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HIGH HOLIDAYS Glossary: Alphabetized Compiled by Michelle Hochberg and Brian Schmidt (Updated 9/28/09) A bissel Affen A handful of gimme Akimbo Alter A schtinken auffen kopf Alleveh Alliyah Are you taking a schvitz in there? Armenians A-ti-dah Auffen Aw-mein Ba’al Shem Tov Baitsum Ballaboss Ban-lons A bisel. A little. See Gay cocken affen yam, Alter! A lyric from Fred Neil (1936-2001)’s “A Handful of Gimme.” The song is about a man who sleeps with a woman “With a handful of gimme/ A mouthful of much obliged” and then goes home feeling empty inside. The song was written in 1965, after High Holidays takes place. Refers to a body position in which the hands are on the hips and the elbows are bowed outward. In context, Rob’s “French cuffs akimbo” means that his cuffs are unbuttoned. See Gay cocken affen yam, Alter! Your hair smells from smoke. Your hair stinks. Alevei. Hope so! It should happen to you! It should be that way! Aliyah. During services, the Torah reading is divided up into portions, and various members of the congregation have the honor of reciting a blessing over a portion of the reading. This honor is referred to as an aliyah (literally, “ascension”). Are you taking a shvitz in there? Are you having a sauna in there? Refers to the deliberate and systematic genocide of the Armenian population of the Ottoman Empire during and just after The First World War. It was characterized by the use of massacres, and the use of deportations involving forced marches under conditions designed to lead to the death of the deportees, with the total number of Armenian deaths generally held to have been between one and one-and-a-half million. Laid out flat. See A schtinken auffen kopf Amen. Rabbi Yisroel ben Eliezer (1698-1760), founder of the Hasidic branch of Judaism. Baitsim. Testicles. Nickname for Ba’al Habayit, “head of household,” or “master of the home.” Ban-Lon is a trademarked, multi-strand, continuous-filament synthetic yarn used in the p. 12 p. 26 p. 77 p. 49 p. 26 p. 35 p. 107 p. 99 p. 41 p. 68 p. 12 p. 35 p. 54 p. 26 p. 112 p. 26 p. 22 Bar Mitzvah Barnum and Bailey Baruch Adonoy hamevorach le’olem va-ed Baruchu es Adonoy hamevorach The Battle of the Bulge/Bastogne Bima retail clothing industry. It is artificially crimped in order to achieve greater bulk than ordinary yarns. Literally, “son of the commandment.” According to Jewish law, a boy becomes Bar Mitzvah at the age of 13, after which he is held personally responsible for his religious obligations. Although no ceremony is needed to confer the Bar Mitzvah’s newfound rights and obligations, in modern times, a religious service, reception, and party are often held to mark the occasion. pp. 4, 9, 10, 12, 24, 28, 29, 32, 42, 45, 47, 63, 65, 72, 82, 84, 86, 87, 89, 90, 92, 93, 97, 99, 100, 101, 103, 104, 108, 109, 111, 114, 115, 118, 119, 120, 121 p. 93 A circus act started in 1909 that merged with the Ringling Brothers circus act. The circus continues today, and is known as “the greatest show on earth.” Barechu es Adonai hamevorach. Baruch p. 46 Adonai hamevorach le’olam va-ed. The Hebrew prayer before reading the Torah. Translates to: “Praise the One to whom our praise is due. Praised be the One to whom our praise is due, now and forever.” The Battle of the Bulge (16 December 1944 – p. 114 25 December 1945) was the last major battle the Nazis fought against the Allies and the largest, most gruesome battle American forces experienced during World War II. Hitler sent a quarter of a million troops across an 85-mile stretch of the Allied front, from southern Belgium into Luxembourg (including Bastogne, Belgium) in the dead cold of winter. Strictly known as the Ardennes Offensive, it is called “The Battle of the Bulge” because German troops were able to advance some 50 miles into the Allied lines, creating a “bulge” in the Allied defenses. The battle involved over 500,000 troops from various sides. Though the Allies won the battle, over 76,000 American soldiers were killed, wounded, or captured. Literally, “stage.” A raised platform from which pp. 40, 90, 2 Bissel Bobby-soxer Bocher Boers Boruch atah Adonoy, elohenuh melech ha-olum ha-motzie lechum min ha-eretz Boychick(-al) Bruce, Lenny Bruchas Bubbie Bulvan Carrot Tsimus Chaya Chedar Chesterfield services are conducted in a Jewish synagogue. The rabbi, cantor, and other leaders of the congregation are usually seated on the bima during the service. The Bar Mitzvah will also have a place of honor in front of the congregation. See A bissel A 1940s sociologic coinage denoting the overzealous fans – usually teenaged girls – of Frank Sinatra, the first singing teen idol. By the 1950s, fashionable adolescent girls wore poodle skirts and rolled down their socks to the ankle. See Yeshivah Bocher Could refer to a number of conflicts between Britain and the peoples of Southern Africa, but is probably referring to the Second Boer War (often called just the Boer War), which was characterized by a “scorched earth” military campaign by Britain and the first use of concentration camps to confine a civilian population. Baruch atah Atonai, eloheinuh melech ha-olam hamotzi lechem min ha-aretz. English transliteration of the hamotzi. Translates to: “Blessed art thou, oh God, king of the Universe, who hast given us bread.” Young boy. Lenny Bruce (1925-1966), born Leonard Alfred Schneider, was an American stand-up comedian, writer, and social critic and satirist of the 1950s and 60s known for obscene jokes. A traditional blessing done at a certain time in a ceremony. A Bar Mitzvah would be required to say bruchas at his Bar Mitzvah service. Bubby. Grandmother. Man built like an ox. Tzimmes. A sweet carrot meal served as a side dish on Passover. Carrots are served with honey, sugar, and orange juice. See The chaya from the veldt Chaider. Religious school. A brand of cigarette made by Altria. It was one of the most recognized brands of the early 20th century, but sales have declined steadily over the years. 