Yiddishland California

Yoga Classes
2024-10-27 08:00 - 09:00, 2024-11-24 08:00 - 09:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom
Balance Yoga in Yiddish
In this yoga class we will balance your mind and body to maintain your mental and physical fitness and to feel happy. The slow and gentle nature of this class is perfect for beginners and is also great for other students who can sink deeper into their practice. The language of instruction is Yiddish with English translation.
When: Sunday, October 27, 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. PT ( 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. CT, 11:00 – 12:00 p.m. ET, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. in the UK, 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. in Central Europe).
Where: on Zoom
Early bird: (if registered before Sunday, October 13)
Regular admission: $25
Yoga for Gratitude in Yiddish
In this yoga class instructed in Yiddish with English translation, we will practice yoga and mindfulness that focuses on gratitude. Gratitude and yoga help detoxify the mind, body and connect to a larger reason for being. The slow and gentle nature of this class is perfect for beginners and is also great for other students who can sink deeper into their practice.
When: Sunday, November 24, 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. PT ( 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. CT, 11:00 – 12:00 p.m. ET, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. in the UK, 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. in Central Europe).
Where: on Zoom
Cost:
Early bird: $18 (if registered before Sunday, November 10)
Regular admission: $25
New Year Intentions with Yoga in Yiddish
Set some new intentions for 2023 in this yoga class. Join in to let go of all of the ups and downs of 2022 and step into the New Year with a focused, clear, determined and hopeful version of yourself. The slow and gentle nature of this class is perfect for beginners and is also great for other students who can sink deeper into their practice. The language of instruction is Yiddish with English translation.
When: Sunday, December 22, 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. PT ( 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. CT, 11:00 – 12:00 p.m. ET, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. in the UK, 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. in Central Europe).
Where: on Zoom
Cost:
Early bird: $18 (if registered before Sunday, December 8)
Regular admission: $25

Instructor: Tetyana Yakovleva
She studied Comparative Literature, Classical, Slavic, Jewish, and Media Studies at the universities of Kharkiv, Regensburg, Bari, and San Diego. Tanya received her PhD in Slavic and Jewish Studies from the University of Regensburg in 2019 and since then she has been teaching for YAAANA. Tanya is a registered yoga teacher (RYT 200) and she sees her mission in bringing joy and equilibrium to people through yoga and Yiddish.

Rembrandt and the Jews: An Interactive Exploration with Jennifer Stern
2024-10-27 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom
Rembrandt and the Jews: An Interactive Exploration
Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669) was one of a tiny handful of artists of the pre-modern era who depicted contemporary Jews. Why was he so interested in Amsterdam’s Sephardic Jewish community? What attitudes do his images reveal? Art historian Jennifer Stern will present selected paintings and etchings to suggest answers to these questions in view of Rembrandt’s life and the history of Amsterdam’s Jewish community. Jennifer will also discuss how Jews (and non-Jews) have reacted to Rembrandt’s Jewish imagery over the centuries. Participants are encouraged to ask questions in the Q&A session in the last part of the program.
When: Sunday, October 27, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. PT ( 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. CT, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. ET, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. in the UK, 9:00 – 10:00 p.m. in Central Europe).
Where: online via Zoom
Cost:
Early bird: $18 (if registered before Sunday, October 13)
Regular admission: $25

Ladino Classes
2024-10-29 10:00 - 2024-12-03 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom
Are you passionate about Jewish languages and cultures? Dive into the rich world of the Sephardic Jewish tradition through the Ladino language!
Our Ladino teacher is dressed with a green sleeve, promoting her new classes.
Ladino en poesía, poesía en Ladino/Ladino in Poetry, Poetry in Ladino
Our new Ladino course is your gateway to exploring this beautiful, historic language while immersing yourself in the poetic expressions of Sephardic life. Build your Ladino vocabulary and grammar skills, journey through the captivating world of Ladino poetry, discover the deep cultural and historical context behind each poem, and develop the specialized skill of reading in Hebrew Rashi script.
Whether you have a basic command of Ladino or a background in Modern Spanish, this course is designed to enrich your knowledge and appreciation of this fascinating language and its poetic traditions.
Tuesdays, October 29th – December 3rd
10-11 a.m. PT (12-1 p.m. CT, 1-2 p.m. ET, 6-7 p.m. in the UK, 7-8 p.m. in Central Europe, 8-9 p.m. in Israel).
Online via Zoom

To register: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/ladino-judeo-spanish/

