Jewish Word Glossary

R

"Rabbotai!"

lit=sirs: "May I have your attention," a call to order

"Rachmanah l'tzlan!"

"May the Merciful One forbid!"

rachmanut

(Heb.) mercy

rachov

(Heb.) street

rav

term of endearment for rabbi

reb/rebbe/rebbie

terms of endearment for rabbi

rebbetzin

wife of a rabbi

Rebbono Shel Olam

lit.=rabbi of the universe: G-d

refusenik

one refused an exit visa from the Soviet Union

regah

(Heb.) minute; "One minute!"

regel

(Heb.) leg, foot

"Retevet!"

lit.=rescue: "Help! Emergency!"

richtiker cheifetz

lit.= right desire: (Yid.) the genuine article, the "real deal"

rimon

(Heb.) pomegranate; grenade

rimonim

ornamental cylinders placed on Sefer Torah

Rishonim

lit.=first ones: post-Gemarah-era commentators, incl. Rashi & Maimonides

rofeh

doctor

Rosh Chodesh

lit.= head of the new (moon): first day of the new month

Rosh HaShanah

lit.=head of the year: Jewish New Year, autumn holiday

rotzeh

(Heb.) want [v]

ruach

lit.=wind: (Heb.) spirit; enthusiasm

ruggelach

croissant-like pastries, usu. w/ chocolate or cinnamon