally “inventory of the soul.” Soul searching, spiritual introspection, self-examination. Making a personal, moral self-assessment that is usually accompanied by either confession, repentance and restitution or, when positive growth is found, encouragement and praise.

Ch’eshvon – eighth month of the Hebrew calendar.

Ch’illul Hashem – (KHIH-lool hah-SHEM); Desecrating the name of the Lord. Identifying yourself as a righteous person but living an unethical, immoral, unworthy life and thus bringing shame to Hashem’s name and His people.

Ch’och’ma - wisdom

Ch’och’em - Wise Man; A Wise Guy (slang)

Ch’odesh - Month

Ch’odesh tov - A good month

Ch’odesh tov u mevorach’ - A good and blessed month

Ch’ophshi – (KHOEF-shee); (Strong’s #2670); Free; freedom; free will.

Ch’osson - Hebrew word for bridegroom. He is known as a ch’osson from the time of the engagement until eleven months after the wedding.

Ch’ozer bitshuvah - A Jew who has become religious

Ch’umash – the Five Books of Moses; the Pentateuch. The word "chumash" is from the Hebrew word meaning "five".

Ch’utzpah – When used positively it means audacity. When used negatively it means utter nerve or insolence.

Dan lekaf zech’ut - To judge on the scale of merit

Davka – Hebrew (DAV-kah); An ironic phrase similar to “Can you believe it?” indicating a circumstance with an unlucky twist as in “The day I was to meet her parents – davka – I had to change a flat tire in the mud!”

Daven, Davenen – Praying; prayers; the avodah of praying at length, being guided by one’s siddur and interspersing the prayers with pauses for disciplined meditation from memory on related texts. See also Oved.

Dayan – (dah-YAHN); Judge or arbitrator. An elder who is acting as a judge in matters of interpersonal conflict or theological debate is called a dayan (dayanim being the plural form). A group of such dayanim are referred to as a Beit Din. See also Moreh Tzedek, Zaquen.

De’ot – (day-OUGHT) Knowledge. After the initial insight (ch’ach’mah) is gained, reasoned understanding (binah) is applied and knowledge (de’ot) is hopefully achieved.

Derash – (duh-RASH); From the root that means “to interpret.” the application of a verse. For example, in John 1:14 we read, “The Word became flesh and took up residence among us. We observed His glory, the glory as the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” A missionary might consider the “derash” of this verse to be that, like the Master, he too needs to attempt to attempt to “walk in the shoes” of the natives he is trying to reach, and condescend to be one of them though he has the right to live a more comfortable life. Or a person who is struggling with their tongue might consider the “derash” of John 1:14 to be that he needs to work at balancing grace and truth in his conversations with others. There are probably an unlimited number of scriptural derash and we need to be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit and the plain teaching of the Scriptures in order to get the best derash possible. Derash is contrasted with peshat, which is the literal meaning of the words. See PARDES

Derech: Heb 'way' refers to a path in serving Hashem.

Derech’ eretz - (DER-ek EH-rets); (also spelled derech’); It literally means “way of the land” but it implies good conduct or what is considered to be normal, polite behavior within a social setting. In its broadest sense, it means to demonstrate love and honor to our fellow human beings and, in so doing, fulfilling the will of God. As it says in the Pikei Avot “he who is pleasant to mankind is pleasant in the eyes of God”. This adage is ably proven in the lives of the prophet Samuel…

· 1 Samuel 2:26 HCSB By contrast, the boy Samuel grew in stature and in favor with the LORD and with men.

…and as it says of our Master,

· Luke 2:52 HCSB And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and with people.

Devar Elohim - Word of God

Derech’ Hashem - Way of Hashem (also spelled derech’)

Devar kathab – (deh-VAR kaw-THAWB); Literally “clarifying Scripture”. A short speech or sermon that explains or comments on the Scriptures.

Devar Mishnah: Clear settled law. Black letter law. Compare to shikul ha da’at. Sometimes also spelled d’var mishnah.

