Avodah
Literally, "service" or "work;" usually refers to communal service or prayer to God, from ancient sacrifices to modern-day worship rituals.
Bar’chu
Literally, “Let us bless.” This prayer marks the beginning of Jewish communal worship in a service, It uses a call and response format through which the leader invites the congregation to bless God.
Baruch atah, Adonai
Literally, “Blessed are You, the Eternal;” the beginning of the formula of Hebrew blessings.
Beit k’neset
“House of assembly.” A synagogue or gathering place for prayer, study, and other communal activities. It is the most common Hebrew term for synagogue, which also may be called a beit midrash (a house of study) or a beit t’filah (a house of prayer).
Beit midrash
“House of study.” A synagogue or gathering place that is a dedicated study space. A synagogue is also called a beit k’neset (a house of meeting/assembly) or a beit t’filah (a house of prayer).
Beit t’filah
“House of prayer.” A synagogue or gathering place in which Jews pray. A synagogue is also called a beit k’neset (a house of meeting/assembly) or a beit midrash (a house of study).
Keva
Fixed prayer; the set structure of Jewish liturgy; often juxtaposed with kavanah.
La'asok b'divrei Torah
Literally, "to busy oneself with words of Torah;" the end of the blessing for Torah study.
Mi Chamocha
Literally, “Who is like You?” Verses from Exodus 15:11 that are incorporated into the prayer service. These verses are an excerpt from the song that the biblical Israelites sang after crossing the Sea of Reeds to safety.
Mishkan T’filah
Literally, “a sanctuary of prayer.” The title of the newest prayer book of the Reform Movement in North America.