Appendix B - Video dictionary script

David Bar-Tzur

Created 9 September 2008.

ark curtain of blue velvet with golden stiched designs of a top border, crown and hands in the blessing position of the kohanim, like a two-handed Mr. Spock gesture

Many signs do not have a standardized gloss. Some of the glosses I have chosen for a given sign may throw you off because you would not label it the same way. For that reason, and also to show you some signs you may not have seen before, this book comes with a DVD that demonstrates each of the signs that I feel may be new to some readers. I have chosen as a standard all the signs that I had not yet learned as part of my interpreter preparation program.

I have also included this appendix for those times that you do not have access to the DVD or something that could play it. Please read Appendix A to understand the notations used in this Appendix. Underlined words are honorific indices ("indexes"), using the FT of the upturned palm to indicate who is being honored. The signs between "||:" and ":||" are to be repeated in the worship service scripts.

Besides the signs that appear in my translation of the various services, I have included signs for terms that might come up as part of a drasha (sermon), shiur (religious classroom learning), or other presentation about Jewish topics. If the word is all uppercase (for example AARON), then it is a gloss that appears in this book. If it is not (for example Acre), then it is a term that might appear in a Jewish setting, but is not in my translations per se.

To see what the DVD will look like, go to YouTube - David Bar-Tzur playlists: Sign dictionaries.

(1-0F-4), (2-OF-4), (3-OF-4), etc. - NDH [4], PO > signer, FO > DS, and DH [1] taps index finger for "(1-OF-4)", taps middle finger for "(2-OF-4)", and so on.AARON,

AARON, Aharon haCohen - (2h)[A], FTs touch area under the throat, separate while moving to the shoulders, then descend down the sides of the chest.

above-HELP-us - HELP moves from above eyes to chest. The Book of Esther steers clear of any mention of God or Heaven.

ABRAHAM, Avraham Avinu - [A] strikes between the thumb and forefinger of [B], like BOTHER, but a single movement. (< Angel stopping Abraham from sacrificing his son Isaac.)

ACHASHVEROSH - A-KING.

Acre - [relaxed U dot] is held at ear and twisted twice at wrist.

Adam, Adam haRishon - [A] taps DS temple with thumb tip twice.

Adam and Eve, Adam v'Chavah - [A] touches DS temple with thumb tip and [E], PO away, touches chin.

ADONAI (used in prayer, but HASHEM in conversation) - [B], PO > signer, FT sweep in an arc towards God. (< HONORIFIC-INDEX and plurality as power.)

ADORE - NDH is clasped over DH [S] and hands circle perpendicular to the chest.

ADVANCED - (2h)[B^], POs ><, FOs up, move upwards arcing towards the signer

ADVOCATE - SUPPORT and then hands move forward together.

afikomen - FEAST, MATZAH LAST.

Afula - [1], PO > NDS, travels up mouth and away.

AGAIN-AND-AGAIN - AGAIN is repeated with a circular motion.

aguna - WOMAN MARRY AGAIN, FORBIDDEN.

Aibeshter - HASHEM SUPREME.

alav hashalom - PRAY HASHEM GIFT PEACE.

aliyah (ah-lee-YAH, last syllable stresed) - MOVE-AWAY SETTLE ISRAEL.

aliyah (ah-LEE-yah, second syllable stresed) - SUMMON THANKS FOR TORAH.

ALL - (2h)[B^], FOs away, DH PO down is held over NDH PO up, circles it, and lands in it palm with both POs still up.

(2h)#ALL - (2h)[A], POs ><, FOs up, are held at shoulder height and move away while opening to (2h)[L].

ALL-ALONG - (2h)[1], POs down, FOs away, fingers run up the chest somewhat slowly on DS until POs are > signer, and FOs are up.

ALL-DAY-AND-ALL-NIGHT - Begins like ALL-DAY and part of the way down the DH twists so that the PO ends pointing upwards and FT rise.

#ALL-BODY - (2h)[A], POs ><, are held at either side of the head and the hands are brought down along the body while opening to (2h)[L].

#ALL-OF-THEM - [A], PO up, FO > DS is held at DS then swings away in an arc and ends [L^], PO up, FO > NDS.

#ALL-OF-US - [A], PO > NDS, FO up touches DS shoulder then [L^], PO > signer touches NDS shoulder.

#ALL-OF-YOU - [A], PO up, FO > DS - held at DS then swings away in an arc and ends [L^], PO up, FO > NDS.

#ALL-ON-LIST - NDH [5], PO > DS, FO away, DH [A], PO > signer, descends while opening to an [L].

ALMIGHTY - ALL POWERFUL.

ALTAR - (2h)[B], POs down, FOs away, touch, separate, twist to POs >< and descend.

ALWAYS-SAME - (2h)[Y], POs down, FOs away, circle vertically and symmetrically in a plane parallel to the chest.

AMEN - [A], PO > NDS, FO away, stamps upturned palm.

Amidah - STAND PRAY QUIET.

ANCESTORS, Avot, Avos - [A], FO up, is held against forehead, opens to a [5] while moving forwards + (2h)[5], POs ><, FOs up, move in a vertical circle while moving back over shoulder. (< GRANDFATHER LONG-AGO.)

ANCIENT - [S], PO > signer, FO away, descends from chin with a wavy motion.

aninut, aninus - SUDDEN-WRONG, RELATIVE DIE, SHOCKED.

ANOINT - [A dot] circles head with DH thumb pointing down then repeats in front of signer as if s/he were anointing someone.

ANOINTED - [A dot] circles head with DH thumb pointing down and signer looks up as if receiving an anointing.

ANYONE - [A dot], PO > NDS, FO up, twists rapidly at the wrist while moving in a horizontal circle.

apikoros, apikorsut, apikorsus - TORAH INTERPRET, WAY-OFF-POINT.

APPEARANCE - [5], PO > face, circles face.

APPOINT - NDH [B], PO away, FO up, DH [5], PO away, FO up, DH closes to an [F] and strikes NDH palm with thumb side.

APPROACH - (2h)[B], FOs up, DH PO away, ND is held in front of NDH and palm faces it, then both hands approach one another slightly.

Arba Minim - FOUR-OF-THEM + NDH is [C] and DH is [S]. Hands are held together FOs away and shake back and forth as if holding a lulav and etrog [palm branch and citron].

