# Yiddishland California > Yiddishland California --- ## Pages - [Auto Draft](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/englishversionauto-draft/): "You can take a Jew out of a shtetl but you can't take a shtetl out of a Jew. "... - [spanishversion](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/spanishversion/): "Puedes sacar a un judío de un shtetl pero no puedes sacar un shtetl de un judío. " El domingo... - [Requirements for Interns on OPT](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/requirements-for-interns-on-opt/): aaaRequirements for Interns on OPT Designated School Official (DSO): At the start of your internship, you must provide the name... - [Jewish meditation circle](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/jewish-meditation-circle/): HEALING HARTS:Guided Meditation & Healing Join Meaghan Fitzsimmons for a simple hour of guided meditation, self reflection, and energy healing.... - [new](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/new/) - [yiddish-classes-for-absolute-beginners](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/yiddish-classes-for-absolute-beginners/): Yiddish for Absolute Beginners with Osian Evans SharmaOver the course of eight sessions, students will begin their journey into Yiddishland,... - [Reading and Crafting Yiddish Poetry with Osian Evans Sharma](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/reading-and-crafting-yiddish-poetry-with-osian-evans-sharma/): Reading and Crafting Yiddish Poetry with Osian Evans SharmaJoin us for a creative-critical exploration of Yiddish poetry, where language, history... - [Intermediate-Advanced Conversational Yiddish](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/intermediate-advanced-conversational-yiddish/): Intermediate-Advanced Conversational YiddishThis course is designed for students who wish to improve their conversational skills. Each session will focus on... - [Art from the Lodz Ghetto - a Talk by Jeniffer Stern](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/art-from-the-lodz-ghetto-a-talk-by-jeniffer-stern/): Art from the Lodz Ghetto - a Talk by Jennifer Stern Jennifer Stern will talk about some of the extraordinary... - [Ladino Course for Beginners – Level 2](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/ladino-course-for-beginners-level-2/): Continue Your Journey in Judeo-Spanish (Ladino) Ladino Course for Beginners – Level 2 Have you completed a beginner Ladino course... - [Data Organizer Internship](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/data-organizer-internship/): aaaDear Applicant, The Yiddish Arts and Academics Association of North America (YAAANA) and its physical location, Yiddishland California, are seeking... - [Graphic Design Internship](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/graphic-design-internship/): aDear Applicant, The Yiddish Arts and Academic Association of North America (YAAANA) and its physical location called Yiddishland California, both... - [Internship Benefits](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/internship-benefits/): aaaWhat Interns Gain at YAAANA At YAAANA, internships offer a unique opportunity to contribute to YAAANA’s mission while developing invaluable... - [Before We Go: Yiddishland’s San Diego Tribute to the Singer Family and Yiddish Literature](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/yiddish-literature-and-the-singer-family/) - [News in mame-loshn: Reading der Forverts in Yiddish](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/news-in-mame-loshn-reading-der-forverts-in-yiddish/): News in mame-loshn: Reading der Forverts in Yiddish 2Strengthen your Yiddish reading and translation skills in this 6-week online course... - [Yoga Classes - Balance Yoga](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/balance-yoga-oct-2025/): Balance Yoga in YiddishIn this yoga class we will balance your mind and body to maintain your mental and physical... - [Yoga Classes - Gratitude Yoga](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/gratitude-yoga-nov-2025/): Yoga for Gratitude in YiddishIn this yoga class instructed in Yiddish with English translation, we will practice yoga and mindfulness... - [Yoga Classes - New Year Intentions with Yoga in Yiddish](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/new-year-intentions-yoga-dec-2025/): New Year Intentions with Yoga in YiddishSet some new intentions for 2026 in this yoga class. Join in to let... - [Treasures of 20th-Century Yiddish Literature from Latin America](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/yiddish-literature-from-latin-america/) - ["Serkele": A Peek into the World of 1820s Polish Jewry](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/serkele-class-explore-1820-jewish-life/) - [About us (New)](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/about-us-new/) - [Yiddishland in the News](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/yiddishland-in-the-news-2/) - [Yiddish-themed Parties](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/yiddish-themed-parties/): Yiddish-themed parties at Yiddishland California bring cultural flair, creativity, and joy to any occasion. Whether you’re planning a birthday, anniversary,... - [Jewish Poland Boutique Travel](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/jewish-poland-boutique-travel/) - [Traveling Talks](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/upcoming-events-yiddishland-california/) - [Oy, What They Said About Love](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/oy-what-they-said-about-love/) - [Mexico Retreat](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/jewish-poland-boutique-travel-2/) - [Spain Retreat](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/spain-retreat/) - [Yoga Classes - Blossoming Yoga](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/yoga-classes-blossoming-yoga/) - [Yoga Classes - Heart Yoga](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/yoga-classes-heart-yoga/): Heart Yoga - [Yoga Classes - Energy Yoga](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/yoga-classes-energy-yoga/): Energy Yoga in Yiddish - [Conversational Yiddish for Beginners - Feb'25](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/conversational-yiddish-for-beginners-feb-2025/) - [Salesforce Specialist Intern](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/salesforce-specialist-intern/): aDear Applicant, The Yiddish Arts and Academic Association of North America (YAAANA) and its physical location called Yiddishland California, both... - [Yiddish for Absolute Beginners 2](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/yiddish-for-absolute-beginners-2/): Yiddish Classes for Absolute Beginners 2 Basic Grammar and Conversation NEW! 8-Session Yiddish Course This course is perfect for those... - [NEW - Yiddish for Absolute Beginners](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/news-in-mame-loshn-reading-der-forverts-in-yiddish-2/) - [Traveling Talks](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/traveling-talks/): We would love to hear from you! If you are interested, feel free to fill out this form and we... - [About Us - Spanish](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/about-us-spanish/): Yiddishland CaliforniaYiddishland California, ubicado en el corazón de La Jolla, San Diego, es un espacio cultural único dedicado a la... - [HR Intern](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/hr-intern/): a - [Data Analyst Positions](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/data-analyst-positions/): Click on the internship position offers below to learn more We look forward to working with you! Please see our... - [Marketing/Analyst Internship](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/marketing-analyst-internship/): aMarketing and Data Analysis Internship Dear Applicant, Are you looking for a data analysis/marketing internship? Come and be part of... - [Web Developer/Analyst Internship](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/web-developer-analyst-internship/): aWeb Developer and Data Analysis Internship Dear Applicant, The Yiddish Arts and Academic Association of North America (YAAANA) and its... - [Conversational Hebrew for Beginners](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/conversational-hebrew/): Conversational Hebrew for intermediate and advanced studentsConversational Hebrew Classes are the perfect opportunity to take your Hebrew fluency to the... - [Yoga Classes