Glossary beginning with N

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Ne'ilah

Lit. Locking

The final service on Yom Kippur. According to tradition, the Gates of Repentance are closed at this time.

Neder

Vow, or a solemn undertaking. Plural: nedarim.

Ner

Candle

Neshamah

Soul

Synonyms: n'shama, neshamah
Nidah

The laws of ritual purity. Orthodox married women refrain from sexual contact with their husbands while they are menstruating and for seven days thereafter, after which they visit the mikvah for ritual cleansing. The laws and customs surrounding this practice constitute the laws of nidah.

Niggun

A wordless melody.

Nissuin

The second part of the wedding ceremony during which the seven blessings are read.