Devir - Holy of Holies

Dina d’malch’uta dina – (dee-NAH duh-mahl-koo-TAH dee-NAH); Literally “the law of the land is law.” This phrase is a guide to elders as they try to apply Scripture to day to day ethical, spiritual and legal conundrums. For instance, OT law states that witches should be killed. However, we are told to “render to Caesar what is due Caesar” and to “honor the magistrate.” In this society in which we temporarily reside, it is against the law to stone witches. Therefore dina d’malch’uta dina applies. The law of the land in which we live rules us as long as it does not ask us to deny God.

Din Torah: A hearing. A more formal presentation before a Dayan or before a panel of Dayanim. Unless Scriptural law has been clearly violated, there is no appeal to the ruling of a Din Torah.

Divrei ha nevu’ah - Words of prophecy

Divrei ch’ibushim - Words of admonition

Dodah - Aunt

Drishat shalom (acronym appears as D’SH or DASH) - Regards; kind regards; greetings (response upon departing)

Drishat shalom la mishpach’a - Regards to the family (response upon departing)

Drishat shalom le - Give my regards to….

D’var – (duh-VAHR); A prophetic message that comes in the form of a “divine word.” An equivalent Greek word with which many are familiar is “logos”. John modified the first verse of Genesis by saying “in the beginning was the logos”. This use of logos is similar to the Hebrew dvar adonai – the “word of the Lord.”

D’vekut – (duh-vay-KOOT); Literally “cleaving” to God. Intensity of devotion. A Hebrew word identifying the deep, passionate, mystical relationship or communion that can exist between the Spirit of God and the spirit of a human.

Ecotheology – A systematic, biblical doctrine of nature and its care. A study of the humanity’s stewardship of God’s natural resources.

Efes - Zero

Efshar’ - Possible

Eich’ omrim et zeh be’ [Anglit] - How do you say this in [English]?

Eifo atah gar? - Where do you live?

Eifo ha sherutim? - Where is the bathroom?

Ei, gut - Great, just great!

Ein be’ad ma - You’re welcome

Ein ba’aya! - It’s nothing!

Ein be’ayot - No problems

Ein brerah - No choice

Ein li klum (Ein li shum davar) - I don’t have anything; I have nothing

Ein sof – (AYN SOFE); The term literally means “without end” and is used to communicate God’s infinite, transcendent mysteriousness. Other than His willingness to directly communicate to us, certain of His aspects would be completely unknowable. In fact, even with His Scriptures, because of our limited minds we will never fully understand Him.

Ein somch’in al haness - Don’t rely on miracles

Eizel - Fool; dope

El Adon - God is Master

Ela Mai - What then?; So what?; But what happens?

El Emunah - God of Faithfulness

Elokei - My God

Elokeich’a (Elokeich’em) - Your God

Elokeinu - Our God

Elokim yerach’em - God will have mercy

Elul - The month preceding the New Year and Day of Atonement. It is devoted to self-examination and soul-searching in preparation for the divine judgment. Corresponds to September-October.

Ema – (EE-mah); Literally “mother” but less formal. It is similar to “mommy.”

Emanu - Our Mother

Emet – (eh-MET); Literally, “truth.” Truth or honesty. The discipline of speaking the truth, dealing honestly with others and acting properly. It is also used as an adjective as in “Emet Melek” referring to God as our “True King.” It can also be used colloquially as in “Emet?” meaning “Are you telling me the truth?” “Are you putting me on?” or “Really?”

Emet ve yatziv - True and certain

Emunah – (eh-MOO-nah); The Hebrew word for faith or deep abiding belief. Its first occurrence however, can be found in the story of the Israelites' battle with the Amalekites (Ex. 17:8-13). We read that when Moses' hands were "steady", Israel’s army won. Interestingly, the Hebrew word translated "steady" in this text (Ex. 17:12) is emunah! The implication is that faith, rather than being understood as a one-time mental decision, should be understood as a steady pursuit of God, or faithfulness!