October](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/yoga-classes-oct/): Balance Yoga in Yiddish - [Yoga Classes November](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/yoga-classes-nov/): Yoga for Gratitude in - [Yoga Classes - 2025](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/yoga-classes-2025/): Welcome to Yiddish yoga! Currently our sessions are happening monthly on Zoom. The language of instruction is Yiddish with translation... - [YiddishYoga](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/yiddishyoga/) - [Hebrew Classes](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/hebrew-classes-2/): Our Hebrew classes at Yiddishland California are open to all levels, from absolute beginners to advanced learners. These courses focus... - [Conversational Hebrew for Beginners](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/intermediate-advanced-yiddish/): Conversational Hebrew for BeginnersHave you ever wanted to greet friends, order food, or sing simple songs in Yiddish? In this... - [Miriam Libhaber original linocut](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/miriam-libhaber-original-linocut/): Miriam LibhaberBorn in Mexico, 1951Libhaber is a unique artist who tirelessly seeks value and identity in her craft. She has... - [Miriam Libhaber Gift Envelopes](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/miriam-libhaber-original-acrylic-2/): Miriam LibhaberBorn in Mexico, 1951Libhaber is a unique artist who tirelessly seeks value and identity in her craft. She has... - [Miriam Libhaber original acrylic](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/miriam-libhaber-original-acrylic/): Miriam Libhaber Born in Mexico, 1951 Libhaber is a unique artist who tirelessly seeks value and identity in her craft.... - [YiddishYoga-old](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/yiddish-yoga/) - [Yoga Classes](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/yoga-classes/): Yoga Classes - [Yiddish for Absolute Beginners](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/yiddish-for-beginners-julia/) - [Intermediate-Advanced Yiddish classes](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/intermediate-advanced-yiddish-julia/) - [Miriam Libhaber New](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/miriamlibhaber/): Miriam Libhaber Born in Mexico, 1951 Libhaber is a unique artist who tirelessly seeks value and identity in her craft.... - [A Traveling Talk: What was and what is Yiddishland](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/a-traveling-talk-what-was-and-what-is-yiddishland/): We are coming back from the East Coast guest talks on Yiddish language, culture, and the history of Yiddishland, very... - [Healing Hearts - Support Group](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/healing-hearts-support-group/): When: Mondays, Oct 7, Oct 14, Oct 28. Nov 4, Nov 11, Nov 18, Dec 2 - [Rembrandt and the Jews: An Interactive Exploration](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/rembrandt-van-rijn/): Rembrandt and the Jews: An Interactive ExplorationRembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669) was one of a tiny handful of artists of the... - [Poland Is Not Yet Lost (As Long As We Are Alive)](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/poland-is-not-yet-lost/) - [Unknown Artists](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/unknown-artists/): Unknown Artists Our Unknown Artists collection in Yiddishland California’s Virtual Gallery showcases original works whose creators remain unidentified. These pieces,... - [Theadius McCall](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/theadius-mccall/): Theadius McCall Born in New York, 1945 Theadius McCall is a well-known African American portrait artist and musician born in... - [Scher Family](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/scher-family/): Scher Family The Scher family, originally from South Africa and now residing in San Diego, CA, have become integral members... - [Photographers](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/photographers/): Photographers Photographers showcased in Yiddishland California’s Virtual Gallery bring diverse stories and cultural perspectives to life. Their works highlight Jewish... - [Passover Poster](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/passover-poster/): Passover PosterBelow is an amazing passover-inspired poster, check it out! Featured Art The prices presented below do not include shipping... - [Posters](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/posters/): Posters Our Posters collection at Yiddishland California highlights rare and meaningful works that combine photography, cultural history, and design. These... - [Abi Polinsky](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/abi-polinskys-art/): Abi PolinskyPolinsky is a renowned director and photographer based in New York City, specializing in fashion, fine art, and concert... - [Family Portraits](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/yiddish-family-portraits/): Tired of the same old birthday gift? Consider commissioning a portrait for your friends and family - that will be... - [Adam Bujak](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/adam-bujak/): Adam Bujak Born in Poland, 1942Bujak's photography is celebrated for its ability to capture the essence of Poland's rich heritage,... - [Bruno Schulz](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/bruno-schulz/): Bruno Schulz Born in 1892 in Drohobych, Austrian Galicia Bruno Schulz (1892–1942) was a Polish writer, fine artist, literary - [Mordecai Ardon](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/mordecai-ardon/): Mordecai Ardon 1896-1992 b. Poland d. IsraelArdon's works are displayed in major museums worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art... - [Hilary Krzysztofiak](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/hilary-krzysztofiak/): Hilary Krzysztofiak 1926-1979 b. Poland d. USAHilary Krzysztofiak's work is often associated with the post-war avante-garde movent in Poland. His... - [Ilan Hasson](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/ilan-hasson/): Ilan Hasson Born in Israel, 1958Hasson uses watercolors, gouache, acrylics, Japanese ink, and enamel colors, incorporating handmade paper. His themes... - [Our Team](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/our-team/): Jana Mazurkiewicz Meisarosh is a PhD candidate in the Slavic... She has worked as administrative staff, as well as for... - [Atara Baker](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/atara-baker/): Atara Baker 1936-2021 b. Israel d. San DiegoHer textured works, rich in vibrant colors and intricate patterns, explore "tribal memory,"... - [Ben Zion](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/ben-zion/): Ben Zion1897-1987 b. Ukraine d. NewYorkCo-Founder of "The Ten", a group of expressionist painters in New York City. Ben Zion... - [Maura Berman Vazakas](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/maura-berman-vazakas/): Maura Berman Vazakas Born in New YorkBerman’s work has been recognized and exhibited in prestigious museums and galleries across the... - [Deborah Maria Grynberg](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/debbie-grynberg/): Deborah Maria Grynberg1968 - 2007 b. Los Angeles d. MarylandA gifted artist from childhood, Debbie Grynberg left a lasting legacy... - [Reuven Rubin](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/reuven-rubin/): Reuven Rubin 1893-1974 b. Romania d. IsraelRubin was a prominent Romanian-born Israeli painter known for his contributions to the modern... - [Nahum Gutman](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/nahum-gutman/): Nahum Gutman 1898-1980 b. Moldova d. IsraelGutman’s work often reflects his deep connection to the land of Israel and its... - [Other Artists](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/other-artists/): Other ArtistsOur Other Artists collection at Yiddishland California’s Virtual Gallery celebrates world-renowned creators who, while not exclusively Yiddish artists, share... - [Marc Chagall](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/marcchagall/): Marc Chagall 1887 – 1985 b. Belarus d. France Chagall was celebrated for his colorful, dreamlike works that blended modernist... - [Digital Art](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/digital-art-yiddishland/): Digital Art Digital art powered by AI brings new dimensions to creativity, blending innovation with imagination. Featured Art The