Gemara
The rabbinic commentary on the Mishnah; together, the Mishnah and Gemara make up the Talmud, the body of Jewish “oral law.”
Prophets/Neviim
The second section of the Hebrew Bible, found between the Torah, and the Writings; also refers to the many individuals recorded in that section of the Bible who received prophecies from God and shared them with the Jewish people.
Writings/Ketuvim
The third section of the Tanach, found after the Torah, and Prophets. This section includes Psalms, Proverbs, Job, the Five Scrolls (Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, and Esther), Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Chronicles I and II.
Aleinu
A concluding prayer of the worship service that reiterates humankind’s responsibility to make the world a better place and expresses the desire to bring the world together in peace.
Aron HaKodesh
Literally, “the holy ark,” often called “the ark.” cabinet in which Torah scrolls are kept in the synagogue’s sanctuary. In most synagogues in North America, the Aron HaKodesh is on the eastern wall so that when worshippers face the ark, they face toward Jerusalem.
Asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav
Literally, “who makes us holy through commandments.” This prayer formula is included in any Jewish blessing that involves fulfillment of a commandment, such as lighting Shabbat candles.
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).