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 understandable that much of the Yiddish vocabulary that pertains to the final month of the year is borrowed from the Hebrew language. Nevertheless, a Yiddish Elul vocabulary free of Hebrew words does in fact exist. Moreover, without exception, this Yiddish vocabulary consists of prefixed words. To wit:
Tzoograytn (prepare). The Yiddish word grayt (ready) is a state of being. Tzoograytn is a verb. Typically, tzoograytn is a weekly exercise associated with Shabbos. Throughout the year, tzoograytn is linked with Torah festivals such as Sukkot, Pesach and Shavuot, as well as post-Torah festivals such as Chanukah and Purim. It is only in Elul, and no other month, that we are urged to take upon ourselves the task of tzoograytn—spiritually preparing for what lies ahead.
Doorchkookn (peruse). There was a time when kook (look) was frequently used to invite others to either geeb ah kook (take a gander) or chahp ah kook (sneak a peek). Tzoograytn during the month of Elul requires more than an act of earnest doorchkookn of what we have done throughout the past year. Tzoograytn during the month of Elul requires doorchkookn behavioral traits and tendencies that define us. Deeds cannot be undone. Traits and tendencies can be worked on, provided a diligent doorchkookn takes place.
Fohrgekoomen (transpired). Not only is fohrgekoomen derived from the Yiddish word koom (come), but it is the past tense of fohrkoomen (transpire). Admittedly, no mere mortal can foresee voss vett fohrkoomen (what will come his way), but every responsible individual ought to be able to look back at voss iz fohrgekoomen (what took place) and what can be improved upon or done differently should a similar situation arise. Blessed are those who can recall voss iz fohrgekoomen so that they can learn from the past and are able to distinguish between what to overlook and what to look into.
Tzoohehren (listen to). If we want God to listen to what we have to say during the High Holy Days, then it is only fitting that we listen to what God has to say prior to the High Holy Days. The sounding of the shofar is perhaps the most effective fashion of transmitting God’s message. In keeping with “Elated is the nation who understands the meaning of truah” (Psalm 89:16), it is fair to conclude “Elated is the individual who is present at the sounding of the shofar throughout the month of Elul.” If hehren means “to hear,” then tzoohehren means to give one’s full attention.
Oysbetten (obtain through prayer). Oysbetten is a homonym. Oysbetten can mean “to make one’s bed,” hence the Yiddish proverb vee meh bett zich oys, azoy shlofft men (as one makes his bed, so does he sleep). Oysbetten can also mean to obtain through prayer. Unlike betten (to request/to pray) where, ideally, our prayers are received by God, oysbetten implies that our prayers are answered by God. A blessed Elul is one where we are successful in oysbetten zich a goot yohr (obtaining a good year for oneself through prayer). A proper preparation for the month of Elul requires tzoograytn and doorchkookn. It is also a time to reflect voss iz fohrgekoomen where we are presented with the challenge of aroisgayn to welcome the heavenly King into our lives. Succinctly stated, Elul serves as a reminder that meh zoll zich oysbetten a goot yohr (we should obtain a good year through prayer).
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.
