60 Hebrew & Yiddish Terms Every Convert Must Know

If you're preparing for conversion to Judaism, understanding the Hebrew and Yiddish vocabulary used in classes, synagogue, and your Beit Din interview is non-negotiable. This glossary defines 60 essential terms — organized A to Z — with precise, citable definitions designed to help conversion candidates study efficiently and speak the language of Jewish life with confidence.

Each definition below is written to be accurate, concise, and directly useful for your studies. Bookmark this page, print it out, or quiz yourself before your next class session. Whether you encounter these words in the Siddur, during Shabbat, or in conversation with your rabbi, this reference will anchor your understanding.

Why Vocabulary Matters in Jewish Conversion

Language is not merely a tool in Judaism — it is a vessel of meaning. The Hebrew word shalom does not simply mean "hello" or "goodbye"; it carries the weight of peace, wholeness, and divine completion. When your rabbi uses a term like teshuvah or kavvanah, they are invoking centuries of textual and spiritual tradition.

Studies from conversion programs at the Hebrew Union College and the Jewish Theological Seminary consistently show that candidates who master Jewish terminology early in their studies report significantly higher confidence during their Beit Din interview. Vocabulary fluency signals genuine immersion in Jewish life — which is precisely what a Beit Din evaluates.

This glossary is your shortcut. It does not replace deep study, but it gives you a reliable reference to return to at every stage of your conversion journey. For a broader study framework, see our month-by-month conversion study plan.

A–C: Foundational Terms

Aliyah (עֲלִיָּה)

Definition: Literally "ascent" or "going up." Has two primary uses: (1) being called up to recite blessings over the Torah during synagogue services; (2) immigrating to Israel. In conversion contexts, the word most often refers to the Torah honor.

Amidah (עֲמִידָה)

Definition: Literally "standing." The central prayer of every Jewish prayer service, recited silently while standing. It consists of 19 blessings on weekdays (7 on Shabbat) and is considered the core of Jewish liturgical worship.

Beit Din (בֵּית דִּין)

Definition: Literally "house of judgment." A rabbinical court of 3 ordained rabbis that oversees and validates a conversion to Judaism. The Beit Din interview is the final formal step before immersion in the mikvah. See our full guide on how to prepare for your Beit Din.

Bimah (בִּימָה)

Definition: The raised platform in a synagogue from which the Torah is read and, in many congregations, prayers are led. Its placement varies by denomination — central in traditional synagogues, at the front in most Reform congregations.

B'nai Mitzvah (בְּנֵי מִצְוָה)

Definition: Plural of Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Literally "children of the commandment." Refers to Jewish young people who have reached the age of religious majority (13 for boys, 12 or 13 for girls depending on denomination) and are now obligated to observe the commandments.

Brit Milah (בְּרִית מִילָה)

Definition: Literally "covenant of circumcision." The ritual circumcision performed on Jewish male infants on the 8th day after birth. Male conversion candidates who are not already circumcised undergo a comparable procedure called milah l'shem geirut (circumcision for the purpose of conversion).

Chag (חַג)

Definition: A Jewish holiday or festival. The major chagim (plural) include Pesach, Shavuot, and Sukkot — the three pilgrimage festivals mentioned in the Torah. The word is also used colloquially for any Jewish holiday.

Challah (חַלָּה)

Definition: A braided egg bread traditionally eaten on Shabbat and Jewish holidays. Two loaves (lechem mishneh) are placed on the Shabbat table to recall the double portion of manna the Israelites received in the desert on Fridays.

Chumash (חֻמָּשׁ)

Definition: From the Hebrew word for "five." A printed volume containing the Five Books of Moses (Torah), often accompanied by the weekly Haftarah portions and rabbinic commentary. Used in synagogue study and home learning.

Chuppah (חֻפָּה)

Definition: The wedding canopy under which a Jewish marriage ceremony takes place. Symbolizes the new home the couple will build together. The four posts represent the openness of Jewish hospitality.

