There is something powerful about the way that a single word can bring up so many memories. I delve into this topic in an essay published on Kveller last week about a comforting word that my family has used for generations.
Click here to read the whole essay. An excerpt is posted below.
My daughter is running around the house like a typical 2-year-old when I hear her trip and fall face first into our hardwood floors. I go to her immediately and can feel my arms stretching out to scoop her up. A wail escapes from her mouth, and she starts to cry.
I pull her little brown head to my shoulder. “Just put your keppie down,” I whisper to her. She nuzzles into my chest while I rub her back.
I lovingly refer to her head as keppie, the Yiddish word for “head” that my parents and grandparents always used.
Read the rest of this essay at Kveller.
Just read your post, and yes! I hadn’t thought of it before but it is a very comforting word. It reminds me of my great aunt who passed away this year and how loving she was. I haven’t used it much with my daughter, but I find myself periodically using other Yiddush words that were used in my family growing up.
aw thanks Bev! I am glad that it stirred up a good memory for you. <3