3 99 p. 12 p. 2 p. 65 p. 68 p. 54 pp. 46, 67, 81, 98, 104 p. 111 pp. 28, 90 p. 100 p. 104 p. 103 p. 50 pp. 108, 114 pp. 33, 102 Chez Paree Chief Patchentuchas Chinek Chlomming Choleria Cholish Chupie Cocken Cock-tell Congolese Cordwood Cossocks Dahvin Davis, Sammy Chicago’s most famous nightclub from the 1930s through the 50s. Patchentuches literally means “slap in the butt.” In context, “Chief Patchentuches” means something akin to “Chief Pain in the Ass.” See Hocking my Chinek Hitting. See Schvartzer Choleria Faint. Slang for chupeh, the canopy under which a Jewish couple is married (its four poles signify the four corners of the world and support a blue cloth, symbolic of the heavens). Also, the marriage ceremony itself. See Gay cocken affen yam, Alter! A mispronunciation of “cocktail.” Likely refers to the approximate eight million Congolese that died as a result of colonial brutality between 1886 and 1908. Firewood cut and stacked in cords, a unit of measure corresponding to a woodpile 4 feet wide x 4 feet wide x 8 feet long. Cossack, meaning “guerilla” or “adventurer.” The origin of the cossacks can be traced to serfs who fled from the principality of Moscow in the 14th and 15th centuries and established wheatgrowing and stock-raising communities in the valleys of the Dnepr, Don and Ural rivers. From the 16th century, as the czars extended their realm, the cossacks were subjected to the authority of the Russian government, which tried to incorporate them into the state on the same basis as the other inhabitants of the country. Therefore, as subjects of the czar, all cossack males 18 to 50 years of age became liable to military service. In later years, the czars of Russia utilized the cossacks as border troops and as special military force during wars up to the World War 1, when they were used for the most dangerous missions. Daven. Literally, “to pray.” To recite Jewish liturgy, usually with a back-and-forth swaying motion. Samuel George “Sammy” Davis, Jr. (19251990) was an American actor, comedian, singer, dancer, impressionist, and musician. 4 p. 106 p. 54 p. 94 p. 93 p. 26 p. 12 p. 106 p. 26 p. 20 p. 68 p. 68 p. 115 pp. 82, 87 p. 111 Davy Crockett, Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson, Cisco Kid and Zorro Day-va-ju Ditka, Mike Known for being a member of the “Rat Pack” of entertainers of the 1950s and 60s, including Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Joey Bishop, and Peter Lawford. While in the hospital recovering from a near-death car accident in 1954, Davis’ friend Eddie Cantor told him about the similarities between Jewish and black culture. Prompted by the conversation, Davis converted to Judaism several years later. All characters in popular 1950s television p. 45 shows. Three of them, Davy Crockett, Wyatt Earp and Bat Masterson, were based on real historical figures: Davy Crockett was an 18th century American frontiersman and folk hero of English-Irish descent who died at the Alamo, Wyatt Earp was a late 19th century American farmer, lawman and frontiersman and Bat Masterson, a contemporary of Wyatt Earp, was an early twentieth century frontiersman and US Marshall. The shows inspired by them ran from the mid 1950s through 1961. The Cisco Kid, a popular children’s television western was based on a fictional character created by O’Henry. The Cisco Kid traveled the wild west with his sidekick, Pancho. The show ran from 19501956. Zorro, a character who has inspired several television shows and movies, was featured in a 1957 Disney series that ran for two years. Zorro (Spanish for fox) is the secret identity of Don Diego de la Vega (originally Don Diego Vega), a nobleman and master living in the Spanish colonial era of California. A play on “déjà-vu,” the experience of feeling sure that one has witnessed or experienced a new situation previously, although the exact circumstances of the previous encounter are uncertain. Also known as “Iron Mike,” Ditka (b. 1939) is a former NFL player, television commentator, and coach. He coached the Chicago Bears for 11 years and the New Orleans Saints for three years. Ditka and Tom Flores are the only two people to win Super Bowls as players, assistant coaches, and head coaches. Ditka was the only 5 p. 59 p. 6 Dr. Spock Dreikopf Drek Du Eck-schtarb English Oval Erev Rosh Hashonnah Faubus, Orville Feathermerchant Feh Fercockteh Fershluggenah Fershtunkenah/Ferschtinkenah Fishwife Forshpie individual to participate in the last two Bears’ championships, as a player in 1963 and as head coach in 1985. Benjamin McLane Spock (1903-1998), an American pediatrician whose book Baby and Child Care, published in 1946, is one of the biggest