Haftarah

A relatively brief reading from one of the Biblical books that are known collectively as the "Nevi'im/Prophets." A specific haftarah reading is assigned to each Shabbat and holiday, usually based on a connection with the Torah portion for that day. The word "haftarah" itself means "finishing-off" -- it finishes off the Scriptural reading for the day. The Ashkenazic pronunciation, "haftorah," sometimes misleads people to think that the word has something to do with "Torah." But it doesn't.

Hagorah

the belt that is used to secure the two sides of a Torah scroll when it is rolled up and dressed. Simple belts are tied (in a bow), but some have metal clasps, or even velcro fasteners!

Halakhah

The most common and widely accepted translation is "Jewish law."

Hassidim (Also spelled, Chasidim, etc.)

Followers of Rabbi Israel Ba'al Shem Tov (d. 1760) or followers of one of his disciples or one of his disciples' disciples, etc. The movement (called Hassidism) founded by "the Ba'al Shem Tov" is based in the Jewish mystical tradition. Beyond that, any generalization overgeneralizes. By and large, hassidim have emphasized intense personal relationship to God and to a "tsaddik," or "rebbe," a charismatic and usually hereditary leader of one's particular hassidic community. Outwardly, hassidim often wear somewhat distinctive dress, and the men wear payes -- long sidelocks.

Hiddur mitzvah

(lit. beautifying the commandments) refers to the custom of making beautiful ritual objects.

Hizkuni

Hizkuni- also spelled Chizkuni, with variations on both. Rabbi Hizkiyah Hizkuni lived in France in the 1200's; his Torah commentary was only printed later, but quotes some midrashim which appear nowhere else. He also, like Rashi, translates obscure Hebrew words into the French of his day.

Humash: (also Chumash)

from the Hebrew word for five, Hamesh. Humash is the Hebrew word for the five volumes of the Torah: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. (see the Pentateuch)

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