HIGH HOLIDAYS Glossary: AlphabetizedCompiled by Michelle Hochberg and Brian Schmidt

(Updated 9/28/09)

A bissel A bisel. A little. p. 12Affen See Gay cocken affen yam, Alter! p. 26A handful of gimme 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.

p. 77

Akimbo 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.

p. 49

Alter See Gay cocken affen yam, Alter! p. 26A schtinken auffen kopf Your hair smells from smoke. Your hair stinks. p. 35Alleveh Alevei. Hope so! It should happen to you! It

should be that way!p. 107

Alliyah 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”).

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Are you taking a schvitz in there?

Are you taking a shvitz in there?Are you having a sauna in there?

p. 41

Armenians 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.

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A-ti-dah Laid out flat. p. 12 Auffen See A schtinken auffen kopf p. 35Aw-mein Amen. p. 54Ba’al Shem Tov Rabbi Yisroel ben Eliezer (1698-1760), founder

of the Hasidic branch of Judaism.p. 26

Baitsum Baitsim. Testicles. p. 112Ballaboss Nickname for Ba’al Habayit, “head of

household,” or “master of the home.”p. 26

Ban-lons Ban-Lon is a trademarked, multi-strand, continuous-filament synthetic yarn used in the

p. 22

retail clothing industry. It is artificially crimped in order to achieve greater bulk than ordinary yarns.

Bar Mitzvah 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.

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Barnum and Bailey 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.”

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Baruch Adonoy hamevorach le’olem va-ed

Barechu es Adonai hamevorach. Baruch 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.”

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Baruchu es Adonoy hamevorach

The Battle of the Bulge/Bastogne

The Battle of the Bulge (16 December 1944 – 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.

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Bima Literally, “stage.” A raised platform from which pp. 40, 90,

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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.

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Bissel See A bissel p. 12Bobby-soxer A 1940s sociologic coinage denoting the over-

zealous 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.

p. 2

Bocher See Yeshivah Bocher p. 65Boers 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.

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Boruch atah Adonoy, elohenuh melech ha-olum ha-motzie lechum min ha-eretz

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.”

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Boychick(-al) Young boy. pp. 46, 67, 81, 98, 104

Bruce, Lenny 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.

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Bruchas 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.

pp. 28, 90

Bubbie Bubby. Grandmother. p. 100Bulvan Man built like an ox. p. 104Carrot Tsimus Tzimmes. A sweet carrot meal served as a side

dish on Passover. Carrots are served with honey, sugar, and orange juice.

p. 103

Chaya See The chaya from the veldt p. 50Chedar Chaider. Religious school. pp. 108, 114Chesterfield 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.

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Chez Paree Chicago’s most famous nightclub from the 1930s through the 50s.

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Chief Patchentuchas Patchentuches literally means “slap in the butt.” In context, “Chief Patchentuches” means something akin to “Chief Pain in the Ass.”

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Chinek See Hocking my Chinek p. 94Chlomming Hitting. p. 93Choleria See Schvartzer Choleria p. 26Cholish Faint. p. 12Chupie 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.

p. 106

Cocken See Gay cocken affen yam, Alter! p. 26Cock-tell A mispronunciation of “cocktail.” p. 20Congolese Likely refers to the approximate eight million

Congolese that died as a result of colonial brutality between 1886 and 1908.

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Cordwood 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.

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Cossocks 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 wheat-growing 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.

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Dahvin Daven. Literally, “to pray.” To recite Jewish liturgy, usually with a back-and-forth swaying motion.

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Davis, Sammy Samuel George “Sammy” Davis, Jr. (1925-1990) was an American actor, comedian, singer, dancer, impressionist, and musician.

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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.

Davy Crockett, Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson, Cisco Kid and Zorro

All characters in popular 1950s television 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 1950-1956. 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.

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Day-va-ju 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.

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Ditka, Mike 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

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individual to participate in the last two Bears’ championships, as a player in 1963 and as head coach in 1985.

Dr. Spock 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.

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Dreikopf Draikop. Scatterbrain. p. 12Drek Trash. pp. 69, 78.Du See Vas machst du? p. 45Eck-schtarb I die. p. 38English Oval Premium brand of high-nicotine, non-filtered

cigarettes made by Philip Morris and favored for their rich taste.

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Erev Rosh Hashonnah 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.

pp. 5, 6, 16, 18, 23, 41, 57, 59, 112

Faubus, Orville 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.

