Yeshivish Jews

Yeshivish Jews are Orthodox Jews who tend to share a world view or ideology. Most have attended yeshivas, often Haredi Litvish yeshivas, although yeshiva attendance would hardly be mandatory for inclusion. There tends to be a manner of dress that is characterized by a black hat, white shirt, black jacket and slacks combination, though of course this would not apply in all cases either. There is a strong tendency towards a manner of speech that is distinctive and doesn't stray too far from a grounding in religious teaching, presumably derived from yeshiva education.
Etymology
The word "yeshivish" means associated with a yeshiva, a Jewish institution for Torah study; the suffix -ish is used to indicate association, a usage common to both English and Yiddish. In its common usage, yeshivish refers to the general characteristics of the yeshiva population, not to someone who necessarily studies in a yeshiva. Therefore, women, who generally don't study in yeshivas, can nevertheless be characterized as Yeshivish.
Ethnicity and descent
Although Yeshivish Jews are those associated with the Litvish (and thus Ashkenazic) yeshiva system, many are not originally Litvish in origin. Included among Yeshivish Jews today are many with Hasidic roots, who have gradually lost many of their Hasidic traditions, making them indistinguishable from the "average" Litvak. Less common, though still significant, are Hasidim who maintain a large proportion of their Hasidic traditions, but who nevertheless are considered Yeshivish by virtue of having studied in a Litvish yeshiva and thus incorporating the yeshivish ideology into their lives.
There are also Sephardic Jews who are Yeshivish Jews. Most Yeshivish Sephardic Jews have at some point studied in an Ashkenazic yeshiva.
Ideology/world view
Yeshivish Jews vary greatly in their ideology. Nevertheless, there is a basic, general ideology common to most people considered Yeshivish. Similar to most Haredi Jews, this generally includes a scrupulousness in religious observance, including considerable emphasis on Torah study

Yeshivish women are generally very scrupulous about the laws of tzniut (modesty), wearing skirts which extend beyond their knees, shirts with high necklines, and ensuring that their arms are covered until below the elbow. Married women cover their hair, generally with a wig, but some wear a kerchief or hat instead.
Manner of speech
Many Yeshivish Jews speak in a manner also known as "Yeshivish", in which many common English words are exchanged for words in other languages, namely Hebrew, Yiddish, and Aramaic. These are generally words whose usage has developed from the discussion of the Talmud when studying in Yeshiva.
Yeshivish is spoken on many levels, depending on the frequency of these substitutions. In general, young men who are currently studying in a yeshiva are more likely to speak in this manner than others, as they view this dialect as prestigious.
Variations in pronunciation
Hebrew and Aramaic words in Yeshivish are exclusively pronounced using Ashkenazic pronunciation. However, many Yeshivish Jews with non-Ashkenazic ancestry use their traditional pronunciation during prayer or other liturgical service. This results in a rather common phenomenon in which someone would use Ashkenazic pronunciation when studying and talking Yeshivish, while switching to Sefardi or Hasidic pronunciation when praying.
Connotation and variations
The term Yeshivish may be used as a pejorative by those who oppose the yeshiva world or a Yeshivish lifestyle. Conversely, for many Yeshivish Jews, the term may be used as a criterion for judging if someone measures up to one's own standards. It can also be used comparatively, e.g. "He is more/less Yeshivish than I am." It may also refer to something cheap or in poor condition (e.g. a Yeshivish car).
Notable members of the Yeshivish community
There are many important figures in the Yeshivish community who help build internal infrastructure and external connections in order to maintain the sanctity and prestige of the community. Of note is Rabbi Yaakov Bender, principal of Darchei Torah, who is a staunch defender and leader of the Yeshivish community, which he affectionately calls "our machaneh (camp)." Also of note is Rabbi Pinchas Lifschutz, editor of Yated Neeman, a newspaper which caters to the Yeshivish community.

Main Menu

See Also

Main Menu