Kol HaLev's Handy Glossary of Terms related to Torah and T'fillah (prayer)
March 2019
Ahavah rabah – Great love
Amen – Related to “emunah,” meaning faith or trust. A common response to blessings or prayers. Sometimes translated “I believe”. Bruce’s favorite rendering is “Right on!”
The Amidah – A central prayer of the service, said while standing. Also known as the shemoneh-esrey. At Kol HaLev, when davening (praying) communally, our minhag (custom) is to combine communal chanting with silent, private meditative prayer
Beracha (or B'racha) – Blessing
Betzelem Elohim – In the image of God
Derash – A commentary on a specific passage or story
Gabay – A person who assists with the Torah service
Hagigah – literally, a festival or festival offering. The name of Kol HaLev's main children’s education program.
- Madrichim - Leaders/guides, the teachers in our educational programming
- Chalutzim - Pioneers (grades 9-12)
- Magshimim - Achievers (grades 6-8)
- Bonim - Builders (grades 3-5)
- Zorim - Planters (K-2)
Kavanah – Intention or intentional attitude toward the prayer activity in which one is engaging
Ki le'olam chasdo – For God's love is everlasting
Misheberach – literally, "the One who blessed." Refers to prayers for individuals said during the Torah service (or where the Torah service would be when we don’t do one). Most prominently, the misheberach l’cholim, the prayer for the sick.
Niggun – a wordless melody
Nusach – The melody or melodic mode of the service (or a part of the service) that depends on when the service is being conducted
(The) Shechinah – A name for God, referring to the aspect of God that "dwells" among Israel and in the world. Often associated with the feminine aspects of Divinity
Tallit – A garment designed to bear tzizit. A tallit gadol is a prayer shawl.
Tzitzit – Fringes. Refers in particular to the fringes the Torah commands us to wear on the corners of our garments
