V’ahavta
Literally, “and you shall love.” Verses from Deuteronomy 6:5-9 that are recited as part of the prayer service, immediately after the Shema. The beginning words are: “You shall love the Eternal with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might.”
Adonai
Literally, “my master;” the Jewish proper name for God; Yud Heh Vav Hey, the unpronounceable name of God often is pronounced as “Adonai.”
Am kadosh
Literally, “sacred people;” used to describe the Jewish people based on this verse in Leviticus 20:26: “You shall be holy to Me, for I the Eternal am holy, and I have set you apart from other peoples to be mine.”
B’rit
Literally, “covenant;” describes a Jewish understanding of the relationship between God and the Jewish people.
Echad
Hebrew word for “one” or “unity;” also implies monotheism, a concept central to Judaism.
Elohim
A name for God taken from the root “el,” meaning “god.” Both Adonai and Elohim appear frequently in the Bible, as names for God. Related terms include Eloheinu (Our God) and Elohai (My God).
Elohim
A name for God taken from the root “el,” meaning “god.” Both Adonai and Elohim appear frequently in the Bible, as names for God. Related terms include Eloheinu (Our God) and Elohai (My God).
K’dushah
Literally, “sanctification” or “holiness.” The word also refers to the third section of the Amidah prayer.
Yud, Hey, Vav, Hey
The Hebrew four letters that spell the tetragrammaton, the unpronounceable name of God; despite the spelling, most often pronounced “Adonai.”
Hachnasat or'chim
Literally, “welcoming guests;” the religious obligation to offer hospitality to those in need and to welcome guests into our homes and communities. Tradition teaches that the Biblical patriarch Abraham’s tent was always open to passersby, and he is often portrayed as demonstrating this value.