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.
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.
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - Va-et'chanan
In Parashat Va-et'chanan, Moses prepares Joshua to take on leadership of the Jewish people. So, it’s fitting that this week, Rabbi Jacobs is joined by Rabbi Matt Green, the assistant rabbi at Congregation Beth Elohim in Brooklyn, New York and director of Brooklyn Jews.
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - Eikev: Reward and Punishment
Parashat Eikev contains the second paragraph of the Sh'ma, which is no longer read in many Reform communities.