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The entries are sorted according to the Hebrew alphabet. Prefixes indicating prepositions, conjunctions and articles (such as ב, ד, ה, ו, כ, ל, ש) have generally been removed, with the following exceptions:
Where the acronym is incomprehensible or meaningless without the prefix.
Where the prefix is so integral to the acronym that variants without it rarely, if ever, occur.
In addition, suffixes modifying abbreviations have been removed using the same guidelines. When searching for an abbreviation ending in a plural, adjectival, or possessive suffix like ית, ים, י, ה, ו, ות, the suffix should be removed if not an integral part of the abbreviation, as described in regard to prefixes above. Depending on the typography, note that the gershayim (״) may either:
Move to the penultimate position, even if the mark falls in the modifying suffix and not the abbreviation proper; or
Remain in its place within said proper and not shift with the added suffix. Sometimes, depending on style, the suffix is marked with a geresh (׳), so that for example the plural of ש״ץ would be ש״צי׳ם.
Where only part of a term is abbreviated (for example, תנא דבי אליהו abbreviates as תנא דב״א), the entry is sorted on the abbreviated portion (דב״א), and the unabbreviated portion appears in square brackets ([תנא]) to produce תנא] דב״א].
Some abbreviations included here are actually gematria (Hebrewnumeronyms), but the number is so closely associated with some noun that it is grammatically used as a noun and is synonymous with it, for example ב״ן, Ban.
Other abbreviations contain a variable gematria component alongside other words, like the chapter references פי״א perek yud-alef (chapter 11) or פ״ט perek tet (chapter 9). Rather than list separate entries for every possible gematria, or use only one example number, the gematria component is replaced with [x] to produce (for example) [x]פ״.
Many of the abbreviations here may be similar or identical to those in the other lists of acronyms. In fact, a work written in Hebrew may have Aramaic acronyms interspersed throughout (ex. Tanya), much as an Aramaic work may borrow from Hebrew (ex. Talmud, Midrash, Zohar). Although much less common than Aramaic abbreviations, some Hebrew material contains Yiddish abbreviations too (for example, Chassidic responsa, commentaries, and other material).
Not all lexemes containing a geresh (׳) or gershayim (״) are abbreviations, and such non-abbreviations do not appear in this list. Therefore, if after much effort an abbreviation still cannot be deciphered, it is sometimes helpful to try an alternate mode of interpretation. For instance, aside from abbreviations, the geresh and gershayim marks may also be used:
To indicate a number using Hebrew letters. This is likely when the letters are in reverse alef-beit order, or when the abbreviation consists of a single letter followed by a geresh. For example, the year תשע״ד or [5]774 AM, or the ד׳ רוּחוֹת four directions.
To indicate a double meaning, where both the gematria of the word or phrase should be taken, as well as the plain meaning. For example, to give chai חַ״י (meaning “life” as pronounced, and "eighteen" as a gematria) dollars to tzedakah means to give eighteen dollars to tzedakah, thereby giving another person life, and drawing the blessings of life in return upon the donor.[1]
In Modern Hebrew, to modify the sounds of certain letters, as in the names George ג׳וֹרג׳ and Charlie צָ׳רלִי.
When transliteratingforeign words into Hebrew. For example, Rashi often uses Hebrew letters to write French translations of Biblical Hebrew, marking it with a gershayim like an abbreviation (ex. אפייצימנ״טו appaisement, cf. "And thou wast pleased with me," Gen. 33:10). He usually appends בְּלַעַ״ז ("in the local language") afterwards.
In anagrams, i.e., rearranging letters in a word or phrase. This is especially common in Kabbalah. For example, the first sefira, חָכמַה (inspiration), can be rearranged to read כֹּ״חַ מָ״ה ("the potential of the indefinite"). The resulting words of the rearrangement are marked with gershayim.
When listing the letters themselves. For example, ְמְנַצְפַּ״ך menatzpach lists all the Hebrew letters having special final forms at the ends of words.
When spelling out a letter. In this way, אַלֶ״ף spells out alef א, and יוּ״ד spells out yud י. When using this method, gematria may also be significant, as above.
אדוננו מורנו ורבינו, אדמו״ר (Admor, Adoneinu Moreinu V'Rabeinu) - (Chasidism) our Master, Teacher and Rebbe. For rebbes, used alone or prepended to the name
איש ירא אלקים, אי״א (ish y'rei Elokim) - God-fearing man
אין זה, אי״ז (ein zeh) - 1) This does not. 2) This is not
אמן יהא שמה רבא, איש״ר (amein, y'hei sh'meih raba [m'varach l'alam ul'al'mei al'maya]) - (Aramaic, Liturgy) the core words of the Kaddish; lit. amen, may His Great Name [be blessed forever and to all eternity]
אין צריך לומר, אצ״ל (ein tzarich lomar) - needless to say
ארגון הצבאי הלאומי [בארץ ישראל], אצ״ל (Etzel, Irgun HaTzeva'i HaLe'umi [Be'Eretz Yisra'el]) - (Modern Hebrew) National Military Organization [in the Land of Israel]; a.k.a. Irgun
אָמַר רַבִּי/רַב, א״ר (amar Rabi/Rav) - Rabbi [x] said. "Rabi" is used for a Tanna of the Mishna, and "Rav" for an Amora of the Gemara. If no name is specified, the reference is usually to Rabbi Judah the Prince.