best-sellers of all time. Spock was the first pediatrician to study psychoanalysis to try to understand children's needs and family dynamics. Draikop. Scatterbrain. Trash. See Vas machst du? I die. Premium brand of high-nicotine, non-filtered cigarettes made by Philip Morris and favored for their rich taste. Though this is technically a day of celebration in some Jewish sects (“Erev” means “the eve of” in Hebrew), it is not generally thought of as a High Holiday. Erev Yom Kippur, on the other hand, is a somewhat important event in that traditional meals are eaten (often with a gathered family) before the fasting that takes place on Yom Kippur. Here, Billy is using Erev Rosh Hashanah as an excuse to skip Hebrew school. Orval Faubus (1910-1994) was the Democratic Governor of Arkansas from 1955 to 1967. He is most known for his stand against desegregation in which he defied the Supreme Court and barred African American students from attending Little Rock Central High School. A person short or of slight build, or a person in a comfortable or easy assignment such as headquarters duty or some staff billet. Often used for all civilians working for the military. Phooey. It stinks. It’s no good. Feckuckteh. Dungy, crappy, fucked up. Something of dubious or little value. Farshtunkenah. Rotten, fetid, smelly. A woman who sells fish. Such women were notoriously loud and foul-mouthed as in the proverb To swear like a fishwife. Forshpeits. Snack, appetizer. 6 p. 19 p. 12 pp. 69, 78. p. 45 p. 38 p. 84 pp. 5, 6, 16, 18, 23, 41, 57, 59, 112 p. 103 p. 16 pp. 9, 37 pp. 2, 12, 28, 42, 99 p. 112 pp. 18, 99 p. 4 p. 19 Ella Fitzgerald Frailach Fred Harvey’s Freedom Riders Fumfer Furbisseneh Fitzgerald (1917 – 1996), also known as “Lady Ella,” the “Queen of Scat,” and the “First Lady of Song,” was an American jazz vocalist. Frailech. Happy. A chain of restaurants built from 1870 by English immigrant Fred Harvey. From about 1959 until about 1975, the Fred Harvey organization operated a series of restaurants in the Illinois Tollway oases. The Freedom Riders set out to challenge the status quo of segregation. The Riders consisted of African Americans and whites riding various forms of public transportation together in the South to challenge local laws or customs that enforced segregation. Funfeh. Mumble. Misspeak, make an error. Farbissener. Bitter person, sourpuss. Gabardine slacks. Guts. Gai kaken ahfen yam, Alter. Get lost! (Literally, “Go shit in the ocean, old man!”) Dangerous. Gefarlacht See also Nischt Gefharlacht A non-Jew. Gentile Gezunterhait. In good health. Good luck. Gesunder Heit Throw it out. Toss it out. Give it the Vahrf Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are the three God of Abraham, Issac, and patriarchs of the Jewish faith. Their names are Jacob often said in prayers. God puts your name in the book According to Jewish tradition, God inscribes each person's fate for the coming year into a “book” on Rosh Hashanah and waits until Yom Kippur to “seal” the verdict. The days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are meant as days of repentance, so one can attempt to change their fate by repenting one’s sins before the fate is “sealed” on Yom Kippur. A chain of local discount stores centered in Goldblatt’s Chicago during the early and mid-20th century. Goilem. Dolt, knucklehead. An animate being Golem created from inanimate matter in Jewish folklore. The word is often used today as a metaphor for brainless lunks. Similarly, it is a Yiddish slang insult for someone who is clumsy Gab slacks Gadarum Gay cocken affen yam, Alter! 7 p. 25 p. 57 p. 19 p. 64 p. 88 pp. 69, 76, 114, 115, 116 p. 49 p. 12 p. 26 p. 115 p. 105 pp. 21, 44. p. 118 p. 17 p. 45 p. 59 pp. 81, 105 p. 32 Gonif Gontzah Gotkehs Goy Goyim/Goyishe Gross Gross-a-gross Haftorah Halas, George Ha-motzie Hanakkah Havah Nagilla Heartzen Hebrew School or slow. Crook, thief, burglar, swindler, racketeer. See Mr. Gontzah Kenocker Gatkes. Technically, long underwear with long sleeves. Here, simply “underwear.” A non-Jewish person (derisive context). Non-Jewish (derisive context). A gross is 144 and a gross-a-gross is 20,736. Here, Nate is complaining that his father can neither hear nor count and does not know the difference between 144 and 20,736 sweatshirts. The Haftorah (“parting,” “taking leave”) is a reading from the Book of Prophets. The Haftorah portion follows the reading from the Torah, and is a passage thematically linked to the Torah portion. Reading of the Haftorah is often required at a Bar Mitzvah. George Stanley Halas, Sr. (1895-1983), nicknamed "Papa Bear" and "Mr. Everything," was a player, coach, owner, pioneer in professional foot and the iconic longtime leader of the NFL’s Chicago Bears. Hamotzi. The Jewish blessing recited over bread before a meal is eaten. Hanukkah. Also known as the Festival of Lights, an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple in after its desecration by foreign forces in the 2nd century BCE. The festival is observed by lighting the candles of a special candelabrum (the nine-branched menorah or Hanukiah), one light on each night of the holiday, progressing to eight on the final night. An extra light called a shamash (meaning “guard” or “servant” in Hebrew) is also lit each night for the purpose of lighting the others, and is given a distinct location, usually