Pronunciation - Page 4 of 7

amoraim

amoraim pl. n. Aramaic (ah-MOE-rah-eem) Literally, “explainers.” The ancient rabbis who are quoted in the Gemara, the legal and ethical commentaries on the Mishnah. Amoraim are contrasted with the tannaim, ancient rabbis who are quoted in the Mishnah. The Mishnah and Gemara compose the two sections of Jewish law known as the Talmud. plural noun …

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Amidah

Jewish Words / By Youssef Matta

Amidah n. Hebrew (ah-MEE-dah) Literally, “standing.” A silent or whispered prayer said while standing. The Amidah, considered the centerpiece of the synagogue service, is a plea to God to fulfill spiritual and physical needs, as well as those of the Land of Israel. It is said three times a day in synagogue, and in an …

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am ha-eretz

Jewish Words, Places / By Youssef Matta

am ha-eretz n. Hebrew (am hah-ARE-etz) Literally “people of the land.” A derogatory term, which originated during the time of the Second Temple, for the common people who were neither learned in Torah nor religiously pious. The opposite of haver. noun Eisenberg, J., Scolnic, E., & Jewish Publication Society. (2001). The JPS dictionary of Jewish …

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American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (the Joint)

Jewish Words / By Youssef Matta

American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (the Joint) n. English Created in 1914 by the merger of several war relief organizations, the Joint’s original purpose was to raise funds for war victims and refugees. Today, the Joint sponsors programs of relief, rescue, and reconstruction in the State of Israel and around the world. Many of its …

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American Jewish Congress (AJC)

Jewish Words, Places / By Youssef Matta

American Jewish Congress (AJC) n. English A national volunteer organization, the American Jewish Congress protects fundamental constitutional freedoms by promoting legislation to preserve religious freedom and the separation of church and state. It also litigates cases with significant civil rights or First Amendment issues. noun Eisenberg, J., Scolnic, E., & Jewish Publication Society. (2001). The …

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American Jewish Committee (AJC)

Jewish Words, Places / By Youssef Matta

American Jewish Committee (AJC) n. English Established in 1906 in response to hundreds of pogroms in Russia, the American Jewish Committee works to fight anti-Semitism, safeguard principles of democracy, and nurture pluralism and cooperative relationships among diverse ethnic and religious groups. The AJC also publishes Commentary, a journal of political thought. noun Eisenberg, J., Scolnic, …

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American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC)

Jewish Words, Places / By Youssef Matta

American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) n. English A registered political action committee since the 1940s, AIPAC lobbies the United States government on behalf of the State of Israel. AIPAC’s goal is to protect Israel’s interests on issues such as foreign aid, sales of military items, treaties, and such. noun Eisenberg, J., Scolnic, E., & …

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amen

Jewish Words / By Youssef Matta

amen int. Hebrew (ah-MEN) Literally, “so be it.” The word said in unison by a congregation in response to a prayer to signify solemn agreement. According to the Talmud, “amen” is an acrostic of the three Hebrew words El Melekh Ne’eman (The Lord is a trustworthy King). It is sometimes pronounced awe-MAIN. int. interjection Eisenberg, …

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alter-kacker

Jewish Words / By Youssef Matta

alter-kacker n. Yiddish (AHL-ter COCK-er) A vulgar expression, literally meaning “old shitter”; equivalent to the English expression “old fart.” Used to describe a fussy, crotchety old man, or sometimes a dirty old man. Sometimes abbreviated as “A.K.” Old-fashioned usage. noun Eisenberg, J., Scolnic, E., & Jewish Publication Society. (2001). The JPS dictionary of Jewish words. …

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aliyah

Jewish Words / By Youssef Matta

aliyah n. Hebrew (ah-LEE-yah); pl. aliyot (ah-lee-YOTE) Literally, “to go up.” 1. The honor of being called up to the bimah to recite the blessings before and after the Torah reading. The term is often also used for any of the other rituals associated with reading the Torah, including hagbah and gelilah. During a synagogue …

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