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afikoman
"Dessert" (Greek); matzah is the official "dessert" of the Passover seder meal. During the seder, the children traditionally "steal"and hide the afikoman, and it must be redeemed by the seder leader.
Akeidah
"Binding." The story in Genesis of the near-sacrifice of Isaac, Abraham’s son, which is read on Rosh HaShanah.
aliyah
"Going up." The honor of being called to recite the blessings before and after the Torah reading. Also refers to immigration to Israel, to "make aliyah" to Israel; plural: aliyot. Lit. "Ascent."
antisemitism
Irrational hatred of Jews.
aufruf
Calling up of the wedding couple to recite the Torah blessings on the Shabbat preceding the wedding.
Avinu Malkeinu
"Our Father, Our King"/"Our Parent, Our Ruler" A prayer (and song) chanted during the High Holiday period. Describes two simultaneous ways in which people might relate to God: the intimate relationship of a parent and the powerful awe of a ruler.
bal tashchit
Idea that we should not be wasteful in our consumption and need to be stewards of God's creation.
bar mitzvah
Ceremony marking a boy's reaching the age of religious maturity; plural: b'nei mitzvah.
bat mitzvah
Ceremony marking a girl's reaching the age of religious maturity; plural: b'nei mitzvah.
b'rachah
Brachot (plural). Literally, “blessing;” follows a set formula that praises God; unique blessings exist for many different occasions.