Healing Hearts - Yiddishland Support Group
2024-11-04 19:30 - 20:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom
Healing Hearts – Yiddishland Support Group
Welcome! This zoom group is an opportunity to explore your own personal experience of culture and spirituality as a Jewish person in light of October 7th, the on going conflict, and increasing antisemitic attitudes and political action occurring here in the US and around the world.
The intention of this group is to provide a safe and encouraging space to share, listen, and connect with other people who understand what you are talking about without debate or fixing. The hope is that a supportive community will evolve and we can look forward to meeting and sharing all of it together: joy, sadness, grief, anger, fear, doubt, curiosity, and inspiration.
Confidentiality is a MUST! This means that whatever is said in the group is not repeated within the group or outside the group and individuals are not discussed with each other or those who are not in the group. Advice is discouraged however feedback can be appropriate if asked for, but not offered.
To start, we are reading the book “Sacred Therapy” by Estelle Frankel. Please choose a chapter or theme that speaks to you and join us for a meaningful conversation of sharing, discovering, and support. This book can be checked out from your local library or purchased on kindle or some other platform or bookstore.
As a means of giving back and creating a sense of commitment, a minimum $5 donation to a non-political Jewish humanitarian 501c3 organization is requested. Your receipt (screenshot or electronic) is requested at the beginning of the meeting. If you cannot make this donation, one will be made on your behalf.
Our Coach’s Bio: Harpal Khalsa holds a master degree in clinical mental health counseling and currently serves as a professional mental health care and lifestyle coach here in La Jolla Village. Her experience in the international field of disaster trauma and group counseling facilitation allow her to support this local Jewish community to share, grieve, and empower each other through these radical times of terrorism, war, and social upheaval.
When: Mondays, from Sep 2nd to Nov 11th, 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. PST (10:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. EST, 9:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. CST)
Where: online via Zoom

Chagall af Yiddish: An Interactive Exploration
2024-11-17 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom
Chagall af Yiddish: An Interactive Exploration
Join art historian Jennifer Stern and explore the beauty and importance of Marc Chagall’s art. Chagall (1887-1985) grew up speaking Yiddish in a Jewish community in what is now Belarus. In this interactive session, you will expand your knowledge of Yiddish vocabulary, explore Chagall’s life and Stern’s personal connection to him, and analyze the influence of the artist’s hometown on his paintings’ imagery.
When: Sunday, November 17, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. PT ( 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. CT, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. ET, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. in the UK, 9:00 – 10:00 p.m. in Central Europe).
Where: online via Zoom
Cost:
Early bird: $18 (if registered before Sunday, October 27)
Regular admission: $25

Yoga Classes
2024-12-22 08:00 - 09:00 (America/Los_Angeles)

Yiddish for Absolute Beginners
2025-01-12 10:30 - 2025-02-09 11:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom
This 5-session course is designed for students with no prior knowledge of Yiddish. We will start by learning the alef-beys (Yiddish alphabet) and basic pronunciation. By the end of the course, students will be able to read the letters, introduce themselves, use common greetings, and understand basic vocabulary for everyday situations. Each session will conclude with a new Yiddish song from the rich transnational Yiddish repertoire. Whether you’re learning for personal or professional reasons, this short, engaging introduction will offer a good start for your Yiddish journey.
When: Sundays 10:30– 11:30 a.m. PT / 1:30-2:30 p.m. ET / 7:30-8:30 p.m. in Central Europe: Jan 5, 12, 19, 26, Feb 2, Feb 9
Cost: 5 classes for $180 (early bird, if paid before December 22), $200 (regular price, if paid after December 22)
Teacher: Julia Koifman
Julia Koifman studied Slavic and German Studies in Berlin and Moscow, as well as Yiddish and Jewish Studies in Potsdam, Haifa, and New York. She worked at the Institute for Slavic Studies at Humboldt University and served as a tutor for Yiddish language and literature at the University of Potsdam. Her MA thesis is a comparative analysis of short stories by the Yiddish authors Rokhl Brokhes and Roze Palatnik. Julia also translates Yiddish literature into German and English.
To register: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/yiddish-for-beginners-julia/

