Who made up the name shtender, and who started using the term?
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The word "shtender" (שטענדער) is Yiddish, and it's usually translated as "stander," although a more correct translation would be "lectern." It's an object used to prop up your books at an angle, and allow for easier reading. Some models are designed to be placed on a desk, and others, like the one pictured below, are for people who prefer to stand. Jews don't have a monopoly on this concept, and, in fact, there are companies selling "laptop stands" to do exactly the same thing, updated for the 21st century. Here's a picture of one of the most common types:
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There is a great description, diagram, and discussion of the educational benefits on pages 48 and 49 of To Kindle a Soul, by Lawrence Kelemen. |
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The English word for it is Lectern or Podium |
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from the yiddish, meaning "stander", i.e. you stand at it to learn/daven |
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