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TORAH (76)

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Torah (TOH-ruh): In its narrowest sense, Torah the first five books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy, sometimes called the Pentateuch or the Five Books of Moses. In its broadest sense, Torah is the entire body of Jewish teachings.
Gemara (g'-MAHR-uh): Commentaries on the Mishnah. The Mishnah and Gemara together are the Talmud.
Midrash (MID-rash): From a root meaning "to study," "to seek out" or "to investigate." Stories elaborating on incidents in the Bible, to derive a principle of Jewish law or provide a moral lesson.
Mishnah (MISH-nuh): An early written compilation of Jewish oral tradition, the basis of the Talmud.
Mishneh Torah (MISH-ne TOH-ruh; MISH-nay TOH-ruh): A code of Jewish law written by Rambam. One of the most respected compilations of Jewish law ever written.
Oral Torah (TOH-ruh): Jewish teachings explaining and elaborating on the Written Torah, handed down orally until the 2d century C.E., when they began to be written down in what became the Talmud.
Responsa: Answers to specific questions of Jewish law, written by the most respected rabbis of their time.
Shulchan Arukh (SHUL-khahn AH-rukh): A code of Jewish law written by Joseph Caro in the 16th century. The last of the great medieval codes of Jewish law, and one of the most respected compilations of Jewish law ever written.
Simchat Torah (SIM-khat TOH-ruh): Lit. rejoicing in the law. A holiday celebrating the end and beginning of the cycle of weekly Torah readings.
Talmud (TAHL-mud): The most significant collection of the Jewish oral tradition interpreting the Torah.
Tanakh (tuh-NAHKH): Acronym of Torah (Law), Nevi'im (Prophets) and Ketuvim (Writings). Written Torah, the three sections of the Jewish Bible, what gentiles call the Old Testament.
Torah (TOH-ruh): In its narrowest sense, Torah the first five books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy, sometimes called the Pentateuch or the Five Books of Moses. In its broadest sense, Torah is the entire body of Jewish teachings.
Torah Readings: Each week, a different portion of the Torah and the Prophets are read in synagogue.
Torah Scroll: The Torah (first five books of the Bible) that is read in synagogue is written on parchment on scrolls.
Written Torah (TOH-ruh): The scriptures that non-Jews call the Old Testament, that Jews often call the Tanakh (TNK). It includes the Torah (T, the first five books of Moses), the books of the Prophets (N, Nevi'im) and the Writings (K, Ketuvim). This is contrasted with Oral Torah, the traditions interpreting the written Torah that were not written down until later days.

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Current Calendar: The current Jewish calendar, displaying the current three months with holidays and weekly Torah portions.
Halakhah: Jewish Law: Learn what Jewish law is and what it is derived from. Distinguishes between laws from the Torah and different classes of laws made by the rabbis.
Shavu'ot: Learn about the Jewish festival of Shavu'ot, the festival of the giving of the Torah.
Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah: Learn about the Jewish holidays at the conclusion of Sukkot: Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah.
The Month of Tishri: Learn about Tishri, the most holiday-intensive month of the Jewish year.
Torah: Learn about the concept of Torah, the books of Jewish scriptures and other sacred Jewish writings.
Torah Readings: Learn about the Jewish practice of weekly Torah and Haftarah readings. Provides a list of readings.
Trop (Cantillation): Chanting Hebrew Scripture: Learn about the concept of trop (trope, cantillation), the musical melody used when Torah and haftarah are read aloud in synagogue.

All Hits (76):

Akiba (uh-KEE-buh): One of the greatest rabbis recorded in the Talmud.
Aliyah (uh-LEE-uh; ah-lee-AH): Lit. ascension. 1) Reading from the Torah (or reciting a blessing over the reading) during services, which is considered an honor (generally referred to in English as having or getting an aliyah and pronounced uh-LEE-uh). 2) Immigrating to Israel (generally referred to in English as making aliyah and pronounced ah-lee-AH). See Torah Readings; Bar Mitzvah, Bat Mitzvah and Confirmation; The Land of Israel - Israel Today.
Amud (ah-MOOD): A lower lectern found in some synagogues. Not to be confused with the bimah, which is the primary podium from which the Torah is read. See Synagogues, Shuls and Temples.
Ark: The English translation of aron kodesh, lit., holy chest. The cabinet where the Torah scrolls are kept. The word has no connection with Noah's Ark, which is "teyvat" in Hebrew. See Ritual Items in the Synagogue.
