Finding favor in the eyes of God and man is part and parcel of Birkat Hamazon. Few question why the verse doesn’t simply state, “Find favor with God.” Why is there the need to include “eyes?” Perhaps, the “eyes” of God are the antithesis of the “hand” of God. Whereas, the “hand” of God refers to the way God behaved toward our people (God redeemed our ancestors from Egypt with a strong hand), perhaps, the eyes of God refer to the way we behave toward God’s existence (Noah’s finding favor in the eyes of God dissuaded God from eradicating humans). Because I feel that not as much focus is placed on the eyes, I take it upon myself to share the following Yiddish expressions.
Meshuggeneh oygen (crazy eyes): Only recently did I discover that it was the renowned author Isaac Lieb Peretz who penned the Yiddish words to a poem that was put to Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9. I grew up believing that the song, “Alleh mentshen zynen breedehr,” (All people are brothers) was the artistic genius of Velvel Greenshtayn, who taught music at the Yiddish Day School I attended. But if Velvel Greenshtayn couldn’t take credit for such a wonderful composition, he could and did take credit for giving students labels that in contemporary culture would have cost him his teaching position. Decades ago, one of his students suffered from strabismus (cross-eye). Just one look, and Velvel Greenshtayn bestowed the name “meshuggeneh oygen” upon him.
Kehlbehrisheh oygen (calf-like eyes): Describing someone as “doe-eyed” is quite a compliment. It implies eyes that are large, limpid, but most of all innocently attractive. “Kehlbehrisheh oygen,” on the other hand, are the exact opposite. An individual with “kehlbehrisheh oygen” has a blank stare suggesting that he doesn’t have the slightest idea of what he is looking at. Unlike a poker face that conceals, “kehlbehrisheh oygen” reveals that there “might not be a light on upstairs.” Etiquette dictates that you should never say, “Do you see what I mean?” to one with “kehlbehrisheh oygen.”
G’nayvisheh oygen (shifty eyes): Close to 65 years ago, the first televised debate between presidential contenders took place between John Kennedy and Richard Nixon. Pierre Salinger—who would go on to become press secretary for the 35th president—heard the debate on the radio, as he was getting out the press releases. As far as Pierre Salinger was concerned, Nixon bested Kennedy. The American public who followed the debate on television did not concur. In their opinion, Vice President Nixon lost the debate because he appeared to have “g’nayvisheh oygen.”
Fahrdechdeekeh oygen (suspicious eyes): Seeking a quote about suspicious eyes, the internet repeatedly provided me with Elvis Presley’s 1969 hit “Suspicious Minds.” Nevertheless, a similarity does exist. “Farhrdechdeekeh oygen” connotes eyelids practically closed, affording better scrutiny. Suspicious minds indicate that the individual has no desire to be open-minded. Optically, one squints to shield oneself from harmful light. Behaviorally, one squints and takes on “fahrdechdeekeh oygen” to shield oneself from the harmful behavior of others.
Groyseh Oygen (greedy eyes): One of the many things my wife and I have in common is that we see it as a sin to waste food. As such, we would rather place small portions on our plates and then ask for seconds, rather than heap food on our plates only to throw it out. Recently, we were at a breakfast attended by observant Jews. To our utter consternation and revulsion, we saw how the majority of those in attendance got up from the table leaving uneaten food on their plates. Obviously, this was yet another “outbreak” of “groyseh oygen.” If only a large “529” would be prominently displayed at such gatherings. The number “529” alludes to mitzvah no. 529, which evolved into the prohibition against wasting food.
Maybe Velvel Greenshtayn was the one with “meshuggeneh oygen” in that he was unable to see beyond a student’s minor ocular condition. Let our eyes not deceive us when we fail to see the difference between “kehlbehrisheh oygen” and the look of a deer in the headlights. How ironic that the same public figure who was seen having “g’nayvisheh oygen” will be remembered by many as having said, “I am no crook!” When reciting the opening blessings of the Shacharis service, let it dawn upon us that we would have been left in the dark if the Aybehrshtehr (the One above) had created the rooster with “fahrdechteekeh oygen,” instead of discerning eyes. Above all, it would be prudent for us to carefully examine our appetite for life, so that we can see when our plate is full, rather than be led astray by “groyseh oygen.”
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.
