A to Z of Judaism
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
- From Rabbi To Rosh Hashanah
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Rabbi
A religious teacher, scholar or pastoral leader. Someone qualified to make decisions on points of Jewish law.
Rabbi Akiva
One of the greatest scholars of the Mishnah, who nevertheless only began to learn Torah at the age of 40 – before that, he was a simple shepherd. Died a martyr’s death at the hands of the Romans.
Rachel
One of the Matriarchs and Jacob’s most beloved wife. Mother to Joseph and Benjamin, whom she died giving birth to.
Rashi
The title Rashi is an acronym for Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki. 11th century French scholar, who wrote the first comprehensive commentary on the Tanach and Talmud.
Rebecca
One of the Matriarchs. Wife of Isaac and younger sister of Jacob’s father-in-law, Lavan. Was chosen as Isaac’s bride by Abraham’s servant Eliezer, after she gave both him and his camels water to drink.
Rosh Chodesh
Literally translates as “the head of the month”. The first day of the Jewish month, determined by the appearance of the new moon.
Rosh Hashanah
Literally translates as “the head of the year”. The Jewish new year festival, when we proclaim God as our King and our behaviour as individuals and a nation is judged by Him.
