To go to the synagogue with one’s father on the Passover eve – is there in the world a greater pleasure than that? What is it worth to be dressed in new clothes from head to foot, and to show off before one’s friends? Then the prayers themselves – the first Festival evening prayer and blessing – Sholom Aleichem

The rich swell up with pride, the poor from hunger – Sholom Aleichem

No matter how bad things get you got to go on living, even if it kills you – Sholom Aleichem

A cantor, when he starts singing, it’s like rain – once it starts, it’s hard to stop – Sholom Aleichem

There are people who have never been taught anything, and know everything, have never been anywhere, and understand everything, have never given a moment’s thought to anything, and comprehend everything. ‘Blessed hands’ is the name bestowed on these fortunate beings. The world envies, honours and respects them. Sholom Aleichem

Life is a dream for the wise, a game for the fool, a comedy for the rich, a tragedy for the poor – Sholom Aleichem