Last month, my wife and I were in Israel. Aside from visiting family, our purpose for going was to show solidarity. Ever since last October, there were those of us living in the United States—as well in other countries outside of Israel—who felt helpless as events unfolded. It should come as no surprise, therefore, that once we arrived in Israel, we did practically no sightseeing. I used any and every opportunity to speak with Israelis—from all backgrounds and all walks of life—to gain their perspectives on the situation. I also wanted to hear what they felt should be done to safeguard Israel from future calamities. We did, however, devote one morning to donating our time and energy to an organization that assists those below the poverty line by selling them food at rock bottom prices. It is called “Tachlit” and uses the catchy phrase, “Do you hunger for Israel?”
Having been moved by this experience, I offer five Yiddish words that are associated with helping those in need of one of life’s basic commodities—food:
Orremehlite (poor people): There are those who live in a fantasy world believing that if all the wealth accumulated by individuals in this country was confiscated and equally redistributed, there would be no more poverty. These fantasy dwellers fail to accept that except for those with disabilities, wealth and poverty are a reflection of human character. There will always be those who build better mousetraps; there will always be those who—for whatever reason—squander their money on gilded mouse traps even though they are rodent-free. As long as there are lite (people), there will be orremehlite, reichehlite (wealthy people) and everyone in between.
Naytik (necessary): Many of us have heard the term in the negative as in nisht naytik (unnecessary). But what about the same term in the positive? As a student, I came across two individuals who survived the horrors of the Holocaust. While others couldn’t wait to leave Europe as soon as they possibly could—heading either for pre-state Israel or the United States/Canada—these two remained in Poland for a few years. When I asked them why, they answered:“Ess iz gevven naytik (it was necessary).” They were fulfilling indispensable and phenomenal tasks for the Jewish Agency.
Ess shtayt zay nisht onn (it is beneath their dignity): I recall bumping into a mentor of mine on the streets of Jerusalem, some two decades ago. When he asked where my wife and I were staying, I mentioned a nondescript hotel a few blocks away. With more than a modicum of humor, he asked, “What’s the matter? The Hilton shtayt dir nisht onn?” Poverty and dignity were never synonymous. There are those living in need who will not accept handouts. They insist on paying for that which they purchase. That’s why there are organizations that sell them food at prices they could afford.
Ess pahsst nisht (it’s not befitting): A former congregant and good friend of mine in Dallas, managed to pick up a few Yiddish phrases during my tenure. “Ess pashsst nisht” was one of them. There are poverty-ridden individuals who have their pride. “Ess pahsst nisht” that they accept free food. Ess pahsst yoh (it is befitting) that they pay their own way through life, even if it is at a deep discount. For the last 10 months, the lives of Israelis have been on the line. During that same time, the pocketbooks of some Israelis have been affected as well.
Shehmt zich nisht (don’t be embarrassed): Decades ago, the late Senator Frank Lautenberg addressed a group of rabbis of which I was part. He gently admonished us for not making it a point to be in contact with our representatives in government. After all, they are here to serve us. He concluded his presentation by borrowing from the Yiddish and saying, “Shehmt zich nisht.” In an age where we carefully read labels on every food item we purchase, organizations assisting those in poverty to purchase food and organizations that distribute food for free, should affix a label onto their food bank packages that reads, “Shehmt zich nisht.”
“Orremehlite” are a fact of life. They will always be part of society. It is, therefore, “naytik” that we recognize that there are those who “ess shtayt zay nisht onn” to ask for financial assistance because “ess pahsst nisht.” Perhaps, we should be reminded that “shemt zich nisht” applies to us, when it comes to rolling up our sleeves and volunteering our time to help them.
Rabbi Shawn Zell has recently returned to New Jersey, after serving at a pulpit in Dallas. He possesses certification in teaching Yiddish. Rabbi Zell is the author of three books.
