A Guide to Hebrew terms
Basic Hebrew Words & Phrases
- Shalom (שָׁלוֹם) – “Peace,” used as hello or goodbye.
- L’Chaim (לְחַיִּים) – “To life!” — a joyful toast.
- Kippah (כִּיפָּה) – A skullcap worn during prayer or always by some Jewish men.
- Kiddush (קִדּוּשׁ) – Blessing over wine to sanctify Shabbat/holidays.
- Kosher (כָּשֵׁר) – Food or items permitted under Jewish law.
- Mazel Tov (מַזָּל טוֹב) – “Good luck / congratulations.”
- Mitzvah (מִצְוָה) – A commandment or “good deed.”
- Tzedakah (צְדָקָה) – Righteous giving or charity.
- Shabbat (שַׁבָּת) – The weekly day of rest (Friday evening to Saturday night).
Ani Ledodi
A phrase from Song of Songs (circa 951 BCE), traditionally translated as “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine.” While often associated with romantic love, its deeper meaning reflects the eternal bond between Gd and the Jewish people.
Am Yisrael Chai (עַם יִשְׂרָאֵל חַי)
“The people of Israel live!” — an affirmation of Jewish endurance.
Bar/Bat Mitzvah (בַּר/בַּת מִצְוָה)
Coming-of-age ceremony for boys (Bar) and girls (Bat).
Chai
In Hebrew, chai means “life.” Made of the letters Chet and Yud, its numerical value is 18, a number symbolizing life in Judaism. Gifts are often given in multiples of 18 as a blessing for life.
Dreidel
A Yiddish word for the spinning top played during Hanukkah (Hebrew: Sevivon). Its four Hebrew letters—Nun, Gimmel, Hei, Shin—stand for “A great miracle happened there.” In Israel, Shin is replaced with Peh: “A great miracle happened here.”
Etrog & Lulav (Four Species)
The citron (etrog) and palm, myrtle, and willow branches used together on Sukkot to symbolize unity.
Evil Eye (Ayin Hara)
Refers to harm caused by jealousy or ill intent. Jewish tradition often counters it by saying bli ayin hara (“without the evil eye”). Evil Eye jewelry symbolizes the Good Eye (Ayin Tov), worn for protection and blessing.
Hamsa
A hand-shaped symbol common in Middle Eastern cultures. In Judaism, it is often associated with the Hand of Miriam and represents protection, blessing, and watchfulness.
Hanukkah Menorah (Hanukkiah)
A special menorah used for Hanukkah with eight equal branches and a ninth helper candle (shamash). It commemorates the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days in the Holy Temple.
Hoshen
Also known as the Breastplate of Judgment, worn by the High Priest in the Holy Temple. It was set with twelve stones, each representing one of the Twelve Tribes of Israel.
Jerusalem (Yerushalayim)
The eternal capital of Israel and spiritual center of the Jewish people. Home to the Holy Temples, it remains a symbol of faith, longing, and continuity throughout Jewish history.
Kabbalah
Meaning “that which is received,” Kabbalah refers to the mystical tradition of Judaism. Its central text is the Zohar, exploring spiritual dimensions of the Torah and creation.
Kiddush
A blessing recited over wine or grape juice to sanctify Shabbat and Jewish holidays. It is traditionally said using a dedicated Kiddush cup, often crafted in silver.
Kotel (Western Wall)
The last remaining wall of the Holy Temple complex in Jerusalem. Considered the closest accessible place to the Holy of Holies, it is a global site of prayer and reflection.
Lion of Judah
A symbol of strength and leadership rooted in Jacob’s blessing to his son Judah. The lion represents Jewish kingship and is the emblem of the city of Jerusalem.
Menorah
The seven-branched candelabrum used in the Holy Temple, lit daily with pure olive oil. It is one of the most enduring symbols of Judaism and appears on Israel’s national emblem.
Mezuzah
A parchment scroll containing the Shema prayer, affixed to the doorposts of Jewish homes. While the case is decorative, the scroll inside is the sacred element.
Pomegranate (Rimon)
One of the Seven Species of Israel. The pomegranate symbolizes abundance and good deeds, and is traditionally eaten on Rosh Hashanah as a blessing for a fruitful year.
Priestly Blessing (Birkat Kohanim)
A blessing recited by descendants of Aaron, asking for divine protection, grace, and peace. It remains a powerful ritual in Jewish prayer services today.
Shabbat
The Jewish day of rest, observed from Friday sunset to Saturday night. Marked by candle lighting, prayer, and family meals, Shabbat is a weekly sanctuary of rest and holiness.
Shema Yisrael
“Hear O Israel, the Lrd is our Gd, the Lrd is One.” This declaration of faith is central to Judaism and recited daily.
Star of David (Magen David)
A six-pointed star formed by two interlocking triangles. Known as the Shield of David, it symbolizes divine protection and Jewish identity, and appears on the flag of Israel.
Tallit
A prayer shawl worn during morning services, featuring tzitzit on its four corners. It symbolizes being enveloped in holiness and divine protection.
Tefillin (תְּפִלִּין)
They are Small leather boxes with Torah verses, worn during weekday morning prayer.