The Yiddish Book Center's

Wexler Oral History Project

A growing collection of in-depth interviews with people of all ages and backgrounds, whose stories about the legacy and changing nature of Yiddish language and culture offer a rich and complex chronicle of Jewish identity.

"Let's Find Out What Your Parents are Talking About!" An Informal Yiddish Course

Watch now:

David Schorr, a retired forensic engineer, recalls an informal language course he taught his students about certain Yiddish words and phrases their parents would use around the house.

This is an excerpt from an oral history with David Schorr.

This excerpt is in English.

David Schorr was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1931.

Other video highlights from this oral history

The Menorah Game

3 min 12 sec

When Yiddish is the Lingua Franca

2 min 28 sec

What’s in a Jewish Name?: “Who I Am and Where I’m From”

3 min 2 sec

Helping My Grandmother Prepare for Passover

1 min 5 sec

“Although I Loved Her Dearly, I Blame Her for Losing My Yiddish”

2 min 8 sec

“Zandik”: Memories of My Grandfather

3 min

The Hanukkah I Noticed Sherwin Getting Two Silver Dollars

1 min 16 sec

While the Family Listened to Eddie Cantor…: One Night Alone in the Butcher Shop

1 min 48 sec

Studying Up To Prepare to Teach About Jewish Religion

2 min 28 sec

More information about this oral history excerpt

Themes: