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.
Sandek
Individual given the honor of holding the baby during the b’rit milah; sometimes translated as “godfather,” although there is no such role in Judaism; Often a grandfather or older relative but need not be.
Baruch Dayan HaEmet
Literally, “Blessed is the Judge of Truth;” Customary words one recites upon hearing of a person’s death.
Kibud hameit
Literally, “honoring the deceased.”
Levayah
Literally, “to accompany.” To accompany the dead to their final resting place is a great mitzvah and shows true honor for the dead because the deceased cannot respond to those who perform this mitzvah.
Bentscher (Yiddish)/ birkon (Hebrew)
A booklet of prayers and songs commonly used at Shabbat meals, weddings, and b'nai mitzvah (bar/bat mitzvah) meals. The booklet includes Birkat HaMazon, the prayers recited after a meal.
Blessing children
The tradition of parents blessing their children on Friday nights as the Sabbath begins. The words for the blessing come from the Priestly Benediction in the Torah (Numbers 6:24-26).
Motzi
The blessing recited over bread and any meal that includes bread. This blessing thanks God for bringing forth bread from the earth.
Rosh Chodesh
Literally, “head of the month.” Rosh Chodesh marks the beginning of each Hebrew month when there is a new moon (when there is no moon visible in the sky).
Shabbat shalom
Literally, “Sabbath of peace.” Shabbat shalom is the customary greeting on Shabbat.