Glossary of Pangs of the Messiah
For those of you feeling that you need more information to fully understand Pangs of the Messiah, please consult this glossary, prepared by dramaturg Kefah Crowley. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, but a sampling of some terms you will hear during the show.
Al Aqsa Mosque and Dome of the Rock- a mosque and a shrine respectively, considered the 3rd holiest site in the Islamic world, from where the Prophet Mohamed is believed to have ascended to heaven. Al Aqsa and the Dome of the Rock are located in Jerusalem’s Old City, on the site revered by Jews as the Temple Mount.
Goy- The Hebrew term for a Gentile or a non-Jew.
Headscarves- Married Orthodox women are required to cover their heads. Many married Orthodox women wear headscarves, some wear wigs.
Jewish Diaspora- The communities of Jews outside the historic Land of Israel, traditionally associated with the expulsion and dispersal of Jews to other countries following the destruction of the First and Second Temples.
Kibbutz – a communal, typically rural Jewish settlement in Israel associated with strong socialist, egalitarian, and Zionist principles.
Knesset – (Hebrew word for “assembly”), the Knesset is the Israeli parliament
Mukhtar - (Arabic word for “chosen”), refers to the head of an Arab town or village selected by means of consensus.
Pangs of the Messiah- In Hebrew, “Chevlai shel Mashiach,” or “birth pains,” refers to the future in which there will be seven years of tribulation that lead to the coming of the Messiah. This era will be known as Chevlai shel Mashiach.
Shomron – (Hebrew word for “Samaria”) - Biblical term used to describe the territory known as the northern West Bank.
Talit – a Jewish prayer shawl worn while reciting morning prayers. It is also worn for Sabbath prayers in the synagogue and on holidays.
Tefillin – also called phylacteries, a pair of black leather boxes containing scrolls of parchment inscribed with bible verses.
Temple Mount- The Torah records that it was at this site in Jerusalem that God chose to rest his Divine Presence. The two great Jewish Temples, built by King David and King Solomon and destroyed by the Babylonians and the Romans respectively, were built on this site. According to Jewish tradition when the Messiah comes, he will bring with him the third and final Temple, which will rest on the Temple Mount.
Yesha Council- Yesha is the Hebrew acronym for Judea, Samaria and Gaza (Yehuda, Shomron, Aza), also referred to as “the territories.” The Yesha Council was founded in the late 1970s as the successor to Gush Emunim, the organization that led the settling of Jews in the territories captured in the Six-Day War of June 1967. The goal of the Yesha Council is to strengthen and increase the Jewish presence in the occupied territories by continuing to build settlements.
Zionism- A return to Zion (Jerusalem). Zionism is a political and religious movement that seeks the return of Jews to their biblical (historical) homeland in Palestine. Old Zionism was premised on the belief that the Messiah would lead Jews back to their home. New Zionism (19th century Zionism) shifted the responsibility for the return from the Messiah to the Jewish people themselves.
March 17th, 2009 18:10
While on phone duty at the Real Estate office where I work—I enjoyed sharing this article with my co-worker who is Jewish–actually we had much fun–I read the glossary terms and Mrs Heller was quick with her answers–she was so proud of herself—almost scored a 100%–wasnt sure of Yesha Council!!! We both agree the glossary of Pangs of the Messiah is very interesting as well as very helpful! Mrs. Heller feels the play sounds very, very interesting. Personally I have tickets and am looking forward to seeing it—and then report to Mrs. Heller!!!!!!!!!