January 31, 2025

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Rabbi Shawn Zell

Rabbi Shawn Zell has recently returned to New Jersey, after serving at a pulpit in Dallas. He possesses certification in teaching Yiddish. Rabbi Zell is the author of three books.

Articles by Rabbi Shawn Zell

Almonds in a Nutshell

In his conversation with God, the prophet Jeremiah is granted a vision of a mahkayl shahkeyd or a staff of a shkeydiah or an almond

Body Parts

By no means does the English language have a monopoly on expressions employing body parts. “She has been walking around with a heavy heart, ever

Well Versed in January First

Although three months have passed since we have inaugurated Rosh Hashanah, we are reminded that there is another new year that plays a role in

Of Shvitzers and Shtinkerim

Believe it or not, it was never a foregone conclusion that Hebrew would be the lingua franca of modern-day Israel. A century and a half

Thanksgiving Digest

One of the realities of Thanksgiving is that everybody talks turkey, in the most literal sense. Recipes abound for turkey and side dishes, as well

Timely Torah Teachings

With the weekly Torah cycle about to begin anew, it ought to come as no surprise that the Yiddish language is far from speechless. While

Whimsical Sukkot Sayings

Have you ever considered that among the many definitions that explain us as a people, is our ability to transform ourselves from clenched fists on

Food for Thought

Although the term “Mah Nishtanah” is associated with Pesach, readers of this column will have every right to exclaim “Mah Nishtanah” beginning this Sunday night

Light at the End of the Year

Although rarely emphasized and seldom mentioned, faith is a two-way street. As much as the High Holy Days are about our faith in Hashem, where

Prefixing Elul

It has been pointed out that when dealing with holiness, Yiddish respectfully yields to Hebrew. With the month of Elul upon us, it is therefore

Hoffenoong

Among my many wishes in life, is that the message of Shabbat Nachamu leaves a more profound impression on our people than it has recently.

Beyond Words

It was King Solomon in Kohelet who sagaciously suggested that there is a time to remain silent and a time to speak. Over the centuries,