Aron Kodesh (AH-rohn KOH-desh): Lit. holy chest. The cabinet where the Torah scrolls are kept. See Ritual Items in the Synagogue.
Beit Hillel (BAYT HIL-el; BAYT hil-EL): Lit. House of Hillel. A school of thought during the Talmudic period, generally contrasted with the stricter, more legalistic views of Beit Shammai.
Beit Midrash (BAYT MID-rahsh): Lit. house of study. A place set aside for study of sacred texts such as the Torah and the Talmud, generally a part of the synagogue or attached to it.
Beit Shammai (BAYT SHAH-mahy): Lit. House of Shammai. A school of thought during the Talmudic period, generally contrasted with the more lenient, humanistic views of Beit Hillel.
Berurya: A woman of great learning, and the wife of Rabbi Meir. The Talmud records several instances where her opinions on Jewish Law were accepted over those of her male contemporaries. See The Role of Women.
Bible: Also referred to as the Tanakh. The Jewish Bible more or less corresponds to what non-Jews call the "Old Testament." See Torah.
Bimah (BEE-muh): The pedestal on which the Torah scrolls are placed when they are being read in the synagogue; i.e., the pulpit.
Books: See Torah; Recommended Books and Publishers.
Caro, Rabbi Joseph: Author of the Shulchan Arukh, the last of the great medieval codes of Jewish law, and one of the most respected compilations of Jewish law ever written.
Chukkim (khook-EEM): Jewish religious laws for which no reason is given in the Torah. Some believe that they are meant to show our obedience to G-d.
Chumash (KHUH-mish): Lit. five. A compilation of the first five books of the Bible and corresponding readings from the prophets, organized in the order of the weekly Torah portions.
Daf Yomi (DAHF yoh-MEE): Lit. page of the day. Refers to the practice of studying a page of Talmud every day.
Daniel: A book of the Torah, or the writer of that book. The book is included in the Writings, not the Prophets, because by definition prophecies are meant to be proclaimed, and his visions were meant to be written, not proclaimed. See Prophets and Prophecy.
D'Oraita (d'awr-AHY-tah): A law that comes come directly from the Torah (either explicitly or implicitly). Distinguished from d'rabbanan, laws instituted by the rabbis.

Esther: One of the heroes of the story of Purim. Also, the book in the Bible that tells her story. See Purim; Torah.
Four Parshiyot (pahr-shee-OHT): Four special Torah readings added to the weekly cycle of readings during the month before Pesach (Passover).
Gabbai (GAH-bahy): A lay person who volunteers to perform various duties in connection with Torah readings at religious services.
Gemara (g'-MAHR-uh): Commentaries on the Mishnah. The Mishnah and Gemara together are the Talmud.
Golem (GOH-luhm): Lit. an unformed thing. 1) A term used in the Talmud to describe Adam before he had a soul. 2) A creature of Jewish folklore, a man made of clay and brought to life. See Kabbalah and Jewish Mysticism.
Goy: Lit. nation. A non-Jew, that is, a member of one of the other nations. There is nothing inherently insulting about the term; the word "goy" is used in the Torah to describe Israel. See Jewish Attitudes Toward Non-Jews.
Haftarah (hahf-TOH-ruh): Lit. conclusion. A reading from the Prophets, read along with the weekly Torah portion. See Torah Readings.
Hakafot (hah-kah-FOHT): Lit. circuits. Processions around the synagogue carrying the lulav and etrog for the holiday of Sukkot, or carrying the Torah around the synagogue for the holiday of Simchat Torah. See Sukkot - Arba Minim: The Four Species; Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah
Halakhah (huh-LUHKH-khuh): Lit. the path that one walks. Jewish law. The complete body of rules and practices that Jews are bound to follow, including biblical commandments, commandments instituted by the rabbis, and binding customs. See also Torah; A List of the 613 Mitzvot.
Hebrew: The language of the Torah, in which all prayer should be recited. See Hebrew Alphabet; Hebrew Language: Root Words.
Hillel (HIL-el; hil-EL): One of the greatest rabbis recorded in the Talmud. His more liberal views of Jewish law are often contrasted with the stricter views of Shammai. Also: a Jewish college student organization under the auspices of B'nai Brith.