above or below the rest. Traditional Hebrew folk song sung at special occasions. The title literally means “let us rejoice.” See Mein Heartzen Synagogue supplementary schools, or Hebrew schools, are the most common form of Jewish education in America. Classes meet once or twice a week after public school hours and/or 8 p. 6 p. 77 p. 37 p. 43 pp. 20, 58, 67 p. 27 pp. 28, 30, 40, 42, 46, 47, 51, 62, 82, 88, 90, 98, 108, 109, 120 p. 85 pp. 53, 54 p. 20 pp. 109, 111 p. 34 pp. 5, 6, 8, 9, 15, 40, 59 Heit Herzel Hessian High Holidays Hill, Joe Hither and kaupf on weekends. Hebrew studies often begin when children are seven or eight. Studies in Jewish subjects (such as history, customs, ritual practices, and holiday observances) begin several years before the Bar Mitzvah. The lessons become more extensive and more frequent as one gets closer to the year of the Bar Mitzvah. See Gesunder Heit Herzl Junior College. A community college in Chicago that changed its name to Malcolm X College in the late 1960s. It was named after Theodore Herzl (1860-1904), an early leader for the movement to form an independent Jewish state. Refers to eighteenth-century German regiments in service with the British Empire that fought against American colonists during the American Revolutionary War. Also known as the High Holy Days. The Hebrew translates literally to “Days of Awe.” The holidays strictly include Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement). By extension, it also includes the ten days between those two holidays, which are called the “Ten Days of Repentance.” By further extension, this includes the entire forty days before Yom Kippur to represent the forty days Moses spent on Mt. Sinai before coming down with the Ten Commandments. Usually, however, most discussions of the High Holidays involve only the days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Joe Hill (1879(?)-1915) was a SwedishAmerican labor activist, songwriter, and member of the Industrial Workers of the World. He was executed for murder in 1915. Many believe that he was framed for the crime, and pleas for clemency turned his case into a major media event with such prominent personalities as Woodrow Wilson and Helen Keller coming to Hill’s aid. Hither (“over there”) and kop (“head”). Means something akin to “here and there” or “all over the place.” 9 p. 118 p. 27 p. 34 pp. 5, 9, 15, 16, 20, 41, 63, 69, 72, 73, 89, 99 p. 68 p. 27 Hocking my Chinek Hootnanny House of David Hungry Eye “If I had the wings of an angel….” I.G.A. Indians In like flynn “The Internationale” Ist Judas Giving me such a headache. Hootenanny. An informal performance by folk singers, typically with participation by the audience. A religious commune established in the early 20th century that was known for, among other things, growing hair out. hungry i. A San Francisco nightclub operated in the mid-1950s and early 1960s by Enrico Banducci at 599 Jackson Street in the North Beach district. The hungry i was instrumental in launching the careers of singer Barbra Steisand, folk group The Kingston Trio and comedians Lenny Bruce, Mort Sahl, Jonathan Winters, Professor Irwin Corey, Woody Allen, Dick Cavett, Phyllis Diller, the Smothers Brothers, and Joan Rivers. Lyrics to “The Prisoner’s Song,” written in 1924 by Guy and Robert Massey. The full verse reads: “Now if I had the wings of an angel Over these prison walls I would fly, And I’d fly to the arms of my poor darlin’, And there I’d be willing to die.” Independent Grocers Alliance. Many independent supermarkets take the initials as the store name for brand recognition. Either refers to the slaughter of the indigenous people of North America (Native Americans) by European settlers or to the Indian struggle for independence against Great Britain led by Gandhi. To be extremely or emphatically successful, often in a sexual or romantic context. A reference to Australian actor Erroll Flynn (1909-1959), known for his swashbuckling roles and his reputation as a hard-drinking ladies’ man off-camera. A French socialist anthem written in the 1800s and known throughout the world. See Vey Ist Meir! Judas Iscariot was, according to the New Testament, one of the twelve original Apostles of Jesus. He is most traditionally known for his role in Jesus' betrayal into the hands of Roman authorities. 10 p. 94 p. 111 p. 60 p. 76 p. 94 p. 94 p. 68 p. 99 p. 111 p. 23 p. 68 Juniper Knoll Jacob’s Ladder Kalookie Kenocker Khazer Kiddish Kikes Kimosabe Kiss the Torah Kleine Kleinerkeit Klugistmeir Kockem Kopf Kosher Kraut Krebbs, Maynard G. The actual Camp Juniper Knoll is a girl scout camp in East Troy, Wisconsin, approximately 100 miles north of Chicago. A spiritual with additional lyrics by Pete Seeger. In the Bible, the term comes from a prophetic dream by the patriarch Jacob of a ladder ascending to heaven: “And he dreamed that there was a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven, and behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.” (Genesis 28:12–13) Denotes any form of basic rummy played with 104 cards (a doubled pack) plus jokers. See Mr. Gontzah Kenocker Chazer. Pig. Kiddush (literally, "sanctification") is a blessing recited over wine or grape juice to sanctify Shabbat, a Jewish holiday, or a Bar Mitzvah. The term is used to refer to a ceremonial meal served at a synagogue following