Al Chet - A confessional prayer during which Jews softly beat their chests for each of the ethical sins committed.
Avodah - This prayer describes what the High Priest would do on Yom Kippur in the Beit Hamikdash, the holy temple, in Jerusalem over 2,000 years ago.
Avinu Malkeinu - "Our Father, Our King," a prayer of repentance.
Beit Hamikdash - The holy temple in Jerusalem, destroyed in 70 A.D.
Havdalah - The short service done at home that concludes Shabbat and holidays. It is done using a cup of wine, and after Shabbat includes a multi-wicked candle, and sweet-smelling spices.
Kaparot - A custom of swinging a chicken or money over the head, asking God to take the chicken or money in place of the sinner.
Kol Nidrei - A prayer that absolves Jews of any religious vows made for the coming year. This prayer was written centuries ago to absolve Jews of forced vows to practice other religions.
Maariv - Evening service.
Mincha - Afternoon service.
Mikvah - A Jewish ritual bath.
Ne'ilah - The concluding service on Yom Kippur. Ne'ilah means closing up and sealing. The prayers have been heard, and God seals everyone's fate for the coming year.
Rosh Hashanah - The Jewish New Year.
Seudah Mafseket - A festive meal eaten before the fast of Yom Kippur begins.
Shema - Prayer affirming God's oneness.
Ten Days of Repentance - The days that fall from the beginning of Rosh Hashanah and run through Yom Kippur.
Teshuva - Usually defined as repentance; literally means turning.
Torah - The first five books of the Old Testament, the Jewish bible.
Tzedakah - Charity given to the needy or the poor.
Viddui - Group confession of sins.
Yahrtzheit - The anniversary of the Hebrew date of someone's death. A Yahrtzheit candle is lit and burns for 24 hours.
Yizkor - The Jewish memorial prayer for lost loved ones, recited on Yom Kippur, Shemini Atzeret, the last day of Passover, and on Shavuot.