prices... - [Pomm Hepner](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/pomm-hepner/): Pomm Hepner Born in 1954, Los AngelesPomm is known for her acclaimed watercolor "Unspoken Courage" and involvement with Artists for... - [Salvador Dali](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/salvador-dali/): Salvador Dalí1904 - 1989, SpainSalvador Dalí was a Spanish surrealist artist renowned for his technical skill, precise draftsmanship, and the... - [Hebrew for Beginners](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/hebrewbeginners/) - [Jewish Poland Boutique Travel](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/boutique-travel/): Jewish Poland רײַזעס אין פּױלןBoutique Travel We are happy to announce about our cooperation with Jewish Poland Boutique Travel, a... - [More Yiddish & Judeo-Spanish (Ladino) classes, and other news](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/more-yiddish-classes-judeo-spanish-ladino-classes-and-other-news/) - [Newsletter](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/yiddishland-online-newsletter/): Yiddishland NewslettersSubscribe to the Online Newsletter from Yiddishland California and never miss an update! Our newsletter is the best way... - [Ladino (Judeo-Spanish) for Beginners](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/ladino-judeo-spanish-for-beginners/): New Course of Judeo-Sephardic (Ladino) for Beginners: ¡Buyrun al Ladino! Have you ever wanted to explore Sephardic heritage, learn the... - [Yiddish Services](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/yiddish-services/): Yiddish services at Yiddishland California bring language, culture, and community to life. We offer memberships, event planning, translation, tours, and... - [What-is-Yiddishland](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/what-is-yiddishland/): Interested in new cultural and educational activities in Baja? Join - [Marketing Intern](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/marketing-intern/): aDear Applicant, Are you looking for a marketing internship? Come and be part of a team that celebrates diverse skills,... - [Data Analysis Internship](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/data-analysis-internship/): aaaDear Applicant, Ignite Your Technical Passion and Join Our Dynamic Team! The data analysis and social media marketing internship is... - [The City without Jews (Die Stadt ohne Juden)](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/the-city-without-jews/) - [Final-Fire-Sale-Ends](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/final-fire-sale-ends/) - [Polish classes September](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/sept/): Polish Classes Payment 6 Classes - [Zelle](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/zelle/): Please send your Zelle donation to info@yiddishland. ca and include the comment 'donation'. - [Purim Farewell Fundraiser](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/purim-farewell-fundraiser/): Purim Farewell Fundraiser - [3rd-Annual-Storytime-Scavenger-Hunt](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/3rd-annual-storytime-scavenger-hunt/): This Sunday It’s Time to Spring Forward Celebrate at the 3rd Annual Storytime Scavenger Hunt. - [No End to Yiddishland-The Next Phase](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/no-end-to-yiddishland-3/): “No End to Yidishland” The next phase --- ## Posts - [Solomon Epstein: A Yiddish Voice in American Opera](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/solomon-epstein-a-yiddish-voice-in-american-opera/): Solomon Epstein: A Yiddish Voice in American Opera By Prudhvi RajSome composers write music. Solomon Epstein lived it. He didn’t... - [Yiddishland Newsletter](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/yiddishland-newsletter-2/) - [Summer Classes of Yiddish and Ladino (Judeo-Spanish) on Zoom + Survey](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/summer-classes-of-yiddish-and-ladino-judeo-spanish-on-zoom-survey-2/): ✨ Dearest Friends of YAAANA and Yiddishland California,We hope you’ve been enjoying your language learning journey with us! 🌍✍️ Summer... - [Summer Classes of Yiddish and Ladino (Judeo-Spanish) on Zoom + Survey](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/summer-classes-of-yiddish-and-ladino-judeo-spanish-on-zoom-survey/): Summer Classes of Yiddish and Ladino (Judeo-Spanish) on Zoom and a survey ✨ Dearest Friends of YAAANA and Yiddishland California,We... - [Steve Budd's Insightful Take on Love, Laughter, and the Jewish Soul](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/steve-budds-insightful-take-on-love-laughter-and-the-jewish-soul/): Steve Budd's Insightful Take on Love, Laughter, and the Jewish SoulBy Kathryn GainorWhat kind of person leans into the ache... - [A Surreal Future, A Satirical Mirror: Poland Is Not Yet Lost](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/a-surreal-future-a-satirical-mirror-poland-is-not-yet-lost/): A Surreal Future, A Satirical Mirror: Poland Is Not Yet LostBy Kathryn GainorPrepare for a thought-provoking—and at times unsettling—theatrical experience... - [Yiddishland Offerings](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/yiddishland-offerings/): Dearest Yiddish enthusiasts, a We are excited to share our upcoming educational offerings with you. Whether you are looking to... - [Christopher Columbus Blog](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/christopher-columbus/): Was Christopher Columbus Jewish and did he speak Judeo-Spanish (Ladino)? By Jana Mazurkiewicz Meisarosh, German Bernate Obando, and Kathyn GainorOn... - [Oleg Tsank Blog](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/oleg-tsank-blog/): Oleg Tsank Ukrainian-American Artist's Vibrant Works Explore the Beauty of the WorldBy Daria MaksymenkoOleg Tsank is a contemporary artist currently... - [Newsletter - New Yiddish and Ladino Courses](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/newsletter-yiddish-ladino-new-courses/): At Yiddishland CA, Yiddish and Ladino come together! Dearest Friends of YAAANA and Yiddishland California, We are excited to introduce... - [Miriam Libhaber Blog](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/miriam-libhaber-blog/): Miriam Libhaber The Synthesis between Art and ArchitectureBy Daria MaksymenkoMiriam Libhaber is a Mexican artist and architect, currently based in... - [Yiddish, Ladino (Judeo-Spanish), and Claudia Sheinbaum](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/yiddish-ladino-judeo-spanish-and-claudia-sheinbaum/): Yiddish, Ladino (Judeo-Spanish), and Claudia Sheinbaum By Jana Mazurkiewicz MeisaroshRecently, we received the news about Mexico’s new president being elected,... - [What was or what is Yiddishland?](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/what-was-or-what-is-yiddishland-ca/): What was (or is) Yiddishland? By Jana Mazurkiewicz MeisaroshVolunteering with YAAANA and Yiddishland California has shown me that, while academics... - ["The City without Jews" - Facebook without Jews? Personal Reflections from Mexican Exile - Blog](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/the-city-without-jews-facebook-without-jews-personal-reflections-from-mexican-exile-blog/): "The City without Jews" - Facebook without Jews? Personal Reflections from Mexican ExileBy Jana Mazurkiewicz MeisaroshTime to Get Serious: Yiddishland... - [Blog](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/blog/): Blogs Solomon Epstein: A Yiddish Voice in American Opera Some composers write music. Solomon Epstein lived it. He didn’t just... - ["The City without Jews" - Facebook without Jews? Personal Reflections from Mexican Exile](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/the-city-without-jews-facebook-without-jews-personal-reflections-from-mexican-exile/): Dear Friends of YAAANA and Yiddishland California, Thank you to everyone who supported our highlight event, “The City Without Jews,”... - [Yiddishland Newsletter](https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/yiddishland-newsletter/) --- # # Detailed Content ## Pages - Published: 2025-10-08 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/englishversionauto-draft/ "You can take a Jew out of a shtetl but you can't take a shtetl out of a Jew. " On Sunday, April 6th, the Marbella Jewish Community hosted a unique lecture on Yiddish language and culture, given by Jana Mazurkiewicz. Jana is the founder and director of the non- profit organization Yiddish Arts and Academics Association