Key Aspects of Judaism

Bar (Bat) Mitzvah

The coming of age ceremony that marks the time when a young person is considered a legal adult

Canaan

An ancient name of the land of Israel

Covenant

The contract between the Hebrews and their God, Yahweh

Hanukkah

An early winter festival recalling the rededication of the Second Temple

Holocaust

The destruction of European Judaism by the Nazis

Kabbalah

The whole body of Jewish mystical literature

Kosher

Refers particularly to food preparation and food consumption

Menorah

A candelabrum usually containing seven branches, used for religious celebrations

Passover

A joyful spring festival that recalls the Hebrews' exodus from Egypt and freedom from oppression

Prophet

A person inspired by God to speak for him

Rabbi

A religious teacher; a Jewish minister

Rosh Hashanah

The celebration of the Jewish New Year, occurring in the seventh lunar month

Sabbath

The seventh day of the week (Saturday), a day of prayer and rest from work

Sukkot

A festival in the late autumn that recalls the Jews' period of wandering in the desert after their exodus from Egypt

Tallit

A prayer shawl worn by devout males during morning prayer

Tefillin

Two small boxes containing biblical passages, worn by Orthodox males on the head and left arm at morning prayer

Theophany

A revelation or appearance of God

Western wall

The foundation stones of the western wall of the last temple of Jerusalem, today a place of prayer

Yarmulke

The skullcap worn by devout males

Yom Kippur

The most sacred day of the Jewish year