Why Yiddish?

Wondering why there are so many Yiddish words in common usage today? In the early 20th Century, Yiddish was at its height serving as an international language for Jews of Ashkenazic (Eastern European) heritage. As we discussed in class, Yiddish is a mixture of Hebrew and German. Because Hebrew was (and is) considered the Holy Tongue, the language of prayer, it was considered sacrilege to use it as an everyday language in which to do daily business. In many ultra-Orthodox communities, you will still hear Yiddish spoken as an everyday language, even to this day.

In the immigrant communities of the early 20th Century, it was very common for Jewish families to speak Yiddish as their primary language. There were Yiddish newspapers, and even a thriving Yiddish musical arts and theater culture.

Though Yiddish has died out as a language of common usage, many of the Yiddish-isms still stay with us today.

Oy-Vey? Oh my goodness!

Bagel and a shmear? Bagel with a spread of cream cheese!

So many Yiddish expressions have now entered the mainstream and become part (not only of Jewish culture) but of American culture.

Interested in an online Yiddish Dictionary? The history of Yiddish? The history of bagels and cream cheese? Ah, the Internet. Full of useful info, huh?