Glossary

Beshert (Yiddish) – soul mate, intended, destiny

A Chesed Case (Hebrew and English) – Someone who deserves or receives lots of sympathy because they make others feel sad and sorry for them.

Chuppa (Hebrew) – canopy, used in Jewish weddings

Hashkafa (Hebrew) – outlook.  Usually refers to person’s attitude to life, especially within a religious context.  Can also refer to your e-mail program.  Go know.

lol (Internet) – laugh out loud. What Deena does whenever she reads what Vera writes.

Mensch (Yiddish) – a decent, good person

Menschlich (Yiddish) – menschlike behaviour

Midos Toivos (Hebrew/Yiddish) – good qualities (literally good measurements).  Usually required of potential marriage partners.

Nicht kein yiddishe kinder gedacht (Yiddish) – shouldn’t be said/thought of any Jewish child.  Usually used in the context of staying single, eating non-kosher, and catching a cold.  Especially catching that treif (non-kosher) flu, the one with bacon in it…

Narrishkeit (Yiddish) – nonsense.  Frequently heard on dates.  If someone says “you’re talking narrishkeit” – be offended.

Seuda Shlishit (Hebrew) – literally, the third meal. It is the third and last meal on Shabbat. Usually takes place before sundown on Saturday afternoon and often includes lots of singing.

Sheina meidel (Yiddish) – that girl who you picture meeting one day who will have the perfect face, curves, laugh, personality and will bake the best apple pie… um, don’t hold your breath.

Tachles (Hebrew/Yiddish) – getting down to business. No beating around the bush.

Verschlepte Krank (Yiddish) – ongoing illness, can also be used to describe ongoing unrewarding relationship

Any corrections to our glossary are welcome!