Night Glossary
C–E
PAGE 3
cabbala (see Kabbalah): a body of mystical teachings of rabbinical origin, often based on an esoteric interpretation of the Hebrew Scriptures
colic: severe abdominal pain caused by spasm, obstruction, or distention of any of the hollow viscera, such as the intestines
concentration camp: in Germany and German-occupied Europe, camps established by the Nazi regime and managed by the SS to detain and, if necessary, kill so-called enemies of the state, including Jews, Gypsies, political and religious opponents, members of national resistance movements, homosexuals, and others. Imprisonment in a concentration camp was of unlimited duration, was not linked to a specific act, and was not subject to any judicial review.
conflagration: a large disastrous fire
crematory (or crematorium): an establishment containing a furnace for reducing dead bodies to ashes by burning
crucible: a vessel in which a substance is heated to a high temperature
death's head: the skull insignia, worn on the collar lapel, for SS units that administered and guarded the concentration camps
emaciate: to cause to lose flesh so as to become very thin
Elie Wiesel and Oprah go inside Auschwitz.