Glossary - HasidicNews 

Kollel Yingerman - a young married man studying in a Kollel.

Kollel - A Talmudic and Halachic scholastic institution. Members study all day and are usually tested on a regular basis, although no degree or certificate is ever awarded.

Bachur - unmarried male.

Shikse - non-jewish young girl (derogatory)

Shvartzer - African-american person.

Meidel - girl.

Brucha - blessing recited before eating and performing certain commandments.

Mitzvah - commandment.

Minhag - custom.

Aveira - sin.

Rooshe - sinner.

Tzadik - righteous person.

Cheirum - ostracision.

Hechsher - certificate of Kashrus awarded to commercial culinary entities.

Kashrus - observance of jewish dietary laws.

Mezonos - Brucha recited before consuming grainy food; also, grainy food.

Rebbe - Hasidic leader.

Talmid - desciple of Talmudic scholar or Hasidic leader. (do not confuse with Talmud - the jewish rabbinical law from the Middle Ages).

Tisha Be'az - fast day observed in Octobor. Most severe fasting day after Yom Kippur.

Yayin Nesech - unboiled wine that has been touched by a gentile or non-religious jew. It may not be drunk acording to jewish law.

Heimish - originating from home; uncommercial; from the community.

Teshuva - repentacne.

Tikun Chatzos - a prayer ritual traditionally performed at the strike of midnight. It is rarely practiced nowadays.

Eiruv - a symbolic fence surrounding a jewish neighberhood or town allowing the otherwise forbidden act of carrying items in public streets on Shabbas.

Shechina - god's spirit.

Yid - Jew.

Yidene - Jewish female.

Goyte -  non-jewish female; commonly used to refer to the immigrant cleaning ladies working in Hasidic homes.

Halacha - Jewish law.

Semicha - certification of knowledge of jewish law and authorization to rule on religious affairs or be a member of the panel of judges comprising a Bet Din.

Bet din - Jewish court.

Sheigetz (shkotzim pl.) - non-jewish young male (derogatory).