BT Basics An A-Z Guide to Judaism
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August 2014
Dear Parents, As parents ourselves, we feel very fortunate to be able to send our children to Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School. Our children receive not only the best secular education available to them, but also a Judaics education that is second to none. We also find, as parents, that our children often know more than we do, especially in Judaics. While there are many terrific Judaic resources on the web, in the library and through classes at Beth Tfiloh’s Mercaz Adult Learning Program, we wanted to provide parents with a quick and easy guidebook of some important Jewish words and concepts that our children use and learn. While this booklet is far from comprehensive, we hope it will serve as a starting point for you towards your understanding of some of the basics of Judaism. Perhaps it will pique your interest and you will want to learn more. If so, utilize the bibliography listed in the back, contact your child’s Judaics principal or enroll in any of the many available adult education classes/ seminars offered throughout the year. In the words of our esteemed dean, Rabbi Mitchell Wohlberg, “it’s never too late” to start Jewish learning. We hope this guidebook will help you share in your children’s studies and maybe even engage in Jewish learning of your own. We wish you and your children much success in the coming academic year,
Becky Brenner
Diane Seegull
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Emily Levin
GLOSSARY OF JEWISH TERMINOLOGY & CONCEPTS Aliyah: (1) During a Torah service, seven men are honored by being called up to recite a blessing over the reading of one of the sections of the Torah. (2) Hebrew for “to go live in Israel.” Literally means “to go up,” to imply the moral and spiritual uplifting experienced by going to live in Israel. Am Yisrael: The nation of Israel, referring to the Jewish people as a whole. Aramaic: An ancient language which originated nearly 3,000 years ago in the Middle East. This language and its script are closely related to Hebrew, and can be found throughout the Talmud and other rabbinic and scholarly writings. Aramaic was the language of many conquerors of Middle Eastern lands and was particularly prominent in the Jewish communities of Babylonia and Israel. The Kaddish prayer is an example of a Jewish prayer written in Aramaic. Asarah B’Tevet (10 Tevet): This is a minor fast day. The siege of the first Temple began on this day. In the modern State of Israel, Kaddish (the Jewish prayer for the deceased) is recited on this day for people whose date or place of death is unknown. Consequently, many rabbis have designated it as a day of remembrance for the Holocaust. Aufruff: See Wedding. B.C.E.: Abbreviation for “Before the Common Era” or the time before the year 0. Used instead of B.C. which has theological connotations in other religions. Bar Mitzvah: A boy becomes a Bar Mitzvah, son of the commandments, at the age of thirteen. A Bar Mitzvah boy is bound by the Jewish commandments and therefore can be counted in a minyan, can be called to the Torah for an aliyah and can wear teffilin. No special ceremony is necessary to recognize the occasion. However, it is now customary to mark the occasion by having the Bar Mitzvah boy read from the Torah and subsequently celebrate with family and friends with either a festive meal and/or party. 3
Bat Mitzvah: A girl becomes a Bat Mitzvah, daughter of the commandments, at the age of twelve. No special ceremony is necessary to recognize the occasion. However, it is now customary to mark the occasion by having the Bat-Mitzvah girl participate in a Shabbat service in some fashion which may include reading from the Torah and/or giving a d’var Torah. Subsequently, it is customary to have a festive meal and/or party with family and friends. Baruch Hashem: Thank G-d. Benching (bentsching): From the Yiddish meaning “to bless,” benching usually refers to the recitation of the Birkat HaMazon, the prayers of thanksgiving recited after eating. Birkat HaMazon: Literally, blessing of the food. Birkat HaMazon is the prayer of thanksgiving which is recited after eating a meal. Bracha: Blessing. Plural is brachot. B’tzelem Elokim: The Torah states that the first human being was created b’tzelem Elokim, in the image of G-d. This has always been understood to mean that the human being was created with a soul, which is a portion, or reflection, of Godliness (aish.com). This is also the title of the Beth Tfiloh fourth grade’s joint program with St. Paul’s School. C.E.: Abbreviation for “Common Era” or the time after the year 0. Used instead of A.D. which has theological connotations in other religions. Chag Sameach: Literally, joyous festival. A greeting for any holiday, but especially Sukkot, Shavuot and Pesach (Passover). Chanukah: A holiday lasting eight days beginning on the 25th of the Hebrew month of Kislev, Chanukah celebrates the miracle that the last jar of holy oil left after the Greeks destroyed the Temple burned for eight days even thought it was only enough for one day. We light a Chanukia (nine-branched candelabra) each of the eight nights to celebrate this miracle. Since it is customary to have the Chanukia safely near a window, people often use a separate electric chanukia for this purpose, allowing everyone to witness this miracle of light. We also spin a sivivon or dreidel which bears the letters Nun, Gimmel, Hay, and Shin which stand for “nays gadol hayah sham,” meaning “A great miracle happened there.” In the land of Israel the Hebrew letter “shin” would be replaced with a “pay” meaning the great miracle 4
