Oy Vey, History!
Hartman Staff
Yiddish for Beginners
Tradition!
A Jewish Fridge
100

This ancient king of Egypt enslaved the Israelites, leading to their eventual Exodus led by Moses.

Who is Pharoh?

100

Most faculty and staff at Hartman call this person "boss". You can listen to him on his podcast "Identity/Crisis".

Who is Yehuda Kurtzer?

100

This Yiddish word, often said when someone sneezes, means "to health"

What is Gezundheit?

100

This woven or braided bread is traditionally eaten on Shabbat and Jewish holidays.

What is challah?

100

A Jewish fridge wouldn't be complete without this spread made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon, and garlic.

What is hummus?

200

This empire destroyed the Second Temple in 70 CE, marking the beginning of the Jewish diaspora.

What is the Roman Empire?

200

This VP of the Shalom Hartman Institute, was a speaker at Beit Midrash, Legal Adviser of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

Who is Tal Becker?

200

If someone talks too much or can't stop bothering you, you might call them this, which means a "chatterbox" or "annoying talker"

What is a yenta?

200

On Yom Kippur, it is customary to abstain from this for 25 hours as a sign of repentance.

What is eating/drinking (fasting)?

200
This fermented cabbage dish, often found in a Jewish deli, is a classic topping for a pastrami sandwich.

What is sauerkraut?

300

The Jewish-led revolt against the Seleucid Empire in the 2nd century BCE led to the rededication of the Second Temple, an event commemorated by Hanukkah. 

What is the Maccabean Revolt?
300

This person was the head of the Teen Fellowship Program but now works at Facing History.

Who is Daniel Braunfeld?

300

If you're casually chatting or hanging out, you're doing this.

What is schmoozing?

300
During a Jewish wedding, the groom traditionally breaks this item under his foot to symbolize the destruction of the Temple.

What is a glass?

300

This Ashkenazi cold beet soup, often served with sour cream, is a staple in former Soviet Union Jewish kitchens.

What is borscht?
400

This Jewish woman became a Queen of Persia and saved her people from destruction, a story still celebrated on Purim.

Who is Ester?

400

This person is the Head of the Hevruta program. She came to the first Shabbaton but lives in Jerusalem.

Who is Shira Ben-Simon Schonfeld?
400

The Yiddish word for clumsy or awkward person can also describe someone who is accident-prone.

What is a klutz?

400

This small box, containing parchment with verses from the Torah is affixed to the doorposts of Jewish homes.

What is a mezuzah?

400

If you open a Jewish fridge before Shabbat, you might find this dish of slow-cooked meat, beans, and barley, kept warm for Saturday lunch.

What is cholent?

500

In 1492, this Spanish monarch issued the Edict of Expulsion forcing Jews to convert, leave, or face execution?

Who is Queen Isabella?

500

This Senior Fellow at Hartman is an author of Letters to My Palestinian Neighbor. He also was a Kahanist and wrote about his previous experiences with "Jewish militancy"

Who is Yossi-Klein HaLevi?

500

If someone gives you an insincere compliment or a backhanded remark, you might say they gave you this, which literally means "empty praise."

What is kinehora?

500

In traditional Jewish law, this complex set of rules governs the prohibition of agricultural work in the Land of Israel during the Sabbatical year (every 7 years) and the Jubilee year (the 50th year).

What are the laws of Shmita?

500

This salty, fermented herring delicacy, often stored in glass jars with onions and sometimes sour cream, is a staple in Eastern European Jewish cuisine.

What is pickled herring?

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