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avek in der eybikayt

Eulogy for Ben Froman (1921-2020) Given on June 14, 2020 by Eric A. Gordon: I think it’s kind of appropriate that today is Flag Day. Not that I am such…

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The Vortsman

Readers of this column generally expect playful responses to inquiries about Yiddish words and sayings, usually (badly) recalled from childhood. This time, though, we’re going discuss a very serious matter.…

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The Vortsman: How Is That Spelled?

Two old friends of The Vortsman have reached out with similar questions about Yiddish transliteration (or, as the academics prefer, transcription) into English letters. One wanted to know whether it…

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The Vortsman: Yiddish Anglicisms

There are lots of lists around — and at least one book I know of — that detail the penetration of Yiddish words into English; they’re usually designated as “Yinglish.”…

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