happened “here.” No eulogies are delivered during this holiday and no fasting is permitted. Rather, we eat some traditional foods such as potato latkes (potato pancakes), sufganiyot (donuts which are often filled with jelly), and lots of Chanukah gelt (chocolate coins). Chol HaMoed: The intermediate days (3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th) of Pesach (Passover) and Sukkot, when work is permitted. Chumash: From the Hebrew word chamesh, meaning “five,” a chumash is the book form of the Five Books of Moses or the Torah. Daven(ing): From the Yiddish meaning to pray. Observant Jews daven three times a day; once in the morning, once in the afternoon and again in the evening. Derech Eretz: Literally, “the way of the land,” the term “derech eretz” is first seen in the Mishnah, writings of Jewish scholars from approximately the years 0-200 C.E. One of its many interpretations is that a Jew should act respectful, polite and civilized. Derech eretz is a fundamental principle of Beth Tfiloh’s curriculum and culture. D’var Torah: A talk that someone gives on Torah or Judaism. Eretz Yisrael: The land of Israel. Erev: Literally meaning evening, erev is used to signify the “eve” or day before a holiday begins. All Jewish holidays, with the exception of some fasts, begin on the evening prior to the first day. Fast of Esther (13 Adar): The Fast of Esther, which is the day before Purim, is observed in memory of the Fast observed by Mordechai and Esther and all of Israel. It was on that same day that the enemies of the Jews had planned to subjugate and destroy them. The fast is called by Esther’s name because she was the one to request the observance of a fast to Mordechai as it says, “Go and gather all the Jews who are found in Shushan and fast over me, and do not eat and do not drink three days, night and day; and I and my maidens will also fast thus,” (Esther 4:16). The fast we observe is not for a threeday period, nor is it on the same date. The original fast was observed by Esther and the entire Jewish people on the 14th, 15th and 16th of Nissan, immediately after Mordechai was informed of Haman’s decree and of the letter of annihilation which Haman wrote on the 13th of Nissan.
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Fast of Gedaliah (3 Tishrei): Commemorates the assassination of Gedaliah Ben Achikam, the Jewish governor of Israel in the 6th century BCE. After the first Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed and the Jews were exiled from Israel by the Babylonians in 586 BCE, some Jews were allowed to return to Israel, where Gedaliah was their governor. After his murder, the Jews went into a more complete exile. It is also a day to remember the tragedy of violence against our fellow Jews. Fleischig: From the German, fleisch, meaning meat. All meat products or any prepared food containing meat products. Nothing that is fleischig may be eaten at a meal with anything milchig (dairy). Gemara: The written record of rabbinic discussions about the Mishnah. The contents of the Mishnah and Gemara combined make up the Talmud. Hakafot: Literally “circles around the synagogue,” Hakafot involve dancing with the Torah during the holiday of Simchat Torah to various Hebrew melodies. Songs are based on phrases from the Bible, Talmud, and Jewish tradition. Halachah: The term loosely used for Jewish law. The word halachah derives from the root of the Hebrew word “lech” which means to go. Halachah refers to the proper path to go on in order to follow Jewish law. Hallel: A group of six Psalms recited during prayers on holidays and especially joyous occasions. HaTikvah: Literally, “the hope,” HaTikvah is the national anthem of the modern State of Israel. Havdalah: Literally division, is a short prayer at the end of Shabbat. Just as we declare the Shabbat holy at the beginning with Kiddush, we declare that the holy Shabbat is coming to a close and the weekday is beginning. The bracha is recited over wine, just as it is during Kiddush. Traditionally there is a braided candle and fragrant spices that are part of the ceremony as well. Hechsher/Hashgachah: Kosher certification and or supervision. There are currently many organizations that provide hechshers. The following are reliable hechshers for Beth Tfiloh programs and events:
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Hoshana Rabbah: This is the 7th, and last, day of the holiday of Sukkot. It is the day before Shemini Atzeret. More hoshanot (prayers) are said on this day than prior days of Sukkot since Hoshana Rabbah is known as the day of the final sealing of judgment, which began on Rosh Hashanah. During Sukkot, the world is judged for water and the blessings of the fruit and crops. Hoshana Rabbah is similar to Yom Kippur since the seventh day of Sukkot is the final sealing and since human life depends on water. Isru Chag: The day after a major holiday such as Passover is known as Isru Chag. There are no restrictions of any kind regarding labor. Kabbalat Shabbat: Literally, the “welcoming of the Sabbath,” Kabbalat Shabbat is a grouping of prayers, including those over the Shabbat wine and challah, which is recited