Bracha: The Hebrew word for blessing

Bubbe: A Jewish grandmother.

Cheder: Yiddish word for school

Gernacht: Gladly

Macher: Someone who makes things happen, an influential person, or a “fixer.”

Neshama: Soul

Pesach: Hebrew for the Jewish holiday Passover. Passover is a holiday celebrating the Jewish people’s freedom from the land of Egypt, where they were enslaved under Pharaoh.

Purim: A Jewish holiday commemorating the defeat of Haman’s attempt to massacre the Jews. This is recorded in the Book of Esther. For centuries, Jews dress up on Purim. One tradition states the reason for masquerading is that it alludes to the hidden aspect of the miracle of Purim, which was "disguised" by natural events but was really the work of the Almighty.

Seder: Translated from Hebrew means “order.” A seder is the Passover meal where the story of the Jewish people’s libration from Egypt thousands of years ago is retold. A seder plate contains foods symbolic of various aspects of the Passover story, and each item is referred to during the prayers and retelling of the story.

Shabbas: The Yiddish word Shabbat. Shabbat starts every Friday evening at sunset, and continues until the following day, Saturday at sunset. It is the Jewish time for rest. Traditionally, Friday night dinner, or Shabbas dinner, is a time for families and friends to gather and engage in time-honored rituals that include candle lighting, a blessing over the wine, a blessing over Challah (a special bread prepared for Shabbat), and to share a delicious meal together.

Sheitel Maker: A person who makes wigs. Sheitel is the Yiddish word for wig. In the observant Jewish Orthodox community, women traditionally cover their hair after getting married.

Shtetl: The Yiddish word for a small village.

Shul: Synagogue or temple, a Jewish place of worship.

Shochet: A person who is specially trained, according to Jewish laws, around the slaughter and preparation of animals for the purpose of food.

Yiddishkeit: The Jewish way of life

Zaidy / Zaidah: A Jewish grandfather.