Intermediate- Advanced Yiddish Course
2025-01-26 12:30 - 2025-02-23 13:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom
This course is designed for students who wish to improve their conversational skills. Each session will focus on dialogues and discussions in Yiddish, to help students improve their fluency. Students will expand their vocabulary with new phrases and expressions, fine-tune their pronunciation, and gain confidence using Yiddish in diverse situations. Topics will include interests and hobbies, everyday situations, culture and current events. We will use interactive activities like role-playing and debates. Additionally, students will learn Yiddish songs that will deepen their understanding of Ashkenazi culture.
When: Sundays 12:30-1:30 p.m. PT / 3:30-4:30 p.m. ET / 9:30-10:30 pm in Central Europe: Jan 26, Feb 2, Feb 9, Feb 16, Feb 23
Cost: 5 classes for $180 (early bird, if paid before December 22), $200 (regular price, if paid after December 22)
Teacher: Julia Koifman
Julia Koifman studied Slavic and German Studies in Berlin and Moscow, as well as Yiddish and Jewish Studies in Potsdam, Haifa, and New York. She worked at the Institute for Slavic Studies at Humboldt University and served as a tutor for Yiddish language and literature at the University of Potsdam. Her MA thesis is a comparative analysis of short stories by the Yiddish authors Rokhl Brokhes and Roze Palatnik. Julia also translates Yiddish literature into German and English.
To register: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/intermediate-advanced-yiddish-julia/

Conversational Yiddish for Beginners
2025-02-13 17:00 - 2025-03-06 18:00 (Europe/Madrid) | In-person, Valencia, Spain
This in-person 4-session class series will be focused on conversational Yiddish taught in English transliteration. You will learn everyday greetings and basics of Yiddish conversation, as well as a few simple Yiddish songs. This will be a perfect introduction to learning Yiddish!
When: Thursdays, February 13, 2025 – March 6, 2025 : 5-6 p.m. Central European Time.
Cost: All 4 classes: $80 (early bird, if paid before February 6, 2025), $90 (regular price, if paid on/after February 7, 2025)
Cost: Single class: $25 (early bird, if paid before February 6, 2025), $30 (regular price, if paid on/after February 7, 2025)
Teacher: Jana Mazurkiewicz Meisarosh
Jana Mazurkiewicz Meisarosh is a PhD candidate in the Slavic Department at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. She is working on her dissertation on Yiddish Theater in Communist Warsaw. Originally from Poland, Jana holds a Master of Arts degree in Polish Philology and Jewish Studies from the University of Wrocław. Jana is not only a practicing academic but also an active theater artist and critic. She is an actor, director, playwright, and producer of Yiddish theater. In October 2017, she moved to San Diego and launched the Yiddish Arts and Academics Association of North America (YAAANA) and Yiddishland California.
To register: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/conv-yiddish-feb-2025/

Chagall : An Interactive Exploration
2025-02-16 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a special exploration of love and art! Join art historian Jennifer Stern for an engaging session on Marc Chagall, where we delve into the beauty and significance of his artwork, his deep love for Bella Chagall, and his lifelong connection to his Yiddish heritage. Born in 1887 in a Jewish community in present-day Belarus, Chagall grew up speaking Yiddish and carried this cultural influence throughout his artistic career. In this interactive session, discover the language of love through Yiddish vocabulary, learn about Stern’s personal connection to Chagall, and explore how his hometown shaped the romantic and symbolic imagery in his paintings.
When: Sunday, February 16, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. PT (1:00 – 2:00 p.m. CT, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. ET, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. in the UK, 9:00 – 10:00 p.m. in Central Europe).
Where: on Zoom
Cost:

Valentine’s Special: $10 (if registered between Tuesday, February 11 and Friday, February 14)
Regular Admission: $25

To register:https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/chagall-session/

NEW Yiddish for Absolute Beginners
2025-03-02 10:30 - 2025-04-13 11:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom
Reading and Writing the Alef-beys
This 7-session course is designed for students with no prior knowledge of Yiddish. We will begin by learning the letters of the Yiddish alphabet (alef-beys), focusing on both reading printed text and writing by hand. As the course progresses, we will practice reading short dialogues and simple texts. By the end of the course, students will be able to read and write the letters—two distinct skills— introduce themselves, and use common greetings. We will also learn with Yiddish songs.
When: Sundays, March 2, 2025 – April 13, 2025 : 10:30–11:30 a.m. PT / 1:30-2:30 p.m. ET / 7:30-8:30 p.m. in Central Europe.
Cost: 7 classes for $250 (early bird, if paid before February 16, 2025), $280 (regular price, if paid on/after February 16, 2025)
Teacher: Julia Koifman
Julia Koifman studied Slavic and German Studies in Berlin and Moscow, as well as Yiddish and Jewish Studies in Potsdam, Haifa, and New York. She worked at the Institute for Slavic Studies at Humboldt University and served as a tutor for Yiddish language and literature at the University of Potsdam. Her MA thesis is a comparative analysis of short stories by the Yiddish authors Rokhl Brokhes and Roze Palatnik. Julia also translates Yiddish literature into German and English.
To register: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/new-yiddish-for-absolute-beginners/

