There are tons of new words to learn when becoming religious, and often, even when we are already using them we might not sure what they totally mean. Use this guide so you never feel lost again. Are we missing something? Comment here and we’ll add it!
One important note, in Ashkenazi circles, the Yiddish version of the word is often used, which has an “s” at the end. (I.e. Shabbos vs. Shabbat). Here, we’re using the Hebrew or Sephardi versions of each word that falls into that category.
achrayut: responsibility
baalei teshuva: returnees to Judaism
bashert: soulmate
bechira: free will
brachot: blessings
chametz: bread products
chareidi: strictly Torah-observant Jews
chesed: acts of loving kindness
chizuk: strength or encouragement
chumrot: religious stringencies
chutzpadik: brazen
emunah: faith
frum: religiously observant
gashmiyut: materialism
gemach: free loan association
hakarat hatov: gratitude
halacha: Jewish law
hashgacha pratis: Divine providence
hishtadlut: effort
kallah: bride
kiruv: outreach
lashon hara: gossip
mashal: parable
middot: character traits
mikvah: ritual bath
parasha: weekly Torah portion
pareve: not meat or dairy; neutral
sedarim: scheduled learning sessions
shalom bayit: peace in the home
she’eilot: questions
sheitel: wig
sheitel macher: someone who styles wigs
shidduch: match
shomer negia: refraining from touching the other gender
tovel: to immerse dishes in a mikvah before use
tzanua: modest
tzniut: modesty
Yiddishkeit: Judaism