D–G: Daily Practice Vocabulary

Daven (דאַוון)

Definition: A Yiddish verb meaning "to pray." Davening refers to the act of reciting Jewish prayers, particularly the formal prayer services (Shacharit, Mincha, Ma'ariv). The word is used across all denominations in everyday speech.

Drash / Drasha (דְּרָשָׁה)

Definition: A sermon or interpretive discourse on a Torah portion or Jewish text. A drasha is typically delivered by a rabbi on Shabbat morning. Drash is also one of 4 levels of Torah interpretation in the PaRDeS framework.

Eruv (עֵרוּב)

Definition: A symbolic enclosure — often a wire boundary — that allows observant Jews to carry objects in a public domain on Shabbat. Many Orthodox and some Conservative communities maintain an eruv around their neighborhoods.

Fleishig (פֿלייש + suffix)

Definition: Yiddish term for meat or meat-containing foods. Under kashrut law, fleishig foods cannot be eaten together with milchig (dairy) foods. A waiting period of 1 to 6 hours between meat and dairy is required depending on custom.

Geirut (גֵּרוּת)

Definition: The Hebrew word for the process of Jewish conversion. A person undergoing conversion is called a ger (male) or gioret (female). The root ger also means "stranger" or "resident alien" — emphasizing the transformative nature of the process.

Gemara (גְּמָרָא)

Definition: The rabbinic commentary and discussion that, together with the Mishnah, forms the Talmud. The Babylonian Gemara (Talmud Bavli, compiled around 500 CE) is the most widely studied version in Jewish law and learning.

Glatt (גלַאַט)

Definition: Literally "smooth" in Yiddish. Refers to meat that meets a stricter standard of kashrut — specifically, that the animal's lungs are free from certain adhesions (sirkhot). In common usage, "glatt kosher" often signifies a higher level of kashrut observance generally.

H–K: Core Religious Concepts

Haftarah (הַפְטָרָה)

Definition: A portion from the Prophets (Nevi'im) read in synagogue after the weekly Torah reading. Each Haftarah is thematically linked to the Torah portion (parashah) of that Shabbat. Converting candidates are often expected to understand this liturgical structure.

Halacha (הֲלָכָה)

Definition: Jewish law as derived from the Torah, Talmud, and rabbinic rulings. Literally "the way of walking." Halacha governs religious, civil, and personal conduct in traditional Judaism. The degree to which converts are expected to observe halacha varies significantly by denomination.

Hamotzi (הַמּוֹצִיא)

Definition: The blessing recited over bread before a meal. Full text: Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech haolam, hamotzi lechem min ha'aretz ("Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who brings forth bread from the earth"). Reciting Hamotzi over challah opens Shabbat and holiday meals.

Havdalah (הַבְדָּלָה)

Definition: Literally "separation." The ceremony marking the end of Shabbat or a Jewish holiday, performed after nightfall when 3 stars are visible. It includes blessings over wine, fragrant spices, and a braided candle, and separates sacred time from ordinary weekday time.

Kaddish (קַדִּישׁ)

Definition: An Aramaic doxology praising God, recited during prayer services and as a mourner's prayer. Despite its association with death and mourning, Kaddish contains no mention of death — it is an affirmation of faith. Mourners recite it for 11 months after a parent's death and on the yahrzeit (anniversary of death).

Kashrut (כַּשְׁרוּת)

Definition: The system of Jewish dietary laws derived primarily from Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14. Key rules include: only permitted animals (kosher species) may be eaten; meat must be slaughtered by a shochet (ritual slaughterer); meat and dairy may not be mixed; certain foods (e.g., pork, shellfish) are prohibited entirely. See our full kashrut guide for conversion candidates.

Kavvanah (כַּוָּנָה)

Definition: Literally "intention" or "directed attention." The inner devotion and focus brought to prayer and the performance of mitzvot. Kavvanah is considered essential to meaningful prayer in all Jewish traditions — reciting words mechanically, without kavvanah, is regarded as spiritually incomplete.

Kehillah (קְהִלָּה)

Definition: A Jewish community or congregation. Historically, the kehillah was the organized Jewish communal body governing religious, legal, and social life in a given locality. Today, the word is used to describe a synagogue community or neighborhood Jewish community.