of North America (YAAANA). The lecture “What was and what is Yiddishland” included slides and music and dispelled the myth that Yiddish is a dead language, showing a captive audience that it is in fact very much alive. In an overview of the language’s 1,000 year history, the audience was taken to its origins in the Alsace region of France and through the publication of the first Yiddish book Bovo-Buch by Elia Levita Bachur. Then, Jana explained how in 1908 Yiddish was voted "a national language of the Jewish people" at the Czernowitz Conference, elevating its status and leading eventually to Yiddishism, a cultural and linguistic effort which strives to preserve this language and the rich cultural heritage that surrounds it. (... ) Jana concluded her very informative lecture with a famous Yiddish song, “Bulbes” (poor people's potatoes), inviting all those present to join in and experience the joy that is this truly expressive language. --- - Published: 2025-10-08 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/spanishversion/ "Puedes sacar a un judío de un shtetl pero no puedes sacar un shtetl de un judío. " El domingo seis de abril, la Comunidad judía de Marbella acogió una conferencia única sobre el Yiddish, impartida por Jana Mazurkiewicz, fundadora de YAAANA, la organización sin ánimo de lucro, Yiddish Arts and Academics Association de América del norte. La conferencia, que incluyó diapositivas y música, desmintió el mito de que el yiddish es una lengua muerta, mostrando a un público cautivado que, de hecho, es una lengua más que viva. Desde sus orígenes en la región francesa de Alsacia hasta la publicación del primer libro en Yiddish Bovo-Buch de Elia Levita Bachur, Jana explicó que en 1. 908 el Yiddish fue elegido "idioma nacional del pueblo judío" en la Conferencia de Czernowitz, lo que elevó su estatus y condujo finalmente al Yiddishism, un esfuerzo cultural y lingüístico que busca preservar esta lengua y el rico patrimonio cultural que la rodea. Se espera que Yiddishland, el museo itinerante de YAAANA, se establezca en la Costa del Sol en un futuro no muy lejano, para ofrecer eventos educativos y artísticos para todas las edades, difundiendo la alegría del Yiddishkeit a través de clases, obras de arte, y obras de teatro. Su objetivo principal es recrear el ambiente de los shtetl, los pequeños pueblos con oficios que abundaban en la Europa del este antes del Holocausto. Jana concluyó su instructiva charla con una famosa canción Yiddish titulada "Bubas" (patatas de la gente pobre) invitando... --- - Published: 2025-10-04 - Modified: 2025-10-17 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/requirements-for-interns-on-opt/ a a a Requirements for Interns on OPT Designated School Official (DSO): At the start of your internship, you must provide the name and contact information of your Designated School Official (DSO). You are also required to give us two references either school advisor, professor, or employer. Work Hours: To maintain your OPT, you must work a minimum commitment of 21 hours per week or more and have daily communication. You are required to track your documented hours and submit them to the shared drive daily, as well as all hours upon completion of your internship. You are also required to show your work to us and post it in the specific spots in our shared drive. Communication: All interns are required to maintain communication with the assigned internship supervisor on a daily basis, providing a report that includes an update on the status of your tasks. Consistent check-ins are essential for OPT. If we do not hear from you, we are required to contact your DSO advisor. Absences: There are no vacation days for internships taken for OPT. For sick days, you must notify Jana in advance and provide a doctor's note. Release Letters: At the end of the internship, upon completion of all assigned projects and approval by the internship supervisor, coordinator and Yiddishland’s SEO, interns can receive a release letter, marking the official termination of their internship. The obtention of a release letter is subjected to providing a 14-day notice before the last day of the internship,... --- - Published: 2025-10-03 - Modified: 2025-10-19 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/jewish-meditation-circle/ HEALING HARTS:Guided Meditation & Healing Join Meaghan Fitzsimmons 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 — November 13, December 11, January 8,February 12Time: 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: Meaghan Fitzsimmons Our Coach’s Bio: Meaghan Fitzsimmons 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. Please see our Events Calendar and Other Upcoming Events! FollowFollowFollowFollowFollow --- - Published: 2025-09-10 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/yiddish-classes-for-absolute-beginners/ Donate Subscribe Yiddish for Absolute Beginners with Osian Evans Sharma Over the course of eight sessions, students will begin their journey into Yiddishland, exploring both the language and get a taste of its rich culture. The course begins with learning to read and write the alef-beys (alphabet). From there, students will soon be ready to read selections from Yiddish literature, sing traditional Yiddish folksongs, and practice everyday expressions. Students will learn how to introduce themselves, share their stories, and describe their personal connections to Yiddish. All learning materials will be provided by the teacher. When: Sundays, January 11 – March 1, 2026. 10:30 a. m. – 11:30 a. m PT / 13:30 p. m. – 14:30 p. m. ET / 12:30 p. m. - 13:30 p. m. CT / 18:30 p. m. - 19:30 p. m. GMT / 19:30 p. m. - 20:30 p. m. in Central Europe. Where: Online via Zoom Cost:Early Bird: $30 per session, $220 for 8 classes available until December 26th, 2025 Regular: $40 per session, $300 for 8 sessions Teacher: Osian (Oshn) Evans Sharma He is a Yiddish teacher from the UK. He has studied Yiddish at University College London, and courses in Tel Aviv, Berlin and Paris. He has led Yiddish poetry courses online for Babel’s Blessing Language School and in-person workshops at the Shtetl Berlin Festival, the Maison de la Culture Yiddish and the Yiddish Sof-Vokh UK, which he also helps to organise. He teaches at the summer programme ‘Ot Azoy’ and recently... --- - Published: 2025-09-03 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/reading-and-crafting-yiddish-poetry-with-osian-evans-sharma/ Donate Subscribe Reading and Crafting Yiddish Poetry with Osian Evans Sharma Join us for a creative-critical exploration of Yiddish poetry, where language, history and the imagination meet. We will study the works of great poets, and take inspiration from them to create new works. Our journey will take us through traditional verse as well as avant-garde experimentation, covering sound poetry, Oulipo constraints and multilingual wordplay. This course is designed for students who have already studied Yiddish for a term (or equivalent), and for speakers who can read and understand basic Yiddish, but it can be enjoyed by speakers of all levels looking to grow their Yiddish creativity. By the end of the six-week course, students will have a deeper appreciation for poetic craft in Yiddish, and develop a poem of their own. All materials will be provided by the instructor. (Transliteration of texts will be available upon request. ) When : Sundays, January 11 – February 1512–1 p. m. PT / 3–4 p. m. ET / 8–9 p. m. GMT / 9–10 p. m. CET Where: Online via Zoom Cost: Early Bird: $150 all 6 weeks or $25 for a 60-minute online class (early bird, if paid before Tuesday, October 14, 2025) Student Pricing (Upload ID): $150 all 6 weeks or $25 for a 60-minute online class Regular Pricing: $180 all 6 weeks or $30 for a 60-minute online class Osian (Oshn) Evans Sharma is a Yiddish teacher from the UK. He has studied Yiddish at University College London, and... --- - Published: 2025-09-02 - Modified: 2025-10-17 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/intermediate-advanced-conversational-yiddish/ Intermediate-Advanced Conversational Yiddish 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. Days and times will be adjusted to accommodate the majority of interested. When: Sundays, January 4 – February 1, 2026: 12:30 – 1:30 p. m. PT / 3:30 – 4:30 p. m. ET / 9:30 – 10:30 p. m. Central European Time Where: Online via Zoom Cost: 5 classes for $180 (early bird, if paid before Dec 15), $200 (regular price) Teacher: Julia Koifman 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. Please see our Events