This and That
Issue: 1.01  
November 1, 1999
Test Your Yiddish Knowledge

Question 1: Maven is best defined as:
1. A talking scavenger bird that is a cross between a myna bird and a raven
2. A special grape beverage that is best enjoyed in the month of May
3. An expert, an aficionado in a certain field

Question 2: Kipah is best defined as:
1. What a grandfather from Brooklyn calls something he is not inclined to throw away
2. An appendage (e.g. "paw") specifically used for holding one's keys
3. A head covering, also known as a yarmulke, worn at all times by very Orthodox or observant Jewish men, and worn for any religious occasion by the less Orthodox

Question 3: NACHAS is best defined as:
1. Bagel chips piled high with melted cheese and salsa, as in "Gimmee a large Pepsi to wash down this order of nachas" (pronounced naw chahs).
2. People who are naturally talented, especially child prodigies, as in "Her children were such nachas that they were playing in the New York Philharmonic before they were ten years old" (pronounced natches, like "matches," only with an "n").
3. A combination of pleasure and pride that usually relates to the accomplishments of a loved one, as in "You want nachas? Read how Daniel Goldstein gave a speech to his entire 8th grade class telling them about Jesus" in Witnessing to My Class. (pronounced näh khas)

Question 4: Bubbelah is best defined as:
1. A cut or bruise on a child.
2. The reactions to having a glass seltzer on a hot day..."Bubbles-ahhhhhh!!
3. A sweet endearing term for another person.

Question 5: Simcha is best defined as:
1. A car imported from Europe.
2. Having your mother-in-law as a houseguest for a month.
3. A delightfully happy occasion.

Question 6: Mitzvah is best defined as:
1. Something one would find in a bar.
2. The crackers we eat during Pesach (Passover).
3. A good deed.

Question 7: Challah is best defined as:
1. Something a mother does when her children disobey her.
2. A sweet candy from the middle east.
3. Traditional ceremonial bread.

Question 8: Fucha is best defined as:
1. Something that cannot be discussed in a family newsletter.
2. The way your father would refer to his business partner who disappeared with the funds.
3. A fan.

If you answered "3" to all the questions above, award yourself some extra latkes on each night of Chanukah.

   
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