HEBREW PHRASE LETTER PLAY
BY ALAN STILLSON

What would happen if one letter were changed in a loosely
transliterated Hebrew phrase?  How would it change the meaning?


Slalom aleichem - greetings, all you Jewish skiers.

Am yisrael chat - the nation of Israel is engaged in conversation.

Char gadya - we'll have barbecued goat for Passover dinner.

Maoz tzar - the president of Russia will light candles this Chanukah.

Davis melech yisrael - the new king of Israel is thinking about
reestablishing the Jewish state in Oakland, CA.

Bum gali gali - the farmers are now too lazy to work.

Shea yisrael - the Mets are planning their first exhibition game in
Israel.

Java nagila - they're dancing the hora at the coffeehouse.

Lo yissa goo - I thank G-d for not being born a blob.

Pa nishtana - the kids are too young to ask the four questions,
so Dad has to do it.

Tee chamocha - what golfer is like unto Tiger Woods?

LA tovu - how goodly are the tents of Los Angeles?

Shalom rag - peace to all our congregation members in the garment
business.

Key mitzion - the torah has been locked up.

Ham tzfardaya - Pharaoh wished he had a French chef.

Boray prez hagafen - let's toast the chief executive.

Al naharot bagel - we'll see if Babylonian cream cheese and
lox is good.

Yerushalayim shed zahav - it's the most expensive storage
container in Jerusalem.

Nes gadol Maya sham - there was another great miracle in ancient 
Central America.

Hamotzi lechem fin haaretz - a blessing for a tuna sandwich.

Chanukah lattes - strong coffee to go with strong potato pancakes.

Car mitzvah - if only the legal driving age were 13.

Chug gadol hayehudim - drink your beer fast while reading the
Megillah.

Simchat torch - the Israeli Olympics will start after the
high holidays.

Vianachnu … modem - we'll download the words to "Aleinu L'shabeach."

Laila toy - she has to tuck in her dolly before she goes to bed.

Kapir Lane - may Clark Kent's co-worker be granted atonement.

Dor valor - the passing of courage from generation to generation.

El Ax - a major staff reduction at our favorite airline. 

Sam shalom - may every American's favorite uncle enjoy a lasting 
peace.

If you like letter play and word play, here are some more sites
featuring the work of Alan Stillson:

http://www.oneminutebrainers.com 
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0201311356