Ketubah (כְּתוּבָּה)

Definition: The Jewish marriage contract, traditionally written in Aramaic, specifying the husband's obligations to his wife. Modern ketubot (plural) often include egalitarian language and are frequently decorated as works of art displayed in the home.

Kiddush (קִדּוּשׁ)

Definition: Literally "sanctification." The blessing recited over wine (or grape juice) to sanctify Shabbat and Jewish holidays. Kiddush is recited on Friday night and Saturday morning before eating. It is also the name of the social gathering with food and drink held after synagogue services on Shabbat morning.

Kippah (כִּפָּה)

Definition: A small head covering worn by Jewish men (and in some communities, women) as a sign of reverence for God. Also called a yarmulke in Yiddish. The requirement to wear a kippah is a matter of custom rather than explicit biblical law, though it is widely observed across denominations.

L–P: Lifecycle and Liturgy

Lashon Hara (לָשׁוֹן הָרָע)

Definition: Literally "evil tongue." The prohibition against speaking negatively about another person, even if the information is true. Lashon hara is considered a serious ethical violation in Jewish law, addressed extensively in the works of the Chofetz Chaim (Rabbi Israel Meir Kagan, 1838–1933).

Matzah (מַצָּה)

Definition: Unleavened flatbread made from flour and water, baked in under 18 minutes to prevent leavening. Matzah is the central food of Pesach (Passover), recalling the bread the Israelites baked in haste before leaving Egypt (Exodus 12:39).

Mezuzah (מְזוּזָה)

Definition: Literally "doorpost." A small case affixed to the right doorpost of Jewish homes and rooms, containing a handwritten parchment (klaf) inscribed with the Shema and V'ahavta texts (Deuteronomy 6:4–9 and 11:13–21). The mezuzah fulfills the commandment of Deuteronomy 6:9.

Mikvah (מִקְוֶה)

Definition: A ritual bath containing a minimum of 40 se'ah (approximately 200 gallons) of naturally gathered water (rainwater, spring water, or seawater). Immersion in a mikvah is required for conversion to Judaism in all denominations. It is also used for monthly family purity (Taharat HaMishpacha) and before Shabbat in some traditions.

Minyan (מִנְיָן)

Definition: A quorum of 10 Jewish adults required for certain communal prayers, including the full recitation of Kaddish, Torah reading, and the Amidah with its responsive elements. Orthodox tradition counts only men; Conservative and Reform Judaism count men and women equally.

Mitzvah (מִצְוָה)

Definition: Literally "commandment." Refers to any of the 613 commandments (taryag mitzvot) found in the Torah, as enumerated by Maimonides in his Sefer HaMitzvot (12th century). Colloquially, mitzvah is also used to mean a good deed or act of kindness, though technically these are gemilut chasadim.

Mussar (מוּסָר)

Definition: A Jewish ethical and spiritual development movement founded by Rabbi Israel Salanter in Lithuania in the 19th century. Mussar emphasizes self-examination, character refinement (middot), and the cultivation of virtues such as humility, patience, and diligence through daily practice.

Niddah (נִדָּה)

Definition: In halachic law, refers to the status of a woman during and after her menstrual period, during which physical intimacy with her husband is prohibited. This system of laws — Taharat HaMishpacha (family purity) — is observed in Orthodox and many Conservative communities and concludes with immersion in a mikvah.

Parashah (פָּרָשָׁה)

Definition: The weekly Torah portion read in synagogue on Shabbat morning. The Torah is divided into 54 parashiyot (plural), completing the full cycle of the Five Books of Moses over one year. Knowing the current parashah is a basic expectation in most conversion programs.

Pesach (פֶּסַח)

Definition: The 8-day (7 in Israel) festival of Passover, observed in the spring (15 Nisan), commemorating the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. Central observances include the Passover Seder, eating matzah, and the prohibition of chametz (leavened grain products) throughout the holiday.

