Author of the bestselling book on the language ever - Born to Kvetch - and his new follow-up phrasebook - Just Say Nu - novelist, playwright, lecturer, performer and authority on language and literature, Michael Wex was called "a Yiddish National Treasure" and “the finest
translator around.” by Henry Sapoznik in his authoritative book Klezmer!.
NOW AVAILABLE! Order your very own hardback copy of Born to Kvetch signed by the author. Go to the Kvetchco Exclusives page to get a personalized copy inscribed by Wex - choose any inscription you like, in English or Jewish, transliterated or in Hebrew letters.
Wex has helped to bring
the language back into the North American mainstream. Acclaimed
by academics, talk-show hosts and just plain folks, Jewish and
Gentile alike, Born to Kvetch and Just Say Nu provide a deadly accurate and wickedly funny overview of the language and culture from the Middle Ages to the present day. Whether he’s revealing the real origins of well-known Jewish customs or explaining
how The Three Stooges helped bring Yiddish to millions of unsuspecting children, Wex can turn your world into different—and much funnier—place.
Remember - you don't have to be Jewish to use this site. As Wex always says - previous knowledge is unnecessary and possibly dangerous.
You can read extracts from Wex's books (Born to Kvetch, Just Say Nu, The Adventures of Micah Mushmelon - Boy Talmudist and Shlepping the Exile), find out about his plays and translations, read his wildly popular bi-weekly articles published in the Jewish Week, visit our online store, ask Wex a question, book him for a personal appearance, book signing, lecture or scholar-in-residence weekend, find out where he's next appearing and subscribe to our e-zine Vekslblat.
Click on the links below or the buttons on the left to get around the site.
Michael Wex Book Extracts Read extracts from Michael Wex's Born to Kvetch, Micah Mushmelon and Shlepping the Exile
Michael Wex's Storytelling and Plays Want to stage Michael Wex's Yiddish translation of the Threepenny Opera? Or experience his legendary storytelling?
Yiddish Curses Using Yiddish curses effectively isn’t a matter of yelling out bad words; the trick is to put good ones together in the most damaging possible way.
More stores with Jewish gifts we love! The Yiddish World of Michael Wex recommends these great stores for all the Jewish gifts you can't get in our own store!
Michael Wex's E-zine For all the exclusive, latest news on Michael Wex's new books, plays and personal appearances, plus special offers and much, much more!