Eretz Yisra’el – (EH-rets yis-rah-ALE); Literally the “Land of Israel.”

Erev – (EH-rev); Literally “evening.” The Jewish day runs from sunset to sunset so all the holidays begin just before sundown the night before. This stems from the creation account in Genesis 1 where God apparently used this system to denote a day saying, “Evening came, and then morning: the first day.” (Genesis 1:5).

Erev tov - Good evening

Eser – Ten

Eshet ch’ayil – a valorous woman

Farbrengen – (Yiddish) an assemblage addressed by a rabbi; an informal gathering of Believers for mutual edification and brotherly criticism.

Four Questions – The four questions asked during the Pesach’ Seder. The answers to these explain the meaning and the symbols of the holiday. During the seder, it is traditional for the youngest child to read the Four Questions. The leader of the Seder answers each question by guiding the guests through the haggadah, which tells the story of the Israelites’ Exodus from Egypt. The questions are introduced with the query “Why is this night different from all other nights?” and are as follows: (1) On all other nights we eat bread or matzah. Why on this night do we eat only matzah? (2) On all other nights we eat many vegetables. Why tonight do we eat bitter herbs? (3) On all other nights we do not dip our food. Why tonight do we dip food twice? (4) On all other nights we can sit any way. Why tonight do we recline? Also called Mah Nishtanah,” which are the first two words in Hebrew of the Four Questions.

Gabbai - An honorary officer of the congregation who assists the elders by acting as treasurer.

Galui le ayin - Perceptible to the eye; visible; obvious; noticeable; detectable; evident

Galut – (gah-LOOT); Literally “exile”. The Hebrew equivalent to the English word “Diaspora.” It is used of any place outside of Eretz Yisrael where Jews live. Galut can also indicate the compulsory exile of the Jews from Israel after the destruction of the Second Temple by Titus in AD 70.

Gam zeh ya’avor – (gahm zay ya-ah-VOR); A Hebrew phrase meaning “this too shall pass.”

Gam zeh le tovah - This is for the good [best]

Gan Eden – The Garden of Eden; also used of Paradise.

Gaon, pl. Gaonim: Honorific title of address for any outstanding scriptural scholar.

Gavra rabbah - A great man

Gemach’ – (geh- MAUK) A Hebrew abbreviation composed of the three Hebrew letters gimmel, mem and ches, it stands for gemillas chasodim which literally translates as "acts of kindness". Thus a gemach’ is a “free loan society” which extends interest-free loans to the poor, and to those trying to avoid going on welfare. Sometimes a gemach’ has a store of something else than money which it lends out for free. For instance many gemachs offer free loan of tables, benches, wheelchairs, brides' dresses, etc.

Gemilut Haredim – (geh-mee-LOOT ha-RAY-deem); Acts of loving kindness directed toward fellow believers. The Ransomed are instructed to perform acts of ch’esed to all people, but particularly to those who are believers. “Therefore, as we have opportunity, we must work for the good of all, especially for those who belong to the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:10) As 1 Peter 2:17 says, we honor everyone but we love the brotherhood. Thus “gemilut haredim” may be used to refer to this principle of priority.

Gemilut ch’asadim – (geh-mee-LOOT hah-sah-DEEM); The performance of ch’esed. Literally “acts of loving kindness.” These can include clothing the naked, providing for a bride, visiting the sick, comforting mourners, feeding the hungry or extending hospitality to strangers. Gemilut hasadim is considered greater than tzedakah (charity) for three reasons. First, while tzedakah is primarily extended to the poor, gemilut hasadim can be granted to all, regardless of socio-economic status. Second, tzedakah can only be extended to the living, but gemilut hasadim (in the form of kavod hamet) can be granted (by paying for a burial or attending a funeral) even to the dead. Finally, tzedakah usually takes the form of money, while gemilut hasadim can be a nearly infinite form of kindnesses. To truly qualify as gemilut hasadim these mitzvah should be done with no thought of motivation, reward or thanks. For this reason the Ransomed consider the highest form of gemilut hasadim to be kavod hamet (honoring the dead) because there is no way that the dead will ever be able to repay the kindness in this world.