אֶרֶץ, אר׳ (eretz) - 1) Land. 2) The earth. 3) The physical universe
ארץ הקודש, ארה״ק (Eretz HaKodesh) - the Land of Israel; lit. the Holy Land. Contrast חו״ל
אמרו רז״ל, ארז״ל (amru razal) - our Rabbis of blessed memory said. See also רז״ל
האדון/האלהי/האשכנזי/אדוננו רבי יצחק, אר״י (HaAri) - the Arizal, Rabbi Yitzchak ben Shlomo Luria; (abbr.) lit. The Lion; (in full) lit. The Master/Godly/Ashkenazi/Our Master Rabbi Yitzchak; major elucidator of Kabbalah. See also אריז״ל
האדון/האלהי/האשכנזי/אדוננו רבי יצחק ז״ל, אריז״ל (Arizal) - Rabbi Yitzchak ben Shlomo Luria; (abbr.) lit. The Lion, of blessed memory; (in full) lit. The Master/Godly/Ashkenazi/Our Master Rabbi Yitzchak of blessed memory; major elucidator of Kabbalah. See also אר״י, ז״ל
כתר] ארם צובה, [כתר] אר״ץ] ([Keter] Aram Tzova) - (Tanach) the Aleppo Codex; lit. the Crown of Aram Tzovah
אל תקרי, א״ת (al tikrei) - (Aramaic, Talmud) an additional reading; lit. do not read (but note traditional sources regarding this phrase, as in the Ashkenaz Artscroll Siddur, footnote, p. 329, citing Etz Yosef, emphasis theirs: "As in all cases where the Sages use this expression they do not seek to change the Masoretic text, but to suggest an additional implication.")
אִתְעָרוּתָא דִּלְעֵילָא, אתעדל״ע (it-aruta dil'eila) - (Aramaic, Kabbalah) arousal [of blessing] from Above; i.e. from Heaven by Divine kindness. Contrast אתעדל״ת
אִתְעָרוּתָא דִּלְתַתָּא, אתעדל״ת (it-aruta dil'tata) - (Aramaic, Kabbalah) arousal [of blessing] from Below; i.e. by human efforts in Torah and mitzvot. Contrast אתעדל״ע
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה׳, בא״ה (baruch atah Hashem) - (Liturgy) lit. blessed are You, Lord; the beginning formula of many blessings
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה׳, בא״י (baruch atah Hashem) - (Liturgy) lit. blessed are You, Lord; the beginning formula of many blessings
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה׳ אֱלֹקינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, באהאמ״ה (baruch atah Hashem Elokaynu Melech Haolam) - (Liturgy) lit. Blessed are You, Lord, our God, King of the Universe; the beginning formula of many blessings
בֵּית דִּין, ב״ד (beit din) - 1) A [Jewish] court; lit. house of judgment. 2) A group of at least three adult Jewish men acting as a Halachic judiciary body. 3) A non-Jewish court. See also בי״ד
במה דברים אמורים, בד״א (bameh d'varim amurim) - in what context does this apply?; lit. with what were [these] words said?
ברוך דיין האמת, בד״ה (baruch dayan ha'emet) - lit. "Blessed is the true judge"; recited upon receiving news of a death
בדרך כלל, בד״כ (b'derech k'lal) - generally; lit. "by the way of [nearly] all" or "as a rule"
בשר ודם, ב״ו (basar vadam) - human; lit. flesh and blood
בו׳ קצוות, בו״ק (b'vav k'tzavot) - 1) In the six directions [right, left, front, up, down, back]. 2) (Kabbalah) lit. in the six extremities; indicating chesed, gevurah, tiferet, netzach, hod and yesod
בֵּית דִּין, בי״ד (beit din) - 1) A [Jewish] court; lit. house of judgment. 2) A group of at least three adult Jewish men acting as a Halachic judiciary body. 3) A non-Jewish court. See also בי״ד
בית הכנסת, ביהכנ״ס (beit hak'neset) - the synagogue; lit. the house of gathering
בית הספר, ביה״ס (beit hasefer) - school; lit. house of the book[s]
בין השמשות, ביה״ש (bein hash'mashot) - twilight
בית יעקב לכו ונלכה, ביל״ו (Bilu, Beit Ya'akov L'chu V'Nelchah) - (Modern Hebrew) an early Zionist movement to settle Israel, lit. House of Jacob, let us go (Isaiah 2:5)
בְּרִיאָה יְצִירָה עֲשִׂיָּה, בי״ע (Biya, Beriah, Yetzirah, Asiah) - (Aramaic, Kabbalah) the three nethermost of the Four Worlds, where the denizens thereof are aware of their own existence. See אבי״ע
בן נוח, ב״נ (ben Noach) - a descendant of Noah; a Noahide
בַּ״ן (Ban) - (Kabbalah) a spelling-out of the Tetragrammaton numerically equal to 52, the gematria of ב״ן. Usually appears as שם ב״ן
בנדון דידן, בנדו״ד (b'nidon didan) - in our case; in the topic under discussion; lit. in our discussion
בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, בנ״י (B'nei Yisrael) - the Children of Israel; Jews
בורא נפשות רבות, בנ״ר (borei n'fashot rabot) - the bracha after finishing foods that are neither one of the five grains (wheat, oats, barley, spelt, and rye), nor one of the Seven Species, nor wine. Lit. Creator of many souls
בסיעטא דשמיא, בס״ד (b'siyata dish'maya) - (Aramaic) with the help of Heaven. Typically at the top right corner of a printed or written page. See also ב״ה
בעל שם טוב, בעש״ט (Besht, Ba'al Shem Tov) - Lit. Good Master of the [Divine] Name; alt. Master of the Good Name; Rabbi Yisrael Baal Shem Tov. See also ריב״ש
בית שמאי, ב״ש (Beit Shammai) - the academy of Shammai; lit. the house of Shammai
בָּרוּךְ שְׁמוֹ, ב״ש (baruch sh'mo) - blessed be His Name
בשורות טובות, בשו״ט (b'surot tovot) - good tidings
