Yiddish or Jewish Humor Favorite Books

I went to a largely Jewish high school and had to learn Yiddish in self defense (or, at least enough to know when you were insulted). I did and now have a fair Yiddish vocabulary I can't use in polite company. Here are two nominations, one old and one newer...

The Joys of Yiddish by Leo Rosten (get the original). As one reviewer said, "Savor the irresistible pleasure of Yiddish in this banquet of a book!" This underplays it, but basically it's a dictionary with usage examples which are hilarious at times.

The Yiddish Policemen's Union: A Novel by Michael Chabon. It's not a humor book per se, but a noir, alt universe, mystery; all with Chabon's able writing style and humor and humorous Yiddishisms.

You don't need to know Yiddish with either book, although it helps, keep an open mind and be flexible and laughter will be your reward. Better yet, study up with The Joys of Yiddish and keep it handy for the Jewish flatfoots and criminals.

I'm nearing the end of Neal Pollack's self-released ebook Jewball, about an all-Jewish basketball team in the 1930s.

I loved The Yiddish Policeman's Union so much.

Boogaloo on Second Avenue bu Mark Kurlansky was pretty good too. Fairly funny and includes a fair bit of yiddish.

The Frozen Rabbi by Steve Stern or anything by Steve Stern comes to mind. Funny, wise, lots of yiddishkeit. His short story, The Wedding Jester, is one of the funniest things I have ever read. I would also always recommend The Big Book of Jewish Humor by William Novak which I think is available in a new edition. Lots of classic Jewish humor and some good leads.

Shameless self-interest requires me to mention my own small attempt at Jewish humor, tinged with Yiddish -- Fifty Shades of Oy Vey: A Parody by E.L. Jamesbergstein.

Philip Roth's Portnoy's Complaint has to go on this list.

> 5 That's on my "TBRO" pile. I really have to dig it up and read it!