The religious customs described prevail among the Orthodox Jews of European countries. In the United States they have been considerably modified, especially among the Reformed Jews.
Ab (äb) Hebr. The fifth month of the Hebrew calendar. The ninth of Ab is a day of fasting and mourning, in commemoration of the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple.
Adonai (ä-do-nai´), Hebr. An appellation of God.
Aleph (ä'-lef), Hebr. The first letter of the Hebrew alphabet.
Atonement, Day of (Hebrew, Yom Kippur). The most solemn of the Hebrew festivals, observed by fasting and an elaborate ceremonial.
Bahur (bä´-hur), Hebr. A young unmarried man, particularly a student of the Talmud. (See Yeshibah bahur.)
Berl (berl). Yid. Prop. n.
Cabala (käb-ä´-lä), Hebr. A system of Hebrew mystic philosophy which flourished in the Middle Ages.
Candle Prayer (Yiddish, licht bentschen). Prayer pronounced over lighted candles by the women and older girls of the household at the commencement of the Sabbath.
Canopy, wedding (Hebrew huppah). A portable canopy under which the marriage ceremony is performed, usually outdoors.