בָּרוּךְ שֵׁם כְּבוֹד מַלְכוּתוֹ לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד, בשכמל״ו (baruch sheim k'vod [mal'chuto l'olam va'ed]) - (Liturgy) blessed is the name of His glorious kingdom forever and ever. The second sentence of the recital of the Shema, also said after accidentally making an incorrect or unnecessary bracha
גמילות חסדים, גמ״ח (gemach) - a fund or bank for interest-free lending of items such as tefilin, wedding gowns, and similar items, in the spirit of (lit.) gemilut chasadim. See next entry
ג׳ ראשונות, ג״ר (gimel rishonot) - (Kabbalah) the three first [sefirot]
גאון רבינו אליהו, גר״א (Gra) - The Gaon Rabbi Eliyahu [ben Shlomo Zalmen]; a.k.a. the Vilna Gaon, the great Talmudical scholar and Halachic decisor of Ashkenazic Jewry
גאון רבי יצחק זאב, גרי״ז (Griz, Gaon Rabi Yitzchak Ze'ev) - the Gaon, Isaac Ze'ev [HaLevi Soleveitchik]; Rosh Yeshivah of the Brisk yeshiva, which he re-established in Jerusalem
גר(ים) תושב(ים), ג״ת (ger toshav/geirim toshvim) - resident alien; a Gentile who has accepted the Seven Laws of Noah and is halachically permitted to live in the Land of Israel
דַּף, ד׳ (daf) - 1) Page. 2) Folio; sheet. Since a sheet consists of two sides, the side is also often indicated; the first side is side A or amud alef and the second side is side B or amud bet. See also ע׳
הַשֵּׁם, ד׳ (Hashem) - God. Note the slightly uncommon substitution of the ד for the ה
דִבְרֵי סוֹפְרִים, ד״ס (divrei sof'rim) - 1) Words of the sages; lit. words of the counters. In order to learn the laws, they counted them, cf. "There are four main categories of damaging agents" (Bava Kamma 2b), "On three things the world is sustained" (Pirkei Avot 1:2), etc. 2) Rabbinical law
דומם צומח חי, דצ״ח (detzach/domeim tzomei'ach chai) - silent, growing [and] living [creatures]; referring to all species of Creation aside from mankind
דומם צומח חי מדבר, דצח״ם (datzcham(?)/domeim tzomei'ach chai medabeir) - silent, growing, living [and] speaking [creatures]; the four levels of created beings in the physical world
דברי ירמיהו, שמעו דבר ה׳, חזון ישעיהו, דש״ח (deshach, Divrei Yirmeyahu, Shim'u devar Hashem, Chazon Yeshayahu) - (Haftorah) [the three haftorahs of punishment read in the weeks before the 9th of Av,] "The words of Jeremiah" (Jer. 1:1), "Hear the word of Hashem" (Jer. 2:4), "The Vision of Isaiah" (Is. 1:1)
הריני כפרת משכבו/משכבה, הכ״מ (hareini kaparat mishkavo/mishkavah) - I am an atonement for his/her resting place. Added after the name of a parent who has deceased less than 12 months prior (Kiddushin 31a)
המוציא מחבירו עליו הראיה, המע״ה (hamotzi mei-chaveiro alav haraya) - (Halachah) one who [sues to] take from his fellow must provide the proof; lit. one who takes from his fellow, the proof is on him
.זאת אומרת, ז. א (zot omeret) - this means; lit. this says
זְעֵיר אַנְפִּין, ז״א (Za/Z'eir Anpin) - (Aramaic, Kabbalah) the manifestation of God within the six emotional sefirot, corresponding to Yetzirah and immediately followed below by Asiyah; lit. Small Faces. Compare to Arich Anpin, א״א
זיהוי קורבנות אסון, זק״א (ZAKA, Zihuy Korbanot Ason) - (Modern Hebrew) a religious rescue and recovery organization that also specializes in identifying and burying the dead after a disaster; lit. Disaster Victim Identification
זכר קדוש לברכה, זק״ל (Zakal) - may the memory of the holy be for a blessing. Used for martyrs, appended to a name
זכר קדוש צדיק לברכה, זקצ״ל (Zakatzal) - may the memory of the holy righteous be for a blessing. An epitaph appended to a name
חֶסֶד גְּבוּרָה תִּפְאֶרֶת, חג״ת (chagat, chesed, gevurah, tiferet) - 1) (Kabbalah) the three inner emotional sefirot: (lit.) loving-kindness, severity and harmony. 2) (Kabbalah) The emotional sefirot in general, which include and descend from chagat. 3) (Chassidism) Of or pertaining to Jewish Chasidic movements that emphasize emotional attachment to the Divine. Compare חב״ד
חכמה ובינה, חו״ב (chuv, chokmah v'binah) - (Kabbalah) lit. Chokmah and Binah; the first two sefirot. These sefirot being the "Father" and "Mother," this term also often includes their "children"
חסד וגבורה, חו״ג (chug, chesed ugevurah) - (Kabbalah) lit. Chesed and Gevurah; the first two emotional sefirot. This term sometimes also includes the "branches" of these sefirot
חֹל הַמּוֹעֵד, חוה״מ (Chol HaMo'ed) - the "weekday" of the festival [when certain types of melacha are permitted]
חֹל הַמּוֹעֵד סֻכּוֹת, חוהמ״ס (Chol HaMo'ed Sukot) - the Chol HaMo'ed of Sukot. See חוה״מ
חֹל הַמּוֹעֵד פֶּסַח, חוהמ״פ (Chol HaMo'ed Pesach) - the Chol HaMo'ed of Pesach. See חוה״מ
חוּץ-לָאָרֶץ, חו״ל (Chutz LaAretz) - the Diaspora; lit. outside the [Holy] Land. Contrast ארה״ק
ח״י (chai) - 18; the gematria of chai, life. Commonly used to specify dates and currency amounts for tzedakah (ex. double-chai, chai times chai, etc.)
