We have previously observed that the Askenezi language is rich in its content of expressive vocabulary and conceivably more descriptively utilitarian than our American English; the latter, adequate in its employment for bills and invoices, but, in comparison with Yiddish, lacking in emotive or singular expression. One such ethnic word (perhaps the most reverenced noun is “mench.”
Yiddish may permissibly be described as a Jewish, Eastern-European (“Ashkenazic”) tongue, in general, composed of 50% German, 30% Hebrew, and 20%, the language of the particular country from which one was obliged to escape. One useful illustration is the singular word “mench.”The personally descriptive term, derived from the noun “menschlichkite ( in German, translated simply as “Mankind”) in its nuanced Yiddish context, refers to a person of admirable character, rectitude, and responsibility, complemented by the humanistic quality of empathy. One, as with numerous Yiddish words (often used in English), is hard-pressed to discern a descriptive equivalent in the American-English lexicon.
By our demanding definition, the honorific appellation, applicable to many singular individuals (perhaps, an insufficient quantity) can, in our view, be empirically applied only to two modern American Presidents; Lyndon Johnson (36th Pres ) (Civil Rights Act, elimination of poverty and expansion of civil rights and racial equality, expanding needed welfare), and, Barack Obama (44th Pres,) (Affordable Care Act (ACA), Wall Street Reforms, Consumer Protection Act). Both Chief Executives were, as well, avatars of morality and family values. American history demonstrates many other admirable Chief Executives (as well as those less venerated); however, in our lifetime, the two cited Presidents± inarguably qualify as “menchen.” Notably, American history reveals the Presidential service of two unparalleled menchen, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. The historical account and memory of these singular personalities stand in stark contrast to the current dystopian administration of Donald J. Trump, exemplifying the very antithesis of the word.
The singular criteria for the appropriate awarding of our thematic appellation results in the appropriate exaltation of those who are deservant of its empirical application; there is an uncountable number of responsible and moral individuals, but rare is the objective observation of the singularly demonstrable persona, characterologically deserving of that august designation.
The intrinsic character of the “mench,” we believe, is born of a salubrious combination of a moral and empathic perception of mankind, borne of a secure character open to enlightenment by observed empirical experience, possessing a stable, referable objective self-image, and a sense of mutually shared participation in the life of fellow humanity. Morality, empathy, and intelligence are existential concomitants of “menshlikiet.”
Functionally analogous to the beneficial potential of fertile, nutrient soil, the (unfortunately limited) presence in society of individuals, characterologically and empirically deservant of the thematic, esteemed (Ashkenazic) title, provides impetus for the empirical improvement of humanity and remains direction for the aspirational goal of an insecure and often errant humanity.
-p.
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