Calendar and Other Upcoming Events! FollowFollowFollowFollowFollow --- - Published: 2025-08-30 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/art-from-the-lodz-ghetto-a-talk-by-jeniffer-stern/ Donate Subscribe Art from the Lodz Ghetto - a Talk by Jennifer Stern   Jennifer Stern will talk about some of the extraordinary artworks that survive from the World War II-era ghetto in Lodz, Poland. The ghetto was created by the Nazis in 1940. By the time it was “liquidated” in 1944, more than 200,000 Jews had been imprisoned there. Around 45,000 died of hunger and disease. Most who were still alive in 1944 were deported to Auschwitz or Chelmno and murdered. But the Lodz ghetto was run in an unusual way, and there were some surprising opportunities for imprisoned artists to make paintings, drawings and decorative metal objects. Come hear about these amazing visual treasures, and what they teach us about Jewish endurance in horrific conditions. When: Sunday, January 11, 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 Sunday, January 4, 2026) Regular admission: $25 Jennifer Stern lives near Boston, Massachusetts. She has an MA in Art History from Yale University, and worked for 26 years in the Art History department at Brandeis University. She writes about art and culture in English and Yiddish for the Forverts. Please see our Events Calendar and Other Upcoming Events! FollowFollowFollowFollowFollow --- - Published: 2025-08-07 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/ladino-course-for-beginners-level-2/ Continue Your Journey in Judeo-Spanish (Ladino) Ladino Course for Beginners – Level 2   Have you completed a beginner Ladino course and want to go further? Or perhaps you have a basic knowledge of Spanish? Join our next-level Ladino course and keep exploring the rich language and culture of Sephardic Jews! What to Expect: Expand your vocabulary and improve your speaking skills Read longer texts in Judeo-Spanish (Ladino) – in both Latin and (a little) Rashi script Discover Sephardic proverbs, stories, and traditional songs Learn basic grammar structures and everyday expressionsThis course is designed for learners who have completed a beginner-level Ladino course or have basic knowledge of Ladino or Spanish. When: Mondays, February 9 – March 23, 2026 (no class on March 2) 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 January 26): 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. Please see our Events Calendar and Other Upcoming Events! FollowFollowFollowFollowFollow --- - Published: 2025-08-05 - Modified: 2025-10-17 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/data-organizer-internship/ a a a Dear Applicant, The Yiddish Arts and Academics Association of North America (YAAANA) and its physical location, Yiddishland California, are seeking a Data Organizing Analyst Intern. Our mission is to promote Yiddish language and culture through academic and artistic events. To learn more about our organization, please visit our website. We are looking for a highly organized and detail-oriented individual to help us manage, maintain, and analyze our database. This is an unpaid, remote internship and can be taken for academic credit. Interns will receive free access to all YAAANA events and classes as well as to the YAAANA archives. Key Responsibilities and Duties Organize data and maintain accurate records. Assist with scheduling and verifying meetings. Help generate reports for organizational purposes. Support the onboarding process by assisting with file management. Organize cloud storage by focusing on naming conventions and file folders. Assist with the documentation, organization, and retrieval of policy, procedure, and legal files. Other duties as assigned. Work Experience & Skills Completion of relevant college-level course work, such as progress towards a degree in marketing, finance, or a related field. Strong organizational skills, administrative skills, and attention to detail. Proficient with file management and cloud storage systems with a general understanding of google workspace and salesforce. Ability to work independently, with minimal supervision in a remote environment. Strong initiative and time management. Familiarity with Jewish culture is a plus. Learning Objectives Interns will gain practical experience in data management and organization within a professional setting. Interns... --- - Published: 2025-08-01 - Modified: 2025-10-17 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/graphic-design-internship/ a Dear Applicant, The Yiddish Arts and Academic Association of North America (YAAANA) and its physical location called Yiddishland California, both based in San Diego, California, are looking for a Graphic Designer intern. The mission of YAAANA and Yiddishland California is to promote Yiddish language and culture through academic and artistic events. To learn more about the organization, please visit www. yiddishlandcalifornia. org. We are currently seeking an organized, energetic, and diligent individual to assist us in designing images for our social media, website and other promotional and dissemination channels. No knowledge of the Yiddish language is required. Our interns receive free access to all YAAANA and Yiddishland California events and classes as well as to the YAAANA and Yiddishland California archives. Internships are unpaid, but can be taken for college credit. We offer in-person and remote internships. Key responsibilities & duties Create graphic content for our organization’s website and social media. Assist the YAAANA team in creating graphics for educational materials Work experience & skills Intermediate to advanced graphic design skills, with knowledge of Adobe Illustrator or similar programs Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Strong initiative and creativity. Familiarity with Jewish culture is a plus. Learning Objectives Interns will gain further experience with multiple graphic design softwares. Interns will gain a further understanding of Jewish culture. Learning Outcomes Interns will become proficient with multiple graphic design softwares. Interns will have completed pieces that can be added to the intern’s portfolio. Estimated Duration Full-time: preferably 8 weeks, minimum... --- - Published: 2025-08-01 - Modified: 2025-10-17 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/internship-benefits/ a a a What Interns Gain at YAAANA At YAAANA, internships offer a unique opportunity to contribute to YAAANA’s mission while developing invaluable skills. Here is interns will gain: Academic Advancement: For students, this internship can count toward class credits for qualifying colleges. We offer OPT for students who need it. Career Headway: Upon successful completion and demonstrating a strong performance, exceptional interns will earn valuable recommendation letters while applying for jobs. Exclusive YAAANA Access: Interns get the privilege of free access to all YAAANA events and classes, alongside full access to the comprehensive YAAANA archives. Professional development: Our diverse internship opportunities help interns develop a range of soft and hard skills. Depending on the chosen internship, you could gain experience in different areas, for example: Soft Skills: Planning, self-discipline, analytical thinking, research, oral and written communication, among many skills. Hard Skills: Social media management and analysis, website design and development, writing, graphic design and more. Leadership & Insight: Take initiative and cultivate strong leadership skills by driving projects from concept to completion. This practical real life experience not only offers insights into diverse business operations but also helps illuminate professional passions. Flexible Work Environment: Benefit from a supportive hybrid, remote, and/or in-person (in person in La Plaz, Mexico) structure, with flexible hours designed to accommodate both task requirements and academic schedules. We invite interested individuals to learn more about our mission and opportunities here: https://yiddishlandcalifornia. org/yiddishland-interns-volunteers/. Please see our other Internship Opportunities! FollowFollowFollowFollowFollow --- - Published: 2025-07-07 - Modified: 2025-07-19 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/yiddish-literature-and-the-singer-family/ Before We Go: Yiddishland’s San Diego Tribute to the Singer Family and Yiddish Literature Yiddish, once the everyday language of Ashkenazi Jews across Eastern Europe, gave rise to a rich modern literature beginning in