חידושי, חי׳ (chidushei) - innovations [of Torah thought from/by]
חיה, חי׳ (chayah) - (Kabbalah) [the soul-level of] chayah; the first aspect of the soul to emanate from the Ein Sof
חיה יחידה, ח״י (chayah yechidah) - (Kabbalah) chayah [and] yechidah; the two highest levels of the soul, which are unified with God and perceive no other existence aside from His. See also נרנח״י
חיים יוסף דוד אזולאי, חיד״א (Chida, Chaim Yosef David Azulai) - Jerusalemite Halachist, Kabbalist and Talmudist, a prolific author
חכמה נסתרה, ח״ן (chein, chochmah nistarah) - (Kabbalah) lit. hidden wisdom; i.e. the field of Kabbalah in general; (abbr.) grace
חיים נחמן ביאליק, חנ״ב (Hayim Nahman Bialik) - a prominent Jewish modern poet c. 1873-1934
חֲתִּיכָה נַעֲשִׂית נְבֵילָה, חנ״ן (chanan, chatichah na'asit neveilah) - (Halachah, Kashrut) a cut-off piece became un-kosher [itself, as opposed to being considered part-kosher, part-non-kosher]. Ex. a large piece of cheese that falls into a small pot of meat stew - the entire mixture is חנ״ן.
חֲצִי קַדִּישׁ, ח״ק (chatzi kadish) - (Liturgy) Half Kaddish; a kaddish starting from the usual preamble "Yitgadal v'yitkadash" and continuing until "L'eila min kol birchata... da'amiran b'al'ma, v'im'ru amein." Recited only by the prayer leader
חידושי תורת משה סופר, חת״ם סופר, חת״ס (Chatam Sofer, Chidushei Torat Moshe Sofer) - (Halachah) 1) The Chatam Sofer. This is a partial expansion, which still contains an abbreviation, however, the abbreviation also spells out the word for "Seal": lit. Seal of the Scribe. In full, lit. The Innovations of Moses Sofer's Teachings; a book written by Rabbi Moses Sofer containing novellae on the Talmud. 2) The author of this work
חומש תהלים תניא, חת״ת (Chitas, Chumash, Tehillim, Tanya) - (Chabad-Lubavitch) 1) The Five Books of Moses, the Psalms and the Tanya. 2) The daily study schedule for these three books. 3) A single volume containing these three books bound together
יצא] ידי חובתו, [יצא] י״ח] ([yatza] y'dei chovato) - (Halachah) fulfilled his obligation
יוֹדְעֵי חֵן, י״ח (yod'ei chein) - (Kabbalah) those who know Kabbalah; lit. those who know grace ("grace", ח״ן, being the acronym for "hidden wisdom", חכמה נסתרה)
שְׁמוֹנֶה עֶשְׂרֵה, י״ח (Shemoneh Esrei) - (Liturgy) the Amidah; standing prayer; lit. [the order of] 18 [blessings]. See also ש״ע
יפת תואר, יפ״ת (yefat to'ar) - (Halachah) a [wartime captive woman of] beautiful appearance [whose infatuated captor has special laws and obligations regarding her treatment before he may marry her]
יין קידוש נר הבדלה זמן, יקנה״ז (yaknahaz, yayin kiddush neir havdalah z'man) - [the blessings for the] wine, kiddush, candle, havdalah, [and the] time [of year]; the order of blessings recited when the second day of a holiday begins as soon as Shabbat ends
כבוד קדושת, כ״ק (K'vod K'dushat) - His Holy Honor. For tzadikim and Chassidicrebbes, prepended to the name, and sometimes also to Admor. See also אדמו״ר
כבוד קדושת שם תפארתו, כקש״ת (K'vod K'dushat Sheim Tifarto) - His Holy Honor, His Glorious Name being. For tzadikim, prepended to the name
לוחמי חרות ישראל, לח״י (Lechi, Lochamei Cheirut Yisra'el) - (Modern Hebrew) a militant Zionist group that fought against the British Empire for Israel's independence; lit. Fighters for the Freedom of Israel
לא עלינו, ל״ע (lo aleinu) - may we be spared; lit. [may it] not be upon us
זה] לעומת זה, [זה] לעו״ז] ([zeh] le'umat zeh) - lit. [He made them this] opposite that (Ecclesiastes 7:14); meaning, for all things that were created on the side of holiness, a corresponding thing exists in the realms of impurity
לשון עם זו, לע״ז (la'az, lashon am zu) - the local language; lit. language of this people
לשון עם זר, לע״ז (la'az, lashon am zar) - foreign language; lit. language of a foreign people
לעתיד לבא, לע״ל (le'al, le'atid lavo) - the future; lit. the time to come
לעניות דעתי, לענ״ד (le'aniyut da'ati) - in my humble understanding; lit. in the poorness of my understanding
לפני הצמצום, לפה״צ (lifnei ha-tzimtzum) - (Kabbalah) before the tzimtzum
לפי זה, לפ״ז (lefi zeh) - according to this; lit. by the mouth of this. See also ע״פ and לפי״ז
לפי זה, לפי״ז (lefi zeh) - according to this; lit. by the mouth of this. See also ע״פ and לפ״ז
לפי מה שכתוב, לפמ״ש (lefi mah shekatuv) - according to what is written
לפני זה, לפנ״ז (lifnei zeh) - before that
לפרט קטן, לפ״ק (lifrat katan) - of the sixth millennium of Creation; lit. of the small specification. Used to specify the last three digits of the Hebrew year.
[x] מ׳/[x]מ״, [x] משנה (mishnah [x]) - teaching [x]. Often used when citing the Mishnah and the Jerusalem Talmud, where each chapter or perek is composed of many teachings, or mishnayot.