Ark (of the Covenant), Aron haBrit, Aron haKodesh - BOX GOLD LEVITE CARRY-AROUND DESERT.

ark (in the synagogue or temple), aron kodesh - (2h)[A], POs away separate like parting curtains + (2h)[S], POs ><, FOs away, put Torah in the ark.

Aseret haDibrot, Aseres haDibros - TEN COMMANDMENTS.

Aseret (Aseres) Yemai Tshuvah - ROSH-HASHANA + [B], PO > NDS, FO away, sweeps to DS + YOM-KIPPUR.

Ashdod - (2h)[5:], POs > signer, FOs ><, tap knuckles together twice.

ASHES - BURN + (2h)[O^], POs up, FOs away, slides thumb over fingers and forms (2h)[A], pronates [turn POs down], changes to (2h)[5], POs down and thumbs touch. It's much clearer on the video, smile.

Ashkelon - (2h)[S], POs away, held high, push to the sides with force. Don’t twist at wrists. (< An Israeli sign that refers to the pale skin of Ashkenazim compared to Sephardim.)

Ashkenaz, Ashkenazi, Ashkenazic, Ashkenazim - [A], PO away from signer, FO up, brushes down cheek. (< An Israeli sign that refers to the pale skin of Ashkenazim compared to Sephardim.)

ASSEMBLE - (2h)[S], POs down, FOs ><, move > each other while opening to (2h)[5wg].

assur - FORBIDDEN.

#AT-ALL - A-T is fingerspelled as the hand moves towards the singer and then moves away as it flicks out A-L-L.

AT-FIRST - [1], PO down, FO away, supinates like the sign FIRST, but strikes the thumb of NDH [A dot], PO > DS, FO away.

ATONE, ATONEMENT - Strike NDS of chest with palmar surface of [A]. (< hearing Jewish gesture during the Yom Kippur service.)

#A-TO-Z - [5], PO > signer, FO up, DH [A] is held at the thumb of the NDH and then moves > DS while tracing a [Z] at the little finger.

Aufruf - SUMMON FUTURE HUSBAND THANKS FOR TORAH.

avelut, avelus - MOURN.

avera - SIN.

Avinu sh'b'Shemayim - (2h)[A], FOs up, DH is held against forehead, NDH close to but lower, both hands open to (2h)[5] while moving upwards. HEAVEN could be added to this.

Avodah - SERVE HASHEM.

AWAKE (be awake, not wake-up)- (2h)[C], POs ><, FOs up, are held framing the eyes.

AWAY - (2h)[B], POs down, FOs away, nod hands down, then up, with a movement of the arms to show that something is being swept away.

AWED, AWESOME - (2h)[S], POs ><, FOs up are held at eyes with awed facial expression and the hands open and then close.

baal koreh - READ TORAH FOR CONGREGATION

baal tefillah - PRAY LEAD+.

baal (baalat, baalei) teshuvah - GROW-UP FRUM NOT.

Babylon, Bavel, Bavli - (2h)[B], POs ><, FOs up, FT bend repeatedly at the knuckles changing [B] to [B^] while rising and coming to a point to show a ziggurat [step pyramid].

BACK-OF-MIND - FT of [X] taps back of head.

#BACK-TO - (2h)[B], POs > rt, FOs up; the hands transition to a C and then a K while rushing towards direction indicated.

#BACK-TOGETHER - (2h)[B], POs ><, FOs up, are held at respective sides. The hands transition to a C and then a K while rushing towards each other and contacting.

#BACK-WITH-GOD - (2h)[B], POs ><, FOs up, are held with NDH close to the body and the DH high and close to where God is spatialized. The hands transition to a C and then a K while rushing towards each other and contacting.

BAFFLED - [4], PO away, FO up, strikes forehead and FT curl.

Bait (Bais) haMikdash - TEMPLE JERUSALEM.

bait knesset, bais knesses, bait (bais) tefillah - S,Y-TEMPLE.

bait midrash, bais medresh - TORAH STUDY PLACE.

BARELY-ENOUGH - (2h)[open 8] alt. move in vertical circles striking respective sides of mouth.

bar mitzvah, b'nai mitzvah - [bX] wraps a leather strap around the wrist of [S]. (< now the child has become an adult and is responsible to keep the commandments, such as put on tefillin.)

BARREN - (2h)[open 8], POs down, FOs away, hands move away while closing to (2h)[S] and mouth thp.

BARS - Fists mime rattling jail bars.

Baruch haShem! - THANK HASHEM.

BASKET - DH [S] holds basked handle and NDH [B], PO up, acts as bottom of basket, hands ascend and descend slightly to indicate basket.

bat mitzvah, batai mitzvah - GIRL BAR-MITZVAH. [bX] wraps a leather strap around the wrist of [S]. (< now the child has become an adult and is responsible to keep the commandments, such as put on tefillin.)

Bat Yam - DH [1], PO > NDS, FO away, descends and ascends far above (and does not strike) NDH [S], PO > DS, FO away.

BEAK-PECKS-NEST - [bO] is held at nose like a beak and then pecks at [C], PO > DS, FO away.

BEAT - (2h)[S], DPO > NDS, NDPO down, FOs away, are held with DH on top of NDH and DH strikes NDH at wrist while index and middle fingers shoot out suddenly.

BEAT-ON-ANVIL - [S], PO > NDS< FO away, pounds repeatedly on [1], PO > signer, FO > DS.

BECKON - [1], PO up, FO up, gestures by bending to beckon someone.

Bedeken - (2h)4-CL, POs > signer, FOs up, approach signer like a group of people + mime the veil being put over the bride's face.

BEE - Closed FT of [F] touch cheek, then [B], PO away, FO up, brushes bee away.

BEEHIVE - DH [F] touches the cheek with its joined fingers to represent an insect biting; then changes to a [Bb] and brushes it aside + (2h)[5:], POs away, FO up, move down while pecking as if showing the comb cells.

Beer Sheva - (2h)[B] with thumbs flush with other fingers but not folded into palm], POs ><, FOs away, descend and meet with a V-shaped path.

BEFORE - [B] waves backwards over shoulder.

BEFORE-NOW - [B], PO over shoulder, FO up, hands nods over shoulder to show previous time.

BEHAVE - (2h)[B], POs down, FOs away, sweep from side to side anti-symmetrically.