the late 19th century. While many of its finest writers remain little known today, one remarkable family stands out: the Singers. Isaac Bashevis Singer is best known to contemporary audiences, being widely translated and awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1978. Bashevis’s fame follows that of his prolific older brother, Israel Joshua Singer, who was a pivotal figure in Yiddish literature Their eldest sister, Esther Kreitman, was a gifted author in her own right, but had a very different trajectory from her celebrated brothers. This talk will provide an overview of modern Yiddish literature and spotlight the extraordinary literary contributions of the Singer family. When: Sunday, July 20, 5 p. m. - 6:30 p. m. PT (7 p. m. - 8:30 p. m. CT, 8:00 p. m. - 9:30 p. m. ET). Where: A private residence on Mt. Soledad (address available upon registration) and online on Zoom. Cost: Regular admission: $25 Regular admission on Zoom: $18 Speaker: Our speaker, Steven Leon, is President of Kahal Am, San Diego’s only Humanistic Judaism congregation. A lifelong admirer of Yiddish literature, Steve began collecting Yiddish works after attending a lecture by Isaac Bashevis Singer in the 1960s. He holds a PhD in Mathematics, taught for many years on the East Coast, and has been a Visiting Professor at... --- - Published: 2025-06-28 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/news-in-mame-loshn-reading-der-forverts-in-yiddish/ Donate Subscribe News in mame-loshn: Reading der Forverts in Yiddish 2 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: Tuesdays, starting on December 2, ending on January 6,1–2 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. Please see our Events Calendar and Other Upcoming Events! FollowFollowFollowFollowFollow --- - Published: 2025-06-12 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/balance-yoga-oct-2025/ 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 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. Please see our Events Calendar and Other Upcoming Events! FollowFollowFollowFollowFollow --- - Published: 2025-06-12 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/gratitude-yoga-nov-2025/ 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 30, 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, November 26, 2025):$15 Regular admission (if paid after Wednesday, November 26, 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. Please see our Events Calendar and Other Upcoming Events! FollowFollowFollowFollowFollow --- - Published: 2025-06-12 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/new-year-intentions-yoga-dec-2025/ New Year Intentions with Yoga in Yiddish Set some new intentions for 2026 in this yoga class. Join in to let go of all of the ups and downs of 2025 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 28, 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, December 24, 2025):$15 Regular admission (if paid after Wednesday, December 24, 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. Please see our Events Calendar and Other Upcoming Events! FollowFollowFollowFollowFollow --- - Published: 2025-05-27 - Modified: 2025-08-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/yiddish-literature-from-latin-america/ Treasures of 20th-Century Yiddish Literature from Latin AmericaThis 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’... --- - Published: 2025-05-27 - Modified: 2025-09-23 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/serkele-class-explore-1820-jewish-life/ "Serkele": A Peek into the World of 1820s Polish JewryConsidered 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. Please see our Events Calendar and Other Upcoming Events! facebooktwitterinstagramlinkedinyoutube --- - Published: 2025-05-22 - Modified: 2025-08-25 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/about-us-new/ Who We AreYiddishland California in La Jolla is a non-denominational traveling cultural center and museum created by the non-profit organization Yiddish Arts and Academics Association of North America (YAAANA), registered in the State of California. People of all ages and backgrounds are invited to attend our programs. Yiddishland California’s mission is to expand awareness of the beauty and joy of Yiddishkeit and to preserve and advance Yiddish language and culture within the US and worldwide. Our events and offerings include concerts, performances, language and art classes, lectures, exhibits, and much more. You can join us from near and far in-person in San Diego and in Lower Baja California as well as online. As we are expanding our reach, we are happy to provide guest speakers and performers - in Yiddish or English - for other locations within the US, Mexico and Europe. Our long term project is to create an immersive, shtetl-inspired, multigenerational community for Yiddish and non-Yiddish speakers alike. We envision a mixed-usage community that will incorporate guest rooms and a living museum, where we will host cultural, artistic public and private events, as well as Yiddish cultural retreats and language courses. YAAANA is classified as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization according to the standards of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Our EIN is 85-2064877, and all donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Some of Yiddishland California’s artwork is currently featured at UC San Diego Hillel. Tours are available by appointment. Feel free to book a tour... --- - Published: 2025-05-16 - Modified: 2025-08-14 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/yiddishland-in-the-news-2/ Interested in writing a story about (or just learning more about) YIDDISHLAND? Reach out to us at info@yiddishland. caYiddishland: nueva iniciativa cultural en expansión (Article in Spanish) El proyecto original nace en San Diego, California 04/09/2024Kielczanka w programie "Jestem z Polski" (Article in Polish) Pochodząca z Kielc Jana Mazurkiewicz-Meisarosh 04/28/2024The Forverts Yiddishland California seeks generous donations to keep it in seaside La Jolla. 12/21/2023Shoutout Social Meet Jana (Joanna) Mazurkiewicz Meisarosh | A Yiddish performer, scholar, and activist. 06/27/2023The Washington Post Amid Rising Antisemitism, the Vivid Language of Yiddish Makes a Comeback. 09/23/2023SDVoyager Inspiring Conversations with Jana Mazurkiewicz Meisarosh of Yiddishland California. San Diego Jewish World Polish Jewish Yiddishist Seeks Revival of Eastern European Jewish Culture. 04/23/2023Yiddish Book Center Jana Mazurkiewicz Meisarosh’s Oral History. The Washington Post The pandemic and apps are fueling a surge of interest in Yiddish. 09/30/2022In Geveb Diary of a Yiddish Teacher During the War, Tanya Yakovleva. 05/06/2022Forverts The Brave Yiddish Startup. 05/06/2022Atlas Obscura The Yiddish language stages a renaissance in a shtetl-inspired cultural center on the San Diego coast. 05/06/2022Kusi News Yiddishland California celebrates Jewish holiday Purim Simkhe. 03/19/2022La Jolla Limelight: Yiddishland La Jolla by The Sea. 12/01/2021Sdnews Yiddishland brings Eastern Europe to Village La Jolla. 02/10/2022Forverts San Diego Yiddish organization, YAAANA, now has a physical space. 10/23/2021La Jolla Light It’s needed here: Yiddishland California Shares Jewish Culture. 11/11/2021Fishl's Yiddish Group's Meeting Jana Mazurkiewicz: Yiddishland. 07/06/2021L'chaim Magazine For the Love of Yiddish. 08/19/2021The Wall Street Journal Designing a Flag for Yiddish Takes Chutzpah. 