Regardless of how much importance any of you ascribe to January 1, it is of interest to recognize that Judaism tends to eschew “new” when speaking about a year’s beginning. Hence the term “rosh” or head of the year. Come Rosh Hashanah, any emphasis on new is held in limbo for 10 days. By that time, there is hopefully a newly concerted effort to seriously embrace teshuva. Stated differently, Judaism stresses a new beginning for the individual, not the calendar date. That said, even if January 1 had not just occurred, I feel that it’s nigh time that we look at the Yiddish word nye (new).
Bahnye’en (inaugurate). Back in the day, newly purchased clothing as well as accessories was a major event. People would save for months to be able to buy a new dress or suit as well as a new pair of shoes. Such great importance was given to the new acquisition that it was a foregone conclusion that the debut would coincide with a Jewish festival. As such, the purchase of a new outfit typically took place in mid-August so that Ahz ess vet koomen Rosh Hashonneh vett mehn doss kennen bahnye’en (one will be able to wear it the first time with the arrival of Rosh Hashana.)
Nye Gehbahkken (inexperienced). It has been 60 years since “Poppin’ Fresh” first appeared on a television commercial for Pillsbury. It has been a far greater period of time since Yiddish speakers first used the term nye gehbahkken. Personally, while growing up I never heard the term nye gehbahkken. Instead, I grew up hearing the term hahlb dehrbahkken (half-baked). If a person still had rough edges or could profit from the “finishing school of life,” that person was referred to as hahlb dehrbahkken.
Shpoggel Nye (brand spanking new). The origin of the English phrase describes a newborn emerging into this world on its own, having been welcomed with a slap on the bottom to initiate breathing. Shpoggel nye on the other hand typically refers to inanimate objects. A newly acquired appliance such as a refrigerator or a stove can be referred to as being shpoggel nye. Interestingly enough, the Yiddish term for a newborn is not shpoggel nye, but oyfeleh (a tiny bird).
Nye Onngekoomeneh (newly arrived/recent immigrants). Had being politically correct been in vogue during the 1950’s and 1960’s, we would have referred to the Holocaust survivors who arrived in my hometown as nye onngekoomeneh. Instead, we referred to them as greeneh (greenhorns). Nor did the expression greeneh fade over time. Contemporaries of mine who were children of Holocaust survivors are still identified as having had greeneh parents.
Nye iz Gehtrye (New is true). Implied is that which is new is trustworthy and dependable. However true this may be, one must become tzoogehyoynt (accustomed) to that which is new. It’s one thing to get used to new styles in furniture and clothing, it’s quite another to get used to new-fangled devices, especially when you are technologically challenged. As one who remains unimpressed with the latest and greatest in the market, permit me to introduce a Yiddish expression that repudiates nye iz gehtrye. I maintain that nye iz nisht allehmohl k’dye (new is not always worthwhile).
Regardless of how many nye onnbgehkoomeneh individuals you come across and how many nye gehbahkken people you encounter throughout 2025, realize, if you can, that time can be a great equalizer. Bear in mind that quite often there is more than meets the eye whenever something is presented as being shpoggel nye. Most of all, a meaningful life rests less on nye iz gehtrye than being able to look forward to bahnye’en that which came about through time and effort.
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.
