Kol Halev - Cleveland's Reconstructionist Jewish Community

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    • Religious Life

    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

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    Most services and programs are currently being held online! Visit our home page for more information.

    Office: 2245 Warrensville Center Road, Suite 215 . University Heights, OH 44118 . (216) 320-1498

    Kol HaLev is affiliated with Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College

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