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Sally Ann Berk
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Big Little Book of Jewish Wit & Wisdom Hardcover – September 4, 2000

by Sally Ann Berk (Author)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 37 ratings
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This small, chunky volume presents the witty, wonderful, deadpan and droll insight of Jewish culture and humor.




With chapters on wisdom, mitzvahs, dybbuks, proverbs, jokes, curses, conventions, mores (ethics), love amd marriage, men and women, children and family--this captivating collection provides reflections gleaned from a wealth of ancient, traditional and modern sources. The range of wise observations on the ways of the world, snappy one-liners, stories and expressions captures the spirit of the Jews throughout the centuries. Illustrated with sixty watercolor paintings, The Big Little Book of Jewish Wit & Wisdom will delight and engage even the toughest Jewish mother.


Some examples include:

When we hear a baby laugh, it is the loveliest thing that can happen to us. -- Sigmund Freud

A child's wisdom is also wisdom. -- Yiddish proverb

May you lose all your teeth but one, and may that one have a cavity. -- Anonymous (Yiddish curse)
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Previous page
  1. Print length
    128 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Black Dog & Leventhal
  4. Publication date
    September 4, 2000
  5. Dimensions
    4.5 x 1.5 x 6.25 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1579121462
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1579121464
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

From wry observations to poignant Yiddish expressions, traditional quotes to modern teachings, this enchanting collection offers the wisdom and humor of Jewish culture. Whether you're in need of a good laugh or an inspirational quote, you will find it with proverbs and reflections like these:

-He who has fed a stranger may have fed an angel. -The Talmud

-Where two Jews, three opinions. -A Jewish Proverb

-I think your whole life shows in your face and you should be proud of that -Lauren Bacall

-If your wife is short, bend down and listen to her. -The Talmud

-Vision looks inwards and becomes duty. Vision looks outwards and becomes aspiration. Vision looks upwards and becomes faith. -Stephen Wise

About the Author

Sally Ann Berk is the author of The New York Bartender's Guide, Smoothies, Shakes & Frappes, and Farmer's Market Cooking, among others. She is the editor of Secrets of the Druids and A Reasonable Affliction: 1001 Love Poems to Read to Each Other. She lives in Northern California with her husband and son.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Black Dog & Leventhal; MIN edition (September 4, 2000)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 128 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1579121462
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1579121464
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.1 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 4.5 x 1.5 x 6.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 37 ratings

About the author

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Sally Ann Berk

Sally Ann Berk

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Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
37 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Tradition!
Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2023
Verified Purchase
It's a wonderful little book reminding me of my family and childhood when I heard so many of these words of wisdom or expressions from my grandmother, aunts, uncles and parents. I loved it and it preserves a culture that is loing gone.
Thank you, Louisa B
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Sharon Epstein
5.0 out of 5 stars A MUST FOR ALL PEOPLE, Not just JEWISH ones!
Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2012
Verified Purchase
This is a book of exactly what it says in the title, WIT & WISDOM. It is pleasurably funny, sad, poignant & a must for anyone with a true heart and a hearty sense of humor. I bought this one, a second copy, because my mom dog-eared too many of the pages on the original! I'm SO glad that I thought to check AMAZON to see if another copy existed. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! Shalom
One person found this helpful
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Beatrice S Warner
5.0 out of 5 stars funny, sad
Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2016
Verified Purchase
It's delightful; a composite of clever, funny, sad, religious, stereotypical, philosophical 'truisms' of Jewish culture and history. This little volume will make a great gift for someone who identifies with any aspect of being Jewish........
2 people found this helpful
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TheWildBoy
3.0 out of 5 stars Some fun stuff
Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2020
Verified Purchase
There are all sorts of sayings and jokes. I personally loved the jokes that the author has shared every now and then. They were hilarious!
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Jorge Frid
4.0 out of 5 stars You'll learn something good
Reviewed in the United States on October 13, 2008
Some sayings in this book will make you laugh, some will make you cry, some you won't believe them and some had happened to you. Read this book and you'll learn some facts of life that are very important.

P.S. When you write or say something that is written in the Talmud you MUST specify exactly where in the Talmud is written.
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NYJazzgirl
5.0 out of 5 stars Great little book for my family and me.
Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2016
Verified Purchase
I love this little book. It's treasure of many of the things I heard growing up, and I plan to share it with my daughters an grandchildren.
One person found this helpful
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Lenore Rosenblum
5.0 out of 5 stars The Big Little Bookof Jewish Wit & Wisdom
Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2011
Verified Purchase
I was very pleased that the book came in a very timely manner and since it was a new book, that it was wrapped well to preserve it from being manhandled since it was a gift. Thank you
One person found this helpful
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stephanie sarnoff
5.0 out of 5 stars booik
Reviewed in the United States on February 16, 2013
Verified Purchase
it was precious. we use it when we're at restaurants, on trips, a bon mot at a time. will look for more, when done, but we're trying to make it last.
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