Ger – (GAIR); Literally a “stranger.” This is the old-fashioned, historical word used by the Jews to refer to someone who has converted to Judaism.

Germanit - German

Gesundheit (Yiddish) - Literally - Health. A response when someone sneezes

Gett – (GEHT); A decree granted by a beit din that a person was rightfully divorced and is now free to remarry. A gett can only be granted if a person’s previous spouse was sexually unfaithful, abandoned them or (in some cases) was abusive. The first two are devar mishnah. The last exception is shikul hadaat. It is customary to keep all Gett documents on file and to issue a certificate, called a "Ptur", to the parties who participated in the Gett process.

The Gett is usually written after the couple has been civilly divorced. This ensures that the Beth Din will do nothing that interferes with applicable state law governing dissolution of marriages. However, if a divorce is pending, a Gett may be written earlier.

Experience has shown that civil judges will enforce agreements concerning the writing of a Gett. It is therefore desirable to include language about a Gett agreement in divorce settlement documents.

Geulah (sometimes spelled golah) - redemption

Gevurah – (guh-voo-RAH); Literally “strength” or “might”. Can also be interpreted as restraint. The self-discipline of Gevurah requires the use of restriction, control and focus of the passions. It is not the pursuit of apathy (the lack of passion) but like a laser focuses light and makes it more precise and thus more powerful, gevurah seeks to allow our passions to do the most good.

Goy – (GOY); (Strong’s #1471) The plural is goyim (GOY-eem); It is the biblical term meaning “nation” or “people” used to indicate Gentiles. Unlike the word “gentile”, goy is often used disparagingly by Jews.

Goyish (masc.); Goyisha (fem.) – “not Jewish”; used as an adjective as in “that’s goyish!”

Gut Shabbes! (Yiddish) - Good Sabbath!

Gut Yontev! (Yiddish) - Good Holiday! (yontev is also spelled yontiff)

Ha’Av - The Father

Hach’amenu zich’ronam liverach’a - Our sages, may their memory be a blessing

Hach’nasat kalla – (hakh-nah-SAHT ka-LAH); helping a couple marry. This may entail providing monetary support, decorating, or participating in the ceremony without renumeration.

Hach’nasat orch’im – (hakh-nah-SAHT or-KHEEM); Literally “welcoming guests.” The discipline and virtue of hospitality. The Ransomed should make people feel welcome. They should introduce themselves to visitors and invite them to dinner. They should welcome other visiting believers, particularly those in ministry and help them on their way. Taking in guests is not merely another version of charity in the sense that it is not intended simply as a means to provide food or lodging for someone who otherwise would be sleeping on a park bench. It is meant as an expression of sharing one’s self with another – a way to transform someone as (Martin Buber put it) from “it” to “thou”.

Hafoch’ ba, v’hafoch’ ba k’kula ba – A Hebrew phrase that could be translated “turn it, and turn it because everything is in it.” I apply it to the need to study the Holy Word deeply and to use Scripture to comment on Scripture.

Haggadah – (hah-GAH-dah); The plural is haggadot (hah-gah-DOTE); Literally “telling.” The haggadah is a small book of liturgy, prayers, songs and rituals used at a Pesach’ seder. The haggadah recounts the story of the Exodus from Egypt, explains the meaning of the seder plate, answers the Four Questions, and illustrates the other traditional rituals included in the seder. This fulfills the injunction to tell the Passover story from generation to generation.

Hainu hach’ - It is the same thing

Hakarat hatov - The Hebrew term for gratitude. It can be defined as “recognition of the good [another has done for you]. To paraphrase Moses, every one of life’s curses stems from ingratitude and everyone of life’s blessings comes from hakarat hatov – grateful joy. I have repeatedly taught that pride is the root of every sin and humility is the basis of every good. Let me formally make the connection here for you. Pride leads to ingratitude, and humility leads to its opposite. Consider Deuteronomy 28:45-47.

