ma'ot chitim
"Wheat money;" money collected prior to Passover and used to assist the needy to celebrate the holiday.
maror
"Bitter;" the bitter herb or vegetable (i.e., horseradish) eaten during the seder to symbolize the bitter plight of the enslaved Israelites.
matzah
Unleavened bread eaten during the seder that symbolizes the hurried departure of the Israelites from Egypt. Eating matzah is obligatory only at the seder. During the rest of Pesach, one may abstain from matzah as long as all chametz is avoided; plural: matzot
m'gillah
"Scroll;" One of the five m'gillot (plural) in the Bible: Esther, Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentation and Ecclesiastes.
menorah
Seven- or nine-branched candelabra; commonly refers to the nine-branched Hanukkah lamp; plural: menorot.
mezuzah
Literally, “doorpost;” a decorative case that holds a handwritten parchment scroll of the Shema and V’ahavta.
Mi Shebeirach
"May the One who blessed;" a prayer often recited after a person has been honored with an aliyah; also commonly recited as a prayer for those in need of physical and/or spiritual healing.
mikvah
A ritual pool or
milah
Ritual circumcision.
milchig
Foods derived from milk or milk products.