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Some helpful definitions and explanations that may help you understand the service:

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Aliyot (singular, Aliyah) - Going up - Refers to the act of ascending to the bimah (pulpit) to recite blessings before and after the Torah readings. People are called up by their Hebrew names and the English or Hebrew names of their parents. This

word also means to emigrate to Israel.

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The Ark - Symbolically the Ark of the Covenant of old. It contains the sacred Torah scrolls. We stand when the ark is opened.

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Bimah - Raised platform or pulpit at the front ofthe sanctuary. It is an honor to be called to the bimah as you are near the Torah. The sanctuary is built such that when we stand facing the bimah, we are facing east toward Jerusalem.

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D’var Torah - Word of Torah - A brief commentary on the Torah portion for the week.

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G’lilah - Dressing the Torah - The Torah is dressed and decorated because it is venerated. The manner of its adornment is symbolic of the garb and decorations worn by the High Priest of old. Components of the Torah dress include a belt, cover, ornate crown often with bells, breastplate, and pointer.

 

Haftarah - Completion - A specific reading from the Prophets which is said to “complete” the Torah portion.

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Hakafah - Encircle -Torah Procession - Like the Children of Israel in the wilderness, the Torah is carried in procession. Congregants may show their love of Torah by touching their prayer shawl or prayer book to the Torah and then to their lips.

 

Kiddush - Sanctification - The prayer of sanctification over the wine and bread (challah), symbols of the joy of life and hospitality.

 

Kippah or Yarmulke - A head covering- traditionally for men, but now for women as well, worn as a sign of reverence and respect for God.

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Mazel Tov - Good luck - Hebrew phrase used to express congratulations for a happy occasion.

 

Mitzvah (plural Mitzvot) - Commandment - A sacred obligation or more often, a usage which has come to mean a good deed or act of human kindness.

 

Parashah - Torah portion - Portions of the Torah and Haftarah are read on Shabbat in a fixed order such that the entire contents may be read aloud over the course of the year. This order is only interrupted by holy days, when more relevant sections are designated.

 

Rabbi -Teacher -Teaches Torah and guides in the study and practice of Judaism.

 

Shabbat Shalom - Peaceful Sabbath - A general greeting on Shabbat, the Jewish sabbath which is Friday at sundown through Saturday sundown.

 

Tallit - Shawl worn during prayers and often received and worn for the first time as a Bat/Bar Mitzvah. Tallit is rectangular and represents the four corners of the Earth, reminding us of our place in the world. It is designed to hold the tzitzit, or fringes, that God commanded the children of Israel to wear as a reminder of the commandments.

 

Torah -Teaching - The Torah scroll contains the five books of Moses (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy) considered the core of God’s communication with Israel. More broadly speaking, “Torah” includes all sacred Jewish literature. It is an honor of the highest degree to handle the Torah.

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Yasher Koach! - this is celebratory phrase used in lieu of clapping which is not traditionally part of jewish services. The “ch” is the guttural “h” that clears your throat as you finish the phrase. “Yasher Koach!” is appropriate any time a person does a deed that benefits others in a holy way, especially sharing Torah wisdom. The term literally means “straight strength.” A more casual translation would be “Way to go!!!”