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Feathermerchant 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.

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Feh Phooey. It stinks. It’s no good. pp. 9, 37Fercockteh Feckuckteh. Dungy, crappy, fucked up. pp. 2, 12,

28, 42, 99Fershluggenah Something of dubious or little value. p. 112Fershtunkenah/Ferschtinkenah Farshtunkenah. Rotten, fetid, smelly. pp. 18, 99Fishwife A woman who sells fish. Such women were

notoriously loud and foul-mouthed as in the proverb To swear like a fishwife.

p. 4

Forshpie Forshpeits. Snack, appetizer. p. 19

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Ella Fitzgerald Fitzgerald (1917 – 1996), also known as “Lady Ella,” the “Queen of Scat,” and the “First Lady of Song,” was an American jazz vocalist.

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Frailach Frailech. Happy. p. 57Fred Harvey’s 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.

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Freedom Riders 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.

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Fumfer Funfeh. Mumble. Misspeak, make an error. p. 88Furbisseneh Farbissener. Bitter person, sourpuss. pp. 69, 76,

114, 115, 116

Gab slacks Gabardine slacks. p. 49Gadarum Guts. p. 12Gay cocken affen yam, Alter! Gai kaken ahfen yam, Alter. Get lost! (Literally,

“Go shit in the ocean, old man!”)p. 26

Gefarlacht Dangerous. p. 115See also Nischt Gefharlacht p. 105

Gentile A non-Jew. pp. 21, 44.Gesunder Heit Gezunterhait. In good health. Good luck. p. 118Give it the Vahrf Throw it out. Toss it out. p. 17God of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob

Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are the three patriarchs of the Jewish faith. Their names are often said in prayers.

p. 45

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.

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Goldblatt’s A chain of local discount stores centered in Chicago during the early and mid-20th century.

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Golem Goilem. Dolt, knucklehead. An animate being 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

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or slow.Gonif Crook, thief, burglar, swindler, racketeer. p. 6Gontzah See Mr. Gontzah Kenocker p. 77Gotkehs Gatkes. Technically, long underwear with long

sleeves. Here, simply “underwear.”p. 37

Goy A non-Jewish person (derisive context). p. 43Goyim/Goyishe Non-Jewish (derisive context). pp. 20, 58,

67Gross 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.

p. 27Gross-a-gross

Haftorah 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.

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Halas, George 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.

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Ha-motzie Hamotzi. The Jewish blessing recited over bread before a meal is eaten.

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Hanakkah 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.

p. 20

Havah Nagilla Traditional Hebrew folk song sung at special occasions. The title literally means “let us rejoice.”

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Heartzen See Mein Heartzen p. 34Hebrew School Synagogue supplementary schools, or Hebrew

schools, are the most common form of Jewish education in America. Classes meet once or

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twice a week after public school hours and/or 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.

Heit See Gesunder Heit p. 118Herzel 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.

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Hessian Refers to eighteenth-century German regiments in service with the British Empire that fought against American colonists during the American Revolutionary War.

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High Holidays 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.

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Hill, Joe Joe Hill (1879(?)-1915) was a Swedish-American 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.

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Hither and kaupf Hither (“over there”) and kop (“head”). Means something akin to “here and there” or “all over

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the place.”Hocking my Chinek Giving me such a headache. p. 94Hootnanny Hootenanny. An informal performance by folk

singers, typically with participation by the audience.

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House of David A religious commune established in the early 20th century that was known for, among other things, growing hair out.

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Hungry Eye 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.

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“If I had the wings of an angel….”

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 angelOver 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.”

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I.G.A. Independent Grocers Alliance. Many independent supermarkets take the initials as the store name for brand recognition.

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Indians 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.

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In like flynn 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.

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“The Internationale” A French socialist anthem written in the 1800s and known throughout the world.

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Ist See Vey Ist Meir! p. 23Judas 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

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authorities.Juniper Knoll The actual Camp Juniper Knoll is a girl scout

camp in East Troy, Wisconsin, approximately 100 miles north of Chicago.

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Jacob’s Ladder 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)

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Kalookie Denotes any form of basic rummy played with 104 cards (a doubled pack) plus jokers.

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Kenocker See Mr. Gontzah Kenocker p. 77Khazer Chazer. Pig. p. 87Kiddish 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).