04/06/2021Please learn more... --- - Published: 2025-05-12 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/yiddish-themed-parties/ Yiddish-themed Parties שׂימחות Yiddish-themed parties at Yiddishland California bring cultural flair, creativity, and joy to any occasion. Whether you’re planning a birthday, anniversary, wedding, or corporate gathering, our events combine festive entertainment with authentic Yiddish traditions. From whimsical fairy tales that delight children to stylish retro celebrations that transport guests to another era, each Yiddish-themed party is thoughtfully designed to match your vision. We provide themed décor, live music, traditional foods, and interactive activities that keep everyone engaged. Our creative team draws inspiration from Yiddish stories, music, and art, making every event both fun and culturally meaningful. You can choose from our curated packages or work with us to develop a fully custom celebration. Options include artistic performances, cultural workshops, and special appearances from our talented community members. We handle every detail, from concept to execution, so you can relax and enjoy the celebration. Whether your style is elegant, playful, or eclectic, our Yiddish-themed parties bring people together in a warm and vibrant atmosphere. Why choose Yiddishland California for your event? Deep cultural expertise and artistic talent Flexible packages for private and community events Unique décor and entertainment rooted in tradition Celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and special milestones with us and create lasting memories. View our upcoming events to see the spirit of Yiddishland in action. For bookings and inquiries, email info@yiddishland. ca or call 619-719-1776. Please see our other Yiddish Services. --- - Published: 2025-05-12 - Modified: 2025-08-18 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/jewish-poland-boutique-travel/ Jewish Poland רײַזעס אין פּױלן Boutique Travel We are happy to announce about our cooperation with Jewish Poland Boutique Travel, a family-run platform dedicated to crafting personalized heritage journeys that align with your own needs. About Jewish Poland Boutique Travel From the moment you reach out to us, we take care of every aspect of your travel, from pre-booking tickets, accommodations, and restaurants to arranging local tours and visits, as well as offering our individual drivers and guides. We organise both short and long trips, and we're also happy to arrange escapades to specific destinations of your choice. Let us guide you through the heart of Poland's Jewish heritage! Immerse yourself in the unique Jewish history and partake in the vibrant local celebrations of Jewish culture! Discover Your Heritage Through Boutique Travel in Poland At Yiddishland California, we believe that every journey should be a meaningful one. That’s why we’ve partnered with Jewish Poland Boutique Travel to offer unique, personalized travel experiences rooted in Jewish history and culture. These boutique tours are designed for individuals, families, and groups who want more than just sightseeing—they want connection, discovery, and authenticity. Our travel experts curate immersive itineraries across Poland, guiding you through historic Jewish landmarks, synagogues, museums, and cultural festivals. Whether you're visiting Warsaw, Krakow, or smaller towns rich with ancestral history, each trip is tailored to your interests and schedule. From luxurious accommodations to cozy guesthouses, we offer flexible options to suit every traveler. What sets us apart is our attention... --- - Published: 2025-05-12 - Modified: 2025-08-17 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/upcoming-events-yiddishland-california/ Journey Through Yiddish Culture—See Where We're Going Next! April 25, Santa Fe, New MexicoApril 27, Phoenix, ArizonaApril 28, Phoenix, ArizonaApril 29, Tucson, ArizonaWe are excited to share that our journey across the United States continues as we give free lectures on Yiddish language, Yiddish culture, and Yiddishland(s). Our mission is to preserve and promote Yiddish heritage through engaging educational programs, cultural events, and artistic performances. We’re thrilled by the warm reception and enthusiasm we've encountered so far and are eager to connect with more communities along the way. What was and what is Yiddishland? ? װאָס איז געװען און װאָס איז ייִדישלאַנד Yiddish language and culture are seemingly unquenchable springs of inspiration for the analytical and the creative mind. Contemporary artists are able to draw from these multifaceted texts, images, and memories to create meaningful art today. Jana Mazurkiewicz Meisarosh The founder of the Yiddish Arts and Academics Association of North America (YAAANA) – will take you through a brief history of Yiddish, Yiddishland, and the imperative of its legacy for imagining a sustainable creative community. We would love to hear from you! If you are interested, feel free to fill out this form and we will contact you. We are excited to share that our journey across the United States continues as we give free lectures on Yiddish language, Yiddish culture, and Yiddishland(s). Our mission is to preserve and promote Yiddish heritage through engaging educational programs, cultural events, and artistic performances. We’re thrilled by the warm reception and enthusiasm... --- - Published: 2025-05-11 - Modified: 2025-08-17 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/oy-what-they-said-about-love/ Oy, What They Said About Love 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 on-line: $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).    Please see our Events Calendar and Other... --- - Published: 2025-04-03 - Modified: 2025-08-24 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/jewish-poland-boutique-travel-2/ Jewish Poland Boutique Travel is a family-run platform dedicated to creating meaningful and personalized heritage journeys. By combining local expertise with cultural depth, these curated trips connect travelers with the stories, places, and traditions that define Jewish history in Poland. About Jewish Mexico Retreat From the moment you reach out, we handle every detail of your journey—from booking flights and accommodations to arranging personalized dining experiences, private drivers, and expert-led tours. Whether you're planning a quick getaway or a longer retreat, we customize each experience to fit your needs, including bespoke trips to your chosen destinations. Let us lead you through Mexico's rich Jewish heritage, where you can explore its fascinating history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant local traditions. We offer both short and extended trips and can organize exclusive, tailor-made escapes to destinations of your choice. Immerse yourself in the heart of Mexico’s Jewish culture and take part in the exciting local celebrations that bring this heritage to life. WARSAW JUDAICA CITY TOUR Visit World‘s 2nd and Europe‘s 1st biggest pre-war assembly of JewsFill out our Contact Form! We’re excited to help you plan your dream getaway with YAAANA’s Mexico Retreats! To create a customized itinerary tailored to your preferences, simply fill out the contact form below. Based on your responses, we will craft and email you a personalized travel plan that perfectly suits your needs. If you have any questions or need assistance in the meantime, don’t hesitate to email us at info@yiddishland. ca. Let’s make your retreat an... --- - Published: 2025-04-03 - Modified: 2025-08-17 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/spain-retreat/ Retreat Spain Retiro España Boutique Travel Immerse yourself in the rich beauty of Yiddish culture in the breathtaking setting of Valencia, Spain! This one-of-a-kind retreat will combine Yiddish language, music, storytelling, dance, and culinary traditions, creating a vibrant space for learning, creativity, and community building. Connect with fellow cultural enthusiasts, celebrate Jewish heritage, and experience the magic of Yiddish culture in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Share with us what would make this gathering truly special for you, and let us craft an experience that you'll cherish forever. About Jewish Spain Retreat From the moment you connect with us, we take care of every detail of your journey—whether it's booking flights, accommodations, or curated dining experiences. We also arrange personalized tours, private drivers, and expert guides to ensure a seamless, stress-free experience. Whether you're planning a quick getaway or a longer retreat, we tailor your trip to meet your unique preferences, including bespoke excursions to destinations of your choice. Discover the rich Jewish heritage of Spain, from historical landmarks to vibrant local traditions. Immerse yourself in centuries-old Jewish history while celebrating Spain’s distinctive cultural offerings. Let us guide you through an unforgettable, culturally enriching journey that combines the best of Jewish heritage and Spain’s beauty! WARSAW JUDAICA CITY TOUR Visit World‘s 2nd and Europe‘s 1st biggest pre-war assembly of Jews Fill out our Contact Form! We are excited to assist you in planning your perfect getaway with YAAANA’s Spain Retreats! To create a personalized itinerary tailored to your preferences, kindly... --- - Published: 2025-02-06 - Modified: 2025-02-17 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/yoga-classes-blossoming-yoga/ Blossoming Yoga in YiddishIn 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 Early Bird (if paid on/before 