Glossary
- El Maleh Rachamim
- Elijah
- Elijah is a biblical prophet who is said never to have died. There are therefore many legends associated with Elijah. He wanders the earth, disguised as a beggar, and bestows riches on families who are charitable to who him. In the Talmud, unresolved arguments will be resolved when Elijah comes. He will herald the coming of the messiah. In Jewish ritual, Elijah is a liminal figure, arriving at moments of danger and transition – at a brit milah, a chair is put out for him, a cup is poured for Elijah at the Passover seder, and he is invoked at havdalah, a transitional moment between Shabbat and the week.
- Erev
- Evening. Jewish holidays begin in the evening. Hence, Erev Shabbat: the eve of the Sabbath.
- Erusin
- Betrothal; once a separate ceremony, but now a segment of the wedding ceremony.
- Eshet Chayil
- Esther
- Heroine of the Purim story and Megillat (the scroll of) Esther. She is married to the king by her cousin Mordecai and ultimately saves her people from execution.
- Etrog
- A lemon-like fruit (citron) used at Sukkot as one of the four species. *Women desiring to get pregnant were given the pitom (stem) to eat after Sukkot.
- Etrog
- A lemon-like fruit (citron) used at Sukkot as one of the four species. *Women desiring to get pregnant were given the pitom (stem) to eat after Sukkot.
- Eve (Chava)
- Eve, according to the book of Genesis, is Adam's wife, the first woman to be created. Much of Christian theology places blame squarely on Eve's shoulders for the fall of humankind.