משנה ברורה, מ״ב (Mishnah Berurah) - Clarified Mishnah; a condensed work of Halacha for the layman written by the Chafetz Chaim. See also משנ״ב
מברכים ראש החדש, מברה״ח (mevarchim rosh hachodesh) - (Liturgy) the beginning of the incumbent Hebrew month is blessed (during the Shabbat service); lit. we bless the head of the month
מָגֵן אַבְרָהָם, מג״א (Magen Avraham) - (Halachah) 1) Lit. Shield of Abraham; a commentary on the Shulchan Aruch. 2) Its author, the Polish Talmudist Rabbi Avraham Abele Gombiner
מורינו הרב ליואי/ליוא/ליווא, מהר״ל (Maharal) - lit. our teacher, Rabbi Loew; the Maharal of Prague, a great commentator on the Torah, Talmudic scholar and Kabbalist
מלך המשיח, מה״מ (melech hamashiach) - the king Moshiach
מורינו הרב מרטנבורג, מהר״ם (Maharam, Moreinu HaRav [Meir bar Baruch] MiRotenburg) - our teacher, the Rabbi [Meir, son of Rabbi Baruch] of Rottenburg; major author of the Tosafot to Rashi on the Talmud, and Ashkenazposek
[מורינו הרב משה שיק, מהר״ם [שיק (Maharam Shik, Moreinu Harav Moshe Shik) - our teacher Rabbi Moses Shik; Hungarian posek and commentator on the Shulchan Aruch
מורינו הרב משה שיק, מהרמ״ש (Maharam Shik, Moreinu Harav Moshe Shik) - our teacher Rabbi Moses Shik; Hungarian posek and commentator on the Shulchan Aruch
מורינו הרב שמואל, מהר״ש (Maharash, Moreinu HaRav Rabi Shmu'el) - (Chabad-Lubavitch) lit. Our Teacher, the Rabbi, Rebbe Shmuel [Schneersohn]; the Maharash, the fourth rebbe of Chabad-Lubavitch
מורינו ורבינו הרב יוסף יצחק, מוהריי״צ (Moharayatz, moreinu verabeinu harav Yosef Yitzchak) - (Chabad-Lubavitch) lit. our teacher and Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak [Schneersohn]; the Rebbe Rayatz, sixth rebbe of Chabad-Lubavitch. See also ריי״ץ
מורינו ורבינו הרב רבי, מוהר״ר (Moharar) - (Chasidic) our teacher and Rebbe, Rabbi ... For Chassidic rebbes, prepended to the name
מורנו ורבינו הרבי שלום בער, מוהרש״ב (Moharashab, moreinu verabeinu harav Sholom Ber) - (Chabad-Lubavitch) our teacher and Rebbe, Rabbi Sholom Ber; the Rebbe Rashab, the fifth Rebbe of Chabad-Lubavitch. See also רש״ב
מַאי טַעְמָא, מ״ט (mai tama) - (Aramaic, Talmud) what is the reason
מטי ולא מטי, מטול״מ (mati v'lo mati) - (Aramaic, Kabbalah) touching and not touching
מטטרון, מט״ט (Matat, Metatron) - (Kabbalah) [the angel] Metatron. He is referred to as "Matat" to avoid the taboo of pronouncing the names of angels (the taboo does not apply to angels whose names are also human names, like Rafael and Gavriel)
מַה שֶׁכָּתוּב, מ״ש (mah shekatuv) - that which is written
מוצאי שבת, מ״ש (motzei Shabbat) - 1) Saturday night. 2) The night after Shabbat ends. Lit. The exit of Shabbat
מַה שֶּׁאֵין כֵּן, משא״כ (mashe'ak, mah she'ein kein) - which is not so
משום הכי, מש״ה (mishum hachi) - because of this
משום זה, משו״ז (mishum zeh) - because of this
משיחא, משיח׳ (meshicha) - (Aramaic) 1) The Messiah. 2) Lit. [One who was] anointed. This may indicate a king, a kohen, or even a member of the Jewish people regardless of particular lineage
מה שכתב, מש״כ (mah shekatav) - what [he] wrote
מַה שֶׁכָּתוּב, מש״כ (mah shekatuv) - that which was written
נטילת ידים, נט״י (netilat yadayim) - ritual washing of the hands; lit. taking the hands. The hands are raised after ritual rinsing; this avoids water becoming impure from the unwashed forearms and dripping onto the hands, making them impure again
נֶפֶשׁ רוּחַ נְשָׁמָה, נר״ן (naran, nefesh, ruach, neshamah) - (Kabbalah) [the soul levels of] nefesh, ruach, [and] neshamah; the three lower aspects of the soul that are aware of their own existence. See also נרנח״י
נפש רוח נשמה חיה יחידה, נרנח״י (naranchi, nefesh, ruach, neshamah, chayah, yechidah) - (Kabbalah) [the soul levels of] nefesh, ruach, neshamah, chayah, [and] yechidah; all five levels of the soul, from the coarsest to the most transcendent. See also נר״ן and ח״י
נמל התעופה בן גוריון, נתב״ג (Natbag, Namal HaTe'ufa Ben Gurion) – (Modern Hebrew) Ben Gurion International Airport
נָעוּץ תְּחִילָּתָן בְּסוֹפָן, נתב״ס (na'utz techilatan besofan) - (Aramaic, Kabbalah) their beginning is wedged in their end; a quotation from Sefer Yetzirah 1:7, referring to how the sefirah of malchut becomes keter for a "lower" tree of sefirot
נתבאר לעיל, נת״ל (netal, nitba'er la'eil) - that which was explained above
ס״ג (Sag) - (Kabbalah) a spelling-out of the Tetragrammaton with the numerical value of 63, the gematria of ס״ג, corresponding to the world of Adam Kadmon
המשך] ס״ו] (Hemshech Samech Vov) - (Chabad-Lubavitch) The Series of '66; the series of discourses beginning with "Yom Tov Shel Rosh HaShanah" delivered over a period of three years starting in 5666 (ה׳תשסו) by the Rebbe Rashab
סוף כל דרגין, סוכ״ד (sof kol dargin) - (Aramaic, Kabbalah) last of all levels. Contrast ריכ״ד
