The Joys of Yiddish …and Yeshua!
Yiddish is a language that most Boomers and X’ers don’t know very well. In fact, many call it a dying language. But, maybe you heard your moms, dads, or grandparents use words like mentsh, mishuggene, bubele, kibbitz, schmooz, or schlep. Hey, dying languages oftentimes have a lot of life left in them. There is joy to know a language that our parents and grandparents used! But, there is also joy in knowing One who died nearly two thousand years ago. His name is Yeshua. I don’t think He spoke Yiddish, but, that’s not the issue now is it? In order to help you know more about the Messiah and learn a “bissel” (little) Yiddish at the same time we hope you enjoy reading “The Joys of Yiddish and the Joys of Yeshua.”
Mishuggene
Some might say that one has to be “mishuggene” to believe that Jesus is the Messiah. “Mishuggene” is a Yiddish word that means “crazy”. But, I think that one has to be “mishuggene” in order not to believe in Him!
Oonshick
Others say that ANYONE who believes in Jesus is an “oonshick”. How can you believe in such fairy tales? You must be an “oonshick”! An “oonshick” is a “person of low intelligence” or an “imbecile”. In fact, the evidence for Jesus being the Messiah can be found throughout the Hebrew scriptures. The Jewish prophets spoke of Him. Now, will you search the evidence?
Nudnick
Don’t be a “nudnick” we’re told when we try to tell somone about the Messiah. You can believe whatever you want to as long as it makes you happy! But, don’t bother me with it. A “nudnick” is a pest. But, hey, if you knew what I know, you’d be a “nudnick”, too!
Chazer
What a “chazer” you are! “Chazer” is Yiddish for “pig” and has nothing to do with Jesus except that a “chazer” isn’t “kosher” but Jesus can make YOU kosher!
Mechaye
What a “mechaye” it is to know Messiah! After going to Yom Kippur and leaving the synagogue wondering if my name was written in the book of life or the book of death, after wondering where God was, after feeling the sense of emptyness in the synagogue yet loving my culture, what a “mechaye” it is to finally know in my heart the love, joy, and peace of God in Yeshua! “Mechaye” means delight, joy, pleasure. What a JOY it is!