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.
beit din
Hebrew for "house of judgment", a beit din is a rabbinical court that has jurisdiction in matters of Jewish law.
sefer k’ruitut
Hebrew for "scroll of cutting off". Refers to a get.
Baruch Dayan HaEmet
Literally, “Blessed is the Judge of Truth;” Customary words one recites upon hearing of a person’s death.
Kibud hameit
Literally, “honoring the deceased.”
Levayah
Literally, “to accompany.” To accompany the dead to their final resting place is a great mitzvah and shows true honor for the dead because the deceased cannot respond to those who perform this mitzvah.
Bentscher (Yiddish)/ birkon (Hebrew)
A booklet of prayers and songs commonly used at Shabbat meals, weddings, and b'nai mitzvah (bar/bat mitzvah) meals. The booklet includes Birkat HaMazon, the prayers recited after a meal.
Blessing children
The tradition of parents blessing their children on Friday nights as the Sabbath begins. The words for the blessing come from the Priestly Benediction in the Torah (Numbers 6:24-26).
Motzi
The blessing recited over bread and any meal that includes bread. This blessing thanks God for bringing forth bread from the earth.