סובב כל עלמין, סוכ״ע (sovev kol almin) - (Aramaic, Kabbalah) transcending all creation; lit. surrounding all the worlds. See also ממכ״ע
סוֹף סוֹף, סו״ס (sof sof) - ultimately; lit. end of end
עַל אַחַת כַּמָּה וְכַמָּה, עאכו״כ (al achat cama vechama) - certainly all the more so; lit. [this being so] regarding one - [it is certainly so with] several and several
ע״ב (ayin beit) - (Kabbalah) 1) The spelling-out of the Tetragrammaton with four yuds י, having the gematria of 72. 2) The Great Name of 72 three-letter combinations formed from verses describing the Splitting of the Reed Sea (Exodus 14:19-21)
עובד(י) גלולים, עו״ג (ovdei/oveid gilulim) - idol-worshipper(s); lit. those/one who serve(s) excrement. So termed to recall the disgusting method of worship of Ba'al Pe'or
עונותינו (עוונותינו) הרבים, עו״ה (avonoteinu harabim) - our numerous sins
עולם הבא, עוה״ב (olam haba) - the World to Come. Compare עוה״ז
עוֹלָם הַזֶּה, עוה״ז (olam hazeh) - This World. Compare עוה״ב
עוד הפעם, עוה״פ (od hapa'am) - another time; again
עונותינו (עוונותינו) הרבים, עוה״ר (avonoteinu harabim) - our numerous sins
עוד יש לומר, עוי״ל (od yeish lomar) - it can further be said that
עובדי עבודה זרה, עוע״ז (ovdei avodah zarah) - idolaters; lit. those who serve alien worship
אישת חיל] עטרת בעלה, [א״ח] עט״ב] ([eishet chayil] ateret ba'alah) - (Liturgy, Kabbalah) [a valorous woman is] the crown of her husband. Indicates that an action from below on the part of humankind (the “woman”) results in a light transcending Zeir Anpin (the “husband” here being the channel of Godly manifestation through which the life of the universe flows). Occurs in the hymn "Lecha Dodi", which speaks of how Shabbat (malchut) blesses the other days of the week (Zeir Anpin)
עַל נְטִילַת יָדָיִם, ענט״י (al netilat yadayim) - (Liturgy) 1) Concerning the rinsing of the hands; lit. on taking/raising the hands. Phrasing from the blessing recited on netilat yadayim. The hands are raised after ritual rinsing; this avoids water becoming impure from the unwashed forearms and dripping onto the hands, making them impure again. 2) The ritual rinsing of the hands, usually with a blessing
פסוקי דזמרה, פסוד״ז (Pesukei DeZimra) - (Liturgy) lit. Verses of Song; a preparatory section of the morning Shacharit service recited before the Shema and the Amidah
פסיק רישא, פס״ר (pesik reisha) - (Aramaic) obvious conclusion; lit. [if] the head is separated, [is it not dead?]
פרשת פרה, פ״פ (Parshat Parah) - Lit. Portion of the [Red] Cow. 1) The maftir portion of the Red Heifer (Numbers 19), read in the weeks preceding Pesach. 2) The corresponding haftorah (Ezekiel 36:16-18)
פרי מגדים, פרמ״ג (Pri Megadim) - (Halachah) 1) Lit. Choice Fruit; a commentary on Orach Chaim. 2) Its author, Rabbi Joseph ben Mein Teomim, the Galician halachist
פירוש רש״י, פרש״י (pirush Rashi) - 1) Rashi explains. 2) Rashi's explanation. See also רש״י
פירוש תוספות, פר״ת (pirush Tosafot) - (Talmud) 1) The Tosafot explain. 2) Lit. The Tosafot's explanation/commentary
קוץ, קו׳ (kotz) - thorn; e.g. (Kabbalah) the "thorn" on top of the yud of the Tetragrammaton
קַל וָחוֹמֶר, ק״ו (kal vachomer) - all the more so; at least as much so; lit. light and weighty. Conclusions drawn using this method are just as stringent as the precedent, and may not be more or less stringent. Compare כ״ש
קונטטרס אחרון, קו״א (Kuntres Acharon) - (Halachah) Final Tract; the last section of Shulchan Aruch HaRav, explaining the sources of the rulings
קוּדְשָׁא בְּרִיךְ הוּא, קוב״ה (Kudsha Brich Hu) - (Aramaic) the Blessed Holy One
קהילה וחזן, קו״ח (kehilah vechazan) - [both] the congregation and the prayer-leader. Usu. a prayerbook instruction
קדיש יתום, ק״י (kadish yatom) - (Liturgy) Mourner's [lit. Orphan's] Kaddish; starting with the usual preamble "Yitgadal v'yitkadash" to "...da'amiran b'al'ma, v'im'ru amein," the paragraph "Y'hei sh'lama raba," and concluding with "Oseh shalom bim'romav...." Recited only by mourners with the prayer leader
קַיְימָא לָן, קי״ל (kaima lan) - (Aramaic, Talmud) we have established; lit. established for us
קליפה, קליפ׳ (kelipah) - (Aramaic) 1) (Kabbalah) Unholiness; lit. shell; which conceals the "fruit," i.e. the spark of Holiness that gives all things their existence. 2) Lit. shell
קא סלקא דעתך, קס״ד (ka salka da'atach) - (Aramaic, Talmud) 1) One might think; lit. it enters your mind. Indicates an initial impression that will be disproven. 2) Initial [false] impression
קדיש שלם, ק״ש (kadish shaleim) - (Liturgy) Complete Kaddish; starting with the usual preamble "Yitgadal v'yitkadash" to "...da'amiran b'al'ma, v'im'ru amein," and concluding with the paragraphs "Titkabeil," "Y'hei sh'lama raba," and "Oseh shalom bim'romav...." Recited only by the prayer leader.
