Glossary Terms

laws whose purpose is not so easy to divine, such as laws against wearing wool and linen together or eating non-kosher foods. See also: mishpatim

The Torah in book form.

A wedding canopy. Sometimes the word refers to the whole marriage ceremony.

The descendants of Jacob (who was known as Israel). The name ‘Jewish people’ is used for the Israelites after they received the Torah.

The biblical and modern name for the area of land covering much of central Israel including Jerusalem and the Palestinian controlled West Bank. The name originates from the tribe of Judah.

A prayer said by mourners and in synagogue services to separate one section of prayer from another.

A Jewish marriage document.

A prayer said over wine.

‘Suitable’ or ‘fit’ according to Jewish law, often used to describe permitted foods.

A Jewish funeral.