Tevye the Dairyman Quotes

Find the perfect quote to float your boat. Shmoop breaks down key quotations from Tevye the Dairyman.

Family Quotes

With a little help from God, there I was penniless, poor as a beggar, with a wife and kids, starving to death three times a day, not counting suppers, may it not happen to any Jew. […] all I got...

Identity Quotes

At that time I wasn't at all the man you see today. Of course, I was the same Tevye but not really the same. How do they say: the same yente but sporting a different hat. In what way was I differen...

Tradition and Customs Quotes

[…] everyone was delighted to see him—a guest! […] Golde's grilling began: "How are things in Kasrilevka? […] Who died? Who got married? Who got divorced? Who has given birth and who is exp...

Religion Quotes

A stroke of good luck doesn't take brains or ability. But should it be the other way around—God forbid, you can talk until you are blue in the face, and it will do as much good as last winter's s...

Wealth Quotes

As they say, 'If the money comes, the schemes follow, and if you are rich, you're certainly clever.' (2.112)

Language and Communication Quotes

It was around Shevuos, or maybe, I don't want you to think I'm lying, even a week or two before Shevuos and…wait a minute, perhaps a few weeks after Shevuos…Hold on a bit, it was, let me think...

Power Quotes

"I am living here, but it must remain between us." […] "You're here illegally," I said, "and you're out in the open in the Yehupetz market square?" […] "You obviously aren't acquainted with Y...

Wisdom and Knowledge Quotes

I beg you, Pani Sholem Aleichem, not to be upset with me, as I am an ordinary man and you certainly know more than I do—who can question that? After all, living one's whole life in a little villa...