Hach’am – (huck-HUM); (Strong’s #2449); Literally “wise.” A title used for a biblical scholar who is not necessarily ordained. It can also be used as the title of the local assembly’s minister or a respectful title given to a wise person or sage. However, in Yiddish, if said in an ironic manner, it actually means “smart-aleck” or “wise-guy”.

HaIvri - The Hebrew

Ha kash she shavar et gav ha gamal - The straw that broke the camel’s back

Ha Kodesh baruch’ Hu - Holy One, blessed be He

Hakol - All

Hakol beseder? - Is everything O.K.?

Hakol beseder B’eli haseder - Everything is in order within the chaos

Halach’a (also spelled Halakha): Halach’a is the collective corpus of biblical law that governs the behavior of tzaddikim. It is sometimes referred to as Adonaic law and intends to mean all the scriptural tenets as to behavior and conduct whether directly and explicitly stated or implied by various combinations of biblical principles. Halach’a comes from the Hebrew word halach’ which means “to walk” or “to go”. It is therefore probably better understood as “the right way to go.” Criminal cases are referred to as issurim. Civil cases are referred to as mamonoth. Each impose different regulations, with criminal cases generally having much more stringent limitations. Halach’a is not considered a means to achieving redemption but is instead understood to be God’s teaching on responsible behavior. Because halach’a is regularly used by elders (zaquenim) and judges (dayanim) to render decisions on matters of interpersonal conflict, it is largely restricted to the devar mishnah (clear settled law) as opposed to shikul hadaat (matters not settled and left to the understanding of the individual elder) or minhag (useful customs or practices not directly commanded by God). Where Halach’a commands “behave justly toward your neighbor,” Mussar discusses what that entails and what personal traits are necessary to obey Yahweh’s command. Halach’a is also used in the sense of a discussion of legal matters. So a Believer may ask his or her rabbi “What is the halach’a in this case?”

Hallelu et Adonai - O Praise the Lord

Haluch’ah - Contributions raised from among believers in one country and distributed as charity to poor Believers of another country, particularly those in the Holy Land.

Halevei! (Halevai) - Would that it came true!

Ha ma’eiven yavin - Those who know understand

Hametz – (hah-MAYTS); (Strong’s #2557); Literally “leaven”. It implies not only the leaven that is used in baking, but also generally anything fermented including wine. Any leavened or fermented food.

Hanhagoth yesharoth: Rules of right conduct.

Hanukkah (also spelled Ch’anukkah) - The Feast of Lights. Hanukkah is an eight-day festival beginning 25 Kislev, which commemorates the victory of the Maccabees' and the rededication of the Beit ha Mikdash in the second century B.C.E. It is marked by the kindling of lights.

Ha’omnam? - Really?

Haphak – (hah-FAHK); (Strong’s #2015) To turn (Hosea 7:8), to overturn or overthrow (Genesis 19:21, 25; Deuteronomy 29:22), to convert or change (Psalm 66:6; 105:25, 29), to turn oneself about (Joshua 8:20), to be overthrown (Jonah 3:4), to turn oneself (Genesis 3:24)

Haredim – (ha-RAY-deem); Literally, “Those who tremble in fear of God.” The term is typically used by Jews to indicate an ultra-orthodox branch of Judaism like the Hasidim. In Adonaism however, it is used of believers who try hard to please God and humbly try to imitate His holiness.

Harosh mistovev - My head is spinning

Har’beh - A lot, many, much

Hashem - Literally "The Name". A Hebrew word used to refer to generally refer to God without using one of His specific names. Adonaists use around 104 names (and many more combinations) of God as revealed in the Scriptures. However, there is a Biblical injuction against using any of Hashem's names unecessarily and so the name Hashem is used by some Adonaists in general conversation instead.

