000			01605n a2200253 a 4500
001			055574
005			20231009193037.0
008			130709s2005 nyu b 000 0 eng
010			_a2005046589
020			_a9780312307417
042			_apcc
050	0	0	_aPJ5113 _b.W48 2005
082	0	0	_a439.109 WEX
100	1		_aWex, Michael
245	1	0	_aBorn to kvetch _b: Yiddish language and culture in all its moods _c/ Michael Wex.
250			_a1st ed.
260			_aNew York _b: St. Martin's Press _c, 2005.
300			_axiii, 303 p. _c; 22 cm.
504			_aIncludes bibliographical references.
520			_aFrank, tough-minded, and profoundly honest, Wex--who grew up an Orthodox, Yiddish-speaking Jew-examines the Yiddish language from an insider's point of view. He describes the development of Yiddish throughout its history, explains the nature of the separation of Jews from gentiles as reflected in the ritual laws of kosher, and illustrates the harsh reality of European Jewish life, which is mirrored in the Yiddish language itself. Paradox, poverty, irony, and superstition (the secret heart of Yiddish) are described by example and through comparison to present-day popular culture. Other topics include the development of Yiddish words, expressions, and idioms; the nature of Jewish exile; kvetching (or complaining); and the life and religion of the Jewish people from birth to death, as evident in the Yiddish tongue. All the wonderful elements of Yiddish language and culture are humorously presented here.
650		0	_aYiddish
650		0	_aYiddish wit and humor
942			_cMO
999			_c257629 _d257629