Oy vey! – An exclamation of frustration, dismay, or exasperation.

Mazel tov! – “Congratulations!” (Used for weddings, bar mitzvahs, and other happy occasions.)

Schlep – To carry something heavy or to travel a long distance with effort. (“I had to schlep all these groceries up three flights of stairs.”)

Schmooze – To chat casually, often with a purpose like networking or making connections.

Kvetch – To complain or whine. (“He’s always kvetching about the weather.”)

Mensch – A good, kind, and honorable person. (“He helped the elderly neighbor with her groceries—what a mensch!”)

Tchotchke – A small trinket or knick-knack, often decorative.

Nosh – A snack or light meal. (“Let’s grab a little nosh before dinner.”)

Bubbe and Zayde – Grandmother and grandfather, often used affectionately.

Shlepper – Someone who is always carrying things around or seems weighed down.

L’chaim! – “To life!” (A toast often said when drinking.)

Shalom – Means “peace” and is used as a greeting or farewell.

Tzedakah – The Jewish value of charity and justice, often referring to giving to those in need.

Tikkun Olam – “Repairing the world,” a concept emphasizing social justice and improving society.

Chutzpah – Boldness or audacity, sometimes in a good way, sometimes in an over-the-top way. (“It takes real chutzpah to ask for a raise on your first day!”)

Farbissener – A grumpy, bitter person.

Feh! – An expression of disgust or disapproval.

Plotz – To be so overwhelmed that you could faint. (“When she heard the news, she almost plotzed!”)

Futz around – To waste time or dawdle.

Bubkes – Nothing, or something worthless. (“They paid me bubkes for all that work!”)