The Joys of Hebrew

When should you say an amida or mazal tov? What is a golem or a chaluts? What is the English equivalent to the Talmudic expression `a sheep's tail with a thorn in it'? The answers lie in this unique dictionary of over 600 of the best-known Hebrew words and phrases that have found their way into English.

Ranging from Acharon to Zohar, and illustrated throughout with extracts from sources as diverse as the Bible, the Talmud, folklore, and the works of such writers as Isaac Bashevis Singer and Woody Allen, this celebration of Jewish wit, wisdom, and tradition makes an irresistible browse.