as Shabbat begins. Kaddish: From the ancient Aramaic language, Kaddish means “holy.” Kaddish refers to the prayer, written entirely in Aramaic, which praises G-d, which is said by Jewish mourners. A different version of Kaddish, also praising G-d, is recited between sections of prayers during prayer services. Kashrut/Kosher: The word “kosher” means proper or acceptable, and it has informally entered the English language with that meaning. But kosher laws have their origin in the Torah, and are detailed in the Talmud and the other codes of Jewish traditions. The Bible lists the basic categories of food items which are not kosher. These include certain animals, fowl and fish (such as pork and rabbit, eagle and owl, catfish and sturgeon), and any shellfish, insect or reptile. In addition, kosher species of meat and fowl must be slaughtered in a prescribed manner, and meat and dairy products may not be manufactured or consumed together. Kedusha: Literally, holiness. It is a fundamental principle of Judaism. Kedusha also refers to a portion of the prayer service in which G-d is praised for his holiness. It is only recited with a minyan. Ketubah: See Wedding. Kiddush: The prayer over wine recited at the beginning of a Shabbat or holiday meal. Kippah: A circular head covering worn as sign of respect in Jewish life; also known as a yarmulka. 7
Kol HaKavod: Literally, all of the respect. You can use this phrase when you want to say “all right,” “way to go,” or a “job well done.” Kol Nidrei: The famous prayer that ushers in Yom Kippur. It explains that all of the vows that we have taken during the past year are to be annulled. Kotel: The holiest Jewish spot on earth, it is the only remaining part of the ancient Jewish Temple in Jerusalem after the second Temple was destroyed in 70 C.E. by the Romans. The Kotel is the outer wall surrounding the Temple Mount and is also referred to as the Western Wall. Lag B’Omer: The 33rd day of the Omer. Lag represents the number 33 in Hebrew. Lag is spelled Lamed Gimmel in Hebrew. In the Hebrew language, all letters are also assigned a numerical value, in this case Lamed is 30 and Gimmel is 3, hence the 33rd day of the Omer. This is the day that the death of the students of Rabbi Akiva ended. In Israel, at Meron, the burial place of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai and his son, Rabbi Elazar b’Rabbi Shimon, tens of thousands of Jews gather to celebrate on the “Yahrtzeit,” the anniversary of the death of the “godly Tanna,” the great scholar who lived in the immediate aftermath of the Second Temple. With torches, song and feasting, the Yahrtzeit is celebrated, which may seem odd, but Bar Yochai specifically requested this of his students. LaShon HaRa: The Hebrew term for speaking badly of others. Leap Year: During the Temple period it was a mitzvah to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the festivals in order to participate in the Temple service. To accommodate those traveling from a distance, the Sanhedrin, or Jewish Supreme Court, proclaimed a leap year by adding a second month Adar, so that Jews living outside of Jerusalem would arrive in time for the festival in the spring. Lulav and Etrog: The palm, willow, myrtle and citron that are used on the Sukkot holiday. Together they are waived in four directions to symbolize G-d’s presence everywhere. Maariv: The evening prayer service, often recited immediately following Mincha in synagogue. Machzor: A prayer book that contain the prayers for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. 8
Major Fast: Fasting means abstaining from food as a sign of mourning or in amendment of sins. A major fast involves refraining from food, water, and leather-soled footwear for 25 hours. The two major fast holidays are Yom Kippur and Tishah B’av. Mashgiach: One who oversees the production of food products and certifies that they are prepared in accordance with Jewish laws of Kashrut. Medinat Yisrael: The modern State of Israel founded in 1948. Metzuyan: Excellent Midot: Literally, characteristics or attributes. According to the second book of the Torah (Ex. 34:6-7), G-d has 13 attributes of mercy (i.e. patience, forgiveness, compassion, etc.). During the High Holidays, Jews say a series of prayers, known as Selichot, in which we invoke G-d’s mercy and strive to attain these 13 attributes for ourselves. The term “midot” is also used when referring to positive character traits. Milchig: Yiddish milkhik, from milkh, milk, from Middle High German milch, from Old High German miluh. Derived from or made of milk or dairy products. (Bartleby.com) Mincha: The afternoon prayer service. Minhag: Literally, custom. Not prescribed Jewish law, but rather customs that Jews have come to follow over time. Minor Fast: Minor fast days are not minor because of what they commemorate but rather that the fast only last one-half a day—from dawn until evening. A person is also permitted to bathe and work on minor fast days. Minyan: A quorum of ten Jews which is required in prayer services for a public reading of the Torah or the recitation of the mourner’s Kaddish. Mishnah: The first written compilation of the Oral Law, primarily compiled by Rabbi Akiva and others around the year 200 C.E. The Mishnah is divided into six tractates dealing with laws of: agriculture, women’s issues, Shabbat and holy days, damages, holy matters (such as the Temple and its maintenance) and purity.
