Purim
"Lots" (Hebrew). Holiday that commemorates Queen Esther's actions to save the Jews of Persia from death; marked by a festive reading of the story, contained in the Scroll of Esther.
Purim spiel
Humorous play performed as part of the celebration of Purim.
Shabbat Shuvah
"Sabbath of Return;" the Shabbat (sabbath) between the holidays of Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur. A special haftarah is read and traditionally the rabbi gives a sermon related to repentance.
Shabbat Zachor
"Shabbat of Remembrance;" the Shabbat immediately preceding Purim, it takes its name from the additional Torah portion--Deuteronomy 25:17-19--read that day--which begins with the word zachor (remember).
Shavuot
"Weeks;" festival that commemorates the giving of the Torah to Moses atop Mt. Sinai.
shofar
Ram’s horn most commonly blown throughout the month of Elul and during the High Holiday season.
Selichot
"Forgiveness;" special penitential prayers recited during Elul and the High Holidays.
sufganiyot
"Jelly doughnuts;" traditionally eaten in Israel during Hanukkah; singular: sufganiyah.
T'shuvah
Vidui
"Confession;" liturgical prayer recited throughout Yom Kippur; confessional said before death.