Keli Yakar

One of those commentators that are known by the name of their most well-known Torah commentary, in this case, "Keli Yakar," which means "Precious Vessel." The Keli Yakar was born in 1550 and was originally named Efrayim ben Aharon. He was from the Polish city which the Jews called Luntshits and the Poles called Leczyca.. Some time after 1601, he took on the additional name Shelomoh (in English, Solomon). But there seems to be some disagreement about where to put the new name, so I've seem him referred to as Shelomoh Efrayim ben Aharon, but the Encyclopaedia Judaica and the Library of Congress refer to him as Ephraim Solomon ben Aaron of Luntshits. He was a highly respected rabbi and preacher, his sermons forming the basis of several books. His most well-known work, Keli Yakar, also has a somewhat homiletic character, and though interesting, suffers from a tendency towards long-windedness. To my knowledge, it is not, unfortunately, available in English. The author of the Keli Yakar died in 1619.

Ketubah

Literally, a "written thing." Approximately, a "Jewish wedding contract." Originally the Ketubbah was a document given to the wife at the time of marriage, which stipulated, most importantly, the husband's financial obligations to her both during the marriage and in case of the dissolution of the marriage. Its most important original function was to discourage divorce and prevent destitution among divorcees. Unfortunately, these continue to be serious social problems and ketubbot aren't doing their job. Most Orthodox and Conservative ketubbot specify the payment in "zuzim," a monetary denomination that doesn't even exist any more. And the amount specified, if translated into dollars or euros doesn't buy that much. Happily, many Reform, Reconstructionist, and other liberal Jews have begun again to use ketubbot, usually egalitarian, but too many of these are merely statements of mushy sentiment and vague hopes for the couple's marriage.

Kiddush

The blessing said over wine or grape juice on Shabbat or festivals. The root k.d.sh.means 'holy' or to sanctify.

Kippah

A Jewish head-covering. In Yiddish, a "yarmulke." Customs about what it looks like, who wears it, and when it is worn have varied from time to time and from place to place.

Klaf

parchment. The Torah, tefillin, and the mezzuzah are written on kosher animal skins. The skins are specifically prepared and cannot be interchanged.

Knesset (with a capital K)

The parliament of the modern State of Israel. (The word "knesset" literally means "assembly." And a "bet knesset" is a synagogue.)

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