My Jewish Colors Glossary

Besamin (beh-sa-MEEM) is Hebrew for spices, which are used during havdalah, a ritual that takes place at the end of Shabbat.

Cholent (TCHO-lent) is a hearty, slow-cooked stew that is often served on Shabbat.

An etrog (ET-rogue), a variety of citron, is a ritual object used on the holiday of Sukkot along with lulav (See below).

A gragger (GRAH-ger) is a noisemaker. When the Book of Esther is read aloud on Purim, listeners use graggers to drown out the name of the villian, Haman.

A havdalah (hav-DAL-ah) candle is a braided candle with several wicks that is used during the havdalah ceremony at the end of Shabbat.

Kippah (KEE-pah or kee-PAH) is Hebrew for yarmulke, the head covering that many Jews wear.

A lulav (LOO-lahv) is a bundle of certain branches used on the holiday of Sukkot. One holds an etrog (see above) and lulav together and waves them in all directions in gratitude for the fall harvest.

A mezuzah (meh-ZOO-zah) consists of a piece of parchment inscribed with a Hebrew prayer and a case that encloses the parchment. From the Hebrew word meaning doorpost, a mezuzah is traditionally attached to the entrance/doorway of a Jewish home.

A siddur (see-DOOR) is a Jewish prayer book containing the order of prayers recited on weekdays and holidays.

A tallit (tah-LEET) is a special shawl worn during prayer.

Tzitzit (tzee-TZEET) are the knotted fringes that dangle from the four corners of a tallit (see above). These fringes, worn by traditional Jews, may also be attached to an undergarment referred to as tzitzit.

A washing cup is a two-handled vessel used for ritual handwashing before meals.