By COLlive reporter
“Red zich nisht ein feigalech in busem!”
If you don’t know what that means, you might want to pick up a copy of “LubavitchSpeak: A Dictionary of Chabad-Lubavitch Chasidism: Words, Sayings and Colloquialisms.”
The 194 page book by Rabbi Chaim Dalfin brings to life fascinating expressions used by generations of Chabad-Lubavitch chassidim to describe important concepts and contents which have impacted modern Judaism.
Dalfin says the “Lubavitch language” was influenced by the terminology of the farbrengens, the shul, yeshiva, the ‘street language’ in the Russian town of Lubavitch and day-to-day talk of Lubavitchers today.
“The more one is familiar with ‘LubavitchSpeak,’ the better one will appreciate the Lubavitch lifestyle and its holiness,” says the lecturer and author of some 20 books who resides today in Brooklyn.
“If you have ever wanted to know more about the inner world of Chabad chassidim, to understand their private language and approach to life, this is the book for you.”
While the author bills the book with the weighty title of the “World’s First Chabad-Lubavitch Dictionary,” readers might feel they are reading a transcript of a lively farbrengen after a few l’chaims.
One example is the opening line of this article which literally means “Don’t convince yourself that you have birds in your chest.”
According to book, this old Yiddish expression advises not to rely on wishful thinking that others to get things done for you.
“But in Lubavitch, the saying has a special significance; for the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, used this expression at the Yud Shevat farbrengen in 1951 on becoming the seventh Rebbe of Lubavitch, calling for hard work from his chassidim to prepare the way for Moshiach.”
Dalfin then goes on to add, “Today, more than ever, the Rebbe’s call for hard work is crucial. True, we have the Rebbe’s guidance, but if we do not do the work, his words, advice and blessings will not have the desired result.”
Perhaps that was the author’s intention that readers should not merely read about Lubavitch, but should actually experience it.
To purchase the book – click here
The last farbrengen I was at with a “Nevel” chosid was so full of “nivul (nevel) Peh” that I hope that this book is suitable for all ages!
His books are incredibly interesting! Its something that every Lubavitch home should have.
Reply to #3–go to http://www.jewishinfo.org to purchase
The Rebbe wanted that the chassidim should speak Yiddish. If you start learning sichos in yiddish with someone who knows for a little while, you’ll get there. It’s important, do it because that is what the Rebbe wants you to do. This book can help you too, I guess! Hatzlacha
where can i buy it?
Their full of the greatest content, and oh so practical. Kol Hakavod!
IF you are honest (and i;m sure you are) this book will only serve to entertain b/c to speak and comprehend this lingo it has to be “EMONU HOYISEM” but hey what’s wrong with selling a book ( or 2 etc. ) Hatzlacha. AAron Cohen