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Kikes Racial slur for a Jewish person. pp. 9, 26, 67Kimosabe Kemo Sabe. Greeting from Tonto to the Lone

Ranger on The Lone Ranger. Translates to “trusty scout.”

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Kiss the Torah 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).

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Kleine See Mein Kleine Mensch p. 119 Kleinerkeit Little one. p. 13

See also Mein kleinerkeit/kleinikeit pp. 69, 100Klugistmeir See Mr. Klugistmeir p. 38 Kockem Chachem. Wise guy, clever one. p. 13

See also Reb Kochum/Kuchem pp. 58, 104Kopf See A schtinken auffen kopf p. 35Kosher Food that meets rules of Jewish dietary laws.

Here, slang for right, perfect, clean, proper. p. 45

Kraut A German (pejorative). pp. 68, 114

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Krebbs, Maynard G. The beatnik sidekick on the 1960s TV show 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.

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Krupa, Gene Krupa (1909-1973) was an influential American 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.

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Kup’s column The nation’s longest-running newspaper column, started in 1943 and running for nearly 60 years. Writer Irv Kupcinet (1912-2003) was an avid supporter of Jewish causes.

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Kvelling Beaming with pride and happiness. p. 61L’chiam To life. p. 21Like 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.

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Little Liza running across the ice

In Harriet Beecher Stowe (1811-1896)’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin, a slave woman named Eliza 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.

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Litvaks Lithuanian Jews. p. 67Lourdes Hospital founded by the sisters of St. Vincent

de Paul.p. 103

Lus’em Gayn Let him go. p. 59Machst See Vas machst du? p. 45Mahatma A Hindi term for a Brahmin sage. Nate is using

the term ironically.p. 57

Mah-jongg A game of Chinese origin usually played by 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.

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Mahoney, Jerry A dummy manipulated by American ventriloquist Paul Winchell (1922-2005). Winchell started out with Mahoney on radio in the 1940s and had a TV show called Winchell-Mahoney Time from 1965-68.

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Make shit up outta whole cloth Fabricate a story. p. 8Mamala Mother dear. p. 119Mandel Brot Literally, “almond bread.” A Jewish dessert p. 70, 71

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similar to Italian biscotti.Manhattan A shirt manufactured by the Manhattan Shirt

Company.p. 52

Marshall Fields 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.

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Mason, Perry Fictional defense attorney who originally was the main character in numerous pieces of detective fiction authored by Erle Stanley Gardner (1889-1970).

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Mazel Tov Good luck. Loads of luck. Congratulations. p. 107Mazik Brat. p. 3Medea A woman in Greek mythology who killed her

children as revenge for her husband’s infidelity.p. 57

Megillah Scroll or the Book of Ester. In slang, it means the whole works, the complete details, a long meaningless rigamarole.

p. 42

Mein Heartzen My love. p. 34Mein Kleine Mensch My little gentleman. p. 119 Mein kleinerkeit/kleinikeit My little one. pp. 69, 100Meir See Vey Ist Meir! p. 23Menorah A traditional Jewish candelabra consisting of

either seven branches (for use in temples) or nine branches (for Hanukkah specifically).

p. 34

Mensch(-en) Good boy(s). pp. 75, 98, 113 See also Mein Kleine Mensch p. 119

Menschkeit Dignity, manners, respect. p. 69Methuslah Methuselah. The longest-living person in the

Bible. Nate is calling Rob an old man because of his unshaven face.

p. 60

Miller, Glenn 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.

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Mishagas Mishegas. Madness, insanity. p. 12Mishpuchah Mishpocheh. Family. p. 66Mishugie Mishugeh. Crazy. p. 108Mr. Gontzah Kenocker Mr. Gantseh K’nacker. Mr. Big Shot. p. 77Mr. Klugistmeir Mr. Klug iz mir. Mr. Smart Alec. Literally, “Mr.

Woe-is-me.”p. 38

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Mit weldshmerz With despair. p. 69Mitziah Metsiyeh. Big bargain. p. 110Mitzvah A good deed. pp. 63, 64Morris, Johnny 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.

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Mossick Mossik. Troublemaker, naughty boy, imp. p. 78Mumsur Mamzer. Technically means “one born out of

wedlock” but is taken to mean a rotten, nasty, unreliable person.

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Murdle-ize To utterly destroy. p. 11Murphy, Audey Audie Murphy (1924-1971) was a much-

decorated 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.

p. 23

“My Yiddishe Mama” A song made famous by Sophie Tucker (1884-1966) in the 1920s, which plays on stereotypes of the Jewish mother and symbolizes nostalgia for the Old World.

p. 111

Nafkehs Whores. pp. 37, 77Nischt Gefharlacht Nischt Geferlech. Not so bad. p. 105Nostrovia A Russian cheer translating to “to health.” p. 21Nu So? Well? p. 44“Oh, Mein Papa” A traditional German song about a clown father

written by Paul Burkhard (1911-1977) in 1939.p. 111

Oi/Oy Yiddish exclamation to denote disgust, pain, astonishment, or rapture.

pp. 12, 25, 26, 34, 53, 67, 76

Okie 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.

pp. 76, 77, 114

Old Black Joe A nineteenth century American folksong by 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.

p. 68

Orah-tay See Torah p. 51Parr, Jack Parr (1918-2004) was the host of The Tonight

Show from 1957-1962. At the time of the play, p. 102

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the current Tonight Show host would have been Johnny Carson (1925-2005).

Patchentuchas See Chief Patchentuchas p. 54Penny ante Small time, or two-bit. Originated as a poker

term.p. 68

Pesach 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.

p. 10

Pesadicha 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.

p. 20

Philidelphia lawyer Philadelphia lawyer. A term used to describe a lawyer who knows the most detailed and minute points of law.

p. 102

Pish Piss. pp. 5, 25, 26.Pisher Male infant, a little squirt, a nobody. pp. 3, 17Plotz(-ing) Burst(-ing). Going crazy. pp. 11, 12,

37Prayer shawl 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.

p. 65

Punim A cute face. p. 13Putz Fool, idiot, jerk. Literally, an obscenity for a

flaccid penis (“prick”).p. 40

Rabbi 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.

pp. 9, 16, 32, 38, 62, 65, 82, 87, 88, 90, 98, 120

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Rachmaunus Rakhmones. Compassion, mercy, pity. p. 66Rambling Rob Roman A reference to the song “Ramblin Man,” written

in 1951 by Hank Williams (1923-1953).p. 77

Reb Kochum/Kuchem 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.

pp. 58, 104

Reb-sach Smarty-pants. p. 43“Reformed, Conservative…Orthodox”

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.

p. 30

Riverview An amusement park in Chicago, open from 1904-1967.

p. 103

The Rosenbergs 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 A-bomb 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.

p. 68

Rosie the Riveter 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.

p. 105

Running Bear 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

p. 68

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in rival tribes. The story concludes with the two trying to unite by swimming through a river that separates them, and sadly drowning.

Sacco and Vanzetti 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.

p. 68

Sa-cock Butcher. p. 62Satin cap Refers to a yarmulke or kippah, worn by Jews

to show respect for God when they enter a synagogue. See also Yarmalke (p. 111).

p. 65

Schkutzim Shkotzim. Naughty Jewish boys. p. 59Schlemiel Shlemiel. Clumsy bungler. Inept person. p. 64Schlep Shlep. To go somewhere unwillingly or where

you may be unwanted.pp. 4, 12, 103

Schlepsach Shlepsach. Foul ball. p. 4Schmatte Shmatte. Rag, something worthless. pp. 35, 65,

117Schmeckel Shmeckel. A fast-talker. A swindler. p. 110Schmendrick Shmendrik. Nincompoop. An inept or

indifferent person.pp. 9, 101

Schmoe Shmoe. Native person, easy to deceive. A goof. p. 21Schmuck Shmuck. Fool, idiot, jerk. Literally an obscenity

for an erect penispp. 26, 53

Schmutzic Shmutsik. Crummy, dirty. p. 94Schpilkes Shpilkes. Pins and needles. Nerves, anxiety. pp. 90, 106Schtarker Shtarker. Brave one. Also, thug, hoodlum. p. 55Schtick Shtick. Gimmick. p.104Schtimmer See Schtum still like a schtimmer p. 40Schtinken See A schtinken auffen kopf p. 35Schtum still like a schtimmer Shtum still like a shtimmer.