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Morah: Teacher (feminine). Moreh is the masculine form of the word. Morah and Torah are derived from the same root word which means “teaching.” Motzi: The blessing one recites when eating bread. This is part of the Kabbalat Shabbat services. Navi: Prophet. The Jewish prophets lived in the time immediately after Moses, and the writings of their stories are compiled into the text known as Nevi’im (prophets). Nerot: Candles. Singular is ner. Candles are lit at the start of Shabbat and Yom Tov (religious holidays), before sunset. At least two candles, representing G-d’s commandments to “keep” and “remember” the Shabbat, should be lit. When one lights candles for this purpose, the act is accompanied by a bracha or blessing which praises G-d for commanding Jews to make this day holy by lighting the candles. Omer: Actually, the term for a grain offering or sacrifice that was to be brought to the Temple on the 16th of Nisan (the second day of Passover). Parshat Hashavua: The Torah portion of the week. The Torah is divided into 54 portions (parshiot) of lengths ranging from 30 to 150 versus which are read on a weekly basis. Parve (pareve): Anything that is neither milchig or fleischig, such as fruits, vegetables or fish. (Fish is not considered fleischig.) Pareve food may be eaten with with either milchig or fleischig meals. Pasuk: A sentence from the Torah. Each of the five books of the Torah is divided into chapters, one of which we read each week. Each chapter is divided into smaller groupings of sentences, known as a pasuk. Perek: Literally, chapter. Perek refers to a chapter of Mishnah. Pesach (15 Nisan): Seven-day holiday in the spring that celebrates the exodus of the Jews from Egypt. It is highlighted by a special meal, the Seder, in which the story is retold and re-experienced through many rituals. During this holiday, no leavened food, known as chametz, is allowed to be owned, eaten or derived benefit from. Pirkei Avot: Generally translated as “Chapters of the Fathers,” Pirkei Avot can also be translated as “Chapters of Fundamental Principles.” 10
Pirkei Avot is the wisdom of Torah distilled, summarized, organized and laid open for us to absorb and integrate. Purim (14 Adar): Purim is a festive holiday where Jews celebrate how they overcame a plot by Haman, a Persian vizier, to destroy the Jews. The two main heroes of the story are Queen Esther, who was married to the King Ahasuerus, the King of Persia, and her uncle Mordechai. To celebrate this holiday, the Megillah (the scroll of the book of Esther) is read, tzedekah (charity) is given, gift baskets are exchanged with friends and family (Mishloah Manot), a festive meal is eaten and costumes are worn. Rosh Chodesh: The first day of each new month in the Jewish calendar. In cases of 30-day (Jewish) months, Rosh Chodesh is celebrated on the 30th day of the previous month and the first day of the new month. Some additional prayers are added to the service for the day. Rosh HaShanah (1 & 2 Tishrei): The Day of the beginning of the new Jewish year. It is the day that we are told that Adam and Eve were created. It is the beginning of the High Holidays (Yamim Noraim) that leads into the Ten Days of Repentance (Aseret Yemei Teshuva) culminating in Yom Kippur. S’chach: The covering used for the top of the Sukkah. S’chach must be made from some product of the earth that is no longer attached to the earth. Some examples would be: wood of any kind, bamboo poles, pine branches, leafy branches. S’chach cannot be made from wooden utensils. Safa: Literally language. At Beth Tfiloh, safa refers to Hebrew language class. Sefirat Ha’Omer: A counting of the 49 days or seven weeks between Passover, the physical redemption of the Jews from Egypt, and Shavuot time, when G-d gave the Torah to the Jewish people. The count begins on the second night of Pesach at the Seder. Selichot: Penitent prayers said during the morning prayer service in the days before Rosh Hashanah and between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Shabbat: The Sabbath commemorates the day of rest that G-d decreed after the six days of Creation. In Jewish homes, Shabbat begins 11
at sunset on Friday evenings with lighting candles and ends approximately one hour after sunset Saturday evening. No work is to be done during the Sabbath. Although, synagogues are open for prayer daily, synagogues will experience its largest attendance for a Shabbat service. Shacharit: The morning prayer service. Shanah Tovah: The traditional “have a good year” greeting exchanged during the season of Rosh HaShanah Shavuot (6 Sivan): This holiday of biblical origin is observed 50 days after Passover at the conclusion of the Omer. This day is observed as a commemoration of the receiving of the Torah on Mt. Sinai. There are several famous customs observed during this holiday. On the night of the first day of Shavuot many pepole study Torah topics during the night and some even stay awake the entire night in study. There is also a custom to eat dairy foods (cheesecake!) at some point on Shavuot. Shemini Atzeret: The holiday celebrated on the 8th day of