Comments on: “How Mirka Got Her Sword,” page 21

By: Mirkalicious

Mirkalicious — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 00:00:33 +0000

Yochva- I LOVE the hints, and although they weren’t ment for me, they seem to be good for any country =^.^= the driving one sounds like you were talking about New York City(from my experience) I live “upstate”, or atleast my parents-from-the-city say we do :)

By: Barry

Barry — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 20:17:26 +0000

I think it’s wonderful that you’re attracting positive, non-Jewish attention with this comic! I don’t know if that was your intention, but it’s so nice. *waves*

Well, I’d like to someday do this full-time, so I want all the readers I can get!

By: Yochva

Yochva — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 07:21:13 +0000

I have some suggestions for you, Jonathan. First of all, learn how to say, “Sorry, I don’t know Hebrew very well.” Next, learn to ask for direction and make sure you know how to recognize the direction words; it’s more important than saying them. Next, learn how to say, “I’m sorry, can you say that again, slower?” Hint: ‘Again’ is ‘Od pa’am’. ^_^ Finally, most people in Israel know rudimentary English, and if the store sign has English on it, that usually means someone inside can speak basic English. Anyone in an official capacity will be able to help you in English. And a non-language hint: Israeli’s are rude. They push and shove and drive crazily fast (unless you’re in a taxi with a cheesed-off driver, then it seems like it takes forever), and you won’t survive unless you do the same. But DON’T JAY-WALK! For some reason the cops really crack down on that in Israel.

Barry: When I thought about ‘Acher’ I was thinking Hebrew, not Yiddish. It may be different.

I think it’s wonderful that you’re attracting positive, non-Jewish attention with this comic! I don’t know if that was your intention, but it’s so nice. *waves* Howdy y’all! Good to see you! ^_______^

By: Barry

Barry — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 05:53:22 +0000

Hi, Jonathan! Thanks for the compliments; I hope you keep reading!

I hope you enjoy your trip to Israel. I’m afraid I don’t have any good suggestions for you, though.

By: Jonathan

Jonathan — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 05:39:48 +0000

I just found this web comic tonight. I enjoy it!

While I am not Jewish, I have a deep love for the Jewish people.( And according to some rabbis, those of us who are gentile, may be descended from the lost tribes. *shrug* Who knows? I don’t want to get into a discussion on that. )

I really enjoy your art style, and the story looks like its going to be of epic fairy-tale dimensions!

I particularly appreciate the yiddish and translations. I’m traveling to Israel later this year and am studying to try to learn some Hebrew… any suggestions?

Thank you,

Jonathan

By: Barry

Barry — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 04:12:29 +0000

S.B., thanks for all the tips. I’ll definitely make use of some of those at some point (especially “zieskiet” and “Mirka’le”).

And thank you for the note on the candle, Shoshana. I had read about that ceremony in a book, so I knew it wasn’t something I had just made up.

And thank you for reading, Kat!

By: Kat

Kat — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 23:55:44 +0000

I LOVE reading this, and can’t wait for more! The idea, concept of the story is fantastic. My boyfriend is Jewish, though not orthodox (not even close) but it still reminds me of his family.

By: Shoshana

Shoshana — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 06:30:17 +0000

Just wanted to say how much enjoyment this comic brings me.

Oh, and I’m thinking you must come from a different village, S.B.
The candle is actually dowsed in the cup in our community.

By: S.B.

S.B. — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 05:21:32 +0000

Sorry pressed the submit comment button by mistake.

Also , typically her mother Might call her Mirka’le , which is a term of endearment in Yiddish. Such as moshe would become moshe’le. (Though not necessarily, plenty of kinderlach have unchanged names) but its pretty common.

By: S.B.

S.B. — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 05:07:51 +0000

A Groiser Yasher koach On producing such a gevaldike work of art!

I have to say , this is the first time , I have ever seen a frumer maidele cast as the hero in a mainstream webcomic.whats even better , its a pretty fair and honest( so far;) of what goes on in a orthodox/ chassidshe home. Though most girl would be on their cell phones shmozing with their friends than actually sowing. I know my daughter is.

Just a few small points( if i may)

1)when the two guys are beating the machshayfa up, Mirka screams A Broch!
Honestly ,Thats not what you would scream in such a situation.You would use a phrase such as “Oh Vey or OY Rochmonos! ( Have mercy) or perhaps better Ribono shel olam( master of the world)!. A Broch is more used when a deal falls through or something like that.

2)Meiskiet. what They should have said was , That Meieser daughter of Rabbi so and so.Or That girl is such a meiskiet.The way it was printed, just isn’t 100% correct usage.

3)In a Orthodox home , By Havdala The men would be wearing jackets (as a sign of respect) .As you probably know as well , you take the wine cup and spill it over the candle, with a bowl under neath of course. Not extinguish it ( the candle) in the wine cup. Though I have a funny feeling , that more due to artistic license that actual representation of the facts :)

4)Some other options -Her mother might call her shayfele or zieskiet ( yiddish for sweetie) from time to time, though as 12 year old , she might not appreciate these comments.These are words used
Also , typically