Quiet and still like a mute.p. 40

Schtupping Shtupping. Filling. Also a vulgarism for sex (“fucking”).

pp. 19, 20

Schvartz(-er/-ahs) Shvartz(-er/ahs). Black (pejorative). pp. 25, 67, 68, 115

Schvartzer Choleria Shvartzer Choleria. Evil black woman. p. 26Schvester Esther Shvester Estjer. Sister Esther. p. 105 Schvitz(-ing) Shvitz(-ing). Sweat(-ing). p. 90

See also Are you taking a schvitz in there? p. 41Seagram’s Seagram’s and VO appear to actually be the p. 20

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same brand. The VO in Seagram’s VO stands for “very own.”

Section Eight 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.

pp. 47, 95

Seeger, Pete 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.”

p. 109

Self-hating Jew 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.

pp. 66, 67

Serge suit Serge is a strong-twilled fabric commonly used for suiting.

p. 65

Shabass/Shabbas Shabbat. The seventh day of the Jewish week. A day of rest in Judaism, observed from sundown Friday until sundown Saturday.

pp. 4, 15

Shaegitz/Shaygitz Shygets. Non-Jewish boy. pp. 96, 103She spits – three times 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.

pp. 12, 107

Shicker See You’re get Shicker p. 93Shiksahs Non-Jewish women. p. 106Shinola 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.

p. 32

Shlock Shoddy merchandise. p. 68Shofar 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.

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Shoot the Chutes A water ride at Riverview similar to a log flume.

p. 103

Shul 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.

pp. 18, 59, 60, 71, 73, 120

Silvertone A cheap brand of guitar made by Sears. p. 80Simcahs Joyous times. p. 21Smelt A fish found in the Great Lakes. p. 103Sons of Judah 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.

p. 64

Speiler Spieler. A person with an extravagant line of talk.

p. 49

Squaw A spelling of the Algonquin Indian morpheme meaning, “woman.” The phrase has often been considered offensive.

p. 29

Strosch Strash. Threat. p. 106Stuckey’s 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.

p. 19

Tatala Toddler/child (masculine). p. 119The chaya from the veldt The big butter and egg man. The big shot from

the country.p. 50

The prayer for the dead 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.

p. 74

The ten million Russians and the twenty million Chinese

Approximate casualties of World War II. p. 68

Thomas McCann shoes 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.

p. 91

The Three Stooges An American vaudeville and comedy act of the early to mid-20th century best known for their numerous short subject films. Their hallmark

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was physical slapstick comedy punctuated by quickly-delivered one-liners, within outrageous storylines.

Tockeh Tahkeh. Really! Certainly! Is that so? pp. 18, 26Tomashevsky Refers to Boris Thomashefsky (1868-1939), a

star of the Yiddish theatre in the early to mid-20th century.

p. 105

Torah 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.

pp. 51, 64, 65, 90

Troubabour Troubadour. One of a class of 12th- and 13th- century 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.

p. 77

Tsimus See Carrot Tsimus p. 103Tsouris Troubles, misery. pp. 26, 115Umblek/Umbleck Umblek. Unlucky one. Natural-born loser. pp. 23, 32,

33, 115Uncle Milty 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.

p. 66

V.A. Veterans Affairs. p. 22Vahnzen Bedbug. p. 35Vahrf See Give it the Vahrf p. 17Vas machst du? How are you? p. 45Vaya’avod Yisrael 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.”

p. 46Vayivrach ya’akov sedeh Aram

Veldt See The chaya from the veldt p. 50Vey Ist Meir! Exclamation of sadness or annoyance.

Translates literally to “Woe is me!”p. 23

V.O. VO and Seagram’s appear to actually be the p. 20

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same brand. The VO in Seagram’s VO stands for “very own.”

Wampum 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.

p. 13

Weldzhmerz See Mit weldzhmerz p. 69We leave that to Beaver 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 mid-twentieth century.

p. 66

When we are pricked do we not bleed

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.

p.64

Wops Italians (pejorative). p. 67Yam See Gay cocken affen yam, Alter! p. 26Yarmalke 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.”

p. 111

Yentah Yenteh. Gabby. Talkative. p. 12 Yeshivah Bocher Student that studies the Torah. p. 65Yidlach Jewish/Judaism. pp. 9, 65Sargeant York Alvin York (1887-1964) was the most-

decorated American soldier of the First World War. His exploits were later made into a movie titled Sergeant York. Gary Cooper (1901-1961) played York.

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You’re get Shicker You’ll become a drunk. p. 93Yuntov Holiday. p. 54

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