Sukkot, marking the completion of Sukkot. “Shemini” means 8th, and the number eight symbolizes perfection. “Atzeret” means “holding back” or something being held back for the purpose of its completion. Therefore, Shemini Atzeret means the 8th day which is the additional day that brings the seven day holiday of Sukkot to its state of perfection. Shiva: After a funeral, the immediate mourners return to a home called the “shiva house,” to begin a seven day period of intense mourning. Shiva is from the word sheva, which means seven. This week is a time where the mourners sit on low chairs, dwell together, and friends and loved ones come to comfort them. A person sits shiva after having lost a parent, spouse, sibling, or child. All other loved ones are also mourned, but the observances of shiva do not apply. When one pays a shiva call, the focus is on comforting the mourners in their time of greatest grief. Traditionally, one enters the shiva house quietly with a small knock so as not to startle those inside. No one should greet visitors; they simply enter on their own. Prayer services are held in the shiva house, not in the synagogue. A traditional statement of comfort is said to the mourners just before leaving the shiva house. It can be said in either Hebrew or English: May God comfort you among the other mourners of Zion and Jerusalem. 12
Shomer Shabbat: One who traditionally observes the legal requirements for Shabbat is called Shomer Shabbat or Shomer Shabbos. Shul: A house of worship, another name for synagogue. Shushan Purim: Purim is unique from other Jewish holidays in that it is observed either on the 14th of Adar or the 15th of Adar, which is known as Shushan Purium, depending on where you live. The different dates stem from the fact that the Jews in Shushan, Persia, fought their destruction on the 13th and 14th of Adar and celebrated their victory on the 15th whereas Jews outside of Shushan only fought on the 13th and celebrated on the 14th. (www. ou.org) Siddur: Prayer book Simchat Torah: The holiday celebrating the completion of the annual Torah reading cycle and the beginning of the next cycle. Festivities include Hakafot and exuberant dancing with the actual scrolls of the Torah to various Hebrew melodies. Sukkot (15-21 Tishrei): On this seven-day holiday, we recall the booths that the Jewish people dwelled in during their trek in the desert. It also recalls the “clouds of glory” that followed the Jews in the desert. During this holiday, Jews dwell in temporary dwellings called sukkot and shake the lulav and etrog. Tallit (Tallis): A prayer shawl worn during the morning prayer service. At the ends of the tallit are attached tzitzit (fringes) which remind us of the Torah’s commandments. Some women also opt to wear a tallit. Talmud: A compendium of the Oral Law which was compiled around the year 500 C.E. by rabbinic scholars. The Talmud is a fairly comprehensive guide to the laws of Jewish living. The Talmud consists of the Mishnah and Gemara. There are two versions of the Talmud, the Babylonian Talmud and the Jerusalem Talmud, each named for where it was compiled. The Babylonian Talmud is most commonly studied. Tanach: A Hebrew acronym using the first letters from the words Torah, Nevi’im and Ketuvim, the three written books of Jewish teachings. Tefillin: Two small, black leather boxes, one worn on the hand and one on the forehead, by all men over bar mitzvah age during the morning prayer service. Each box contains a scroll with the words from the Torah (the Shema prayer) dictating the observance of this command. Some women also opt to wear tefillin. 13
Tehilim: The book of Psalms which is a part of the Tanach. King David was the primary author of these songs and poems which evoke great spirituality in those who read them. Tehilim are often recited on behalf of those who are gravely ill in the community. “The Three Weeks”: The three weeks between the 17th of Tammuz and Tisha B’Av are characterized by a communal period of mourning in commemoration of the tragic events that happened during this time period in Jewish history. Tikkun Olam: This Hebrew phrase represents one’s goal of bettering the world. Tisha B’Av (9 Av): This is perhaps the saddest day of the Jewish year. According to tradition, both the first and second Temples in Jerusalem were destroyed on the 9th day of Av in 586 BCE and 70 CE, respectively. Additionally, in 1492 King Ferdinand ordered the expulsion of all Jews from Spain by the date that coincided with the 9th of Av. Numerous other tragic events have befallen the Jews on this date in history. As such it is a fast day and mourning practices are observed. Torah: The compendium of the five books of Moses. The Torah specifically is written on scrolled parchment by a scribe. Tov: Good Tov M’od: Very Good Tu B’Shevat (15 Shevat): This marks the beginning of the “new year” for trees. Tu B’Shevat is the new year for the purpose of calculating the age of trees for tithing. The Torah states that fruit from trees which were grown in the land of Israel may not be eaten during the first three years; the fourth year’s fruit is for G-d, and after that, the fruit can be eaten. Each tree is considered to have aged one year as of Tu B’Shevat, no matter when in the year it was planted. It is customary to plant trees and partake of the fruits of the land of Israel to mark the occasion. Tzedakah: Literally, justice or righteousness, tzedakah is used to me performing deeds of kindness, or giving to those in need. Tzom: A day of fasting. 14
