Akeidah
"Binding." The story in Genesis of the near-sacrifice of Isaac, Abraham’s son, which is read on Rosh HaShanah.
Avinu Malkeinu
"Our Father, Our King"/"Our Parent, Our Ruler" A prayer (and song) chanted during the High Holiday period. Describes two simultaneous ways in which people might relate to God: the intimate relationship of a parent and the powerful awe of a ruler.
Elul
The Hebrew month preceding Rosh HaShanah during which one engages in self-reflection and evaluation in preparation for the High Holidays. Traditionally, the shofar is blown each day during the month.
grogger
"Noisemaker" (Hebrew); used to drown out Haman's name during the M'gillah reading on Purim.
hamantaschen
Triangle-shaped pastries commonly filled with apricot jam or poppyseed spread (or other fillings) and eaten on Purim; the shape represents Haman's hat or ears
High Holidays
Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur
Ahashverosh
King of Persia (modern-day Iran) and a main character in the Purim story. When his queen, Vashti, refuses to entertain guests at the king’s feast, he banishes her.
Vashti
Former queen of Persia (modern-day Iran) and a main character in the Purim story. Vashti refuses to entertain guests at King Ahashverosh’s feast, and is banished.
L’Shanah Tovah Tikateivu
"May you be inscribed [in the Book of Life] for a good year" is a greeting offered on Rosh HaShanah.
machzor
"Cycle;" High Holiday prayerbook; plural: machzorim.