| Babka |
Bob-ka |
Between bread and cake. Made with yeast, a traditional Eastern European item. Usually chocolate or cinnamon. A sweet dough with flavor running through. |
| Rugelach |
Rug-a-la NOT roog-a-la |
A Rugelach is a small pastry from Eastern Europe. It is dough that is rolled up with a flavor wrapped inside. Typical flavors are chocolate, cinnamon raisin, raspberry, apricot |
| Challah |
hallah |
The braided bread that Jewish families eat on the Sabbath (Shabbat). A large (“ceremonial”) challah is served at most Jewish lifecyle events, such as Bar/Bat Mitzvah, wedding, bris, or baby naming. |
| Shabbat |
Shab-bat |
The Jewish Sabbath. Starts at sundown on Friday, ends at sundown on Saturday. |
| Bar Mitzvah |
Bar Mitz-vah |
When a Jewish boy turns 13, he is now a responsible Jewish citizen, according to Jewish customs. To show this, he will lead a service at the synagogue and read from the Torah for the first time. In America, following the service, there is typically a Kiddush and often a celebration. |
| Bat Mitzvah |
Bat Mitz-vah |
Same as Bar Mitzvah, but for a girl. In some sects of Judaism, the girl is 12 years old. |
| Kiddush |
Kid-dush |
Typically, after Shabbat services on Saturday, a Kiddush is served. This is an informal meal where there are usually, bagels, and light salads (tuna, egg, etc.) and baked goods (rugelach, cookies, etc.) |
| Bris |
Briss |
On the 8th day after the birth of a Jewish boy, the infant is circumcised. Following the circumcision, there is a celebration where friends and family enjoy a Kiddush-type of meal. |
| Oneg |
Oneg |
Short for Oneg Shabbat. An Oneg is served after Friday night services. An informal spread of baked goods are served; rugelach, cookies, brownies, pastries, coffee, tea, etc. |
| Hamentashen |
Hamen-tash-en |
A triangle shaped pastry with a large dot of fruit filling in the middle. This is THE cookie to eat at the holiday of Purim (March). |
| Shiva |
Shiv-a |
In Judaism, when someone dies, the family “sits shiva.” This means that for the 7 days after the burial, the family is receiving company and is in a period of mourning. The shiva period is 7 days long. |
| Mandelbred |
Man-del-bread |
A loaf shaped dessert. Like biscotti, it is a bit hard (not as hard as biscotti). As it is in a loaf shape, it needs to be sliced. |