the recitation of kiddush at the conclusion of services, in which refreshments (traditionally including cake, crackers, and fish). Racial slur for a Jewish person. Kemo Sabe. Greeting from Tonto to the Lone Ranger on The Lone Ranger. Translates to “trusty scout.” This is a Jewish tradition at a Bar Mitzvah. During the service, the Torah is walked around the synagogue and the congregants are traditionally supposed to kiss it (though it is considered unsanitary to actually kiss the Torah, instead people touch their prayer books or the ends of their ceremonial shawls to the Torah and then kiss that). See Mein Kleine Mensch Little one. See also Mein kleinerkeit/kleinikeit See Mr. Klugistmeir Chachem. Wise guy, clever one. See also Reb Kochum/Kuchem See A schtinken auffen kopf Food that meets rules of Jewish dietary laws. Here, slang for right, perfect, clean, proper. A German (pejorative). The beatnik sidekick on the 1960s TV show 11 p. 104 p. 109, 110, 120, 121 p. 27 p. 77 p. 87 p. 92 pp. 9, 26, 67 p. 14 p. 104 p. 119 p. 13 pp. 69, 100 p. 38 p. 13 pp. 58, 104 p. 35 p. 45 pp. 68, 114 p. 61 The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis, played by actor Bob Denver (1935-2005). He is portrayed a stereotypical beatnik with a goatee, hip slang usage, and an unkempt bohemian appearance. Krupa (1909-1973) was an influential American Krupa, Gene jazz and big band drummer and composer known for his highly energetic and flamboyant style. He is credited with inventing the rim shot on the snare drum. The nation’s longest-running newspaper Kup’s column column, started in 1943 and running for nearly 60 years. Writer Irv Kupcinet (1912-2003) was an avid supporter of Jewish causes. Beaming with pride and happiness. Kvelling To life. L’chiam Like the Red Sea had opened up Reference to the story of Moses in which he parted the Red Sea to allow the Jews to escape Egypt. In Harriet Beecher Stowe (1811-1896)’s Uncle Little Liza running across the Tom’s Cabin, a slave woman named Eliza ice escapes to Ohio when she overhears that her master is planning on selling her. She manages to cross the Ohio River to freedom by walking across the ice flows. Lithuanian Jews. Litvaks Hospital founded by the sisters of St. Vincent Lourdes de Paul. Let him go. Lus’em Gayn See Vas machst du? Machst A Hindi term for a Brahmin sage. Nate is using Mahatma the term ironically. A game of Chinese origin usually played by Mah-jongg four persons with tiles resembling dominoes and bearing various designs, which are drawn and discarded until one player wins with a hand of four combinations of three tiles each and a pair of matching tiles. A dummy manipulated by American Mahoney, Jerry ventriloquist Paul Winchell (1922-2005). Winchell started out with Mahoney on radio in the 1940s and had a TV show called WinchellMahoney Time from 1965-68. Fabricate a story. Make shit up outta whole cloth Mother dear. Mamala Literally, “almond bread.” A Jewish dessert Mandel Brot similar to Italian biscotti. 12 p. 54 p. 30 p. 61 p. 21 p. 92 p. 68 p. 67 p. 103 p. 59 p. 45 p. 57 p. 27 p. 98 p. 8 p. 119 p. 70, 71 Manhattan Marshall Fields Mason, Perry Mazel Tov Mazik Medea Megillah Mein Heartzen Mein Kleine Mensch Mein kleinerkeit/kleinikeit Meir Menorah Mensch(-en) Menschkeit Methuslah Miller, Glenn Mishagas Mishpuchah Mishugie Mr. Gontzah Kenocker Mr. Klugistmeir Mit weldshmerz A shirt manufactured by the Manhattan Shirt Company. Marshall Field and Company (Marshall Field’s) was a department store in Chicago that grew to be a major chain before becoming acquired by Macy’s Inc. in 2005. Fictional defense attorney who originally was the main character in numerous pieces of detective fiction authored by Erle Stanley Gardner (1889-1970). Good luck. Loads of luck. Congratulations. Brat. A woman in Greek mythology who killed her children as revenge for her husband’s infidelity. Scroll or the Book of Ester. In slang, it means the whole works, the complete details, a long meaningless rigamarole. My love. My little gentleman. My little one. See Vey Ist Meir! A traditional Jewish candelabra consisting of either seven branches (for use in temples) or nine branches (for Hanukkah specifically). Good boy(s). See also Mein Kleine Mensch Dignity, manners, respect. Methuselah. The longest-living person in the Bible. Nate is calling Rob an old man because of his unshaven face. Alton Glenn Miller (1904-1944) was an American jazz musician, arranger, composer and band leader of the swing era. Was one of the best-selling recording artists from 1939 to 1942, leading one of the best known Big Bands. While traveling to entertain U.S. troops in France during World War II, Miller’s plane disappeared in bad weather. His body has never been found. Mishegas. Madness, insanity. Mishpocheh. Family. Mishugeh. Crazy. Mr. Gantseh K’nacker. Mr. Big Shot. Mr. Klug iz mir. Mr. Smart Alec. Literally, “Mr. Woe-is-me.” With despair. 