Yiddish for Absolute Beginners 2
2025-03-09 12:30 - 2025-04-20 13:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom
Basic Grammar and Conversation
This course is designed for students who are already familiar with the Yiddish Alef-Beys and have had approximately 5 to 20 hours of prior Yiddish instruction (A1.1–A1.2). In addition to the alef-beys, participants may already be able to introduce themselves, use basic greetings, or recognize a few common verbs. The course is open to those who are looking to continue their Yiddish language journey.Through texts, audio-visual materials and engaging exercises participants will deepen their knowledge of the language.
When: Sundays, March 9, 2025 – April 20, 2025 : 12:30–1:30 p.m. PT / 3:30-4:30 p.m. ET / 9:30-10:30 p.m. in Central Europe.
Cost: 7 classes for $250 (early bird, if paid before March 9, 2025), $280 (regular price, if paid on/after March 9, 2025)
Teacher: Julia Koifman
Julia Koifman studied Slavic and German Studies in Berlin and Moscow, as well as Yiddish and Jewish Studies in Potsdam, Haifa, and New York. She worked at the Institute for Slavic Studies at Humboldt University and served as a tutor for Yiddish language and literature at the University of Potsdam. Her MA thesis is a comparative analysis of short stories by the Yiddish authors Rokhl Brokhes and Roze Palatnik. Julia also translates Yiddish literature into German and English.
To register: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/yiddish-for-absolute-beginners-2/

Blossoming Yoga in Yiddish
2025-03-23 08:00 - 09:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
In this yoga class we will help you celebrate spring and the new found energy that comes with this time of year. The slow and gentle nature of this class is perfect for beginners and is also great for other students who can sink deeper into their practice. The language of instruction is Yiddish with English translation.
When: Sunday, March 23, 8:00 a.m. PT (10:00 a.m. CT, 11:00 a.m. ET, 3:00 p.m. in the UK, 4:00 p.m. in Central Europe).
Where: on Zoom
Cost:

Early Bird: $15 (if paid before 3 days)
Regular Admission: $18

Instructor: Tetyana Yakovleva
Tetyana studied Comparative Literature, Classical, Slavic, Jewish, and Media Studies at the universities of Kharkiv, Regensburg, Bari, and San Diego. Tanya received her PhD in Slavic and Jewish Studies from the University of Regensburg in 2019 and since then she has been teaching for YAAANA. Tanya is a registered yoga teacher (RYT 200) and she sees her mission in bringing joy and equilibrium to people through yoga and Yiddish.
To register:https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/yoga-classes-blossoming-yoga/

Conversational Hebrew for Beginners
2025-04-21 19:00 - 2025-05-12 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom
Have you ever wondered how to ask for food in a restaurant, understand basic expressions, or express your feelings in Hebrew? If so, this is the course for you! After the first lessons, you will be able to request information about prices, meals, and everyday life situations in a natural way, enriching your vocabulary and improving your confidence when speaking Hebrew.
When: Mondays, 7:00 p.m. PT (9:00 p.m. CT, 10:00 p.m. ET), starting on Monday, February 3, ending on Monday, February 24.
Cost:

Early Bird: $125 for 4 sessions (available until Sunday, December 15th)
Regular Admission: $145 for 4 classes

Instructor: Jana Galek Lew
Jana is an experienced Hebrew instructor with over 15 years of experience teaching students of all ages. She holds a diploma in teaching Hebrew as a second language from Universidad Hebraica and an MA in Education and Jewish Studies from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Jana currently teaches Jewish Studies and Hebrew at a Jewish elementary school in Mexico City.
To register:https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/hebrew-beginners/

Conversational Hebrew for Intermediate and Advanced Students
2025-04-23 19:00 - 2025-05-14 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom
Would you like to broaden your vocabulary, talk about different factual topics, or give and receive instructions in Hebrew? With our advanced conversational Hebrew course, students will acquire the skills to gain fluency and learn a diverse vocabulary, enabling them to conduct discussions, familiarize themselves with some Hebrew idioms, and talk about topics such as Israeli music, art, and culture.
When: Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m. PT (9:00 p.m. CT, 10:00 p.m. ET), starting on Wednesday, February 5, ending on Wednesday, February 26.
Cost:

Early Bird: $125 for 4 sessions (available until Sunday, December 15th)
Regular Admission: $145 for 4 classes

Instructor: Jana Galek Lew
Jana is an experienced Hebrew instructor with over 15 years of experience teaching students of all ages. She holds a diploma in teaching Hebrew as a second language from Universidad Hebraica and an MA in Education and Jewish Studies from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Jana currently teaches Jewish Studies and Hebrew at a Jewish elementary school in Mexico City.
To register:https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/advanced-conversational-hebrew/

