Shiur Lexicon Companion
A Hebrew / Yiddish / Yeshivish listening guide
A glossary of common words and phrases used in shiurim.
davka / דווקא
Pronunciation: DAHV-kah
Definition: Specifically; precisely.
Example: “Davka here, the Torah says…”
Origin: Aramaic/Hebrew
Also spelled: dafka
derech / דרך
Pronunciation: DEH-rekh
Definition: Path; way; approach.
Example: “This is the derech of Chassidus.”
Origin: Hebrew
Also spelled: derekh
dibbur / דיבור
Pronunciation: dee-BOOR
Definition: Speech.
Example: “Dibbur reveals the inside.”
Origin: Hebrew
Also spelled: dibur
din / דין
Pronunciation: DEEN
Definition: Law; judgment; status.
Example: “The din is different.”
Origin: Hebrew
diyuk / דיוק
Pronunciation: dee-YOOK
Definition: Precise inference.
Example: “There’s a diyuk in the word.”
Origin: Hebrew
Also spelled: diyyuk
dor / דור
Pronunciation: DOR
Definition: Generation.
Example: “Every dor has its avodah.”
Origin: Hebrew
drash / דרש
Pronunciation: DRAHSH
Definition: Interpretive teaching.
Example: “The Midrash gives a drash.”
Origin: Hebrew
Also spelled: derash
dveikus / דביקות
Pronunciation: dvay-KUS
Definition: Attachment; clinging to Hashem.
Example: “The goal is dveikus.”
Origin: Hebrew/Yiddish
Also spelled: devekut

