K’dushah
Literally, “sanctification” or “holiness.” The word also refers to the third section of the Amidah prayer.
Yud, Hey, Vav, Hey
The Hebrew four letters that spell the tetragrammaton, the unpronounceable name of God; despite the spelling, most often pronounced “Adonai.”
Hachnasat or'chim
Literally, “welcoming guests;” the religious obligation to offer hospitality to those in need and to welcome guests into our homes and communities. Tradition teaches that the Biblical patriarch Abraham’s tent was always open to passersby, and he is often portrayed as demonstrating this value.
Kibbud av va’eim
Literally, “honoring father and mother;” one of the Ten Commandments; understood to refer to the obligation to show honor to and care for one’s parents and grandparents
Middah
characteristics, values, or virtues of Jewish life that focus on becoming a better and more fulfilled person; plural: middot
Shalom bayit
Literally, “peace in the home;” Refers to the actions one takes to maintain peace and harmony within a home or family.
Aid
witness; Jewish law requires two witnesses sign the ketubah (Jewish marriage contract). Customarily, both are Jewish men who are not related to either marriage partner or to one another.
Mechutunim (Yiddish)
Literally, “belonging to the groom;” describes the relationship of spouse’s parents to the other spouse’s parents
Consecration
Ceremony that marks the beginning of children’s formal Jewish study; often a synagogue- or community-wide celebration for children and families at the start of the school year; often held as part of Simchat Torah celebrations.
Elijah’s chair
A symbolic seat set aside for Elijah the Prophet during a b'rit milah; represents the hope that the Messiah will arrive during the child’s lifetime and that perhaps this child will be the one that brings about messianic change.