MEET

Shuli Elisheva Zerin

I’m more than just a Yiddish teacher – I’m a Yiddish empowerment coach! I empower students of all levels to use their Yiddish with confidence, comfort, and courage, as a meaningful part of their daily lives… not in 10 years when their grammar is better, but now, today, no matter mistakes!

Like you, I did not grow up speaking Yiddish. But since 2009, not only have I learned the language... I have written dozens of Yiddish poems and composed over 50 Yiddish songs! I've taught groups and individuals, organized Yiddish social groups, created Yiddish digital resources, raised my child in Yiddish, and the best part is? Yiddish has become such a part of my being that I find myself automatically thinking and talking to myself in Yiddish every single day! It's simply a part of who I am and how I move through life.

As a Yiddish Empowerment Coach, my approach blends language pedagogy with behavioral psychology. Habit formation, time management, imposter syndrome, motivation – these are all just as important to address as vocab and grammar if you want to actually use the language, not simply as a homework assignment but as a meaningful, integral part of your life.

Aside from Yiddish, I also have a PhD in musicology. And while I have taught general music theory and history at a variety of institutions, Jewish music is a specialty of mine. I've coached both cantorial students and lay people. I've taught at Hebrew College and guest lectured at synagogues. I can help you learn to chant from the Torah, lead services, sing Shabbos songs and niggunim, learn about the history of Jewish music... and, of course, explore Yiddish songs together, too!

And lastly, as a transgender, omnisexual, Orthodox Jewish woman I can help you navigate the complex world of LGBTQ Jewry. My transgender advocacy has included writing a monthly column for Unorthoboxed Magazine, speaking at synagogues and BBYO, and privately dialoguing with Jewish community leaders. I can help you understand LGBTQ concepts and terminology, and together we can explore how to navigate LGBTQ issues in your communities and/or personal lives.