Episode 12 of the Hebrew-Yiddish language and culture series “Oiber Chochmes,” hosted by Ariel Shraper, argues that Yiddish is still a living language rich in humor, culture, and wisdom, despite what many young Jews today may think. The episode is presented as an invitation to viewers to learn how Yiddish developed from a spoken European language into a lasting pillar of Jewish culture.
The program introduces original Yiddish sayings that are framed as modern pieces of Jewish wisdom. One example is, “Koyf nisht freytag vos du kenst koyfn dinstog,” meaning, do not buy on Friday what you can buy on Tuesday, interpreted as advice not to leave things until the last minute. Another line, “Altere mentshn zenen shmutzig vos rufen mishpoche tog-seder nakht,” is explained in Hebrew as a humorous comment on family chaos, likening a messy household to the disruption of Passover Seder night.
The episode also highlights “A kluger zats fun tog” as the name of a Facebook group, not an actual Yiddish proverb, created to encourage young users to invent new Yiddish sayings in an old-style spirit for today. Viewers are urged to join and contribute their own phrases if they are, in the episode’s words, “in the head.”
Those who watch to the end are promised a particularly wise Yiddish message with Hebrew translation about important stages in life. Although no special guest appears in this episode, the explanation given is that Yiddish naturally connects to every Jew, so all viewers are the guests. The episode closes by thanking guests from earlier programs and offering a farewell blessing: “Avi gezunt, vayter oyf simkhes,” meaning, good health and see you only at happy occasions.