BELITTLED - [C], PO > NDS< FO up, rests on dorsal side (back) of [B], PO down, FO > DS, and DH closes to [O^].

BELL - [bX], FO down, is held against NDH [B], PO > DS, FO up, is shaken, moves > DS, then returns to being held against the palm of NDH.

BELLY-LAUGH - (2h)[5:], POs ><, FOs away, DH is above NDH and they move alt. to and fro like a vibrating belly.

BEND-KNEES - [V] stands on palm of NDH, then bend DH FT while maintaining contact with palm.

BENT-OVER - [S], PO away, FO up, bends fist at wrist as if head is bowed and body slumps forward.

bentsh - THANKS AFTER BREAD.

bentsh licht - IGNITE"each" CANDLES.

bentsher, birkon - PRAYER BOOK FOR FOOD.

BERRY - [O] twists FT against FT of NDH [1], PO > signer, FO > DS.

beshert - HASHEM DECIDE FINISH.

bet din, bez din- JEWISH COURT.

BETRAY - palm side of NDH [1] is held at the wrist of DH [B], PO > NDS, FO away, and maintains contact while DH suddenly bends at wrist.

BE-WITH - TOGETHER.

BEYOND - (2h)[B^], touch FTs, then DH moves up in an arc towards the signer and away.

BIG-QUESTION - like the sign QUESTION-MARK but both hands and all fingers (not the thumb) form a symmetric shape that - a question mark in the right hand and a reversed question mark in the left hand.

bikkur cholim (holim) - GROUP RECRUIT VISIT SICK.

bimah - B-PLATFORM.

BIND-SHEAF - [C] hold sheaf and [bX] binds it together.

BIRD-SING - Sign BIRD and then with hand still kept in place sway head from side to side while opening and closing "beak".

BIRD-FLY - (2h)[B] cross at wrists and hands flap like wings while showing the path of the flight.

Birkat (Birkas) haMazon - THANKS AFTER BREAD.

BIT-AND-BRIDLE - HORSE + Bite down on (2h)[1], POs down, FO > inside of mouth, then run FTs of (2h)[I] from side of mouth to ear.

BLAST-FROM-MOUTH - (2h)[S], POs away are held at corners of mouth, open, and move away with wg as mouth and face show the blast.

BLEND - (2h)[5:], POs > signer, are interlaced and FTs move down like a gear.

BLEND-COOPERATE - (2h)[5:], POs > signer, are interlaced and FTs move down like a gear that blends into the sign COOPERATE.

BLESS - (2h)[O^], POs ><, held at mouth. Hands are brought downwards while opening to (2h)[5].

bli neder - PROMISE* HASHEM DON’T-MEAN-TO-SAY.

BLOOM, BLOSSOM - (2h)[A] are held together but the hands are twisted like the beginning of CHANGE. Hands twist back while opening to (2h)[5:] with the hands still held together.

BLOSSOM-WITHER - (2h)[A] are held together but the hands are twisted like the beginning of CHANGE. Hands twist back while opening to (2h)[5:] with the hands still held together. The DH is left in place and then closes and bends > NDS as if drooping in death.

BLOW-SHOFAR - (2h)[S] is held close to the lips as if blowing a shofar (ram's horn). The DH, which is further from the mouth, moves away and up, changing to a [5:] in imitation of the shofar's shape.

BLOW-TOP - [5] slaps palm on [S], PO > DS, FO away, and then DH swivels at wrist while rising.

BLOW-TRUMPET - The ancient valveless trumpet is meant: NDH [F] is held at mouth, and DH [bC] is held directly in front of mouth; expand cheeks and vibrate hands.

BLUR, BLURRED - (2h)[O^], POs away, FOs up, move to opposite sides, while opening to (2h)[5].

B'nai Yisrael - (2h)#ALL JEWISH PEOPLE.

Bnei Brak - [A] pounds on chest at NDS.

bochur, yeshiva bochur - MAN STILL SINGLE.

bodek, bodkim - INVESTIGATE KOSHER.

body-BURN - (2h)[5], FOs up, place palms on chest and rise with wg.

BOILING-INSIDE - (2h)[5], ND is held palm down under chin and DH is PO > signer, FO up, and circles under NDH with wg.

BONE - [V:], PO > NDS, FO away, strikes dorsal side (back hand) of [S], PO down, FO > DS.

BONES-IN-BODY - (2h)[V:], POs > throat, are held crossed under throat like the beginning of POISON and the hands descend down the chest to show all the bones in the body.

BORDER, boundary - (2h)I-CL trace out three sides of a square boundary around the body.

BOW-DOWN - (2h)[B], POs away, FOs up, are held like the final position of GIVE-UP, then bend these arms twice while bowing at waist once.

bracha, brocha, brachot, brochas - PRAISE HASHEM.

bracha (brocha) achrona (ahrona) - THANK GOD AFTER FOOD WITHOUT BREAD.

BRANCH - (2h)[1], POs down, FOs away, are held along side one another and touching. The DH moves away and branches out to the DS, while the NDH does not move.

BREAK-DOWN - (2h)[5:] interlaced, POs ><, FTs move down while remaining interlaced so that the PO becomes down.

BRIDE - (2h)[S], POs ><, FOs away, DH is held on top of the NDH as if holding a bouquet and the hands move forward in two downward arcs.

brit (milah), bris (milah) - 2h)[A dot], POs down, DHFT circles NDHFT as if cutting off foreskin + DELETE.

brit habat, bris habas - BABY GIRL ANNOUNCE NAME.

BROKEN-HEART - (2h)[modified C] where the knuckles of each hand contact each other as well as the thumbs creating a valentine heart and then the hands break away, changing the POs to upwards for a more violent break.

BUBBLES - (2h)[S], POs up, Fos away, alt. rise, open and fall while closing.

BULL - (2h)[Y] hold thumbs to forehead and head dips down and then up like a bull threatening to charge.

BURDEN - (2h)[C], POs ><, FOs up, are placed on DS shoulder and press it down so that the body tips > DS.

burial society (chevra kadisha) - GROUP PREPARE BODY FOR JEWISH BURY.

BURN-TO-ASHES - (2h)[5], POs > signer, FOs up, travel upwards with wg like flames + DISSOLVE + (2h)[5], POs down, FOs away, touch thumbs, follow a semi-circular path and meet again at thumbs or index fingers.

