Glossary of Words & Historical Terms

Zaide sometimes uses Hebrew, Yiddish and Eastern European words that were part of his everyday vocabulary. He also refers to Russian historical institutions and events that may be unfamiliar today. This glossary explains those words in simple language while preserving the wording used in his original interview.

Jewish, Hebrew & Yiddish terms

Aleph-bet: The Hebrew alphabet.
Blatt Gemara: Literally a “page of Gemara.” Zaide uses the traditional Yiddish expression for studying a page of Talmud.
Chavrusa: A study partnership or fellowship. Zaide also uses Chavrusa as the name of a group he helped establish in Washington to promote Hebrew language and culture.
Cheder: A traditional Jewish school for children, especially for Hebrew and religious study.
Chumash: The Five Books of Moses, usually referring to a printed Torah text used for study.
Gemara: The rabbinic discussion and analysis that forms a major part of the Talmud.
Hasidim: Jews belonging to the Hasidic religious tradition. Zaide refers specifically to the Lubavitch/Chabad tradition in discussing his education.
Rebbe: A Hasidic spiritual leader or teacher.
Seder: The ceremonial meal and service held on Passover.
Shabbos: The traditional Ashkenazi/Yiddish pronunciation of Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath.
Siddur: A Jewish prayer book.
Treif: Food that is not kosher.
Yeshiva: A Jewish school devoted primarily to Torah and Talmud study.

Russian & Eastern European historical terms

Bolsheviks: The revolutionary movement that took power in Russia during the Russian Revolution and became the ruling Communist government.
Pale of Settlement: The region of the Russian Empire where most Jews were legally permitted to live. Zaide discusses places near its boundary and the restrictions Jews faced.
Pogrom: A violent organized or tolerated attack on a Jewish community. Zaide describes pogroms affecting his family and Jewish communities in the Russian Empire.
Rouble / Ruble: Russian currency. Zaide uses the spelling “roubles” when discussing money in the Russian Empire.
Tsar: The title used for the emperor of Russia before the Russian Revolution.