13 p. 52 p. 26 p. 72 p. 107 p. 3 p. 57 p. 42 p. 34 p. 119 pp. 69, 100 p. 23 p. 34 pp. 75, 98, 113 p. 119 p. 69 p. 60 p. 109 p. 12 p. 66 p. 108 p. 77 p. 38 p. 69 Mitziah Mitzvah Morris, Johnny Mossick Mumsur Murdle-ize Murphy, Audey “My Yiddishe Mama” Nafkehs Nischt Gefharlacht Nostrovia Nu “Oh, Mein Papa” Oi/Oy Okie Old Black Joe Orah-tay Parr, Jack Metsiyeh. Big bargain. A good deed. Morris (b. 1935) was a former NFL running back/wide receiver who spent his entire ten year career with the Chicago Bears. A year after the Bears won the 1963 Super Bowl, Morris played his best season, with 93 receptions for 1212 yards and 10 touchdowns. Mossik. Troublemaker, naughty boy, imp. Mamzer. Technically means “one born out of wedlock” but is taken to mean a rotten, nasty, unreliable person. To utterly destroy. Audie Murphy (1924-1971) was a muchdecorated soldier who served in the European Theater of the Second World War, he later went on to have a successful movie career including the popular To Hell and Back. A song made famous by Sophie Tucker (18841966) in the 1920s, which plays on stereotypes of the Jewish mother and symbolizes nostalgia for the Old World. Whores. Nischt Geferlech. Not so bad. A Russian cheer translating to “to health.” So? Well? A traditional German song about a clown father written by Paul Burkhard (1911-1977) in 1939. Yiddish exclamation to denote disgust, pain, astonishment, or rapture. p. 110 pp. 63, 64 p. 6 p. 78 pp. 24, 74 p. 11 p. 23 p. 111 pp. 37, 77 p. 105 p. 21 p. 44 p. 111 pp. 12, 25, 26, 34, 53, 67, 76 pp. 76, 77, 114 A migrant farm worker from the south-central United States, especially one seeking work in the West or Southwest during the 1930s and 1940s. Often characterized by a ragged, unkempt appearance. A nineteenth century American folksong by p. 68 Stephen Collins Foster (1826-1864) that reflects upon a friendship with enslaved farm workers and the grief after their passing. Old Black Joe is embodied as a dignified, gentle, elderly farm worker. See Torah p. 51 Parr (1918-2004) was the host of The Tonight p. 102 Show from 1957-1962. At the time of the play, the current Tonight Show host would have been 14 Patchentuchas Penny ante Pesach Pesadicha Philidelphia lawyer Pish Pisher Plotz(-ing) Prayer shawl Punim Putz Rabbi Rachmaunus Rambling Rob Roman Johnny Carson (1925-2005). See Chief Patchentuchas Small time, or two-bit. Originated as a poker term. Passover, the Jewish holy day and festival commemorating the Hebrews escape from enslavement in Egypt. The holiday also marks the beginning of the harvest season. Kosher for Passover. When Pharaoh freed the Hebrews, their departure from Egypt was so hasty that they did not have time to let their breads finish rising. As a result, during Passover there are strict prohibitions against foods with leavening or yeast. In order for a wine to be kosher, it must be created under a rabbi's immediate supervision, with only Sabbath-observant Jewish males touching the grapes from the crushing phase through the bottling. Kosher for Passover wine must additionally be made from a mold that has not been grown on bread (such as sugar or fruit) and must exclude several common preservatives, like potassium sorbate. Philadelphia lawyer. A term used to describe a lawyer who knows the most detailed and minute points of law. Piss. Male infant, a little squirt, a nobody. Burst(-ing). Going crazy. The Jewish prayer shawl (tallit) is worn in the synagogue on Shabbat and holidays. The tallit has special twined and knotted fringes known as tzitzit attached to its four corners. The tallit can be made of any materials except a mixture of wool and linen interwoven which is strictly prohibited by the Torah. Most traditional tallits are worn in wool. A cute face. Fool, idiot, jerk. Literally, an obscenity for a flaccid penis (“prick”). A person trained in Jewish law, ritual, and tradition and ordained for leadership of a Jewish congregation, especially one serving as chief religious official of a synagogue. Rakhmones. Compassion, mercy, pity. A reference to the song “Ramblin Man,” written 15 p. 54 p. 68 p. 10 p. 20 p. 102 pp. 5, 25, 26. pp. 3, 17 pp. 11, 12, 37 p. 65 p. 13 p. 40 pp. 9, 16, 32, 38, 62, 65, 82, 87, 88, 90, 98, 120 p. 66 p. 77 Reb Kochum/Kuchem Reb-sach “Reformed, Conservative…Orthodox” Riverview The Rosenbergs Rosie the Riveter Running Bear in 1951 by Hank Williams (1923-1953). Reb Chachem. A smart, clever one. “Reb” translates to “Mr.” or “Rabbi,” titles given to learned and respected men. Nate is using the term ironically. Smarty-pants. The three main branches of 20th Century American Judaism. Orthodox Judaism is the most traditional branch of Judaism and emphasizes observance of both the moral and ritual obligations of traditional Jewish law. Reform Judaism teaches that Judaism’s ethical laws are binding while ritual laws can be adapted to fit modern society. It favors individual choice over obligatory beliefs and practices. Conservative Judaism occupies a middle ground between the two other branches. It seeks to preserve the structure and content of traditional Jewish observance, while allowing for adaptations to fit modern circumstances. An amusement park in Chicago, open from 1904-1967. Julius (1918-1953) and Ethel (1915-1953) Rosenberg were Jewish-American communists who were executed for espionage. Although evidence seemed to connect Julius to giving Abomb secrets to Russia, Ethel’s involvement was much more murky, and anti-Semitic prejudices fueled the flames of public opinion against them. The Rosenbergs’ execution was the first of civilians, for espionage, in United States history. A cultural icon, representing the women who worked in war factories during World War II. Although Rosie the Riveters took on male dominated trades during WWII, women