Yiddish (meaning Jewish) came into being between the ninth and twelfth centuries in Germany as an adaptation of German dialect to the special uses of Jewish religious life.
In the early twentieth century, Yiddish was spoken by eleven million Jews in eastern Europe and the United States. Its use declined radically. However, lately there has been a renewed interest in embracing Yiddish once again as a connection to Jewish culture.
Bubbala…endearing term for anyone you like, young or old
bar mitzvah…at age thirteen a boy becomes a man after a ceremony accepting responsibility and religious law
kasha varnishkes…cooked groats and broad noodles
kibitzer…one who gives unwanted advice
kvetch…whine and complain
mezuzah…tiny box affixed to right door frame containing parchment with 22 lines of Deuteronomy
nachas...joy, especially from children
nosh…small meal
schmegegi…buffoon, idiot
schlep...drag, carry, or haul sometimes unnecessary things
schmear…to spread like butter
Shabbes…Sabbath
Shakshuka…a tasty egg dish
Tallis…prayer shawl
Torah…the five books of Moses— Talmud law
tsouris...trouble
Yarmulke…traditional skull cap worn at all times by observant Orthodox Jews
Yenta…busybody