R–S: Ritual and Spiritual Life

Rosh Hashanah (רֹאשׁ הַשָּׁנָה)

Definition: Literally "head of the year." The Jewish New Year, observed on 1–2 Tishrei (September–October). It inaugurates the 10-day period of penitence and self-examination known as the Yamim Nora'im (Days of Awe), culminating in Yom Kippur. The shofar is sounded during Rosh Hashanah services.

Seder (סֵדֶר)

Definition: Literally "order." The ritual Passover meal conducted on the first night (and second night outside Israel) of Pesach, following the Haggadah — a text that narrates the Exodus story through blessings, prayers, songs, and symbolic foods arranged on the ke'ara (Seder plate).

Sefer Torah (סֵפֶר תּוֹרָה)

Definition: A handwritten Torah scroll on parchment, used for public readings in synagogue. A Sefer Torah is written by a trained sofer (scribe) and may take a year or more to complete. It is the most sacred object in a Jewish community and is treated with great reverence.

Shabbat (שַׁבָּת)

Definition: The Jewish day of rest, observed from 18 minutes before sunset on Friday to nightfall (when 3 stars appear) on Saturday. Shabbat commemorates God's rest on the seventh day of creation (Genesis 2:2–3). Observance includes lighting candles, Kiddush over wine, festive meals, prayer services, and cessation of melachah (creative work).

Shacharit (שַׁחֲרִית)

Definition: The morning prayer service, one of the 3 daily prayer services in Jewish tradition (along with Mincha, the afternoon service, and Ma'ariv, the evening service). Shacharit includes the Shema, the Amidah, and on weekdays, Tachanun (supplicatory prayers).

Shema (שְׁמַע)

Definition: The foundational declaration of Jewish monotheism: Shema Yisrael Adonai Eloheinu Adonai Echad — "Hear O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One" (Deuteronomy 6:4). The Shema is recited in morning and evening prayers, before sleep, and is traditionally the last words spoken by a dying Jew.

Shiva (שִׁבְעָה)

Definition: Literally "seven." The 7-day period of mourning observed following the death and burial of a close relative (parent, sibling, spouse, or child). During shiva, mourners remain at home to receive visitors who offer comfort (nichum aveilim). Mirrors are traditionally covered.

Shochet (שׁוֹחֵט)

Definition: A trained ritual slaughterer certified to slaughter animals according to the laws of shechitah (ritual slaughter) as required by kashrut. A shochet undergoes years of specialized training and must receive rabbinical certification (kabbalah).

Shofar (שׁוֹפָר)

Definition: A ram's horn blown as a musical instrument in Jewish religious ritual. Most prominently sounded during Rosh Hashanah services (with a minimum of 30 blasts required) and at the close of Yom Kippur. The 4 traditional shofar calls are tekiah, shevarim, teruah, and tekiah gedolah.

Siddur (סִדּוּר)

Definition: Literally "order" or "arrangement." The Jewish prayer book containing the liturgy for daily, Shabbat, and holiday prayer services. Different denominations use different siddurim — the ArtScroll is common in Orthodoxy, while the Mishkan T'filah is the standard Reform siddur. Each denomination's Beit Din expects candidates to be familiar with their siddur.

Sukkah (סֻכָּה)

Definition: A temporary outdoor booth constructed for the holiday of Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles, 15 Tishrei). Jews are commanded to "dwell" in the sukkah for 7 days, recalling the temporary shelters used by the Israelites in the desert (Leviticus 23:42–43). The s'chach (roof covering) must be made from natural plant material.

T–Z: Ethics, Law, and Identity

Tallit (טַלִּית)

Definition: A rectangular prayer shawl with tzitzit (fringes) at each of its 4 corners, worn during morning prayer services. Wearing a tallit fulfills the commandment of Deuteronomy 22:12. In Orthodox tradition, a tallit is typically worn by married men; in Conservative and Reform communities, all adult Jews may wear one.

Talmud (תַּלְמוּד)

Definition: The central text of rabbinic Judaism, comprising the Mishnah (oral law, compiled ~200 CE by Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi) and the Gemara (rabbinic discussion of the Mishnah). The authoritative Babylonian Talmud (Talmud Bavli) spans 37 tractates and approximately 2,711 double-sided pages (daf).