Ushpizin: The Seven Royal Guests. The Ushpizin are seven of the greatest leaders of our People: Avraham, Yitzchak, Yaakov, Moshe, Aharon, Yosef, and David, each of whom endured and overcame the difficulties of exile with Hashem’s protection. On each of the seven nights of Sukkot, one of these leaders is our main guest to remind us of the importance in the Jewish religion of having guests, specifically poor or less fortunate than us, to share the joy of festivities with us. Many modern denominations have added female biblical heroes to invite as well. Wedding: Traditions are as follows: on the Shabbat prior to the wedding, the groom is given the honor of blessing the Torah prior to the reading of a Torah portion, otherwise known as the Aufruff. At the wedding ceremony, usually performed under a chuppah, or canopy, the officiating rabbi will recite two blessing and then the groom will place a ring on the forefinger of his bride’s right hand and say, “You are hereby sanctified unto me with this ring according to the laws of Moses and Israel.” The rabbi will then read the ketuba, followed by the recitation of seven marriage blessings. The ketuba is a marriage contract that the groom is required to give his bride and spells out a husband’s obligations to his wife. The ceremony concludes with the breaking of a glass under the groom’s foot to serve as a reminder of the destruction of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. The bride and groom are then given private time alone, known as Yichud, prior to joining the reception. For the week after the wedding, some couples participate in the tradition of going to parties given in their honor by family and friends. At the party’s conclusion, the seven blessings that were read at the wedding are recited, thereby making these customary parties known as Sheva Brachot or “seven blessings.” Yahrzeit: The anniversary, per the Jewish calendar, of a person’s death. Yasher Koach: Literally, straight power. You can use this expression when you want to say, “good for you,” “way to go,” or “more power to you” when someone has accomplished a special task. People often use this phrase in the synagogue after someone has received an honor such as leading a portion of the prayer service or reading Torah. 15
Yizkor: Special memorial prayer is recited for one’s deceased relatives four times a year—on Yom Kippur, and the last day of Sukkot, Passover and Shavuot. Yom Ha’Atzmaut (5 Iyar): Holiday celebrating the Declaration of Independence of Israel in May, 1948. At Beth Tfiloh, we say full Hallel with a Bracha as a sign of the religious significance of the day. Yom HaShoah (27 Nisan): Holocaust Memorial Day- commemorated in the spring on the anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising in 1943. Yom HaZikaron (4 Iyar): On this day in Israel, on the day immediately preceding Yom Ha’atzmaut, we honor the memory of the men and women who gave their lives for the creation and ongoing security of the State of Israel. Yom Kippur (10 Tishrei): Known as a day of prayer, Yom Kippur does have numerous prayers associated with it. Most revolve around the central theme of repentance and return. In addition to the normal restrictions one would avoid on Shabbat, Jews abstain from eating, drinking, washing one’s body, and wearing leather shoes. These rules are not meant as punishments, but rather, by abstaining from all of the above-mentioned acts, Jews are better able to focus on the prayers and repentance of the day. “G’mar Chatima Tova” is a common greeting on Yom Kippur. Yom Tov: Or “yontif,” literally meaning “good day,” yom tov is a phrase that refers to Jewish festivals or holidays. Yom Yerushalayim (28 Iyar): Holiday celebrating the reunification of Jerusalem in June, 1967. This is one of the modern Jewish holidays. In Israel it is observed as a major national holiday and in religious Zionist circles it is seen as a religious holiday as well. In Beth Tfiloh we say full Hallel with a bracha as a sign of the religious significance of the day. Shiva Asar B’Tammuz (17 Tammuz): Minor fast. Moses descended Mount Sinai on this day and, upon seeing the Golden Calf broke the first set of Tablets carrying the Ten Commandments (Shemot 32:19, Mishna Ta’anit 28b). In another catastrophic moment in Jewish history, the walls of Jerusalem were breached after many months of siege by Nebuchadnezzar and his Babylonian forces (586 BCE).
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ABBREVIATED TIMELINE OF JEWISH HISTORY
Source: The Jewish Time Line Encyclopedia Jewish Year Event
Secular Year
1
Creation of the world, Adam and Eve (Chava)
-3760
930
Adam dies
-2831
1056
Noah is born
-2705
1656
The great flood covers earth
-2105
1948
Abraham is born
-1813
1958
Sarah is born
-1803
2006
Noah dies
-1755
2018
