The Joys of Hebrew

The Joys of Hebrew

by Lewis Glinert (Author)

Synopsis

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.

$121.75

Quantity

20+ in stock

More Information

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 306
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Published: 01 Jan 2006

ISBN 10: 0195074246
ISBN 13: 9780195074246

Media Reviews
'The book is pure gold and - the acid test - can be read at one sitting. It will retain the reader's interest and generate smiles from beginning to end.' Sidney Lightman, Jewish Chronicle'
Author Bio

About the Author:
Lewis Glinert was educated at Magdalen College, Oxford and lectures at London University's School of Oriental and African Studies. He has also held appointments at the Israeli universities of Haifa and Bar-Ilan and a visiting associate professorship at the University of Chicago. The author of The Grammar of Modern Hebrew and editor of Hebrew in Ashkenaz: A Language in Exile, he has written and broadcast widely on the sociology and linguistics of Hebrew and Yiddish, including two BBC documentaries, Tongue of Tongues and Golem.