SHEKHITA—ritual slaughter.
SHEMA ISRAEL (Hebrew, literally: listen oh Israel), first words of the most important
profession of faith in God.
SHOKHET (Shoykhet), ritual slaughterer.
SIMCHAT TORAH (Hebrew, literally: joy of Torah), the last festive day of Sukkoth,
when all the Torah scrolls of a given synagogue are carried in a procession, sometimes
in dancing.
SUKKOTH (Hebrew: huts, tents), Feast of Tabernacles, celebrated between the 15th
and 22nd days of Tishrei (September/October); it commemorates sheltering of the
Israelites in the wilderness.
TAHARAT HAMISHPACHAH (Hebrew: family purity), observance of the halakhic
rules concerning sexual relations; here specifically, post-menstrual purification by
immersion in the ritual bath.
TALMUD (Hebrew: study), recording of the oral tradition of Judaism, compiled in
the 3rd–7th century C.E.; a collection of commentaries on the Torah.
TALMUD TORAH (Hebrew: teaching Torah), religious school at primary level, typically
for children from poor families.
TORAH (Hebrew: teaching, law), the first five books of the Bible; also the parchment
scroll on which the Pentateuch is written.
TZADDIK—see: rebbe.
YOM KIPPUR OR DAY OF ATONEMENT, on the 10th day of the month of Tishrei (September/
October), concluding the celebration of the Jewish New Year.
YOM TOV (Yiddish: yontev; plural—yomim toyvim)—any Jewish holiday/festival.
YORTSAYT—in Judaism, the anniversary of a person’s death.