BY-A-HAIR - [F], pulls out a hair with a grimace of pain.

CALL-ON - DH [B] taps NDH [B], PO down, FO away from signer, then moves > signer while closing to an [A], PO away from signer, FO up, and moving up.

CALL-ON-me (or) us - [B], PO > signer, taps [B], PO down, FO > signer, from side opposite the signer, then moves away while closing to an [A], PO > signer, FO up, and moving up.

CALM - (2h)[5], POs down, FOs away, descend slightly at NDS then at DS.

CALM-DOWN - (2h)[5], POs down, FOs away, descend slightly, stop and then descend further, then one more time.

CALM-WAVES - (2h)[5], POs down, FOs away, hands move like the surface of relatively calm water.

CAMEL - [B], PO down, FO away, moves > DS with an upward arc to show the hump.

CANDLE-GLOW - NDH [1^] touches wrist of [5^], PO away, FO up, DH opens and closes as if glowing.

cantor, chazan, hazan - PRAY SINGER.

CAPTURE, CATCH - DH wraps fist around NDH index finger, PO > DS, FO up.

CARE-FOR-us (or) me - (2h)[K] are crossed at wrists and FT > signer move in a vertical circle normal (perpendicular) to the chest.

CARRY-AROUND - (2h)[B], POs up, FOs away, move together in a horizontal circle.

CAST-DIE - [A], PO up, FO away, shakes dice and rolls them > NDS.

CASTLE - (2h)[V:], POs away, FOs up, hands separate and descend a number of times to show the castle walls.

CATCH-ILLNESS - DH 5, PO > signer, FO away, moves towards NDH and touches its dorsal (back) side with thumb side of hand while closing to an [8].

CAUSE - (2h)[S] are held at the chest as if holding a rope and move forward while opening to (2h)[5].

CEREAL - [X], PO up, rubs along ND forearm as if harvesting.

chag, hag - HOLIDAY.

Chag Sameach! Hag Sameach! - HAPPY HOLIDAY.

chalav (halav) Yisrael, cholov Yisroel - MILK PRODUCTS, RABBI SUPERVISE.

chalavi, halavi, holovi - FOOD INVOLVE MILK.

challah, hallah - (2h)[bX], POs up, FOs away, alt. pronate while moving > signer.

chametz, hametz, chometz - [S] inside [5:] expands with wg.

CHANUKAH, Hanukkah, (C)han(n)uk(k)ah - (2h)[4], POs away (some use POs >) signer, FOs up, index fingers touch and then separate while sweeping up in an arc, like the arms of a candelabra.

chanukiah, hanukiak - CHANUKAH LAMP.

charata, harata - [Y] twists thumb against chin..

charedim, haredim - DATI TRUE-BIZ.

CHARIOT - CONTROL + NDH [C], PO > signer, FO > DS acts as the front of the cab and [1], PO away, FO up, acts as the person standing in the cab with both hands moving forward. charity (1)

charoset, haroset- PASSOVER MIX APPLE, NUTS, HONEY, ETC.

chas (has) v'shalom- HASHEM FORBID.

Chasid(im), Hasid(im), Chosid(im) - (2h)[1], POs ><, FOs up, spiral down like sidecurls from top of ears.

(C)hasidic, (C)hasidish, (C)hasidut, Chassidus - (2h)[1], POs ><, FOs up, spiral down like sidecurls from top of ears + THEIRS.

chatan, hatan, choson - BOY WEDDING.

Chatan (Hatan) Breishit, Choson Breishis - HONOR HOW? READ FIRST PART TORAH.

Chatan (Hatan) Torah - HONOR HOW? READ LAST PART TORAH

chatunah, hatunah, chasunah - JEWISH WEDDING.

Chavah, Havah, Eve - [E], PO away, FO up, taps at jaw.

chaver, chevruta, haver, chavrusa - TORAH STUDY PARTNER.

chavurah, havurah - JEWISH STUDY GROUP.

Chazal, Hazal - TOP RABBI GROUP.

cheder, heder - JEWISH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.

cherem, herem - JEWISH SOCIETY REJECT.

CHERISH - (2h)[5:], hold FTs by the sides of the chin and move down while maintaining contact and closing to (2h)[S].

cherub, cherubim - ANGEL CLOSE-TO HASHEM.

cherut, herut, cherus - FREE DECIDE.

chesed, hesed - LOVE+ KINDNESS.

cheshbon (heshbon) hanefesh - SOUL ANALYZE-SELF.

chet, het - TORAH, OFF-POINT-lf&rt.

chevra (hevra) kadisha - GROUP PREPARE BODY FOR JEWISH BURY.

CHIEF - FT of [5:] touch DS shoulder, then change to [A dot], PO > NDS, FO away, and rises in an outward arc.

Children of Israel - (2h)#ALL JEWISH PEOPLE.

chilul (hilul) haShem - MAKE HASHEM NAME BLACK.

chiuv, chov, chovah, hiuv, hov, hovah - DUTY.

Chochamot, Hokhamot - WISE L-I-T IN BIBLE.

chok, chukim, hok, hukim- LAW REASON BEHIND DON'T-MEAN-TO-SAY.

Chol (Hol) haMoed - HOLIDAY BETWEEN DAY.

cholent, tsholnt, chamin, hamin - SHABBAT S-T-E-W THICK.

Chumash, Humash - TORAH BOOK.

chuppah, huppah - (2h)[B^], POs ><, FOs up, hands move forward over head + (2h)[F] POs ><, FOs away, move down to show poles further away, then arc towards signer and descend again to show poles closer to signer.

chutzpah, hutzpah - NERVE, (1h)SICK*, where the first sign is [V:] twists knuckles against corner of mouth.

CIRCULAR-WALL - (2H)[Bb], POs away, FOs up, hands are touching, separate and return further away (moving in a circle) to show a circular wall.

CIRCULATE - (2h)[5] circle around each other as they move > DS.

CIRCUMCISE - (2h)[A dot], POs down, DHFT circles NDHFT as if cutting off foreskin and ends with DELETE.

CLAPPER-RING - [O^] bends at wrist so that FTs point downwards and strikes against palm of [B], PO > DS, FO up, then moves > DS swinging at wrist as if it is the clapper of a bell that is vibrating.

CLEAN-UP - CLEAN is repeated with both hands moving in a horizontal circle.