were expected to return to their everyday housework once men returned from the war. Instead women chose to return to traditional work such as clerical or administration positions. The title and main character of a song sung famously by Johnny Preston (b. 1939) about a Native American brave who is kept from his beloved Little White Dove, because the two are in rival tribes. The story concludes with the two trying to unite by swimming through a river that 16 pp. 58, 104 p. 43 p. 30 p. 103 p. 68 p. 105 p. 68 Sacco and Vanzetti Sa-cock Satin cap Schkutzim Schlemiel Schlep Schlepsach Schmatte Schmeckel Schmendrick Schmoe Schmuck Schmutzic Schpilkes Schtarker Schtick Schtimmer Schtinken Schtum still like a schtimmer Schtupping Schvartz(-er/-ahs) Schvartzer Choleria Schvester Esther Schvitz(-ing) Seagram’s separates them, and sadly drowning. Ferdinando Nicola Sacco (1891-1927) and Bartolomeo Vanzetti (1888-1927) were two Italian-born laborers and anarchists who were executed after being convicted of murder. The case was scrutinized for using anti-immigrant, anti-Italian, and anti-anarchist sentiments to swing the jury. Protests erupted all over the world for the executions. Butcher. Refers to a yarmulke or kippah, worn by Jews to show respect for God when they enter a synagogue. See also Yarmalke (p. 111). Shkotzim. Naughty Jewish boys. Shlemiel. Clumsy bungler. Inept person. Shlep. To go somewhere unwillingly or where you may be unwanted. Shlepsach. Foul ball. Shmatte. Rag, something worthless. Shmeckel. A fast-talker. A swindler. Shmendrik. Nincompoop. An inept or indifferent person. Shmoe. Native person, easy to deceive. A goof. Shmuck. Fool, idiot, jerk. Literally an obscenity for an erect penis Shmutsik. Crummy, dirty. Shpilkes. Pins and needles. Nerves, anxiety. Shtarker. Brave one. Also, thug, hoodlum. Shtick. Gimmick. See Schtum still like a schtimmer See A schtinken auffen kopf Shtum still like a shtimmer. Quiet and still like a mute. Shtupping. Filling. Also a vulgarism for sex (“fucking”). Shvartz(-er/ahs). Black (pejorative). Shvartzer Choleria. Evil black woman. Shvester Estjer. Sister Esther. Shvitz(-ing). Sweat(-ing). See also Are you taking a schvitz in there? Seagram’s and VO appear to actually be the same brand. The VO in Seagram’s VO stands for “very own.” 17 p. 68 p. 62 p. 65 p. 59 p. 64 pp. 4, 12, 103 p. 4 pp. 35, 65, 117 p. 110 pp. 9, 101 p. 21 pp. 26, 53 p. 94 pp. 90, 106 p. 55 p.104 p. 40 p. 35 p. 40 pp. 19, 20 pp. 25, 67, 68, 115 p. 26 p. 105 p. 90 p. 41 p. 20 Section Eight Seeger, Pete Self-hating Jew Serge suit Shabass/Shabbas Shaegitz/Shaygitz She spits – three times Shicker Shiksahs Shinola Shlock Shofar Shoot the Chutes Refers to Section VIII of the World War II-era United States Army Regulation 615-360, which provided for the discharge of those deemed unfit for military service. Also came to mean any serviceperson given such a discharge or behaving as if deserving such a discharge. Peter “Pete” Seeger (b. 1919) is an American folk singer and a key figure in the mid-20th century American folk music revival. As a song writer, he is most famous for the protest songs “Turn, Turn, Turn” and “If I Had a Hammer.” Is also known for contributing additional lyrics to the spiritual “Jacob’s Ladder.” This phrase, started in the 1930s, refers to the accusation that some Jewish person allegedly holds beliefs. It is often used as a political tool discount Jews who disagree with Israeli policy. Serge is a strong-twilled fabric commonly used for suiting. Shabbat. The seventh day of the Jewish week. A day of rest in Judaism, observed from sundown Friday until sundown Saturday. Shygets. Non-Jewish boy. It is Jewish tradition to spit three times in reaction to something especially good or evil. This is done because three is considered a mystical number in Judaism. Saying “pooh, pooh, pooh” was substituted for spitting after spitting became offensive. See You’re get Shicker Non-Jewish women. A brand of wax shoe polish that was available in the early to mid-20th century. Shinola was immortalized in colloquial English by the phrase “You don't know shit from Shinola,” which first became widely popular during World War II. Shoddy merchandise. The shofar, an animal horn blown during services on the holiday, is the most recognizable symbol of Rosh Hashanah. The shofar is typically made from a ram’s horn, but the horn of any kosher animal can be used except for a cow or an ox. A water ride at Riverview similar to a log flume. 18 pp. 47, 95 p. 109 pp. 66, 67 p. 65 pp. 4, 15 pp. 96, 103 pp. 12, 107 p. 93 p. 106 p. 32 p. 68 p. 89 p. 103 Shul Silvertone Simcahs Smelt Sons of Judah Speiler Squaw Strosch Stuckey’s Tatala The chaya from the veldt The prayer for the dead The ten million Russians and the twenty million Chinese Thomas McCann shoes The Three Stooges Yiddish word indicating a school or a place where people gather to study together. “Synagogue” and “shul” are often used interchangeably by Jews to describe the communal house of worship and study. A cheap brand of guitar made by Sears. Joyous times. A fish found in the Great Lakes. A formal title for the Jewish people. Most Jews are considered to have descended from the tribe of Israel led by Judah, son of Jacob and Leah. Spieler. A person with an extravagant line of talk. A spelling of the Algonquin Indian morpheme