קְרִיאַת שְׁמַע, ק״ש (keriat shema) - reading of the Shema
קִיצּוּר שׁוּלְחָן עָרוּךְ, קשו״ע (Kitzur Shulchan Aruch) - the Condensed Shulchan Aruch; a highly compressed work of Halachah written by R. Shlomo Ganzfried for the layman. See שו״ע
רבינו אברהם בן דוד, ראב״ד (Ra'avad, Rabeinu Avraham ben David) - Rabbi Abraham ben David; early Provençal Kabbalist, Halachist and Talmudist
רבי אברהם בן עזרא, ראב״ע (Rabi Avraham ben Ezra) - Ibn Ezra; a famous commentator on the Torah and Kabbalist
רבי אהרון הלוי, רא״ה (Ra'ah, Rabi Aharon HaLevi) - Rabbi Aharon ben Joseph HaLevi of Gerona; a Spanish Talmudist
ראיה, ראי׳ (raya) - proof
ראש השנה, ראה״ש (Rosh HaShanah) - the beginning of the year
רבי אליהו מזרחי, רא״ם (Re'em, Rabi Eliyahu Mizrachi) - Rabbi Elijah Mizrachi; Turkish Talmudist and Halachist, known for Sefer HaMizrachi, a supercommentary on Rashi's commentary on the Torah
רבינו אשר, רא״ש (Rosh) - our Rabbi Asher; Rabbi Asher ben Yechiel; a very influential Talmudist among the Rishonim
רבי דוד קמחי, רד״ק (Radak, Rabi David Kimchi) - Rabbi David Kimchi; biblical commentator and grammarian, defender of Rambam, known for his commentary on the Prophets
רב זלמן אהרן, רז״א (Raza, Rav Zalmen Aharon) - (Chabad-Lubavitch) Rabbi Zalmen Aharon; the older brother of the Rebbe Rashab
רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה, רַזַ״ל (Razal) - Our Rabbis, may their memory be for blessing; the Jewish sages of previous generations. See also חז״ל
רבי יום טוב בן אברהם, ריטב״א (Ritva, Rabi Yom Tov ben Avraham) - Rabbi Yom Tov Asevilli; a Spanish Talmudic commentator and student of the Rashba and Ra'ah
רבי יוסף יצחק, ריי״ץ (Rayatz, Rabi Yosef Yitzchak) - (Chabad-Lubavitch) Rebbe Yosef Yitzchok [Schneersohn]; sixth Rebbe of Chabad-Lubavitch
ריש כל דרגין, ריכ״ד (reish kol dargin) - (Aramaic, Kabbalah) lit. head of all levels; highest of all levels. Contrast סוכ״ד
רבי יצחק אל פסי, רי״ף (Rif, Rabi Yitzchak al-Fasi) - Rabbi Isaac Alfasi; author Seifer HaHalachot
רצה לומר, ר״ל (rotzeh/ratzah lomar) - meaning to say; lit. desired to say
[רבי לוי יצחק מבארדיטשוב, רל״י [מבארדיטשוב - (Rebbe Levi-Yitzchak MiBarditshuv) - (Chasidism) the Rebbe Levi-Yitzchok of Berditchev; the "defense attorney" of the Jewish people, famous for many Hasidic teachings and several nigunim
רַעֲיָא מְהֵימְנָא, ר״מ (Ra'aya Mehemna) - (Aramaic) a section of the Zohar; lit. The Faithful Shepherd
רבי משה איסרליש, רמ״א (Rema/Rama, Rabi Moshe Isserles) - Rabbi Moses Isserles; a Talmudist and Halachic decisor known for his commentaries and glosses on the TurShulchan Aruch
רבי משה בן מימון, רמב״ם (Rambam, Rabi Moshe ben Maimon) - Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon; Maimonides; compiler of the Sefer HaMitzvot and the Mishneh Torah
רבי משה בן נחמן, רמב״ן (Ramban, Rabi Moshe ben Nachman) - Rabbi Moshe ben Nachman; Nahmanides; kabbalist and commentator on the Torah
רבי מאיר הלבי, רמ״ה (Ramah, Rabi Meir HaLevi) - Rabbi Meir the Levite; Meir Abulafia; Talmudist and Kabbalist, known for his leadership of the Jewish community in Spain, and his argument with the Rambam
רב משה זכותו, רמ״ז (Ramaz, Rav Moshe Zacuto) - (Kabbalah) Rabbi Moshe [Ben Mordecai] Zacuto; an Italian Kabbalist
רמ״ח (ramach) - 1) The 248 positive mitzvot. 2) The 248 limbs of the human body. See also תרי״ג and שס״ה
רב משה חיים לוצאטו, רמח״ל (Ramchal, Rav Moshe Chaim Luzzatto) - Rabbi Moses Chaim Luzzatto; the Italian Kabbalist and ethicist
ראש המטה הכללי, רמטכ״ל (Ramatkal, Rosh HaMateh HaKlali) - (Modern Hebrew) Chief of the General Staff
רב מנחם שנאורסון, רמ״ש (Ramash, Rav Menachem Schneerson) - (Chabad-Lubavitch) Rabbi Menachem Schneerson. This respectful moniker was used before he became the seventh Lubavitcher Rebbe
ראשי תיבות, ר״ת - (roshei teivot) - acronym; lit. heads of words
רבינו תם, ר״ת (Rabeinu Tam) - our Rabbi, Tam; (alt.) our Pure Rabbi; famous French halachist among the Rishonim, known for his legal debates with his grandfather Rashi. Often appears as תפילין דר״ת
שלוחא דרבנן, שד״ר (shadar, shlucha d’rabanan) - (Aramaic) emissary of the rabbis. In modern usage, often an authorized traveling fundraising officer for charity causes.
