Each week, Rabbi Ben Newman provides us with our Yiddish Word Of The Week. Newman is the founder and spiritual leader of Shtiebel a new paradigm Jewish community in the Rivertowns of Westchester, NY. He is also the author of several children’s books. Learn more here.

A klug tsu Columbus

Or A broch tsu Columbus.

Literally- A curse on Columbus. (Broch is the same thing but a bit stronger than klug)

An expression used by Jewish immigrants in the early part of the 20th century who felt they were not doing as well as they expected in their new country.

Example: A klug tsu Columbus for finding this godforsaken land where I have had to struggle and suffer.

More Yiddish Words Of The Week

Yiddish Word(s) Of The Week: Gei gazinta hait

Yiddish Word(s) Of The Week: Tsatskele der mames

Yiddish Word(s) Of The Week: A volf farlirt zayne hor, ober nit zayn natur

Yiddish Word(s) Of The Week: A halber nar iz a gantser khokhem