HEBREW WORDS YOU PRETEND TO KNOW
You say this means “commandments,” but can’t name more than three
Oy vey, What are mitzvot
Asian country that hosts the oldest continuous Jewish community outside the Middle East.
Oy vey, what is India
Put two Jews in a room and you’ll get at least three of these.
Oy Vey, what are opinions
Zaide says: “I know a guy.”
This phrase refers to Zaide’s preferred problem-solving method.
Oy vey, what is using connections!
Nearly the entire Jewish population of this country left during Operation Magic Carpet (1949–1950).
Oy Vey, what is Yemen
You say this means “charity,” but it actually implies obligation, not generosity
Oy vey, what is tzedakah
Southeast Asian capital that sheltered Jewish refugees and internees during World War II.
This weekly ritual sparks debate over candles, timing, and whether checking your phone “counts.”
Oy vey, what is shabbat
When Zaide says: “Close the door!”
what he’s worried about losing?
Oy vey, what is heat ($$$)
This European country expelled Jews in 1290—and didn’t officially allow until the 1800's
You say this to sound calm and spiritual, but you’re really just saying “okay.”
Asian capital that hosts an active Chabad community serving diplomats and travelers
Oy vey, what is Bangkok
This debate involves candles, blessings, and “you’re doing it wrong.”
Oy vey, what is how to light or in what order!
Zaide says: “Don’t throw that out.”
This item might be useful someday.
Oy vey, what is anything and everything!
Jews were expelled from this Central European city in 1421 in a massacre known as the Wiener Gesera
Oy vey, what is Vienna
You confidently say this means “fixing the world,” even though that’s a very simplified explanation.
Oy vey, What is tikkun olam?
Asian that country recognizes Judaism as an official minority religion - a little ironic!
Oy vey, what is Iran
This holiday debate starts with: “It’s only eight days—why does it feel like forty?”
Oy vey, what is Passover
Zaide says: “We managed.”
This phrase sums up Zaide’s life experience.
Oy vey, what is resilience
Jews departed this North African country following independence and rising antisemitism in the 1950s–60s
Oy vey, what is Morocco
You say this means “destiny,” “soulmate,” or “it was meant to be,” depending on context.
Oy Vey, What is bashert?
Asian country that today has one of the fastest-growing Jewish expatriate communities.
Oy Vey, what is Singapore
This argument begins with: “We never did it that way growing up.”
Oy vey, what is tradition
Zaide says: “You paid retail? Retail is for Goyum!"
This is what he believes you should never do.
Oy vey, what is pay full price
Jews were “allowed” to stay in this Italian territory only if confined to ghettos starting in 1555 -hint, it's not Venice
Oy vey, what is the Papal states