Mishkan T’filah
Literally, “a sanctuary of prayer.” The title of the newest prayer book of the Reform Movement in North America.
Musaf
The additional prayer service on Shabbat and holidays, immediately following Shacharit, the morning service. Musaf generally is not recited in Reform congregations.
Nusach
Style or type of prayer service; rite that reflects the origins of a specific Jewish community; musical mode of a worship service that varies depending on when the service is being conducted (weekday, Shabbat, festival).
Seder K’riat HaTorah
Literally, “the order of the Torah reading.” The section of the worship service in which the Torah scroll is read. Reading of the Torah scroll occurs in synagogue on Monday and Thursday mornings, on Shabbat morning and afternoons, and on all Jewish holidays.
Sofer
Literally, “scribe;” calligrapher of a sefer Torah or other sacred writings, e.g., the enclosures in a mezuzah, M’gillat Esther, etc.
Trope
Musical notations or cantillation marks used to chant Torah, Prophets, and Writings.
Tzitzit
Fringes, tied in a specific way on the four corners of a tallit or prayer shawl. The purpose of tzitizit is to remind Jews of the mitzvot (commandments).
V’ahavta
Literally, “and you shall love.” Verses from Deuteronomy 6:5-9 that are recited as part of the prayer service, immediately after the Shema. The beginning words are: “You shall love the Eternal with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might.”
Adonai
Literally, “my master;” the Jewish proper name for God; Yud Heh Vav Hey, the unpronounceable name of God often is pronounced as “Adonai.”
Am kadosh
Literally, “sacred people;” used to describe the Jewish people based on this verse in Leviticus 20:26: “You shall be holy to Me, for I the Eternal am holy, and I have set you apart from other peoples to be mine.”