Energy Yoga in Yiddish
2025-04-27 08:00 - 09:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
In this yoga class we will progressively reactivate the body and mind to develop strength and flexibility. The slow and gentle nature of this class is perfect for beginners and is also great for other students who can sink deeper into their practice. The language of instruction is Yiddish with English translation.
When: Sunday, April 27, 8:00 a.m. PT (10:00 a.m. CT, 11:00 a.m. ET, 4:00 p.m. in the UK, 5:00 p.m. in Central Europe).
Where: on Zoom
Cost:

Early Bird: $15 (if paid before 3 days)
Regular Admission: $18

Instructor: Tetyana Yakovleva
Tetyana studied Comparative Literature, Classical, Slavic, Jewish, and Media Studies at the universities of Kharkiv, Regensburg, Bari, and San Diego. Tanya received her PhD in Slavic and Jewish Studies from the University of Regensburg in 2019 and since then she has been teaching for YAAANA. Tanya is a registered yoga teacher (RYT 200) and she sees her mission in bringing joy and equilibrium to people through yoga and Yiddish.
To register:https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/yoga-classes-energy-yoga/

Poland is not lost yet, as long as we are alive!
2025-05-19 20:00 - 22:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
A screening of: “Poland is not yet lost, as long as we are alive!”

Join us for a special screening of Poland Is Not Yet Lost, As Long As We Are Alive, a bold theatrical satire exploring contemporary Polish-Jewish relations. In this alternative reality, the state of Israel has shockingly been destroyed and three million Israeli Jews have arrived as refugees in Poland. In a dramatic turn of events, the Polish president publically converts to Judaism, inspiring four million non-Jewish Poles to follow suit and convert themselves. On the eve of a referendum the Poles vote to determine whether it will become the new Jewish state. This play is performed primarily in Polish with touches of Yiddish, featuring English subtitles throughout. The screening will be followed by a discussion with special guests coming to San Diego all the way from Krakow, Poland: Dorota Abbe, born in Poland, and Michael Rubenfeld, a native of Canada.
When: Monday, May 19, 8 p.m. – 10 p.m. PT ( 10:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. CT, 11:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. ET)
Where: at Pan’s Garden, 506 21 St, San Diego, CA 92102 and online on Zoom
Cost:
Early Bird (in-person and Zoom participation): $10 (if registered before the end of the day, on Thursday, May 15)
Regular admission (in-person and Zoom participation: $18
Dorota Abbe is a Polish actress, director, teacher, and playwright. A graduate of the National Film School in Łódź, she has worked with major theaters in Wrocław and Poznań and earned the Silver Mask award. She also founded the Na Marginesie Foundation to promote tolerance and inclusion through art and education.
Michael Rubenfeld is a Canadian-Polish actor, director, and producer based in Poland for nine years. He has acted internationally, collaborated on acclaimed Polish theater productions, and co-founded FestivALT to promote Jewish and Polish contemporary art. Rubenfeld also led Toronto’s SummerWorks Festival and created the award-winning CanadaHub at the Edinburgh Fringe.

Oy, What They Said About Love
2025-05-21 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
Award-winning solo performer Steve Budd wonders why other people can tie the knot and he can’t. Oy does he wonder! So he asked some couples what brought them together and keeps them from pulling apart. Meet a Jewish couple who met on Craigslist, an interfaith pair who met at a Halloween party and more. Budd plays a dozen characters and weaves in his heartfelt and hilarious search for THE ONE.
When: Wednesday, May 21, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. PT (9:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. CT, 10:00 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. ET). Come early at 6 p.m. to enjoy live music and some nosh!
Where: A residential venue in Pacific Beach, San Diego, CA. Address will provided upon registration. Broadcast on Zoom will also be available.
Cost:
Regular admission in-person: $18Zoom admission online: $10
Steve Budd is an actor, writer, standup comic, and award-winning solo performer. He’s performed with such Bay Area theaters as the San Francisco Playhouse, New Conservatory, Custom Made, Central Works, and Marin Shakespeare. Budd’s previous solo show, “Seeing Stars,” enjoyed a 6-week run at The Marsh in 2024 and was a 2024 SFBATCC Nominee for Best Solo Show. “Oy, What They Said About Love” won Best of the 2024 San Francisco Fringe and is the newest mashup of personal storytelling and documentary theater from a solo performer who “sparkles with manic and irrepressible charm” (Theatrius).