meaning, “woman.” The phrase has often been considered offensive. Strash. Threat. The Stuckey's restaurant and store chain began as a roadside pecan stand outside of Eastman in the early 1930s. By the 1960s, the stores, which catered to travelers, had spread across the country. Toddler/child (masculine). The big butter and egg man. The big shot from the country. In Judaism, during the first year after a death, the children of a dead parent and the dead person’s sisters and brothers attend synagogue regularly to recite a special prayer for the dead called the kaddish, the “hallowing” or “making holy.” Each year, on the anniversary of the death, Jews recite the kaddish in memory of a dead family member. Most Jews also light a candle in their home on the anniversary as a reminder of their departed relative. Approximate casualties of World War II. pp. 18, 59, 60, 71, 73, 120 Brand of leather shoes that reached its peak of popularity in the 1950s and 60s. Was known for a blend of high-quality leather and affordable pricing. An American vaudeville and comedy act of the early to mid-20th century best known for their numerous short subject films. Their hallmark was physical slapstick comedy punctuated by quickly-delivered one-liners, within outrageous p. 91 19 p. 80 p. 21 p. 103 p. 64 p. 49 p. 29 p. 106 p. 19 p. 119 p. 50 p. 74 p. 68 p. 66 Tockeh Tomashevsky Torah Troubabour Tsimus Tsouris Umblek/Umbleck Uncle Milty V.A. Vahnzen Vahrf Vas machst du? Vaya’avod Yisrael Vayivrach ya’akov sedeh Aram Veldt Vey Ist Meir! V.O. storylines. Tahkeh. Really! Certainly! Is that so? Refers to Boris Thomashefsky (1868-1939), a star of the Yiddish theatre in the early to mid20th century. Meaning “instruction” or “direction.” It refers to the first five books of the Tanah (the Jewish Bible), according to Jewish tradition given to Moses on Mt. Sinai and transmitted from generation to generation. The Torah is written in Hebrew on parchment. As there is no punctuation and there are no vowels, one of the challenges for a Bar Mitzvah is learning to read the text. A book called a tikkun is used to aid in this process. Troubadour. One of a class of 12th- and 13thcentury lyric poets who flourished chiefly in the south of France and the north of Italy and whose major theme was courtly love. Also, a singer, especially of folk songs. See Carrot Tsimus Troubles, misery. Umblek. Unlucky one. Natural-born loser. A nickname of Milton Berle (1908-2002), the comedian and TV and radio personality who hosted The Milton Berle Show in the 1940s and 50s. By the time of the action of High Holidays, Berle’s popularity had faded, the show had been cancelled, and the host was reduced to hosting the game show Jackpot Bowling where he delivered quips between contestants. Veterans Affairs. Bedbug. See Give it the Vahrf How are you? Excerpt from Billy’s Haftorah (Hosea 12:13). The complete verse translates as: “Jacob fled to the land of Aram, and [there] Israel served for a wife, and for a wife he herded sheep.” See The chaya from the veldt Exclamation of sadness or annoyance. Translates literally to “Woe is me!” VO and Seagram’s appear to actually be the same brand. The VO in Seagram’s VO stands for “very own.” 20 pp. 18, 26 p. 105 pp. 51, 64, 65, 90 p. 77 p. 103 pp. 26, 115 pp. 23, 32, 33, 115 p. 66 p. 22 p. 35 p. 17 p. 45 p. 46 p. 50 p. 23 p. 20 Wampum Weldzhmerz We leave that to Beaver When we are pricked do we not bleed Wops Yam Yarmalke Yentah Yeshivah Bocher Yidlach Sargeant York You’re get Shicker Yuntov Beads of polished shells strung in strands, belts, or sashes used by North American Indians. Although highly valued, especially by Native Americans in the Iroquois Confederacy (primarily concentrated in present-day New York), wampum was not a form of currency. It was used to call a council, seat council members in the correct order, speak at a council, elect a chief, depose a chief (the chiefs were always men, but women elected and deposed them), for adoption ceremonies, during mourning, as records and deeds, as gifts, and as ornament. Wampum did, however, serve as money for the colonists. It had value, was easily divisible, and was scarce because it took a lot of labor to make, and was consequently adopted as money. It was legal tender in all 13 original colonies, and at least as late as 1701 New York was still setting the official rate. See Mit weldzhmerz A play on the TV series Leave it to Beaver that ran in the 1950s and 60s and exemplified the idealized pleasant, suburban family of the midtwentieth century. Line spoken by Shylock the Jew in The Merchant of Venice, Act III, Scene 1. Shylock is saying that Jews are human just like everyone else. Italians (pejorative). See Gay cocken affen yam, Alter! Traditionally, Jewish males cover their heads with a yarmulke or kippah (commonly in the shape of a round skull cap) to show respect for God when they enter a synagogue. By saying “pass the Yarmalke,” Rob is making a joke at the phrase “pass the hat.” Yenteh. Gabby. Talkative. Student that studies the Torah. Jewish/Judaism. Alvin York (1887-1964) was the mostdecorated American soldier of the First World War. His exploits were later made into a movie titled Sergeant York. Gary Cooper (1901-1961) played York. You’ll become a drunk. Holiday. 21 p. 13 p. 69 p. 66 p.64 p. 67 p. 26 p. 111 p. 12 p. 65 pp. 9, 65 p. 23 p. 93 p. 54 22