G-d makes covenant with Abraham
-1743
2023
Abraham settles in the land of Canaan
-1738
2048
Abraham is circumcised
-1713
2048
Isaac (Yitzchak) is born
-1713
2084
Abraham prepares to sacrifice Isaac
-1677
2084
Sarah dies
-1677
2108
Jacob (Yaakov) and Esau are born
-1653
2123
Abraham dies
-1638
2238
Jacob and his family go to Egypt
-1523
2332
Enslavement in Egypt begins
-1429
2368
Moses (Moshe) is born
-1393
2448
Jews leave Egypt and receive Torah
-1313
2488
Moses dies and Jews enter Canaan
-1273
2516
Joshua (Yehoshua) dies
-1245
2533
Beginning of the rule of the Judges
-1228
2533-2882
Judges rule including Samson (Shimshon) and Deborah
-1228– -879
2882
Saul (Shaul) appointed king
-879
2892
David becomes king of Israel in Jerusalem, writes most of Psalms
-869
17
Jewish Year Event
Secular Year
2924
Solomon (Shlomo) becomes king, writes Proverbs, Ecclesiates and Song of Songs
-837
2935
First Temple is completed in Jerusalem
-826
2964
Solomon dies and kingdom is divided into Israel in the north and Judah in the south
-797
3142
Isaiah (Yeshaya) begins his prophecies
-619
3331
Jeremiah (Yirmiyahu) and Ezekiel (Yechezkel) prophesy calamities to befall the Temple
-430
3338
First Temple is destroyed by Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar and most Jews are exiled to Babylonia
-423
3389
Daniel prophesies the destruction of Babylonia and is thrown into the lion’s den
-372
3389
Persians defeat Babylonians
-372
3390
Persian king Cyrus tells Jews to return to Israel and rebuild the Temple
-371
3395
Achashverosh II becomes emperor of Persia
-366
3399
Esther is taken to the palace
-362
3404
Esther takes action against Haman’s decree
-357
3412
Second Temple in Jerusalem is completed
-349
3413
Ezra leads many Jews from Persian empire back to Israel
-348
3448
Ezra dies and the age of the prophets ends
-313
3448
Alexander the Great rules over Eretz Yisrael
-313
3454
Over 100,000 Jews exiled to Egypt
-307
3600
Eretz Yisrael is dominated by the Syrians
-161
3610
Under Syrian Greek influence, Kohen HaGadol in Jerusalem works to eliminate Jewish religious practice
-151
3610
Jews of Babylonia live in relative peace with Torah study flourishing
-151
3621
Mattityahu and his five sons revolt against physical and spiritual dominance of Syrians
-140
18
Jewish Year Event
Secular Year
3622
Judah (Yehuda) the Maccabi leads the resistance to victory over Syrians, gain control over theTemple on the 25th of Kislev (Chanukah)
-139
3700
Romans gain control of Judea
-61
3725
King Herod (builder of Massada) rule, but kills Jews and strives for secular rule
-36
3729
Hillel becomes leader of the Torah scholars, ushers in the era of first Talmudic scholars
-32
3750
King Herod renovates the Temple but puts Roman idol above the entry
-11
3815
Great anarchy in Judea under Roman rule as Jews struggle to maintain their identity
55
3829
On 17 Tammuz, the Romans breach the walls of Jerusalem
69
3829
On 9 Av (Tisha B’Av), the Romans destroy the second Temple (note: often this is cited as occurring in the year 70. The discrepancy comes in the differences between secular and Jewish calendars.)
69
3800s
Era of Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai and Rabbi Akiva
50-150
3883
Roman Emporer Hadrian bans Jewish religious practice
123
3887
Bar Kochba unites Jews in rebellion vs. Romans
127
3893
After brief victories, Bar Kochba’s rebellion fails on the 9th of Av. Over 580,000 Jews die fighting the Romans.
133
3949
Rabbi Yehuda HaNassi completes compilation of the Mishnah
189
4050
Focal point of Talmud study moves to Babylonia as Roman persecution continues
290
4235
The Talmud is completed
475
4374
Persians capture Israel, allow Jews to return to Jerusalem after almost 500 years
614
19
Jewish Year Event
Secular Year
4389
Romans retake Jerusalem, expel Jews again
629
4397
Arabs conquer Eretz Yisrael and Babylonia
637
4421
Muslim Arab caliph of Jerusalem builds mosque on site of Jewish Temple; confiscates Jewish property and distributes it to Arab settlers
661
4764 Jews in Israel are forced to convert to Islam; Jews in Europe are forced to convert to Christianity
1004
4800 Rashi, a great Torah and Talmud scholar is born in France. His commentaries are simple and clear, a departure from earlier commentators
1040
4859
Crusaders capture Jerusalem and kill thousands of Jews
1096
4895
Rambam (Maimonides), a descendant of King David, is born in Spain
1135
4904
First blood libel occurs in England in which Jews are accused of using Christian blood for ritual purposes
1144
4907
Second Crusaders massacre Jews throughout Europe and Israel
1147
4948 Jews are allowed to return to Jerusalem under Sultan Saladin whose physician was Rambam
1187
4900s
Muslims, Christians continue to kill and displace Jews throughout the Middle East and Europe
1200s
5012
The Inquisition (under authority of Catholic church) begins to torture Jews
1252
5050
Jews expelled from England
1290
5066
Jews expelled from France
1309
5109
Black Death sweeps across Europe; Jews are blamed
1349
5200s
Forced conversions, executions of Jews continue in Europe
1300s1400s
20
Jewish Year Event
Secular Year
5252-56
Jews are expelled from Spain then Portugal
1492
5276
