Yiddishland California

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, 2025-11-06 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, 2025-11-11 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.

Yiddish for Absolute Beginners 2: Basic Grammar and Conversation
2025-11-02 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-11-16 11:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom
NEW! 8-Session Yiddish Course
This course is perfect for those who have completed the course Yiddish for Absolute Beginners, as well as others who can already read the Yiddish Alef-Beys and have had around 10 hours of prior instruction (about A1.1 level). Among other things, students will learn to write in Yiddish, practice introducing themselves and using everyday greetings, and become familiar with common verbs. While the main emphasis is on consolidating elementary grammar, the course also employs a multimedia approach to introduce students to Yiddish culture, literature, and music through short texts, audiovisual materials, and guided exercises. All materials will be provided by the instructor.
When: Sundays, October 5, 2025 – November 23, 2025 : 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. PT / 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. ET/ 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. CT/ 8 p.m. – 9 p.m. in Central Europe.
Cost: 8 classes for $340 (early bird, if paid before Wednesday, September 10, 2025)
Regular Admission: 8 classes for $370
Teacher: Julia Koifman
Julia Koifman is a Lecturer in Yiddish language and literature at the University of Potsdam. She studied Slavic and German Studies in Berlin and Moscow, as well as Yiddish and Jewish Studies in Potsdam, Haifa, and New York. She previously 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 presented a comparative analysis of short stories by the Yiddish authors Rokhl Brokhes and Roze Palatnik. In addition, she works as a translator of Yiddish literature into German and English.

New Course of Judeo-Spanish (Ladino) for Beginners: ¡Buyrun al Ladino!
2025-11-03 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-11-10 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-11-17 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom
Have you ever wanted to explore Sephardic heritage, learn the unique language of the Spanish Jews, or simply try something new and enriching? Join our Judeo-Spanish (Ladino) Course for Beginners!
What to Expect:
✔ Learn to speak, read, and understand basic Judeo-Spanish (Ladino)
✔ Read Ladino in both Latin and (a little) Rashi script
✔ Discover Sephardic culture through proverbs, songs, and traditions
✔ Study at a comfortable pace – no prior knowledge required!
Whether you’re a student, a language lover, or looking to reconnect with your family roots – this course is for you.
When: Mondays, October 20 – November 24, 10.00-11.00 a.m. PT (12:00-1:00 p.m. CT, 1:00-2:00 p.m. ET, 6:00-7:00 p.m. in the UK, 7:00-8:00 p.m. in Central Europe)
Costs:
Early bird (if registered before October 6): 6 classes for $250
Regular Registration: 6 classes for $300
Teacher: Agnieszka August-Zarębska
She 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.

News in mame-loshn: Reading der Forverts in Yiddish [Registration Closed – This class is Sold Out]
2025-11-04 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Detroit) | Zoom

News in mame-loshn: Reading der Forverts in Yiddish (Event Full)
2025-11-18 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Detroit) | Zoom

Yiddish for Absolute Beginners 2: Basic Grammar and Conversation
2025-11-23 11:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom
NEW! 8-Session Yiddish Course
This course is perfect for those who have completed the course Yiddish for Absolute Beginners, as well as others who can already read the Yiddish Alef-Beys and have had around 10 hours of prior instruction (about A1.1 level). Among other things, students will learn to write in Yiddish, practice introducing themselves and using everyday greetings, and become familiar with common verbs. While the main emphasis is on consolidating elementary grammar, the course also employs a multimedia approach to introduce students to Yiddish culture, literature, and music through short texts, audiovisual materials, and guided exercises. All materials will be provided by the instructor.
When: Sundays, October 5, 2025 – November 23, 2025 : 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. PT / 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. ET/ 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. CT/ 8 p.m. – 9 p.m. in CET.
Cost: 8 classes for $340 (early bird, if paid before Wednesday, September 10, 2025)
Regular Admission: 8 classes for $370
Teacher: Julia Koifman
Julia Koifman is a Lecturer in Yiddish language and literature at the University of Potsdam. She studied Slavic and German Studies in Berlin and Moscow, as well as Yiddish and Jewish Studies in Potsdam, Haifa, and New York. She previously 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 presented a comparative analysis of short stories by the Yiddish authors Rokhl Brokhes and Roze Palatnik. In addition, she works as a translator of Yiddish literature into German and English.

New Course of Judeo-Spanish (Ladino) for Beginners: ¡Buyrun al Ladino!
2025-11-24 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom
Have you ever wanted to explore Sephardic heritage, learn the unique language of the Spanish Jews, or simply try something new and enriching? Join our Judeo-Spanish (Ladino) Course for Beginners!
What to Expect:✔ Learn to speak, read, and understand basic Judeo-Spanish (Ladino)✔ Read Ladino in both Latin and (a little) Rashi script✔ Discover Sephardic culture through proverbs, songs, and traditions✔ Study at a comfortable pace – no prior knowledge required!
Whether you’re a student, a language lover, or looking to reconnect with your family roots – this course is for you.
When: Mondays, October 20 – November 24, 10.00-11.00 a.m. PT (12:00-1:00 p.m. CT, 1:00-2:00 p.m. ET, 6:00-7:00 p.m. in the UK, 7:00-8:00 p.m. in CET)
Costs:
Early bird (if registered before October 6): 6 classes for $250
Regular Registration: 6 classes for $300
Teacher: Agnieszka August-Zarębska
She 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.

News in mame-loshn: Reading der Forverts in Yiddish
2025-11-25 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. CET
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.
