Björn Vrooman Jul 7, 2023:

Thanks Kind of overlooked this Q at the time. Doesn't answer the question, though, what you'd write in a letter in this case? Any idea?

Also to you: Have a great weekend!

Lancashireman Jul 7, 2023:

Same query, same asker https://www.proz.com/kudoz/german-to-english/general-convers...

Björn Vrooman Jul 7, 2023:

Another "This phrase is used after giving someone praise to wish that the Evil Eye does not happen upon them. The equivalent Hebrew phrase is בלי עין הרע bli ayin hara (which is defined in Glinert, The Joys of Hebrew). The phrase is used primarily by older Ashkenazim of all religious backgrounds and Orthodox Ashkenazim of all ages."
https://jel.jewish-languages.org/words/254

In essence: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knocking_on_wood

Just can't figure out what to use when writing a letter.

Enjoy your evening and best of luck

Björn Vrooman Jul 7, 2023:

Yes, that's what I thought too.

Hope you can open this:
https://www.jstor.org/stable/535237?seq=3

See the paragraph named "Spirits and magic." It even references the website I posted below. As they explain there (=at the first link I posted): "...contains the complete contents of the 12-volume Jewish Encyclopedia, which was originally published between 1901-1906. The Jewish Encyclopedia, which recently became part of the public domain, contains over 15,000 articles and illustrations."

In English, it's supposedly either "no evil eye" or "without malevolence." I think you'll find some more sources looking for those words:
"(Yiddish) 'No evil eye!' Customarily added after praising another; expressing the wish that the evil eye should not affect the individual discussed."
https://www.chabad.org/search/keyword_cdo/kid/13830/jewish/K...

Best

Timoshka (asker) Jul 7, 2023:

@ Björn Vrooman Yes, that is VERY helpful. Since they are praising Elly and her "gevurah," it would make sense that the word "unberufen" is thrown in...just in case. :-)

Björn Vrooman Jul 7, 2023:

This may help "The superstition, he says, is rooted in the universal pagan fear of a deity begrudging man's perfect happiness, rather than in that feeling of humbleness which restrains man from boasting of his health, wealth, or the like. Little children especially are exposed to the evil influence of loud praise; wherefore it is customary, when children are lauded for their beauty, strength, or intelligence, to add the word 'unbeschrieen' or 'unberufen'—which means, 'Let that not cause them to be bewitched.'"
https://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/3182-beschreien

In fact, the whole page might help you; also includes, e.g.:
https://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/14578-ungarisch-...

(Because you've asked about Hungary before.)

Best