sidrah: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low Frequency / Domain-Specific (Judaism)Formal / Academic / Religious
Quick answer
What does “sidrah” mean?
A section or weekly portion of the Torah (Hebrew Bible) read in synagogue services.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A section or weekly portion of the Torah (Hebrew Bible) read in synagogue services.
More broadly, it can refer to the specific scriptural reading, the accompanying commentary, or the cycle of readings itself. In Jewish educational and liturgical contexts, it is a fundamental unit of study.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage between regions. Its use is dictated by the Jewish community context, not by national English variety.
Connotations
Carries connotations of religious study, tradition, and weekly ritual. It is a culturally specific term.
Frequency
Extremely rare outside of texts or discussions pertaining to Judaism. Frequency is equal and similarly low in both UK and US English.
Grammar
How to Use “sidrah” in a Sentence
[The] sidrah of [Parashat name] (e.g., the sidrah of Bereishit)to discuss/study/read [the] sidrahVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sidrah” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The rabbi's sermon was based on this week's sidrah.
- He prepared a handout summarising the key points of the sidrah.
American English
- The rabbi's sermon was based on this week's sidrah.
- He prepared a handout summarizing the key points of the sidrah.
adverb
British English
- Not used as an adverb.
American English
- Not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- Not used as an adjective.
American English
- Not used as an adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in religious studies, theology, and Judaic studies departments.
Everyday
Not used in general everyday conversation. Used in everyday conversation within observant Jewish communities.
Technical
Technical term within Jewish liturgy and education.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sidrah”
- Misspelling as 'sidra' (without 'h') or 'cidrah'.
- Using it as a general term for any religious reading.
- Pronouncing the final 'h' as a strong /h/; it is silent or very soft.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency, domain-specific term used almost exclusively in Jewish religious and academic contexts.
They are often used interchangeably to refer to the weekly Torah portion. 'Parashah' (or 'parsha') is more common in casual speech, while 'sidrah' is slightly more formal or traditional.
It is pronounced /ˈsɪdrə/, with the stress on the first syllable and a silent or very soft final 'h'. It rhymes with 'lid' + 'ruh'.
Yes, the plural is 'sidrot' or 'sidrahs', though 'sidrot' (from Hebrew) is more traditional in religious contexts.
A section or weekly portion of the Torah (Hebrew Bible) read in synagogue services.
Sidrah is usually formal / academic / religious in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms in general English. Within Jewish context: 'to be up to the sidrah' (to be informed/on schedule).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'SIDRAH' as the 'SIDe of the RAbbinical' reading - the portion you study at the side, week by week.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE TORAH IS A JOURNEY; each sidrah is a leg or stage of that journey.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'sidrah' primarily used?