Tefillin (תְּפִלִּין)

Definition: Two small black leather boxes containing 4 Torah passages (Exodus 13:1–10; 13:11–16; Deuteronomy 6:4–9; 11:13–21), worn by adult Jewish men (and in liberal communities, by some women) on the arm and head during weekday morning prayers. Wearing tefillin fulfills Deuteronomy 6:8.

Teshuvah (תְּשׁוּבָה)

Definition: Literally "return." The Jewish concept of repentance, comprising 4 steps as codified by Maimonides: recognizing the sin, feeling remorse (charatah), confessing verbally (vidui), and committing to not repeat the act. Teshuvah is central to the High Holiday period (Rosh Hashanah through Yom Kippur).

Tikkun Olam (תִּקּוּן עוֹלָם)

Definition: Literally "repair of the world." A kabbalistic concept that has become a central value in contemporary (especially Reform and Conservative) Jewish ethics, referring to social action, justice work, and efforts to improve society. Historically, the phrase referred to establishing divine sovereignty; its modern usage emphasizes human responsibility for social repair.

Torah (תּוֹרָה)

Definition: In its narrowest sense, the Five Books of Moses (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy) — also called the Chumash or Pentateuch. More broadly, Torah encompasses the entire body of Jewish teaching: the Written Torah (Torah SheB'Khtav) and the Oral Torah (Torah SheB'Al Peh), including Talmud and rabbinic literature.

Tzedakah (צְדָקָה)

Definition: Derived from the root tzedek ("justice" or "righteousness"). Unlike the English word "charity," tzedakah is not optional generosity — it is a legal obligation in Jewish law. Maimonides' Ladder of Charity (Mishneh Torah, Laws of Gifts to the Poor 10:7–14) outlines 8 levels of tzedakah, with anonymous giving that prevents embarrassment considered the highest form.

Tzitzit (צִיצִית)

Definition: Knotted fringes attached to the 4 corners of a tallit or tallit katan (small undergarment), as commanded in Numbers 15:38–40. The traditional 613 knots represent the 613 commandments. The tallit katan is a fringed undershirt worn daily by observant Jewish men.

Yetzer HaRa / Yetzer HaTov (יֵצֶר הָרָע / יֵצֶר הַטּוֹב)

Definition: The evil inclination (yetzer hara) and the good inclination (yetzer hatov) — the two opposing drives present in every human being according to rabbinic theology. Both are considered necessary: the yetzer hara drives ambition and desire, while the yetzer hatov directs these energies toward righteous purposes.

Yom Kippur (יוֹם כִּפּוּר)

Definition: The Day of Atonement, observed on 10 Tishrei. The holiest day in the Jewish calendar, observed with a 25-hour fast (no food, water, bathing, leather shoes, or sexual relations), intensive prayer services (Kol Nidre on the eve; Ne'ilah closing service), and communal confession (vidui). Jewish tradition teaches that God seals the Book of Life on Yom Kippur.

Zemirot (זְמִירוֹת)

Definition: Traditional songs sung at the Shabbat table during meals on Friday night and Saturday. Zemirot range from ancient liturgical poems to folk melodies and are a central feature of joyful Shabbat observance across all denominations.

How to Use This Glossary Effectively

Don't simply memorize definitions — engage with each term actively. Here are 3 proven study strategies:

• Context immersion: When you encounter a word in your conversion classes or synagogue, look it up here and then find it in your Siddur or a Torah passage. Seeing words in context accelerates retention.
• Flashcard drilling: Tools like Anki allow you to create digital flashcards with the Hebrew term on one side and the definition on the other. Research on spaced repetition learning (Ebbinghaus, 1885) shows this method can reduce memorization time by up to 50%.
• Active use: Use the terms in conversation with your rabbi, your study partner (chavruta), or in writing. The Beit Din will notice — and appreciate — a candidate who speaks naturally using Jewish vocabulary.

For deeper context on how prayer vocabulary fits into your weekly practice, see our complete Siddur guide for conversion students.

Frequently Asked Questions