Stories We Tell: What it Takes to Get in
Patrilineal descent
The idea that one is Jewish if either parent is Jewish and one was raised with Judaism. This contrasts with the traditional idea of matrilineal descent, in which one is Jewish if one’s mother is/was Jewish.
K’hilah
“Congregation” or “community.”
Siyyum
“Completion.” Usually refers to the completion of the study of a book of Torah, Mishnah, or other study text. The occasion is often accompanied by a festive meal.
Am
“nation” or “people.” Am Yisrael is often used to describe the people of Israel, especially throughout the Bible.
Am Yisrael
Literally, “the people of Israel.” The nation or people of Israel. The Jewish people.
Ivrit
Hebrew word for the Hebrew language.
Bible
The English word for Tanach, meaning the Hebrew scriptures.
Codes
A broad category of Jewish literature that addresses halachah (Jewish legal teachings).
Commentary
A broad term for the recorded words of individuals throughout centuries, offering insights and new perspectives on Torah, Tanach, and Jewish texts. According to some, the interpretive nature of translating a text from its original language means “all translations are commentaries.”