Hashem ish milch’ama; Hashem shemo – (hah-SHEM [Strong’s #8034] eesh meel-kha-MAH hah-SHEM sheh-MO); A Hebrew phrase found in Exodus 15:3 that is translated as “God is a man of war; God is His name.”

Hashem yimloch’ le olam va’ed - the Lord will reign forever and ever

Hashem yirach’em – May God be merciful.

Hashem yitbarach’ - the Lord, may He be blessed

Hashem ya’azor - [I hope that] God shall help

Hatsoth - Midnight lamentation in memory of the destruction of the Temple.

Hatzlach’a rabbah! - Much success! (as a greeting - Good luck!)

Havarah Ashkenazit - Ashkenazi pronunciation of Hebrew - Current in some Diaspora circles

Havarah Sefaradit - Sephardi pronunciation of Hebrew - Current pronunciation in Yisrael

Haver – (hah-VAIR); The plural is haverim (hah-vay-REEM); Literally “member”. A friend or comrade. Someone who regularly worships with you or believes as you do.

Ha yakar (masc.); Ha y’karah (fem.) – Dear; Beloved

Hayalim kedoshim - Holy soldiers

Haya naim me’od - It’s been a pleasure [greeting at departing]

Ha yanayim me’od - Goodbye, I had a delightful time

Hazmanah: An invitation to participate in the proceedings of the Beit Din.

Hazon – (hah-ZONE); A prophetic vision, whether waking or dreaming.

Hech’al - Holy Place

Hem (masc.); Hen (fem.) - They

Heder – (Religious) school.

Herem - Religious excommunication; social boycott; shunning.

Heshevan - Month of Jewish year, corresponding to October-November.

Hillul Hashem – (hee-LOOL [Strong’s 32491] hah-SHEM); Literally “profaning of God’s name.” An action or statement that disgraces God’s name. This is not “using God’s name in vain” in the sense of cursing. This includes a believer who is caught in sin or a minister who teaches in such a manner that the people don’t live up to God’s standards of holiness. Any sinful act is automatically hillul Hashem whether the person was conscious of it or not.

Hindblindness – A term I invented to mean a mental and/or spiritual condition that renders a person incapable of learning from history.

Hishtadlut – making as much an effort as it humanly possible. See also “Lifnim meshurat hadin”

Hishtagata? (masc.); Hishtagat? (fem.) - Have you gone mad?; Are you nuts?; Have you lost it?; Are you crazy?

Histalek! - Go Away!

Hitbodedut – Reflective inner directed meditation and prayer; mindful meditation. This is different from the type of meditation suggested in Hindu and Buddhist practice during which an emptiness of mind is pursued. During hitbodedut the person is always fully aware of their environs and their state of mind.

Hod – (HOED); (Strong’s #1935); Literally “majesty.” In Adonaism it is often used as one of the virtues of a tzaddik. It implies stately dignity, seriousness or excellence of spirit balanced by humble empathy. The person who achieves hod has realized their status as an ambassador of the Messiah and acts accordingly. Hod is loyalty to one’s principles. It is marked by the ability to repudiate temptation, to empathize while maintaining self-restraint and self-control. It is a commitment to one’s values daily and in each moment. It is the motivation behind right personal, business and ethical decisions or behavior. In that sense, hod may be understood as similar to the medieval ideal of honor.

Hoch’mah – (HOOK-mah); (Strong’s 32451); Literally “wisdom.” It can also be used in the sense of necessary knowledge or understanding as in the catch, clue or trick needed to figure something out.

Hoshana Rabbah - The 7^th day of Sukkoth, on which the willow branches -- a part of the 'Four Kinds' -- are stripped of their leaves.

Hotza’at dibah – (Hoe-tza-AHT dee-BAH); derogatory, slanderous or defamatory speech. This is considered lashon hara and muktzeh.

HY’D - Acronym for the Hebrew phrase “Hashem yimkom domov” i.e. “Hashem should avenge their blood.”