שני לוחות הברית, של״ה (Shelah, Shnei Luchot HaBrit) - 1) [The author of] Shnei Luchot HaBrit; the kabbalist Rabbi Isaiah Horowitz. 2) Two Tablets of the Covenant; the compilation of ethics, mysticism, customs and laws by Rabbi Isaiah Horowitz
שיזכה לימים טובים וארוכים, שליט״א (Shlita, sheyizkeh l'yamim tovim v'aruchim) - may he merit good and long life. Appended to a name
עד] שלא נברא העולם, [עד] שלנב״ה] (['ad] shelo nivra ha'olam) - [before] the world was created; lit. [as long as] the world had not been created
שישה סדרים, ש״ס (Shas, Shisha Sedarim) - the Talmud; lit. the Six Orders [of the Mishna with the accompanying Gemara]
שס״ה (shesah) - 1) The 365 negative mitzvot or prohibitions (Makkot 23b, end). 2) The 365 veins and sinews of the human body (Zohar I, 170b). 3) The 365 days of the solar year (Makkot 23b). See also תרי״ג and רמ״ח
י״ג] תיקוני דיקנא, [י״ג] ת״ד] ([yud gimel] tikunei dikna) - (Aramaic, Kabbalah) [13] tufts of the beard (corresponding to the 13 attributes of mercy); lit. rectifications of the beard
תבנה ותכונן, ת״ו (tibaneh vetikonein) - may it be [re]built and [re]established. Regarding the Holy Land, and Jerusalem in particular
תבנה ותכונן במהרה בימינו אמן, תובב״א (tibaneh vetikonein bimeheira be'yameinu amein) - may it be [re]built and [re]established speedily in our days, amen. Regarding the Holy Land and Jerusalem in particular
תוספות דבר המתחיל, תוד״ה (tosafot davar hamatchil) - Tosafot['s commentary on the Talmud], the statement beginning with
תּוֹרַת חַיִּים, תו״ח (Torat Chaim) - Teachings of Life; a book of discourses by the Mitteler Rebbe of Lubavitch
תורת כהנים, תו״כ (Torat Kohanim) - the Teaching of Kohanim; an alternate name for Leviticus
תורה ומצוות, תומ״צ (Torah umitzvot) - Torah and mitzvot
תוספות, תוס׳ (Tosafot) - (Talmud) 1) The Tosafot; a commentary on the Talmud; lit. Additions. 2) The sages who wrote an elucidation of the Talmud by the same name
[תּוֹרָה עֲבוֹדָה [וּגְמִילוּת חֲסָדִים], תו״ע [וגמ״ח (Torah, avoda[, ugemilut chasadim]) - Torah, [the sacrificial] service[, and deeds of kindness]; the "three things on which the world stands" (Pirkei Avot 1:2)
תורה שבכתב, תושב״כ (Torah SheBichtav) - the Written Torah. Also, תשב״כ. Compare תושבע״פ.
תורה שבעל פה, תושבע״פ (Torah SheBe'al Peh) the Oral Torah. See also תושב״כ
תם ונשלם שבח לאל בורא עולם, תושלב״ע (tushlaba) - finished and complete with the help of God, Creator of the World. Appears at the end of a large work
תַּלְמוּד לוֹמַר, ת״ל (talmud lomar) - (Aramaic, Talmud) the Torah teaches [otherwise]. This phrase introduces a refutation of the proposition that came just prior
תהי נשמתו/ה צרורה בצרור [החיים], תנצ״ב (tehei nishmato/nishmatah tserurah bitsror [hachayim]) - may his/her soul be bound with the bond [of life]. Said about the deceased, a wish that their example, teachings and accomplishments live on forever
תורה נביאים וכתובים, תנ״ך (Tanakh) - the Bible; lit. Torah [five books of Moses], Prophets and Writings. See also נ״ח and תושב״כ
תבוא עליו ברכה, תע״ב (tavo 'alav b'racha) - (Halachah) blessing should come upon him. Indicates a pious practice beyond the basic requirement of the law
In modern editions of many Hebrew books with technical jargon, it is common to find lists of the abbreviations used in the work, for example, in the back near the index, or sometimes near the table of contents.
Lu'ach Roshei Teivot, "Table of Abbreviations", an appendix to Sefer Taharat Yisrael by R. Yisrael Yitzhak b. Eliyahu of Prague
Reshimat Roshei Teivot, "List of Abbreviations," an appendix to Likkutei Torah, 177a onwards
Frank, Yitzhak. "Acronyms and Abbreviations Used in this Dictionary: Hebrew." pp. XX-XXI. And, "Acronyms in the Talmud." pp. 271–94. The Practical Talmud Dictionary. 2001: Jerusalem, The Ariel Institute.
While the other above lists of abbreviations played a supporting role in the creation of this list, most of these abbreviations were encountered in and added directly from primary and secondary sources. It is impractical to cite the source of every item in the list above in its original place. Instead, an effort will be made here to list the sources where these abbreviations were found and expanded from their originally published form, or repeated in their source in their expansion, often with explanations, annotations and translations:
Kaplan, Aryeh. Sefer Yetzirah (The Book of Creation): In Theory and Practice. York Beach, Maine: Samuel Weiser, 1997. Print.
Rashi. The Pentateuch and Rashi's Commentary: A Linear Translation into English. Trans. Abraham Ben-Isaiah and Benjamin Sharfman. Brooklyn: S.S. & R. Pub., 1949. Print.
Rashi. Rashi - The Sapirstein Edition. Trans. Yisrael Isser Zvi. Herczeg, Yosef Kamenetsky, and Yaakov Petroff. Ed. Nosson Scherman, Meir Zlotowitz, and Avie Gold. Brooklyn: Mesorah Publications, 1995. Print.
Schneersohn, Yosef Yitzchak, and Menachem Mendel Schneerson. HaYom Yom: From Day to Day. Trans. Zalman I. Posner, Yitschak M. Kagan, and Sholom B. Wineberg. Brooklyn: Kehot Publication Society, 2005. Print.
Wineberg, Yosef. Lessons in Tanya. Trans. Sholom B. Wineberg. Brooklyn: Kehot Publication Society, 1997. Lessons in Tanya - Text of the Tanya. Chabad.org. Web. 20 May 2016.