Saturday, December 10, 2016

How the Kvetch Stole Chanukah (with apologies to Dr Seuss)





An adaptation of the Dr. Seuss Classic "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" -- Lori Schneider wrote this YEARS ago...on a plane, with the original children's book in her lap, giggling as she came up with the variations.

For those of you who need a guide to the Yiddishisms in this... Here goes:
Nu - an expression that means "Well?" "So?" (Nu?)
Kvetch - (a kvetch - a complainer, to kvetch - to complain)
Keppy - Head Gotkies - Underwear
Erev Chanukah - before Chanukah
Latkes - potato pancakes - fried in oil
Menorah - A Candleabra that holds nine candles (or oil and wicks) - one for each of the eight nights of Chanukah, and one to light the others.
Boichiks and Meydels - boys and girls
Dreidels - four sided top, played with on Chanukah
Flanken - a delicious tender cut of beef, typically boiled!
Macabee Soldier - The Macabees (and Judah Macabee) are the heroes of the Chanukah story.
Star of David - the Jewish Star (typically jewelry in the form of a charm of a necklace)
Gelt - (gold) - money typically given for Chanukah
Matzoh Meal - like breadcrumbs, only made of Matzoh (unleavened bread) An ingredient in making latkes
Hora - an Israeli circle dance (think Jewish wedding - Hava Nagila)
Shluf - sleep
Schlepped - dragged Kvelled - rejoiced, to be delighted
Oy, vey! - Oh, the pain!
Ma'oz Tzur - (Rock of Ages) - A Chanukah song
Kenahora - a saying to ward off the evil eye...

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