by Mordekhai Lipson; Jonathan Boyarin and Jonah Sampson Boyarin, translators and editors

A treasure trove of anecdotes that illuminate the lives, humor, and wisdom of Eastern European Jewish communities from the 18th and 19th centuries. ​ A bestseller nearly a century ago in its original Yiddish and now brought to renewed life in translation by Jonathan Boyarin and Jonah Sampson Boyarin, these stories capture the essence of a world where tradition and ingenuity intertwined. From rabbis and scholars to everyday figures, the tales are alternately heartwarming, sharp, and deeply human, preserving the oral folklore of a vibrant culture at risk of being forgotten. This collection invites readers to laugh, reflect, and connect with the enduring spirit of Yiddishland’s Jews.

About the Authors:

JONATHAN BOYARIN is a veteran ethnographer of Ashkenazi Jewish communities and translator of Yiddish works about those communities. His books about the Jews of the Lower East Side include Mornings at the Stanton Street Shul and Yeshiva Days: Learning on the Lower East Side.

JONAH BOYARIN is a writer, educator, and Yiddish translator. His solo work, both original and translation, has been published in Jewish Currents, The Forward, In Geveb, Ayin, and elsewhere. In 2015, he co-founded the first-ever Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion program at a Jewish day school, and then went on to serve as the Jewish Communities Liaison for the New York City Commission on Human Rights. He is currently pursuing a PhD in religious studies at Columbia University. Jonah always roots for the underdog, except when it comes to his beloved Yankees.

Presented in-person by Jonathan Boyarin and Jonah Sampson Boyarin. Reception following discussion.

Free, but please RSVP.