Here are some suggestions for developing a Jewish ethnic and cultural consciousness:

(1) Learn some Hebrew and Yiddish non-religious terms that are commonly used. These, of course, should be in addition to Hebrew and other terms used for religious purposes. Leo Rosten’s book The Joys of Yiddish is particularly funny and useful. Other more recent books on Yiddish sayings are also useful. To get you started, here are a few:

a. mensch (rhymes with “bench”). A good, decent person. “He’s a real mensch”).
b. schlepp (rhymes with “pep”). To drag behind. “Don’t schlepp that all the way over here.”
c. potchkeh (rhymes with “notch ka”). A playful slap; to waste time (”Don’t potchkeh around, we’ve got work to do”).

(2) Learn the names (and tastes) of some key foods. Include, among others, challah (braided bread), potato latkes, gefilte fish, tsimmes (a side dish of carrots and prunes), kreplach (dough filled with meat), and latkes (pancakes made of grated potatoes and fried in oil).

(3) Listen to some Jewish comedians. There is a special brand of Jewish humor that is part of American Jewish ethnic identification. Of course, other aspects of culture (especially Jewish-oriented movies, music, and books) are also helpful.

http://www.convert.org/culture.htm

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