CLOSER-AND-CLOSER - (2h)[B^], POs > signer, FOs ><, DH moves in stops and starts > NDH.

CLOUDS - (2h)[5:] move like MIX but high and moving from NDS to DS.

CLUELESS - [F], PO > NDS, FO up, is held at forehead and hands moves from side to side with elbow held static.

COAST - (2h)[B], POs ><, FOs up, NDH is held still and DH smacks against it and moves up with wg to show waves crashing on the shore + WITH NDH staying in place, use [bC], PO down, to show the coastline.

cohen, cohanim, kohen, kohanim - The hands are held with thumbs touching, POs face away from signer, and the fingers are held together but split between the middle and ring fingers, like Mr. Spock on Star Trek. Leonard Nemoy was a cohen and got the gesture from this one which is used to bless the people during holidays.

Cohen (Kohen) Gadol - COHEN ADVANCED.

COINS - [F], PO > NDS, taps at the upturned palm of [B] in a circle as if there coins in the palm.

COLLAPSE - (2h)[5:], POs ><, interlace fingers and then bring knuckles downwards.

COME-ON - (2h)[B^] move in circles pivoting at the wrists to beckon someone to do something.

COMFORT (verb) - Like COMFORTABLE but signed more slowly.

COMPASSION/ATE - HEART + (2h)[5^] descend slightly twice while closing to (2h)[O^] but hands close to heart.

COMPLETE - (2h)[B^], POs up, FOs ><, DH circles around NDH and lands on its palm.

CONCEIVE - (2h)[5], POs diagonally > signer, rush together at the wait level and interlink fingers. This means to "get pregnant (conceive)" not to "be pregnant".

concentration camp - NAZI DEATH PRISON.

CONFESS - (2h)[B], POs > chest, FOs down, touch torso, run FTs up it, then turn FTs away.

CONFRONT - (2h)[B], start with FOs away, DPO down, NDPO up, hands move away together, then circle back slightly and end with FOs up.

CONGREGATION - (2h)[5:], POs > signer, FOs up, move forward to show many people seated.

CONNECTED - Interlink thumbs and index fingers of (2h)[F] and move down slightly and forcefully.

CONQUER - (2h)[S], DPO > NDS, NDPO down, FOs away, are held with DH on top of NDH and DH strikes NDH wrist on dorsal side (from above) and nods while staying at wrist.

consecration - START JEWISH EDUCATION, CELEBRATE .

Conservative - C-NICE.

CONSIDER - [1], PO > signer, circles around temple.

CONSPIRE - (2h)[G], one placed near the signer's eye, the other placed at the eye of the person one is conspiring with, and the DS eye and both hands blink to show a secret agreement.

CONSUME - (2h)[B^], POs > back, FOs up, hands pass mouth and past cheeks.

CONTRIBUTE - [F] touches waist as if getting a coin out of one's pocket, then moves forward in an upward arc and lets go of the "coin".

CONTROVERSY - (2h)[1], POs > signer, FOs ><, hands alt. rise and fall, hinging on the elbows.

CONVERSE - (2h)[1], POs ><, FOs up, move to and from from mouth.

conversos - SPANISH JEW PRETEND CONVERT CHRISTIANITY, SECRET STILL JEWISH.

CORN - (2h)[1], POs down, FOs ><, hands twist as if eating from a cob.

COUNSEL - [O^], PO down, brushes against the back of [B], PO down, while opening repeatedly into a [5].

count the Omer - PASSOVER, COUNT EVERYDAY UNTIL SHAVUOT.

COVENANT - AGREE RELATIONSHIP-WITH-God.

COVER - (2h)[B^], POs down, FOs away, DH is over NDH and brushes over it as it moves closer to the signer, like the first half of COMFORTABLE, but traveling the opposite way.

COVER-UP - DH [B], PO down, FO away, brushes over NDH, [B], PO down, FO > DS, from FT to wrist.

COVET - Bite tip of pinky.

COWARD - [Y], PO > signer, FO up, twists at wrist while rising from waist to face.

CRACKED - (2h)[B],DH PO > NDS, FO away, moves in a wavy pattern to show a "crack" in NDH [B], PO up, FO away.

CRASH - (2h)[5:] interlaced, POs ><, FTs move down while remaining interlaced so that the PO becomes down.

CRASH-ON-ROCKS - NDH [B], PO > DS, FO up, acts as the rocks, and the DH [5], PO > NDS, FO up, crashes against it, wg as it moves up and recedes. Repeat.

CRAZY-FOR - [5:], PO > singer, FO up, is shaken slightly from side to side.

CREATE - C-MAKE.

Creation (the things haShem made) - EVERYTHING HASHEM CREATE.

Creation, the act of - HASHEM CREATE WORLD.

CRIPPLED - (2H)[1^], POs down, FOs away, hands circle normal (perpendicular] to the body with DH behaving as if it were a crippled leg.

CROSS-OVER - (2h)[B], NDHPO down, FO > DS, DHPO > NDS, DH slides over the dorsal side (back of) hand.

CROWDED - (2h)[S] press wrists together and twist like CHANGE with hunched shoulders and "zz".

CROWN (noun) - (2h)[L:] (like BIG) place crown on head with small double movement.

CROWN (verb) - (2h)[L:] (like BIG) take crown from head and place it on an imaginary head in front of signer.

CRUSH - [5:] is bent up at wrist and plows across the NDH palm.

CRUSHED - (2h)[5] put palm against palm with FTs facing in opposite directions, then the hands twist with the palms still in contact until the FTs are at right angles to each other. This is similar to CHEESE, but it is a single movement for CRUSHED, not a double one as in CHEESE.

CRY-OUT - [5:] holds palm to mouth and then hand moves up and away as if the sound is leaving the mouth.

CUFFS-OFF - [open 8] is wrapped around ND wrist and then opens. Repeat with opposite hands. Mouth "off, off".

cup of Elijah - E-PROPHET WINE CUP.

CURSE, klalah - [5:], PO > singer, - held at mouth and moves > what - cursed while closing to [S], then fist - shaken at what - cursed.

CYCLE - (2h)[1], POs towards, FOs ><, FTs touch, DH moves away then towards in a vertical circle, until FTs touch again.

daf yomi - EVERYDAY STUDY ONE PAGE TALMUD.

dan lekhaf zechut - JUDGE, POSITIVE ATTITUDE.

