Let's Schmooze: Jewish Words Today

by Julian Sinclair

Jewish words are part of our vocabulary, not least because they are constantly used by comedians, actors and writers such as Jerry Seinfeld and Jackie Mason. But the fascination with these words is also due to their effectiveness and vivacity in speech. From schlepp, to shalom, spiel, schnitzel and many more, each chapter of Let's Schmooze focuses on one word, providing a short, entertaining, and fascinating glimpse into the Hebrew and Yiddish words that we use everyday-Jews and gentiles alike. The well informed speaker of E nglish today should have a chance to know what these words mean, where they come from and how they are used. Julian Sinclair's book fills this need while demonstrating how understanding Jewish words can provide an unusual but powerful vantage point from which to view Jewish life, faith and society today.

208 pages, Hardcover

First published August 28, 2007