Studied by 0 people
Words and concepts regularly encountered when converting to Judaism.
In which direction is Hebrew written and read?
Right to left, the opposite of English!
Adonai
אֲדֹנָי
A name for God meaning "Lord" or "master," which the Israelites used out of respect for the sacredness of the name YHWH.
Atah
אַתָּה
Hebrew for "you" (second person masculine singular). Used in conversation and to refer to G-d in prayer.
Din
דין
Hebrew for "judgment" or "law."
Ex: beit din
Elohim
אלהים
The Hebrew word for God as Creator, as well as any other gods.
Emet
אֶמֶת
Hebrew for "truth."
Eyn Sof
אֵין סוֹף
Hebrew for “no end” or “endless.” It refers to the infinite aspect of God in Kabbalistic thought, representing the limitless nature of the divine.
Colloquially used as an adverb to describe an “endless story” or a place with “endless beauty.”
Kavod
כָּבוֹד
Biblical Hebrew for “glory.” It signifies honor and respect, often used in reference to God's majesty. It implies a sense of weightiness or significance in both spiritual and social contexts.
Kelipah
קְלִפָּה
Hebrew for “shell.” In Yiddish and late Hebrew it refers to evil spirits or demonic forces.
In Kabbalistic thought, it refers to the spiritual forces or barriers that conceal divine light and can hinder spiritual growth.
Mal’akh
מַלְאָךְ
Biblical Hebrew for “messenger.” It often refers to angels or spiritual beings that carry out G-d's will and deliver messages to humans.
They are unable to act on their own will and simply do G-d’s bidding with no desire to leave Their side.
Melekh
מלך
Hebrew for “king.”
Neshamah
נשמה
Hebrew for “breath” but means “soul.” G-d breathed life into humanity, giving each person a unique spiritual essence.
‘Olam
עולם
Hebrew for "world" or "universe," often referring to the concept of time and space in Jewish thought, encompassing both the physical and spiritual realms.
Pardes
פַּרְדֵּס
A Hebrew term meaning "orchard," used in Jewish mysticism to describe four levels of biblical interpretation: Peshat (literal), Remez (hint), Drash (interpretative), and Sod (secret).
Rahamim
רחמים
Hebrew for "mercy" or "compassion," often used in prayers to invoke G-d's kindness and forgiveness towards humanity. This acts as a counterbalance to G-d’s din, staying Their hand when G-d may wish to act in righteous anger against humans.
Ruah ha-Kodesh
רוח הקודש
Hebrew for "the Holy Spirit" or "divine inspiration," often associated with the presence of G-d in the world and the guiding force behind prophetic visions and spiritual insights.
This is NOT a separate entity.
Sefirot
סְפִירוֹת
“Numbers” in Hebrew.
Sefirah (singular noun)
The ten attributes or emanations through which G-d interacts with the world in Kabbalistic thought, representing different aspects of divine energy and creation.
El Shaddai
אֵל שַׁדַּי
A name for G-d in Hebrew, often translated as "G-d Almighty" or "the All-Sufficient One."
Possibly coming from “shad” meaning “breasts, the full name would be “the god with breasts,” signifying G-d's ultimate power and nurturing aspect, providing sustenance and protection to humanity.
The Hebrew letter “shin” (ש) is on all mezuzot and represents the name El Shaddai, symbolizing G-d's presence and protection over the home.
Shekhinah
שְׁכִינָה
The feminine aspect of G-d's presence in the world, often associated with divine immanence and the dwelling of G-d among the people. Shekhinah represents the nurturing, protective qualities of the divine.