DARK"gradually" - DARK is signed with starts and stops to show that it is a gradual process.

dati - [F], PO away, FO up, brushes once against upturned palm of [B], PO up, FO > DS.

daven - (2h)[B] press palms together and circle vertically normal (perpendicular) to the torso.

David (Dovid) haMelech - D-KING.

Day of Atonement - Strike under collarbone with palm side of [A].

Days of Awe - ROSH-HASHANA SWEEP-TO YOM-KIPPUR, where the second sign is [B], PO > NDS, FO away, sweeps from NDS to DS.

DEAF-APPLAUSE - (2h)[5], POs away, FOs up, hands are held high and twisted at wrists.

death camp - NAZI DEATH PRISON.

DEBT - [1^] taps FT against palm of [B], PO up, FO away.

DECAY - (2h)[A], POs ><, FOs away, descend in a wavy pattern.

DEEPLY-INVOLVED - [V:], PO > signer, FO up, strikes palm of slightly curved [B], PO > DS, FO away.

DEER - (2h)[5] tap thumbs against temples.

DEFENSE-BRING-DOWN - (2h)[B] cross at wrists and are held up to face and then brought down as if one's defenses were being disengaged.

DEFINITELY - (2h)[5], POs down, FOs away, descend rapidly and close to (2h)[F].

DEFLECT - (2h)[B], FT of DH bounce off palm of NDH.

DEGENERATE - (2h)[A], POs ><, FOs away, both hands descend in an anti-symmetric, wavy motion.

DENY - (2h)NOT++.

derech - WHICH RELIGIOUS GROUP FOLLOW?

derech eretz - POLITE, RESPECT LOCAL LAW.

DESCENDANTS - (2h)[O^], circle around each other from the shoulder and moving forward, but the action is stop and go.

DESERT - DRY THEREABOUTS.

DESERTED - (2h)[open 8], POs down, FOs ><, hands move diagonally away while closing to (2h)[S] with hup.

DESIGN - [D], PO away, FO up, moves down palm of [B], PO > signer, FO up, with wavy pattern.

DESPISE - Thumb of [5], PO > NDS, FO up, touches chin and moves away forcibly.

devar Torah - TORAH LECTURE.

DEW - WATER + (2h)[5], POs down, FOs away descend with wg like dew.

DIALOGUE - (2h)[1], POs ><, FOs up, alt. move to and fro at chin.

Diaspora (event) - HASHEM FORCE JEWS LEAVE ISRAEL.

Diaspora (place) - WORLD OUTSIDE ISRAEL.

DICE - [A], PO up, shakes dice and throws them + (2h)[G], POs ><, touch FTs and move away while closing several times to indicate a small cube.

DICTATOR - (2h)[X], POs away, FOs > respective sides, alt. move > signer and away, like CONTROL but with a smug facial expression.

DISBAND - (2h)[5:], POs ><, interlace fingers and then bring knuckles downwards.

DISH - (2h)[bC], POs ><, FOs away, show outline of horizontal plate.

DISOBEY - THINK REBEL.

DISREGARD - [S], PO > NDS, FO up, is held at nose, then moves slightly > DS, then is thrown forward while opening to a [5].

DIVERSE - (2h)[5], POs down, FTs overlap. Hands separate with wg.

divine - HASHEM HIS-rt.

Divine Presence - HASHEM WITH US.

Divine Providence - HASHEM TAKE-CARE-OF.

DOMINANT - (2h)[A], FOs away, DH starts below NDH and arcs around it until it is on top.

DO-MISCHIEF - (2h)[3], POs ><, FOs away, are held away from respective side temples and tips of thumbs and fingers are bent twice while moving repeatedly > forehead.

DO-NOTHING - (2h)[1], DH twiddles ear and NDH twiddles lips.

DON'T - (2h)[B], POs down, cross at wrists, then uncross moving horizontally and emphatically.

DON'T-MEAN-TO-SAY - [1], PO > NDS, FO up, is brought to mouth.

DON'T-MIND - [1^] touches nose and twists away twice; used to ask a favor.

DOORPOST - DOOR + [G], PO > NDS, FO away, runs FT down [B], PO > DS, FO up, to the elbow.

DOT-SKY - (2h)[5:], POs and FOs diagonally up, hands jab upwards as if dotting the sky with stars.

DOUBT - (2h)[S], POs down, FOs away, alt. ascend and descend.

DO-UP - (2h)[5:], POs down, FOs away, circle in a plane parallel to the chest and move upwards as if doing much to be ready.

DOVE - BIRD + [B], PO down, FO > NDS, touches chest with thumb side, then supinates while descending in an arc to mid chest , to show the puffed chest of a dove.

d'rabbanan - RABBI MAKE LAW.

DRAGON - [5^] is held at mouth and wiggles fingers while moving away twice.

d'raita - TORAH LAW, NOT FROM RABBI.

drasha, drush - TORAH LECTURE.

DRAW-IN - Mime pulling up an anchor.

DRAWN-BY-SCENT - [5^], POs > NDS, FO up, starts at NDS of body just under nose, moves > DS while closing to [O^], and head follows slightly as if drawn by the fragrance.

DRAWN-TO - [5] points FT to eyes, moves away with wg while closing to an [S].

DREIDEL - Hold out NDH palm up and use thumb and index finger of [bO] to twirl an imaginary top on the palm.

DRESS-UP - (2h)[5], POs down, FOs away, alt. circle perpendicular to the chest with thumbs brushing against chest as they pass.

DROP-JAW - (2h)[V:], DH PO up, FO away, is held under NDH PO down, FO away, both at mouth and DH drops as if jaw were slacked open.

DROWN - NDH [B], PO down, FO away, is the water level, and [A dot], PO > NDS, FO away, descends to show the person drowning.

DROWSY - (2h)[B^], PO down, FOs ><, are held at eye level and alt. twist so that PO > signer as if eyelids were drooping.

DRY-AS-DUST - [5:], PO > NDS, FO up, moves > DS across chin while closing to [S].

DUST - [C], PO away, FO up, moves from NDS to DS along dorsal (back hand) side of [B], PO down, FO > DS.

dybbuk - DEVIL CRAWL-INTO-BODY, where the last sign is NDH holds wrist of DH [V:], PO > signer, FO up. DH wg while pulling itself deeper into NDH which itself remains stationary.

