Religious Power

Abstract

The exotic history of such exceptional sagas as the Yiddish-related writings of Yechiel-Michel Epshteyn and the appearance of the Yiddish Zohar (see Chapter 8) notwithstanding, the ‘encroachment’ by Yiddish into the all-powerful daily religious life remained marginal. Usage of Yiddish found various ‘openings’ in the pervasive and encompassing religious life of Ashkenazim. The exceptions are so noteworthy precisely because they are so exceptional, often involving the intimate need for understanding, and invariably being supplemental to the Hebrew and Aramaic prayers, blessings and recitations. Traditions that became established most famously include songs at the two Passover night seders (sdórim), women’s non-canonical prayer, stock phrases used before the grace after meals or at the conclusion of the end-of-Sabbath havdóle ceremony, and in certain kinds of texts, for example, that were recited in connection with searching for crumbs of bread or other forbiddenon-Passover foods during a search for the same before the festival.