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

One cannot live on potatoes alone. It is said that one wants bread with potatoes. And when there’s no bread, a Jew takes his stick, and goes through the village in search of business. Sholom Aleichem

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

You can take a Jew out of a shtetl, but you cannot take a shtetl out of a Jew – 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

Ah, how many luxuries has the good God prepared for his Jewish children – Sholom Aleichem