Czar: The Russian Term for ruler/emperor, often assuming total power
Pale of Settlement: Western region of the Russia with differentiating borders that existed during 1791 to 1917
Crimean War: A fight between the Russian Czar, Nicholas I and the Ottoman Emperor, Abdulmejid I, to determine which empire would have power over Orthodox Christians residing in Ottoman territory
Kahal: A Yiddish term for a local executive board of Jewish communities, specifically that in Russia, that organize and regulate taxes/laws
Pogroms: Originates from the Russian word meaning “to wreak havoc, to demolish violently.”, were a series of violent attacks by local non-Jewish populations on Jews in the Russian Empire
Canaan: The ancient region lying between the Jordan, the Dead Sea, and the Mediterranean: the land promised by God to Abraham
Covenent: An agreement
Torah: The first five books of the Hebrew Bible, mostly the books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy
Synagogue: A Jewish place of worship that also acts as a school and community center
Crusades: A series of religious wars between Christians and Muslims started primarily to secure control of holy sites
Cantillation: Ritual chanting of prayers and responses
Synagogue Liturgy: The prayer recitations that form part of the observance of Rabbinic Judaism
10 Commandments: Set of biblical principles relating to ethics and worship originally from the Jewish tradition that play a fundamental role in Judaism and Christianity
Jewish/Yiddish Terms
Mazel Tov: Expressing congratulations or wishing someone good luck
Siddur: Jewish prayer book
L'Chaim: A toast meaning "to life"
Oy Vey: Indicating dismay or grief
Balaboosta: The perfect housewife and mother
Nosh: A little snack
Kvetch: To nag or complain
Schlep: To drag or haul
Mentch: A good person
Tachlis: Often used as a colloquialism to mean "quickly get to the point."
Klutz: A clumsy or awkward person.
Plotz: To collapse or faint, as from surprise, excitement, or exhaustion
Shmooze: To chat
Shande: A scandal, shame
Schtick: A gimmick, comic routine, or bit
Chutzpah: Supreme self-confidence : nerve, audacity (Mostly positive, but can be negative)
Meshuggeneh: A crazy fool
Bubbe and Zeide: Grandmother and Grandfather