Homosexuality: Homosexual orientation is not a sin in Judaism, but homosexual acts are. Male-male sex is forbidden by the Torah. Lesbian sex is not prohibited by the Torah, but is generally considered prohibited as "licentiousness."
Judah Ha-Nasi (JOO-duh hah NAH-see): Compiler of the Mishnah.
Karaites (KAH-rah-ahyts): Lit. People of the Scripture. A sect of Judaism that, like the ancient Sadducees, does not accept the oral Torah, but relies solely on the written scriptures. By contrast, Rabbinical Judaism believes that G-d taught Moses an oral Torah at the same time that He gave the written one. The Karaites are now a very small sect, though they claim that at one time they attracted 40 percent of the Jewish population. See their website at Karaite Jews of America.
Machmir (makh-MEER): Strict application of Jewish law in cases of doubt. When there is a doubt in a matter of Torah law, you must be machmir (strict); when there is a doubt in a matter of rabbinic law, you may be makil (lenient). See The Difference Between Torah Law and Rabbinic Law
Maftir (MAHF-teer): Lit. The person who reads or blesses the reading of the last part of the Torah reading and the entire haftarah reading.
Makil (mah-KEEL): Lenient application of Jewish law in cases of doubt. When there is a doubt in a matter of Torah law, you must be machmir (strict); when there is a doubt in a matter of rabbinic law, you may be makil (lenient). See The Difference Between Torah Law and Rabbinic Law
Masekhtot: A subdivision of the Mishnah and Talmud.
Midrash (MID-rash): From a root meaning "to study," "to seek out" or "to investigate." Stories elaborating on incidents in the Bible, to derive a principle of Jewish law or provide a moral lesson.
Mishnah (MISH-nuh): An early written compilation of Jewish oral tradition, the basis of the Talmud.
Mishneh Torah (MISH-ne TOH-ruh; MISH-nay TOH-ruh): A code of Jewish law written by Rambam. One of the most respected compilations of Jewish law ever written.
Navi (pl. Nevi'im) (nah-VEE; n'-vee-EEM): From niv sefatayim meaning "fruit of the lips." A prophet. A spokesman for G-d, chosen to convey a message or teaching. Prophets were role models of holiness, scholarship and closeness to G-d. Also: A section of the Tanakh containing the writings of the prophets.
Old Testament: The Jewish Scriptures more or less correspond to what non-Jews call the "Old Testament." Jews call it Written Torah or the Tanakh.
Oral Torah (TOH-ruh): Jewish teachings explaining and elaborating on the Written Torah, handed down orally until the 2d century C.E., when they began to be written down in what became the Talmud.
Order: A division of the Mishnah and Talmud.
Parokhet: The curtain inside the Ark (cabinet where the Torah scrolls are kept).
Parshah (PAHR-shah): A weekly Torah portion read in synagogue. To find this week's portion, check the Current Calendar.
Pentecost: A festival commemorating the giving of the Torah and the harvest of the first fruits, known to Jews as Shavu'ot.
Pirkei Avot (PEER-kay ah-VOHT): Lit. Ethics of the Fathers. A tractate of the Mishnah devoted to ethical advice from many of the greatest rabbis of the early Talmudic period.
Pre-Marital Sex: Although the Torah does not prohibit pre-marital sex, Jewish tradition strongly condemns the irresponsibility of sex outside of the context of marriage. See Kosher Sex.
Prophets (n'-vee-EEM): 1) A spokesman for G-d, chosen to convey a message or teaching. Prophets were role models of holiness, scholarship and closeness to G-d; 2) A section of Jewish scripture containing the writings of the Prophets.
Responsa: Answers to specific questions of Jewish law, written by the most respected rabbis of their time.
Safek (sah-FEHK): Doubt or uncertainty in a matter of Jewish law. When there is safek in a matter of Torah law, you must be machmir (strict); when there is safek in a matter of rabbinic law, you may be makil (lenient). See The Difference Between Torah Law and Rabbinic Law.
Sanhedrin (sahn-HEE-drin): The "Supreme Court" of the ancient Jewish state, in the tradition established in Exodus chapter 18. According to tradition, the Oral Torah was given to Moses and passed on a continuous line to Joshua, then to the elders, then to the prophets then to the Sanhedrin. It decided difficult cases and cases of capital punishment. It also fixed the calendar, taking testimony to determine when a new month began.
Scriptures: The Jewish Bible, also referred to as the Tanakh. More or less corresponds to what non-Jews call the "Old Testament." See Torah.
