Meshuggenary: Celebrating the World of Yiddish

by Payson R. Stevens, Sol Steinmetz

An eclectic introduction to the Yiddish language and its culture in America throughout the past century considers its grammatical and vocabulary basics, offers a wealth of expressions and insults, and profiles Yiddish influences on the arts, food, and education. 25,000 first printing.

Genres: Judaica, Reference, Nonfiction, Language

256 pages, Hardcover

First published August 27, 2002

Reviews

[Justin Green]

I found this book so immensely satisfying, especially as it sets out to be an introduction to other Yiddish culture and texts - can connect with the culture of my parents' families and community in South Africa, as they came there from Eastern Europe with Yiddish Yiddish Yiddish. Many words and expressions are there in my lexicon from day one - krikh, oy, nochschlepper, farshtunkener, etc. It is so rich and colourful and expressive.

[Rob]

As a confirmed oyster (I'm not Jewish, but too often I use Yiddish expressions), I found this book to be delightful. It's fascinating how much of Yiddish has been absorbed by American English, how vigorous it still is, and how, well, satisfying some of these terms are to say.

In other words, step in, have a nosh! If you're not a schmo, you'll be back for more.

[Austin Wright]

This single book is actually like 10 different approaches to understanding Yiddish, all wrapped into one. Will reread.

[Asher Valentine]

Far too short for how enjoyable it is. A library read worth acquiring for later rereading.