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.
B’rit
Literally, “covenant;” describes a Jewish understanding of the relationship between God and the Jewish people.
K’laf
kosher parchment inscribed with biblical verses from Deuteronomy (6:4-9, 11:13-21) in a mezuzah case.
Halavie
an adjective meaning “milk” or ”dairy.” It refers to any food products that contain dairy.
Basarie
adjective meaning “meaty;” refers to any food products that contain meat.
afikoman
"Dessert" (Greek); matzah is the official "dessert" of the Passover seder meal. During the seder, the children traditionally "steal"and hide the afikoman, and it must be redeemed by the seder leader.
Akeidah
"Binding." The story in Genesis of the near-sacrifice of Isaac, Abraham’s son, which is read on Rosh HaShanah.
aliyah
"Going up." The honor of being called to recite the blessings before and after the Torah reading. Also refers to immigration to Israel, to "make aliyah" to Israel; plural: aliyot. Lit. "Ascent."
antisemitism
Irrational hatred of Jews.
aufruf
Calling up of the wedding couple to recite the Torah blessings on the Shabbat preceding the wedding.