Seder (SAY-d'r): Lit. order. 1) The family home ritual conducted as part of the Passover observance. 2) A division of the Mishnah and Talmud. See Pesach (Passover) and Pesach Seder: How Is This Night Different.
Shabbat Ha-Chodesh (shah-BAHT hah-CHOH-desh): The sabbath on which we read Parshat Ha-Chodesh, one of the Four Parshiyot, special Torah readings added to the weekly cycle of readings during the month before Pesach (Passover). Parshat Ha-Chodesh establishes the Hebrew calendar.
Shabbat Parah (shah-BAHT pah-RAH): The sabbath on which we read Parshat Parah, one of the Four Parshiyot, special Torah readings added to the weekly cycle of readings during the month before Pesach (Passover). Parshat Parah explains the procedure for the offering of the Red Heifer (Parah Adumah), a ritual of purification.
Shabbat Sheqalim (shah-BAHT sh'-kah-LEEM): The sabbath on which we read Parshat Sheqalim, one of the Four Parshiyot, special Torah readings added to the weekly cycle of readings during the month before Pesach (Passover). Parshat Sheqalim discusses the census conducted through donations of a half-shekel coin.
Shabbat Shirah (shah-BAHT SHEE-rah): Lit. The Sabbath of the Song. The sabbath when we read Parshat Beshalach as part of our regular weekly Torah readings. Parshat Beshalach contains the Song at the Sea, one of the ten true Songs in history.
Shabbat Zakhor (shah-BAHT zah-KHAWR): The sabbath on which we read Parshat Zakhor, one of the Four Parshiyot, special Torah readings added to the weekly cycle of readings during the month before Pesach (Passover). Parshat Zakhor contains the commandment regarding the tribe of Amalek.
Shammai (SHAH-mahy): One of the great rabbis of the Talmud. His stricter views of Jewish law are often contrasted with those of Hillel.
Shavu'ot (shuh-VOO-oht; shah-VOO-uhs): Lit. weeks. One of the Shalosh R'galim (three pilgrimage festivals), a festival commemorating the giving of the Torah and the harvest of the first fruits.
Shulchan Arukh (SHUL-khahn AH-rukh): A code of Jewish law written by Joseph Caro in the 16th century. The last of the great medieval codes of Jewish law, and one of the most respected compilations of Jewish law ever written.
Sidrah (SID-ruh): Lit. order. A weekly Torah portion read in synagogue.
Simchat Torah (SIM-khat TOH-ruh): Lit. rejoicing in the law. A holiday celebrating the end and beginning of the cycle of weekly Torah readings.
STA"M: A type style used in writing the Hebrew Alphabet, distinguished by crowns on certain letters. Used in Sifrei Torah, Tefillin and Mezuzot.
Talmud (TAHL-mud): The most significant collection of the Jewish oral tradition interpreting the Torah.
Tanakh (tuh-NAHKH): Acronym of Torah (Law), Nevi'im (Prophets) and Ketuvim (Writings). Written Torah, the three sections of the Jewish Bible, what gentiles call the Old Testament.
Torah (TOH-ruh): In its narrowest sense, Torah the first five books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy, sometimes called the Pentateuch or the Five Books of Moses. In its broadest sense, Torah is the entire body of Jewish teachings.
Torah Readings: Each week, a different portion of the Torah and the Prophets are read in synagogue.
Torah Scroll: The Torah (first five books of the Bible) that is read in synagogue is written on parchment on scrolls.
Tractate: A subdivision of the Mishnah and Talmud.
Trop (rhymes with cup or cope): Cantillation. The distinctive melodies used for chanting readings from the Torah and Haftarah. Also refers to the individual notations used to indicate the melody for a particular word or phrase, or more broadly to the entire system of notation. Referred to in Hebrew as ta'amim or ta'amei ha-miqra. See also Torah Readings.
Writings: A section of Jewish scripture containing various writings.
Written Torah (TOH-ruh): The scriptures that non-Jews call the Old Testament, that Jews often call the Tanakh (TNK). It includes the Torah (T, the first five books of Moses), the books of the Prophets (N, Nevi'im) and the Writings (K, Ketuvim). This is contrasted with Oral Torah, the traditions interpreting the written Torah that were not written down until later days.
Yad (YAHD): Lit. hand. Hand-shaped pointer used while reading from Torah scrolls.

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