A Journey of One Thousand Miles: the Story of Ruth and Naomi
Page 6
TefaH/TefaHim – a hand’s width, measured on the hand’s back. Four tefaHoth equal an amah
Sheqel – weight, equal to twenty Gerah, approximately 18 grams.
Zereth – literally the little finger, but translated as a span. It is the distance between the thumb and the little finger. There are differing opinions if it is equivalent to two or three tefaH.
Other
Aron HaBrith – Ark of the Covenant
Hallal – a person found dead, outside municipal boundaries. According to the Torah, the elders of the nearest town must offer an atonement offering if one is found outside their city.
Oth and Totafoth – tefillin, phylacteries
PesaH - Passover
Kinor – a small four stringed musical instrument, played like a harp.
Mamzer – a child of a forbidden union, such as an adulterous or incestuous union.
Miqweh – a ritual bath that removes spiritual impurities.
Mishqan - Tabernacle, the Desert Sanctuary
Mitsnefeth – a head scarf, wrapped around the head, similar to a turban.
NaHal – Desert River bed which fills on occasion with flood waters
TaHish – one of the skins used in the construction of the Mishqan. Its translation is disputed.
Tsitsith – ritual fringes tied on the corners of garments with four or more corners.
Yibum – Levirate marriage
Selected Pronunciation Guide
` - representing the letter `Ayin, a glottal stop.
dh – representing the aspirated dhaleth. Sound is similar to “th” in “this.”
H / H – representing the letter “Het,” an aspirated “h” originating in the back of the throat.
Kh – representing the letter khaf, similar to "ch” as in the Scottish, “loch.”
th - representing the aspirated thaw. Sound is similar to “th” in “both.”
Ts – representing the letter tsadi, a dental