DYNAMIC - (2)[5], POs down, FOs > opposite side, DH held above NDH, both alt. circle horizontally with wg.

EACH-ON-LIST - NDH [5], PO > signer, FO > DS, and HDH points thumb, then moves > DS and down, then points to the index finger, and similarly with the middle finger to say we are referring to all the previously listed items.

EACH-OTHER - (2h)[A dot], thumbs revolve around each other, DHFO > NDS, NDFO DS.

EAGLE - [bC] is held at nose like a beak.

EARTHQUAKE - EARTH + (2h)[5], POs down, FOs away, shake anti-symmetrically from side to side.

EAT-AWAY-AT - [5:] touches FT to palm of [B], PO > DS, FO up, and DH closes and opens as is travels up the palm, as if taking small bites of it, while gnashing the teeth with each bite.

EAT-GRASS - (2h)[B||], close repeatedly to [O^] while moving away as if biting on the grass and teeth click together repeatedly.

EAT-UP - (2h)[5:], POs down, FOs away, close repeatedly to (2h)[A] while moving forward as if taking bites out of the ground and teeth click together each time.

EAT-UP-body - (2h)[5:] touches FT to chest and close and open as they travel up the chest, as if taking small bites of it, while gnashing the teeth with each bite.

ECHO - [O^], PO away, FOs up, is brought to [B], PO away, FO up, and reflects off it while opening to [5].

edim, aidim - TWO-OF-THEM WITNESS, where in the last sign the index finger is placed beneath the eye and the head nods.

Eilat - (2h)[B with thumbs flush with other fingers but not folded into palm], POs ><, FOs away, descend and meet with a V-shaped path.

Ein (Ain) Sof - HASHEM, LIMIT NONE.

El (Ail) - GOD.

El (Ail) Elyon - GOD SUPREME.

El (Ail) Shaddai - GOD ALMIGHTY.

ELIJAH, Eliyahu (haNavi) - E-PREDICT.

Eloheinu, Elohainu - OUR GOD.

Elohim - GOD.

EMPOWER - [C], PO towards muscle, is held above NDS bicep. This [C] is then moved so that the PO is towards whoever is being empowered.

emunah peshutah - TRUST HASHEM SAY-PERIOD.

ENTHRALL - Point FT of [5], PO down, > face, move hand away with wg and close to a [5] with the head following after it.

entreat, entreaty - BEG.

ENVISION - (2h)[S] are held at forehead with DH closer to head, and hands open to (2h)[5] while separating while FT wg.

ERECT - (2h)[5:], POs down, FTs interlaced, knuckles rise with FTs still interlaced, the opposite of BREAK-DOWN.

Eretz Yisrael (Yisroel) - ISRAEL.

Erev Shabbat - JUST-BEFORE SHABBAT.

erusin - ENGAGEMENT.

eruv, eiruv - SHABBAT CARRY BOUNDARY.

Eseret haDibrot, Eseres haDibros - TEN COMMANDMENTS.

Esther, Ester haMalkah - E-QUEEN.

ETERNAL - ALWAYS + DH produces STILL in the usual way, and the NDH produces STILL so that it moves back over the shoulder.

etrog, esrog - SUKKOT FRUIT.

EVAPORATE - (2h)[5], POs down, FOs away, rise with wg and teeth bared.

Eve, Chava, Hava - [E], PO away, FO up, taps at jaw.

EVIL - (2h)[3], wg while moving repeatedly > forehead.

exalt - LIFT-UP, that is, (2h)[B], PO down are held high and swoop down while supinating and then rise up again as if helping something mature and the hands continue up and FTs are directed > Heaven.

exalted - ADVANCED, that is, (2h)[B^], POs ><, FOs up, move upwards arcing towards the signer.

EXCLUDE - [8], PO down is held in palm of NDH [B], and the middle finger is flicked towards who is being excluded.

EXHAUSTED - TIRED + [V], PO up, FO > NDS, is drawn with effort across the palm of [B], PO up, FO away.

Exile, Galut, Galus - FULL CONNECT-TO HASHEM, NOT-YET.

Exodus - SAVE + (2h)5wg'scatter'.

EXPAND-ON - like the final part of HIT and the [S] is pullled away from the [1] and opens to a [5:].

EXTEND - (2h)[S], POs ><, FOs up, are held together as if holding a baseball bat down the center of one's body except the DH is below the DH and the DH moves away from the NDH.

EYELIDS-DROOP - (2h)[B^], PO down, FOs ><, are held at eye level and alt. twist so that PO > signer as if eyelids are droopy.

EYES-ON-me (or) us - (2h)[4], POs down, FOs away, hands swivel to have FT face the signer's face, as if telling everyone, "Look at me".

eyes-SHINY - (2h)[open 8], POs > face, hands twist as wrists while moving away from face.

face-SHINY - (2h)[open 8], POs > face, hands twist as wrists while moving away from face.

FACE-TO-FACE - NDH circles face, then DH circles face.

FAINT - Touch temple with index finger and (2h)[5] start from their respective sides and slide their palms against each other as they pass to the opposite side.

FALL-APART - (2h)[5:], POs ><, FTs interlaced, FTs move down while still interlaced to make POs down.

FALL-ASLEEP - (2h)[5:], DH PO > face, FO up, NDH PO up, FO away. Both hands close to [A], with twisting around and striking NDH from above.

FALL-ON-BED - BED [V], PO down, FO > NDS, flips and lands PO up on the back of NDH [B], PO down, FO away.

FAMILIAR - [5] drums fingers against temple.

FANCY-CLOTHES - (2h)[5], POs ><, FOs up, alt. brush up the chest while mouthing "peepeepee".

FAR-ABOVE - (2h)[B^], touch FTs, then DH moves up in an arc towards the signer and away but with an emphatic movement, first slow and then rapid.

FAR-AWAY - [1], twists while moving away with tongue shuttling from side to side.

FAREWELL - Touch FT of [B] to mouth and then (2h)[B^], POs away, FOs up, flutter FTs as they move to the side as if saying goodbye to a circle of friends.

FAST [not eat] - [B], PO > signer, FO > NDS, draws closed FTs across lips.

Fast of Esther - E-QUEEN FAST.

FAVOR - Middle finger of [open 8] taps chin.

