Aliyah: Literally means “going up” – in the case of a Shabbat morning service, it refers to “going up” (physically and spiritually!) for the honor of blessing the Torah. (Plural: aliyot)
Ark: The cabinet situated in the center of the east wall of the synagogue in which the scrolls of the Torah are kept.
Bar/Bat Mitzvah: Son/daughter of the commandment.
Bimah: Pulpit, the raised platform in front of the sanctuary.
D’var Torah: English interpretation of Torah portion and its relevance in our lives.
Haftarah: The weekly portion from the Prophets that is read after the reading of the Torah.
Kiddush: Literally, “sanctification.” Blessing over the wine.
Mattan Parashah: The granting of the Torah portion during a Shabbat service for our upcoming B’nai Mitzvah students.
Mitzvah: Commandment; a religious and moral obligation to be responsible to Jewish observance, teachings, and practices. (Plural: mitzvot)
Oneg Shabbat: Literally, “Joy of the Sabbath.” A special celebration held following services, including refreshments.
Simcha: Joyous event.
Torah: The five books of Moses; the scroll from which the Torah reading is conducted.
Tzedakah: Righteousness, helping, and giving – in various forms including time or money.