Glossary of Jewish Terms I Use Often
Chametz – Leavened grain products (like bread, pasta, or beer) that are forbidden on Passover. Symbolically, chametz represents pride or spiritual “puffiness,” and cleaning it out before the holiday is both a physical and inner process.
Chelev – Specific forbidden fats from an animal’s internal organs that may not be eaten, even if the animal is slaughtered properly. This prohibition is considered very serious in Jewish law.
Cohen / Cohanim – The priests descended from Aaron, Moses’ brother. They had special responsibilities in the Temple (Mishkan), including offering sacrifices, maintaining ritual purity, and performing blessings.
Golden Calf – A major moment in the Torah when the Israelites, fearing Moses wouldn’t return from Mount Sinai, built a golden idol to worship. It’s seen as a deep spiritual betrayal and is often referenced as a symbol of misdirected passion or impulse.
Half-Shekel – A small silver coin that each Israelite was commanded to give as part of a census and as an offering. It's often seen as a symbol of equality—everyone gave the same, rich or poor—and dedication to communal responsibility.
Korban – A sacrificial offering brought to the Temple in biblical times. There were different types—some to say thank you, some to say sorry, some just to feel close to God. The word korban comes from a root meaning “to come near.”
Mincha – A grain offering, typically made from fine flour and oil. Unlike animal sacrifices, parts of the Mincha were burned on the altar, and the rest could be eaten by the Cohanim.
Mishkan – The portable sanctuary (or “traveling desert temple”) built by the Israelites in the wilderness. It was the spiritual center of the community where offerings were brought and God's presence dwelled.
Moshe – The Hebrew name for Moses, the great leader of the Israelites, who brought the Torah down from Mount Sinai. You’ll often see “Moshe” in Jewish texts and teachings.
Olah – A burnt offering, completely consumed by fire on the altar. It was offered daily and signified devotion and surrender to God.
Parsha / Parshiot – Hebrew for “portion.” Refers to one of the 54 weekly sections of the Torah (the first five books of the Bible). Each week, Jewish communities around the world read and study a different Parsha, completing the Torah each year.
Ramban – A 13th-century Spanish rabbi and commentator, also known as Nachmanides (not to be confused with Rambam, a 12th century Egyptian rabbi and commentator, also knowsn as Maimonides.) He’s famous for blending rational explanations of the Torah with mystical insights.
Shabbat – The Jewish Sabbath, a weekly day of rest from Friday evening to Saturday night. It's about pausing from work, enjoying meals, prayer, and time with loved ones—and spiritually recharging.
Shelamim – A peace or well-being offering. Portions were burned on the altar, but much of the meat was eaten by the person bringing the sacrifice, often as part of a celebratory meal with family and friends.
Tabernacle – The English word often used for the Mishkan. It was the sacred space where offerings were made and God's presence dwelled during the Israelites' journey in the desert.
Talmud – A central text of rabbinic Judaism, made up of the Mishnah (early legal code) and the Gemara (discussion and commentary). It’s full of debate, wisdom, stories, and deep interpretation—and remains the backbone of Jewish learning and law.