FEAR - (2h)[5], POs away, FOs up, hands are held far from body and move back to body in a wavy pattern.

fear of God - Eyes looks to haShem and then sign BOW-DOWN.

FEAST - (2h)alt.EAT

Feast of Tabernacles - (2h)[A], FOs away, out palms together and shake.

Feast of Weeks - SEVEN-WEEKS.

FEATHER - [G] touches hair and moves away while closing to [bO].

FEED - EAT + (2h)[O^], POs up, FOs > person being fed, hands move away twice.

FEED-AT-BREAST - NDH is held for support as in the sign BABY and DH [5^] is drawn away from breast several times as is closes to [O^].

FEEL-DEFLATED - [C], PO > NDS, FO up, is held at mid chest and closes to [O^]. You can hold [B], PO down, FO > DS underneath it.

FEEL-ESTEEMED - [O^], PO > NDS, FO up, is held at mid chest and opens to [C]. You can hold [B], PO down, FO > DS underneath it.

FEEL-FIT - Fists are held close to the body and the elbows raised twice with fists in place.

FEEL-SMALL - [C], PO > NDS, FO up, is held at mid chest and closes to [O^]. You can hold [B], PO down, FO > DS underneath it.

felafel - (2h)[flat C] hold felafel and move side to side.

FELLOWSHIP - (2h)[5], circle around each other, NDH FO up.

Festival - CELEBRATE

FIELD - GRASS THEREABOUTS.

FIFTY-FIFTY - the hand signs FIFTY on the NDS then moves to DS and signs FIFTY again.

FILLED-UP - [B], PO down, FO > NDS, is held close to body, starts rising from below waist and strikes chin in its rising.

FILL-UP - DH [B], PO down, rises until it slaps bottom of NDH, PO down.

FILTHY - [S], PO down, FO > NDS, is held against chin and explodes open while maintaining contact with an appropriately negative facial expression.

finials - TORAH + (2h)[S], POs ><, FOs away, rise to show the rolling bars, and with the NDH held in place at the end of this part, [C] caps the NDH.

FINISHwg - (2h)[5] twist repeatedly at wrists while rising and mouthing "fish".

FIRST-OF-ALL - [1], PO down, FO away, supinates like the sign FIRST, but strikes the thumb of NDH [A dot], PO > DS, FO away.

FIRST-ON-LIST and so on (if 5 or more) - NDH [5], PO > signer, FO > DS, and DH taps thumb for "FIRST-ON-LIST, DH [1] taps index finger for SECOND-ON-LIST, and taps middle finger for THIRD-ON-LIST and so on. For SIX- to NINE- the hand shape twists the thumb contact of the DH against the thumb of the NDH. TEN- and on are the same as the cardinal (regular) number.

fish-SWIM - [B], PO > NDS, FO away, twists while moving away like a fish swimming.

FLAP-WINGS - (2h)[B] cross hands at wrist and move like flapping wings.

FLAT - (2h)[B], POs down, FOs ><, hands are held at eye level, DH further away, and DH moves straight away to show flatness.

fleishig, fleishik, flaishig, flaishik - FOOD INVOLVE MEAT.

FLESH - Pinch cheek and pull it slightly side to side.

FLOAT-UP - (2h)[5], POs down, FOs away, hands ascend with wg.

FLOW - (2h)[4], DHPO down, NDHPO up, FOs away, both hands move towards right side.

FLOW-forward - (2h)[4], POs down, FOs ><, NDH is held closer to body, both hands swivel forward twice.

FLUSH-AWAY - Similar to LOST, but hands are apart and push something out to one side.

FLY-AWAY - (2h)[1] cross fingers as in CONFLICT and move up and away while repeatedly curling fingers like flapping wings.

FOLD - Elbow of [S], PO > NDS, FO up, is held against the dorsal side (back hand) of NDH [B] held like part of TABLE, and the DH swivels down with the elbow held in place.

FOLD-WINGS-OVER - (2h)[B] are folded with FOs down rather than up as in REST.

FOREFATHERS - PARENTS + (2h)[5], POs ><, FOs up, move in a vertical circle while moving back over shoulder.

FOREHEAD-LABEL - [H], PO > signer, FO > NDS, wipes FT across forehead from NDS to DS.

FOREMOTHERS - MOTHER + (2h)[5], POs ><, FOs up, move in a vertical circle while moving back over shoulder.

foreskin (circumcision) - Grasp index finger with all FT of NDH and pull away while closing NDH FT to a [O^].

FOREVER-AND-EVER - ALWAYS + DH [Y], PO > signer, FO up, swings outwards with PO turning away. With DH still held in its final position, NDH [Y], PO > signer, FO up, swings outwards with PO turning away.

FORM - (2h)[5:], POs ><, interlace fingers and then bring knuckles upwards.

FORMAL - [5], PO > NDS, FO up, travels in a vertical circle, brushing up the chest, mouthing "peepee".

FORSAKE - [S], PO > NDS, FO up, is held at nose, then moves slightly > DS, then is thrown forward while opening to a [5].

FORSAKE-me - [S], PO > NDS, FO up, is held against nose and descends while opening to a [5] and slapping the chest.

FORTRESS - (2h)[S], POs down, FOs ><, strike the whole length of the forearms together like TABLE then DH is held under NDH and the arms strike again.

FOUNDATION - NDH [S], PO > signer, FO > DS, is held out with arm parallel to the chest and DH [S], PO > signer, strikes hand from below and then strikes elbow from below.

FOUNTAIN - WATER + [S] bursts up through [C], PO > DS, FO up, and opens to a [5].

FRACTURE - (2h)[B], PO > NDS, FO away, moves in a wavy pattern to show a "crack" in NDH [B], PO up, FO away.

free will - FREE DECIDE.

frei - RELIGIOUS NOT.

FREQUENT - [Bb], PO > NDS, FO away, taps on [1], PO > DS, FO up, on thumb side.

FRESH - (2h)[5], PO > face, hands move like FRIENDLY but fingers don't wg.

FRIENDS - Interlocked (2h)[X] move in a horizontal circle.

FROM-NOW-ON - (2h)[B^], POs ><, FOs away, DHFT touches knuckle side of NDHFT and moves away in a downward arc.

FROM-TIME-TO-TIME - [B^], PO > NDS, FO away, moves away in upward arcs.

frum - F-NICE.

frummock, frummy - F-NICE + STUCK-UP.

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