Glossary of Words and Terms
Aggadoh: Talmudic writings dealing with not directly legal Torah topics (such as Torah ideas, ideals, attitudes, ethics and morality; inspirational teachings and stories; G-d's plan in creation history and life of the individual; the afterlife, messianic age, the world to come etc. etc.) Ahavas Torah: Love of Torah Ahavas Yisroel: Love of Jews/ of The Jewish people Avodah, Avodas Hashem: Service of G-d Ba'alei Batim: Laymen - often refers to the supporters of Yeshivos Bais Hamikdosh: The temple Bais Medrash: Study hall Bais Medrash Govoha of Lakewood NJ: The institute of advanced Torah study founded by Rabbi Aharon Kotler (see Overview) Ben Olom Habo, Olom Haba Yid: Someone worthy of eternal reward in the after-life Bimah: Podium Bizyonos: Humiliations Blatt shiur: Lecture geared to the text of Talmud rather than focusing on a Talmudic topic Ben [Bnei] Torah: Torah student[s] - Torah personality Bochur: Unmarried young man, usually Yeshiva student Borchu: Praise of Hashem found in prayer liturgy Chaburah: Group - usually a Torah study group Chachmei Hadoros: Torah scholars throughout the generations Chas V'sholom: G-d forbid Chasidisher Yid: Chasidic Jew Chaver Hakollel: Member of a Kollel (see Kollel) Chazal: Sages of the Talmud Chesed: Kind deed Chidushei Torah: Torah insights Chofetz Chaim the: refers to R' Yisroel Meyer HaCohen, Pre WWII sage who authored a classic halocha work by the name Chofetz Chaim Chumosh: One or all of the five books of Moses Da'as Elokim: Clear knowledge and awareness of G-d [and the Torah outlook] Daven: Pray[er] Einekel, Einiklach: Grandchild[ren] Erev Pesach: Day before Passover Erlach: Sincerely religious and trustworthy Emunah: Belief (in G-d and Torah) Farher: Exam Gemorah: Portion or Tractate of Talmud Godol: Great Torah scholar and personality Godol HaDor: The leading Torah personality of his time Halocha: Jewish law Hanhogah: A practice Harbotzas Torah: Dissemination of Torah knowledge Hashkofa: [Torah] outlook Hatzola: To save someone Hashem [Yisborach]: G-d [may his name be blessed] Hesped: Eulogy Histapkus: Being satisfied with whatever one has Igros: Letters [Torah is the] Ikkor: Main thing Katnunius: Pettiness (As in the Hebrew "katon" - small) Kano'i: One who cares and takes up for Hashem, His Torah and His people zealously Kedusha: Holiness Kiddush Hashem: Sanctify [give a good impression about] G-d [and his Torah] Klal Yisroel: The Jewish people Kollel: A Yeshiva for married men (which provides some financial support) Kovod HaTorah: Respect for Torah Lakewood: see "Bais Medrash Govoha" Levayah: Funeral L'havdil Bein Chayim L'chayim: To mention the living and the dead separately Lilmod - L'lameid: To learn - to teach [Torah] Lomdei Torah: Torah students Lomdus: Deeper understanding of Talmud Loshon Hora: derogatory speech Lsheim Shomayim: Acting [solely] for the sake of Hashem [and not for personal interests] Ma'amad Har Sinai: When the Jewish Nation received the Torah from G-d at Mt. Sinai Ma'amar: Discourse on an Aggadic Topic[s] Maran: A title meaning our teacher Mashgiach: Literally overseer [either of kashrus or a position to oversee and guide students in a Yeshiva] Menagen: Someone who sings well Michabdoh yoser m'gufo: refers to the Talmudic obligation to [love one's wife as oneself and] honor her [provide for her "self-respect" needs] more than he does himself Midos Tovos: Good character traits Min Hashomayim: From Heaven Mishnas Rav Aharon: The Halocha and Aggodah works and discourses of Rav Aharon Kotler Mizrach: East[ern wall of a synagogue] Mussar: Introspection, self-improvement [and the study of Torah works dealing with this] [A] Mussar haskel: A lesson that can be derived [from an occurrence etc.] M'soras Ovos: A tradition [from one's parents - predecessors] Nachas: Pleasure - usually pleasure because a loved one is doing well Neshoma: Soul Nigun: Jewish song, tune O.H. oleho Hasholom: May he/she have peace in the after-life Ohl Torah: The yoke of Torah study Pilpul: The give and take of Torah study Prishus: Abstinence from materialistic pleasures Prishus Ad K'tzei Ho'Acharon: Abstinence to the Nth degree P'sak Din: Torah ruling Rabban Shel Yisroel: Teacher of Israel [a sage] Rav: Rabbi Rebbitzin: Wife of a Rav Rosh Yeshiva: Head [lecturer] of a Yeshiva Seudoh[os]: (Shabbos, Yom Tov, Wedding) meal[s] Sefer, (Sforim): Book(s) Shiduch: Engagement (or the suggestion or consideration of a "match") Shliach: Emissary Shlita: Hebrew acrostic meaning: may he live a long good life {usually used for a personage} Shiur[im]: Talmudic lecture[s] Sholom: Peace, harmony, good will [it is also a greeting] Shmuess: Mussar Talk Shteig: Grow [spiritually; in Torah knowledge etc.] Simcha [s HaTorah]: Happiness [with Torah] Simchas Torah: A holiday when Jews rejoice with the Torah Sofer: Scribe Sugya: Talmudic topic Tachlis Hachayim: Purpose of life Talmid: Student Talmid Chachom: Torah scholar [plural Talmidei Chachamim] Tanach: Bible [Torah, Nviim, Ksuvim] Tfilla: Prayer Tochacha: Rebuke Torah, Torah Lishmoh: [Torah Study] for its intrinsic value as the word of G-d and as a fulfillment of His will Tshuvos: Responsae Tzadik[im]: Righteous person(s) [The] Vilna Gaon: Rabbi Elijah of Vilna - widely considered the greatest Torah scholar of modern times Vort: Torah comment Yahrtzeit: Date of death Yam: Ocean Yibodeil Lchayim [Tovim]: May he be separated [from the aforementioned deceased] for [a good] life Yiddishkeit: Judaism Yiras Shomayim [and Hachno'oh]: awareness and fear of G-d and His commands [and subservience] Yom Hazikoron: Date of death [when memorial talks are given] Yom(im) Tov(im): Jewish Holiday(s) Yomim Noraim: High Holidays (Rosh Hashonoh and Yom Kippur) lit. days of awe Z[T]L / zichrono/oh [zecher tzadik] livrocho: May his/her memory be a blessing, or when we mention a Tzadik/righteous person/ we bless him/her Ziddling: Berating Zocheh: To merit
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