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Dim Sum (or One in a Minyan)

from Menorah – Songs From a Jewish Life by Shelley Posen

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To download PDF lyric sheets and credits visit: shelleyposen.com/lyrics/

lyrics

I was in a Chinese restaurant on a wintry
afternoon
The dim sum gals were making their rounds,
calling out their dim sum tune
I was just about to choose a dish and pour
myself some tea
When a Chassid came in, looked around,
then he walked right up to me.

He said, “I know you’re Jewish, I see the
kugel in your face
“And I know you’re wondering what a Jew
like me is doing in this place
“I’m not here to give you grief about what
you do or how
“I’ve just come to give you a chance to
perform a little mitzvah now.”

And I don’t care what kind of Jew you
are
The kind of Jew you are is fine with me
If your Mom was Jewish then you’re up
to par
You’re as ekht as I need you need to be
You may eat treyf and khazeray
But that doesn’t mean you don’t qualify
A Jew’s a Jew, no one can deny—
You’ve got a Torah-clad warranty.

“There’s a small beys midrash down the
street where we’re reading the Gemara
through
“And when time for Minkha rolls around,
we’re often short a man or two
“To complete our minyan I always go where
there’ll be Jews to spare
“That’s any good Chinese restaurant—I
know I’ll find a lantsman there.”

And I don’t care what kind of Jew you
are
The kind of Jew you are is fine with me
And now’s your chance to be a Jewish
star
’Cause if a minyan’s a lock, then you are
a key
And I don’t care on what you feed
Or the kind of Jewish life you lead
I’m a Jew in need of a Jew in deed
And you will suit me to a tee

Now, a mitzvah is a mission that a Jew
cannot refuse
And you’re not a mentsh if you stand by and
don’t help your fellow Jews
So I got up, put on my coat without delay or
fuss
When some guys at a nearby table said, “If
you’re going to daven, wait for us!”

And I don’t care what kind of Jew you
are
The kind of Jew you are is fine with me
Even if you haven’t had a bar
You’re a leaf on the family tree
You may only-go-to-shul on Yom Kippur
Or lead the life of a goy gamur
But with Jews there’s no such thing as
“pure”
So buddy, you’re the Jew for—
You may not think it’s very cool
But the genes in your particular pool
Say, “Would it be so bad if you went to
shul?”
And buddy, that’s a Jew to—
Shmulik, that’s a Jew to—
Yingl, that’s a Jew to me.

credits

from Menorah – Songs From a Jewish Life, released January 1, 2007

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Shelley Posen image

Shelley Posen Ottawa, Ontario

SHELLEY POSEN is a Canadian songwriter and performer of his own and traditional songs. He writes in many styles and on many subjects. His songs are widely recognized for their wit, craftsmanship, and the profound effect many seem to have on listeners.

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