hakafah
"encircle, round off, circle around, orbit;" procession of worshippers carrying Torah scrolls that circles the sanctuary; plural hakafot.
Hanukkah
"Dedication;" the joyous eight-day celebration during which Jews commemorate the victory of the Macabees over the armies of Syria in 165 B.C.E. and the subsequent liberation and rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem.
High Holidays
Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur
karpas
A green herb or vegetable (parsley, celery, watercress) used as part of the Passover seder to symbolize spring and rebirth.
Kol Nidre
"All Vows;" prayer recited on the eve of Yom Kippur, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar;
latke
"Pancake" (Yiddish); fried potato pancake often eaten on Hanukkah; plural: latkes.
lulav
A date palm frond with myrtle and willow sprigs attached; used in Sukkot rituals.
machzor
"Cycle;" High Holiday prayerbook; plural: machzorim.
ma'ot chitim
"Wheat money;" money collected prior to Passover and used to assist the needy to celebrate the holiday.
maror
"Bitter;" the bitter herb or vegetable (i.e., horseradish) eaten during the seder to symbolize the bitter plight of the enslaved Israelites.