Jewish Dictionary

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What Exactly Is a Jewish Dictionary Anyway?!

There are English dictionaries, Hebrew dictionaries, Yiddish dictionaries, and even Hebrew-English and English-Hebrew dictionaries. But have you heard of the "Jewish Dictionary"?

This Dictionary - as it is popularly known - is composed of myriads of words, phrases, and expressions typically used by Jewish people. Some members of this Jewish lexicon have their root in Hebrew or Yiddish, while others are modern slang; still other utterances are taken straight from the prayer book, the Bible, or Tanakh. From old and traditional to New-Age and contemporary, the Jewish lexicon captures the flavor of Jewish life, Jewish concepts, and Jewish values.

Vocabulary for All Occasions

In Judaism, there are rituals, objects, ceremonies, prayers, greetings, traditions, and customs, each with their own unique set of words, phrases, expressions, and colloquialisms that capture the essence of the Jewish experience. From everyday life to holidays to any and all occasions, there is a word in the Jewish Dictionary that fits the bill.

Common Words and Phrases

If you are listening in on a conversation between Jews, don't be surprised if you hear some of the following typical Jewish words and sayings. To help you out, here are some translations and explanations straight from… the Jewish Dictionary!

Shalom: (The most well-known word in the Jewish world) Literally means "peace"; also used to say "hello" and "goodbye"

Shabbat Shalom: A Peaceful Sabbath (A greeting used throughout the Jewish Sabbath, which begins Friday at sundown and concludes Saturday at sunset)

Shavua Tov: A Good Week (This greeting is used at the conclusion of the Jewish Sabbath and as the new week begins)

Chag Sameach: Joyous Holiday (A greeting appropriate on most Jewish holidays, and especially on the joyous festivals of Sukkot, Shavuot, and Passover)

Shana Tova: A Good Year! (A phrase you will hear frequently throughout the period of the Jewish High Holidays, beginning on Rosh HaShana, the Jewish New Year, and ending on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement)

Mazel Tov: (The second best-known phrase in the Jewish world) This traditional expression of "Congratulations" is sounded at engagements, weddings, the birth of a baby, a Bar Mitvah or Bat Mitzvah, graduation from high school or college, a job promotion, and on many more happy occasions.

Oy Vay: An expression of dismay or exasperation popular nowadays both within and without the Jewish community. Loosely translated as "Oh, no!" "Woe is me," and "Ahhh!"

L'Chayim: To Life! Next time you make a toast, toss the generic "Cheers" salutation aside. Remembering this most famous and favorite Jewish expression, raise your glass, and chime in with your fellow mates: Le'Chayim! To Life!

Try out this Jewish Dictionary

Quotes about Strength in Hard Times

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