Kibbud av va’eim
Literally, “honoring father and mother;” one of the Ten Commandments; understood to refer to the obligation to show honor to and care for one’s parents and grandparents
Middah
characteristics, values, or virtues of Jewish life that focus on becoming a better and more fulfilled person; plural: middot
Shalom bayit
Literally, “peace in the home;” Refers to the actions one takes to maintain peace and harmony within a home or family.
Aid
witness; Jewish law requires two witnesses sign the ketubah (Jewish marriage contract). Customarily, both are Jewish men who are not related to either marriage partner or to one another.
Mechutunim (Yiddish)
Literally, “belonging to the groom;” describes the relationship of spouse’s parents to the other spouse’s parents
Consecration
Ceremony that marks the beginning of children’s formal Jewish study; often a synagogue- or community-wide celebration for children and families at the start of the school year; often held as part of Simchat Torah celebrations.
Elijah’s chair
A symbolic seat set aside for Elijah the Prophet during a b'rit milah; represents the hope that the Messiah will arrive during the child’s lifetime and that perhaps this child will be the one that brings about messianic change.
Sandek
Individual given the honor of holding the baby during the b’rit milah; sometimes translated as “godfather,” although there is no such role in Judaism; Often a grandfather or older relative but need not be.
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - Nitzavim: Why Organ Donation is Jewish
Parashat Nitzavim features the phrase “choose life,” but what does it mean to choose life? One way of choosing life is by becoming an organ donor. Rabbi Jacobs discusses why this lifesaving choice is part of his Jewish values in this episode of On the Other Hand.
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - T’tzaveh: What to Wear
Parashat T’tzaveh goes into detail about the ritual garments and dress of the ancient high priests. In almost every religious community, the leaders wear distinctive garments that make their roles clear in their respective communities.