Glossary

Rabbinic interpretation of a passage from the Bible. Midrash falls into two categories: midrash halachah is concerned with religious practice and law, and midrash aggadah is concerned with interpreting biblical narratives and stories,

A small sanctuary; refers to the Jewish home.

A ritual pool or gathering of waters used for ritual immersion to mark a significant life cycle moment, celebration, or transition, or as a component of the conversion ritual. In some Jewish communities, married women immerse each month at the conclusion of their menstrual cycle. Customarily, a bride immerses in a mikvah prior to her wedding and today, both brides and grooms might immerse prior to their wedding. Some people immerse to prepare for Shabbat or holidays. There are many creative rituals for using the mikvah at any significant lifecycle moment. Immersion in a mikvah is also a final step in the conversion process; a natural body of water also can serve as a mikvah. Plural: mikvaot.

Ritual circumcision.

Foods derived from milk or milk products.

Afternoon prayer service. Prayed every day, though the content is different on weekdays, Shabbat, and Festivals.

Custom, which may carry the weight of halachah (law).

 

"Custom of the place," i.e., local custom.

Quorum of 10 people necessary for public prayer in traditional communities; plural: minyanim.

A contemporary item added by some to the Pesach (Passover) seder. Often placed next to Elijah’s cup, Miriam’s cup highlights the role of Miriam and women in the Exodus story. The cup is filled with water to honor and remember that Miriam’s well sustained the people of Israel in the desert after the Exodus.

The portable tabernacle. 

Literally, “a sanctuary of prayer.” The title of the newest prayer book of the Reform Movement in North America.