Keva
Fixed prayer; the set structure of Jewish liturgy; often juxtaposed with kavanah.
La'asok b'divrei Torah
Literally, "to busy oneself with words of Torah;" the end of the blessing for Torah study.
Mi Chamocha
Literally, “Who is like You?” Verses from Exodus 15:11 that are incorporated into the prayer service. These verses are an excerpt from the song that the biblical Israelites sang after crossing the Sea of Reeds to safety.
Mishkan T’filah
Literally, “a sanctuary of prayer.” The title of the newest prayer book of the Reform Movement in North America.
Musaf
The additional prayer service on Shabbat and holidays, immediately following Shacharit, the morning service. Musaf generally is not recited in Reform congregations.
Nusach
Style or type of prayer service; rite that reflects the origins of a specific Jewish community; musical mode of a worship service that varies depending on when the service is being conducted (weekday, Shabbat, festival).
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.
Sofer
Literally, “scribe;” calligrapher of a sefer Torah or other sacred writings, e.g., the enclosures in a mezuzah, M’gillat Esther, etc.
Trope
Musical notations or cantillation marks used to chant Torah, Prophets, and Writings.
Tzitzit
Fringes, tied in a specific way on the four corners of a tallit or prayer shawl. The purpose of tzitizit is to remind Jews of the mitzvot (commandments).