Ottoman Empire (Turks) conquers Israel
1516
5323
Rabbi Yosef Karo completes the Shulchan Aruch, a code of Jewish law
1563
5408
Cossacks in Poland murder hundreds of thousands of Jews
1648
5414
First Jews settle in New Amsterdam (New York)
1654
5416 Oliver Cromwell allows Jews to return to England
1656
5458
Ba’al Shem Tov, father of Chasidism, is born. Chasidism calls for joyous expressions of spiritual commitment to our Creator
1698
5551
Russia establishes the Pale of Settlement and restricts Jews from living outside of this area in the south
1791
5559
Napoleon leads an army expedition through Israel
1799
5578 First Reform congregation established in Germany
1817
5615 Conservative movement is founded in Germany
1854
5638
Petach Tikvah agricultural settlement established in Israel by Jews from Jerusalem and Hungary
1878
5641
Wave of pogroms in Russia force many Jews to leave for the United States and Israel
1881
5655
Theodor Herzl, an Austrian journalist convenes the first Zionist Congress
1897
5663
Kishinev (Russia) pogrom
1903
5674
Germany declares war on Russia on Tisha B’Av to Open World War I. Over 500,000 Jews were soldiers
1914
21
Jewish Year Event
Secular Year
5675
Leo Frank, a southern Jew, is lynched by anti-Semitic mob in Georgia after being falsely accused of murder
1915
5677
British make Balfour Declaration proclaiming support for a Zionist country for Jews in Israel
1917
5678
Over 60,000 Jews are killed during the Russian Revolution
1918
5680
British take control of Eretz Yisrael under Britsh Mandate
1920
5680-5696
Arab pogroms and violence against Jews 1920-1936 in Israel
5693
Nazis come to power in Germany; Jews immediately are persecuted
1933
5698
Nazi pogrom throughout Germany and Austria, imprisoning Jews, destroying shops, homes, synagogues and sacred Torah scrolls
1938
5699 Nazis invade Poland; World War II begins; British gov’t issues White Paper limiting Jewish immigration to Israel to 10,000 a year and restricting Jews from owning property.
1939
5702
34,000 Jews of Kiev are massacred at Babi Yar
1941
5702
Nazis convene Wannsee Conference; declare “Final Solution” to execute all Jews in Europe
1942
5703
Jews of Warsaw ghetto stage uprising
1943
5704
Hannah Senesh, a Hungarian who settled in Eretz Yisrael, is executed after being caught parachuting into Nazi territory to help save other Jews
1944
5705
Auschwitz death camp is liberated by the Russians; US troops liberate Buchenwald; the war ends in German defeat
1945
22
Jewish Year Event
Secular Year
5707
Exodus ship carrying Jewish refugees from Europe to Palestine is seized by British Navy; all refugees are returned to Europe
1947
5707
UN withdraws British Mandate and divides Israel into Two territories; one for Jews, one for Arabs with Jerusalem as an international city
1947
5707-08
Arabs begin attacking Jews in Palestine
1947
5708
Britain withdraws from Palestine; Israel declares Independence with David Ben Gurion as first Prime Minister; Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen and Saudi Arabia declare war on Israel
1948
5709
The State of Israel signs armistice with Arab neighbors and has control of half of Jerusalem but not Western Wall; Over 6,000 Jews die during the war
1948
5710
Jews leave Iraq and Yemen for Israel
1950
5716
Egypt nationalizes Suez Canal, allowing its citizens to cross into Israel to kill Jews; Israel attacks Egypt in defense and gains temporary control of entire Sinai peninsula in eight days
1956
5724
Arab nations form PLO to attack Israel
1964
5727
As Egypt, Jordan and Syria prepare to attack Israel, Israel strikes first and wins Six Day War, reuniting Jerusalem under complete Jewish control for first time since Bar Kochba led his rebellion
1967
5728
Rabbi Mordechai Kaplan’s philosophy of Reconstructionist Judaism becomes its own movement
1968
5729
Golda Meir is elected Prime Minister of Israel
1969
5734
Egypt and Syria attack Israel on Yom Kippur. 2,500 Jewish soldiers are killed
1973
23
Jewish Year Event
Secular Year
5736
100 Jewish airplane passengers are kidnapped by Arab terrorists. Israeli army stages daring raid on Entebbe airport to rescue hostages.
1976
5739
Israel, under Prime Minister Menachem Begin signs peace treaty with Egypt under president Anwar Sadat.
1979
5742
Israel invades southern Lebanon to end Lebanese bombings of northern Israel
1982
5747-5763
First intifada, or uprising, of Palestinians 1987-1993 against Israel
5753
Israel signs Declaration of Principles with PLO; first Steps in peace process
1993
5754
Israel signs peace agreement with Jordan
1994
5755 Israeli Prime Minister Yitzchak Rabin is assassinated
1995
5760
Second intifada begins on Temple Mount in Jerusalem
2000
5760
Birthright begins sending young Jews to Israel for free
2000
Bibliography Blech, Benjamin. The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Understanding Judaism. Alpha Books. New York: 1991. Kantor, Mattis. The Jewish Time line Encyclopedia. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc. New York: 1992. Telushkin, Joseph. Jewish Literacy. William Morrow and Company, Inc. New York: 1991. On the World Wide Web www.aish.com www.torah.org www.ou.org www.oukosher.org 24