Heart Yoga in Yiddish
2025-05-25 08:00 - 09:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
In this yoga class we will open your mind and heart space to connect to yourself and to cultivate self love. The slow and gentle nature of this class is perfect for beginners and is also great for other students who can sink deeper into their practice. The language of instruction is Yiddish with English translation.
When: Sunday, May 25, 8:00 a.m. PT (10:00 a.m. CT, 11:00 a.m. ET, 4:00 p.m. in the UK, 5:00 p.m. in Central Europe).
Where: on Zoom
Cost:

Early Bird: $15 (if paid on/before 23 May 2025)
Regular Admission: $18

Instructor: Tetyana Yakovleva
Tetyana studied Comparative Literature, Classical, Slavic, Jewish, and Media Studies at the universities of Kharkiv, Regensburg, Bari, and San Diego. Tanya received her PhD in Slavic and Jewish Studies from the University of Regensburg in 2019 and since then she has been teaching for YAAANA. Tanya is a registered yoga teacher (RYT 200) and she sees her mission in bringing joy and equilibrium to people through yoga and Yiddish.
To register:https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/yoga-classes-heart-yoga/

Explore the World of Ladino: Intermediate Course through Early 20th-Century Sephardic romansos (Novels)
2025-06-03 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Join us for a unique journey into the heart of Sephardic culture with our Intermediate Ladino Course! Designed for learners with basic knowledge of Ladino or a background in Modern Spanish, this course will deepen your understanding of Ladino (Judeo-Spanish) through the readings of the early 20th century novels published in Turkey and post-Ottoman countries.
What to Expect:

Engage with excerpts from novels that captivated modern Sephardic readers.
Learn to read and interpret texts in the Rashi script, traditionally used in Ladino publications.
Discover the literary world that shaped the identity of Sephardic communities in the modern age.
Expand your vocabulary and grammar through authentic, literary language.

Whether you’re passionate about Sephardic language, history, or literature, this course offers a rewarding experience!
When : Tuesdays, June 3 – July 8 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Pacific Time (PST), 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM , Central Time (CT) 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Eastern Time (ET) , 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM Central European Time (CET)
Cost :

Early Bird – $210 (Expires on Friday, May 30)
General Admission – $300

Agnieszka August-Zarębska is an assistant professor in the Taube Department of Jewish Studies at the University of Wrocław, Poland. She has a degree in Spanish Studies and her current research interests include contemporary Ladino poetry, contemporary literary translations into Ladino and Sephardic children’s literature. She also worked on critical editions of the early 20th century Judeo-Spanish literature.
To register: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/ladino-judeo-spanish/

Treasures of 20th-Century Yiddish Literature from Latin America
2025-06-29 09:30 - 2025-08-03 10:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom
This advanced reading course offers an introduction to the rich and multifaceted corpus of Yiddish literature produced in Latin America during the twentieth century. Designed for students with intermediate to advanced proficiency in Yiddish, the course is intended for those who have some experience reading literary texts in the original and wish to further develop their skills and deepen their engagement with modern Yiddish prose.
The selected texts offer a broad spectrum of themes and culturally specific settings that reflect the diverse migration experiences and shifting identities of Jewish communities across Latin America. At the same time, the course encourages a rethinking of the traditional geographical frameworks of Yiddish literature—typically centered on Eastern Europe, Western Europe, and North America—by exploring lesser-known literary activity in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Mexico, and Uruguay. Special attention will be given to marginalized voices, particularly women writers such as Mimi Pinzón (Argentina) and Rosa Palatnik (Brazil), whose works have received limited scholarly attention to date.
Lexical and grammatical structures will be drawn directly from the readings and analyzed in class. Primary sources include Yiddish-language anthologies of Latin American literature published in Argentina between 1972 and 1982 as part of the Musterverk fun der yidisher literatur series. In addition, Alan Astro’s English-language anthology Yiddish South of the Border: An Anthology of Latin American Yiddish Writing (2003) will serve as a supplementary guide, particularly useful for comparative reading and discussions of translation.
Text selection may be adjusted according to participants’ interests. The primary language of instruction and discussion will be Yiddish, though English will be used as needed to support comprehension and clarify complex passages.
When: Sundays, June 29, 2025 – August 3, 2025 : 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. PT / 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. CT / 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. UK / 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Central Europe
Cost: 6 classes for $250 (early bird, if paid before June 15, 2025)
Regular price $280
Teacher: Julia Koifman
Julia Koifman studied Slavic and German Studies in Berlin and Moscow, as well as Yiddish and Jewish Studies in Potsdam, Haifa, and New York. She worked at the Institute for Slavic Studies at Humboldt University and served as a tutor for Yiddish language and literature at the University of Potsdam. Her MA thesis is a comparative analysis of short stories by the Yiddish authors Rokhl Brokhes and Roze Palatnik. Julia also translates Yiddish literature into German and English.

