Jewish Terms

Question 1

Phrase used after the name of a departed male meaning “Peace be upon him.”

Answer 1

Alar Hashalom

Question 2

Phrase used after the name of a departed female meaning, “Peace be upon her.”

Answer 2

Alehaw Hashalom

Question 3

Focal point service in a synagogue or temple, the receptacle of the Torah (written law). It may be portable or an opening in a wall.

Answer 3

Ark

Question 4

Hebrew meaning “container.” A coffin or casket made entirely of wood and containing no metal parts.

Answer 4

Aron

Question 5

A mourner; The nearest of seven blood relatives; father, mother, husband, wife, son or daughter, brother and sister.

Answer 5

Avelim (Abel, Avel, Ovel)

Question 6

Burial grounds.

Answer 6

Bais Hakevorous

Question 7

A deceased male.

Answer 7

Bar Minen

Question 8

A deceased female.

Answer 8

Bat Minen

Question 9

To bury; everlasting home, graveyard or burial grounds.

Answer 9

Bet Olan (Bais Olam, Bet Almin)

Question 10

The portion of the synagogue or temple raised above the congregation seating.

Answer 10

Bimah

Question 11

A religious singer who assists the rabbi.

Answer 11

Cantor

Question 12

Hebrew meaning “Burial Society.” Holy Brotherhood of men or women from a synagogue who care for the dead. (Often referred to as “washers” by laymen).

Answer 12

Chevrah Kadisha

Question 13

To pray.

Answer 13

Daven

Question 14

In the Jewish faith, a memorial service; literally meaning “God full of compassion”, usually the last prayer of the funeral service.

Answer 14

El Molei Rachamin (The Molei)

Question 15

Traditionally an oil lamp.

Answer 15

Eternal Light

Question 16

Transmigration of the soul.

Answer 16

Gilgul Hanefesh

Question 17

A eulogy. A true evaluation of an individual’s life sanctioned by Jewish tradition, as a part of the funeral service.

Answer 17

Hesped

Question 18

The monotheistic religion of the Jewish people.

Answer 18

Judaism

Question 19

Tradition.

Answer 19

Kabbala

Question 20

A prayer recited for the deceased by the direct mourners (parents, siblings, spouse, children) for the first time at the conclusion of the interment service. It is recited by children for their parents at every service for eleven months.

Answer 20

Kaddish

Question 21

The grave.

Answer 21

Kever

Question 22

Burial.

Answer 22

Kevurah

Question 23

Hebrew meaning rending or tearing; a symbol of grief, a tear in the upper corner of the garment or on a symbolic ribbon.

Answer 23

Kriah

Question 24

A funeral cortege.

Answer 24

Leyava

Question 25

The place of burial.

Answer 25

Makom

Question 26

A candelabrum with a central stem bearing seven candles. The oldest symbol in Judaism.

Answer 26

Menorah

Question 27

A quorum of ten men over the age of thirteen.

Answer 27

Minyan

Question 28

Prayers.

Answer 28

Musof

Question 29

A hexagram formed by the combination of two triangles, symbolizing a new hope for the Jewish people.

Answer 29

Mogen David (Star of David)

Question 30

A traditional oil lamp.

Answer 30

Ner Tamid

Question 31

Deceased.

Answer 31

Niftar

Question 32

World to come.

Answer 32

Olam Haba

Question 33

A monument inscription.

Answer 33

Poh Nikbar

Question 34

A teacher or ordained leader in the Jewish faith.

Answer 34

Rabbi

Question 35

The Jewish Sabbath which begins at sundown Friday and ends at sundown on Saturday.

Answer 35

Shabbat

Question 36

A meal of consolation.

Answer 36

Seudat

Question 37

Seven days of mourning following burial.

Answer 37

Shivah

Question 38

A special candle which is burned during the seven days of mourning.

Answer 38

Shivah Candle

Question 39

A word of many meanings: Good morning, Peace, Hello, Good-bye, Love, Until tomorrow, and Farewell.

Answer 39

Shalom

Question 40

The thirty day mourning period in the Jewish faith.

Answer 40

Sholoshim

Question 41

The watcher (sitter) who remains with the body until burial.

Answer 41

Shomer

Question 42

Source of life.

Answer 42

Soul (Nefesh, Neshmah, Rucah)

Question 43

Orthodox Jewish religious building.

Answer 43

Synagogue

Question 44

A hand-sewn white linen shroud in which the deceased members of the Jewish faith are dressed.

Answer 44

Tachrichim

Question 45

The ceremony performed by the Chevrah Kaddisha of washing the deceased before the burial; serves as a ritual purification or cleansing of the body.

Answer 45

Taharah

Question 46

A prayer shawl worn by Orthodox Jewish men during the mourning prayer service.

Answer 46

Tallith

Question 47

Prayers from the Book of Psalms said before the funeral by a group of friends and the shomer.

Answer 47

Tehilim

Question 48

Resurrection of the dead.

Answer 48

Tehiyyath Hamathem

Question 49

A religious building of the Reform and Conservative Jewish faith.

Answer 49

Temple

Question 50

A general term designating those places suitable for the reception of a dead human body.

Answer 50

Tomb

Question 51

The book of Law, instruction and learning.

Answer 51

Torah

Question 52

Tombstone consecration usually done a year and one day (following the Hebrew calendar) following death.

Answer 52

Unveiling

Question 53

The anniversary of a death.

Answer 53

Yarhzeit (Mahzeit)

Question 54

A candle burned for twenty-four hours on the anniversary of a death.

Answer 54

Yarhzeit Candle

Question 55

The skull cap worn by men at temple services and funeral services.

Answer 55

Yamaka (Yarmulke, Kippah)

Question 56

A memorial service recited four times a year.

Answer 56

Yizkor