Yiddish Classes for Absolute Beginners
2025-06-29 11:00 - 2025-08-03 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
This 6-session course is designed for students with no prior knowledge of Yiddish. We will begin by learning the letters of the Yiddish alphabet (alef-beys), focusing on both reading printed text and writing by hand. As the course progresses, we will practice reading short dialogues and simple texts. By the end of the course, students will be able to read and write the letters—two distinct skills— introduce themselves, and use common greetings. We will also learn with Yiddish songs. Whether you’re learning for personal or professional reasons, this short and engaging introduction will provide a solid foundation for your Yiddish journey. All materials will be provided by the instructor.
When: Sundays, June 29, 2025 – August 3, 2025 : 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. PT / 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. – 9 p.m. Central European Summer Time
Cost: 6 classes for $250 (early bird, if paid before Thursday, June 26, 2025)
Teacher: Julia Koifman is Lecturer in Yiddish language and literature at the University of Potsdam, with a background in Yiddish, Jewish, Slavic and German Studies, and works as a translator of Yiddish literature into German and English.

To register:https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/new-yiddish-for-absolute-beginners/

Yiddish Classes for Absolute Beginners - 2
2025-06-29 13:00 - 2025-08-03 22:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
This course is designed for students who are already familiar with the Yiddish Alef-Beys and have had approximately 10 to 20 hours of prior Yiddish instruction (A1.1–A1.2). In addition to the alef-beys, participants may already be able to introduce themselves, use basic greetings, or recognize a few common verbs. The course is open to those who have completed Yiddish for Absolute Beginners as well as others looking to continue their Yiddish language journey. Depending on the participants’ prior knowledge, the lessons will introduce new grammar and vocabulary step by step while reinforcing what students already know. At the same time, the course takes a multimedia approach to immerse students in Yiddish culture, literature, and music. Through texts, audio-visual materials and engaging exercises participants will deepen their knowledge of the language. All materials will be provided by the instructor.
When: Sundays, June 29, 2025 – August 3, 2025 : 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. PT / 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. ET / 10 p.m. – 11 p.m. Central European Summer Time
Cost: 6 classes for $250 (early bird, if paid before Thursday, June 26, 2025)
Teacher: Julia Koifman
Julia Koifman studied Slavic and German Studies in Berlin and Moscow, as well as Yiddish and Jewish Studies in Potsdam, Haifa, and New York. She worked at the Institute for Slavic Studies at Humboldt University and served as a tutor for Yiddish language and literature at the University of Potsdam. Her MA thesis is a comparative analysis of short stories by the Yiddish authors Rokhl Brokhes and Roze Palatnik. Julia also translates Yiddish literature into German and English.
Register Here: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/yiddish-for-absolute-beginners-2/

“Serkele”: A Peek into the World of 1820s Polish Jewry
2025-07-17 10:00 - 2025-10-12 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom
Considered a pioneering work and a classic of Yiddish theater, this satirical play was written by the talented Dr Ettinger in his twenties, in 1820s.

It is almost a miracle that a decent copy of the text survived, and we are very lucky to have it — because it preserved for posterity a bright palette of everyday Polish Yiddish of the early 19th century. Carefully exploring and savoring every phrase and sentence of this important oeuvre will also help us get a better feel of life and mentality of the “hostages of the Pale” of that period.
This offering is suitable for the intermediate speakers of Yiddish.
Days and times will be adjusted to accommodate the majority of interested.
When: Sundays, July 27 – October 12 : 10 – 11 a.m. PT / 12 – 1 p.m. CT / 1 – 2 p.m. ET / 6 – 7 p.m. UK / 7 – 8 p.m. Central Europe
Where: Online via Zoom
Cost: $160 ( 12 Classes )
Led by: David Shafir
David Shafir is a life-long student of Yiddish. Having spent many years among the native speakers of Yiddish in Canada and USA has helped him a lot in better understanding the language and its culture. He loves collaborating on new Yiddish-focused projects.

Rembrandt and the Jews: An Interactive Exploration
2025-10-05 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom
Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669) was one of a tiny handful of artists of the pre-modern era who depicted contemporary Jews. Why was he so interested in Amsterdam’s Sephardic and Ashkenazi Jewish communities? What attitudes do his images reveal? Art historian Jennifer Stern will present selected paintings and etchings to suggest answers to these questions in view of Rembrandt’s life and the history of Amsterdam’s Jewish community. Jennifer will also discuss how Jews (and non-Jews) have reacted to Rembrandt’s Jewish imagery over the centuries. Participants are encouraged to ask questions in the Q&A session in the last part of the program.
When: Sunday, October 5, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. PT ( 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. CT, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. ET, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. in the UK, 9:00 – 10:00 p.m. in Central Europe).
Where: on Zoom
Cost:
Early bird: $18 (if registered before Saturday, September 20, 2025)
Regular admission: $25
Instructor: Jennifer Stern
Jennifer Stern is an art historian and Yiddish enthusiast. She began studying Yiddish in 2018. Her articles about Jewish art and life have been published in The Forward and In Geveb. Her original Yiddish poetry has been published in Grine Medine and Afn Shvel. She loves sharing her passion for Yiddish and the beauties of Jewish culture.

Jewish Emotional Support Meditation Circle
2025-10-09 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom
Join Harpal Khalsa for a simple hour of guided meditation, self reflection, and energy healing.
Embrace this opportunity to release stress and worry, create harmony within, and share compassion and hope.
When: 2nd Thursdays of the month — October 9, November 6, December 11, January 11Time: 12–1 p.m. PT / 3–4 p.m. ET / 9–10 p.m. Central Europe& 6–7 p.m. PT / 9–10 p.m. ET / 3–4 a.m. (next day) Central Europe
Where: Online (Zoom or your platform link here)
Cost: Suggested Donation: $5–$36 (sliding scale)Options: $5, $18, $36
Guide: Harpal Khalsa
Our Coach’s Bio: Harpal Khalsa holds a master degree in clinical mental health counseling and currently serves as a professional mental health care and lifestyle coach here in La Jolla Village. Her experience in the international field of disaster trauma and group counseling facilitation allow her to support this local Jewish community to share, grieve, and empower each other through these radical times of terrorism, war, and social upheaval.

News in mame-loshn: Reading der Forverts in Yiddish
2025-10-21 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-10-28 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Detroit) | Zoom
Strengthen your Yiddish reading and translation skills in this 6-week online course for intermediate-level students. Guided entirely in Yiddish, this class offers a warm, supportive environment where you’ll read and translate selected articles from Der Forverts, a cornerstone of Yiddish-language writing. Along the way, you’ll expand your vocabulary and deepen your understanding of modern and historical Yiddish culture—all at your own pace, without pressure or comparison.
The images featured above were provided courtesy of the Forward.
When: The class starting in October is full. The 2nd group will meet every Tuesday, starting on December 2, 2025 ending on January 6, 2026: 1–2 p.m. PT / 3–4 p.m. CT / 4–5 p.m. ET / 10–11 p.m. Central Europe
Where: Online via Zoom
Cost:
Early Bird: $150 for all 6 weeks or $25 for each 60-minute online class (early bird, if paid before Tuesday, November 18, 2025)
Student Pricing (Upload ID): $150 all 6 weeks or $25 for a 60-minute online class
Regular Pricing: $180 for all 6 weeks or $30 for each 60-minute online class
Instructor: Tetyana Yakovleva
Tetyana studied Comparative Literature, Classical, Slavic, Jewish, and Media Studies at the universities of Kharkiv, Regensburg, Bari, and San Diego. She received her PhD in Slavic and Jewish Studies from the University of Regensburg in 2019 and since then she has been teaching for YAAANA.

Balance Yoga in Yiddish
2025-10-26 08:00 - 09:00 (America/Detroit) | Zoom
In this yoga class we will balance your mind and body to maintain your mental and physical fitness and to feel happy. The slow and gentle nature of this class is perfect for beginners and is also great for other students who can sink deeper into their practice. The language of instruction is Yiddish with English translation.
When: Sunday, October 26, 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. PT ( 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. CT, 11:00 – 12:00 p.m. ET, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. in the UK, 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. in Central Europe).
Where: on Zoom
Early Bird (if paid on/before Wednesday, October 22, 2025):$15
Regular admission (if paid after Wednesday, October 22 2025): $20
Instructor: Tetyana Yakovleva
She studied Comparative Literature, Classical, Slavic, Jewish, and Media Studies at the universities of Kharkiv, Regensburg, Bari, and San Diego. Tanya received her PhD in Slavic and Jewish Studies from the University of Regensburg in 2019 and since then she has been teaching for YAAANA. Tanya is a registered yoga teacher (RYT 200) and she sees her mission in bringing joy and equilibrium to people through yoga and Yiddish.