20 March 2025):$15 Regular admission (if paid after 20 March 2025): $18 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. Please see our Events Calendar and Other Upcoming Events! facebooktwitterinstagramlinkedinyoutube --- - Published: 2025-02-06 - Modified: 2025-03-20 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/yoga-classes-heart-yoga/ Heart Yoga in YiddishIn 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, 5:00 p. m. in the UK, 6:00 p. m. in Central Europe). Where: on Zoom Early Bird (if paid on/before 23 May 2025):$15 Regular admission (if paid on/after 23 May 2025): $18   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. Please see our Events Calendar and Other Upcoming Events! facebooktwitterinstagramlinkedinyoutube --- - Published: 2025-02-06 - Modified: 2025-03-20 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/yoga-classes-energy-yoga/ Energy Yoga in YiddishIn this yoga class we will progressive 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, 5:00 p. m. in the UK, 6:00 p. m. in Central Europe). Where: on Zoom Early Bird (if paid on/before 24 April 2025):$15 Regular admission (if paid after 24 April 2025): $18 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. Please see our Events Calendar and Other Upcoming Events! facebooktwitterinstagramlinkedinyoutube --- - Published: 2025-01-28 - Modified: 2025-08-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/conversational-yiddish-for-beginners-feb-2025/ Conversational Yiddish for BeginnersThis in-person 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! This course's language of instruction is English. When: Thursdays, February 13, 2025 - March 6, 2025 : 5-6 p. m. Central European Time. Where: In person -- Cabanyal, Valencia, Spain. (Exact location will be provided upon registration). Interested? Please email jana@yiddishland. ca for more information 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. Please see our Events Calendar and Other Upcoming Events! facebooktwitterinstagramlinkedinyoutube --- - Published: 2025-01-24 - Modified: 2025-10-17 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/salesforce-specialist-intern/ a Dear Applicant, The Yiddish Arts and Academic Association of North America (YAAANA) and its physical location called Yiddishland California, both based in San Diego, California, are looking for a Salesforce Specialist Intern. This internship provides hands-on experience in managing and optimizing Salesforce CRM for a non-profit organization. The role focuses on Salesforce administrative functions such as user management, data integrity, and process automation, while offering insights into how CRMs support fundraising and engagement efforts within a cultural non-profit setting. To learn more about the organization, please visit www. yiddishlandcalifornia. org. We are currently seeking an organized, analytical, and diligent individual to assist with Salesforce administrative tasks. Familiarity with Salesforce reporting and dashboard creation is a plus. Our interns receive access to all YAAANA events and classes as well as to the YAAANA archives. Internships are unpaid, but can be taken for college credit. We offer in-person and remote internships. Responsibilities Include 1. User and Security Management: Assist with managing user accounts, profiles, and permissions within Salesforce to ensure data security and appropriate access levels. 2. Data Cleansing and Maintenance: Analyze existing data within Salesforce, identify inconsistencies, and implement data cleansing strategies to improve data quality and accuracy. 3. Process Automation: Explore and document current workflows within Salesforce. Propose and potentially implement automation solutions using Salesforce tools (e. g. , Process Builder, Flow) to streamline tasks and improve efficiency. 4. Reporting and Analysis: Generate reports and dashboards to track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to fundraising, membership, and program participation.... --- - Published: 2025-01-24 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/yiddish-for-absolute-beginners-2/ Donate Subscribe Yiddish Classes for Absolute Beginners 2 Basic Grammar and Conversation 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, October 2, 2025) Regular Admission: 8 classes for $370 Teacher: Julia Koifman 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. Please see our Events Calendar and Other Upcoming Events! FollowFollowFollowFollowFollow --- - Published: 2025-01-24 - Modified: 2025-08-25 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/news-in-mame-loshn-reading-der-forverts-in-yiddish-2/ NEWYiddish Classes for Absolute Beginners Reading and Writing the Alef-beysThis 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, July 6, 2025 - August 10, 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 $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. Please see our Events Calendar and Other... --- - Published: 2024-12-09 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/traveling-talks/ Donate Subscribe Traveling Talks ייִדישלאַנד אַרום דער װעלט Journey Through Yiddish Culture—See Where We're Going Next! We would love to hear from you! If you are interested, feel free to fill out this form and we will contact you. Name How did you learn about us? Email Address When would you like to schedule your talk? (MM/DD/YY) Schedule your Guest talk! Yiddish language and culture are seemingly unquenchable springs of inspiration for the analytical and the creative mind. Contemporary artists are able to draw from these multifaceted texts, images and memories to create meaningful art today. Jana Mazurkiewicz Meisarosh – the founder of the Yiddish Arts and Academics Association of North America (YAAANA) – will take you through a brief history of Yiddish, Yiddishland, and the imperative of its legacy for imagining a sustainable creative community. Presenter: Jana Mazurkiewicz Meisarosh Jana Mazurkiewicz Meisarosh The founder of the Yiddish Arts and Academics Association of North America (YAAANA) – will take you through a brief history of Yiddish, Yiddishland, and the imperative of its legacy for imagining a sustainable creative community. Suzanne Kutner, Marbella Jewish Community "Puedes sacar a un judío de un shtetl pero no puedes sacar un READ MORE "You can take a Jew out of a shtetl but you can't take a shtetl out of a Jew. " READ MORE "You can take a Jew out of a shtetl but you can't take a shtetl out of a Jew. " " On Sunday, April 6th, the Marbella Jewish Community... --- - Published: 2024-12-03 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/about-us-spanish/ Donate Subscribe Sobre nosostros װעגן אונדז Yiddishland California Yiddishland California, ubicado en el corazón de La Jolla, San Diego, es un espacio cultural único dedicado a la preservación, revitalización y difusión de la lengua y cultura Yiddish. Nuestra misión es mantener vivo este legado, conectando generaciones a través de experiencias educativas y artísticas. El Yiddish, idioma históricamente hablado por millones de judíos en Europa del Este y la diáspora, es mucho más que una lengua: es un puente hacia un universo de literatura, música, teatro y tradiciones que forman parte fundamental de la memoria colectiva del pueblo judío. Yiddishland busca ser un faro cultural para todos aquellos interesados en aprender Yiddish en California, descubrir sus raíces o simplemente explorar su riqueza cultural. Actividades y Programas En Yiddishland California ofrecemos una amplia gama de experiencias: Clases de idioma Yiddish para todos los niveles. Talleres de música klezmer, con instrumentos y melodías tradicionales. Teatro Yiddish y lecturas dramatizadas de obras clásicas. Clases de cocina ashkenazí, transmitiendo recetas familiares de generación en generación. Proyecciones de cine Yiddish y documentales históricos. Programas educativos para niños y jóvenes, fomentando el orgullo cultural. Eventos comunitarios y festivales que celebran la identidad judía en un ambiente acogedor. Nuestra Visión Queremos que La Jolla se convierta en un punto de referencia para la cultura Yiddish en Estados Unidos y Latinoamérica, un lugar donde residentes y visitantes puedan sumergirse en la herencia judía y contribuir activamente a su preservación. Ya sea que busques cursos de Yiddish en San Diego,... --- - Published: 2024-11-19 - Modified: 2024-11-19 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/hr-intern/ aDear Applicant, The Yiddish Arts and Academic Association of North America (YAAANA) and its physical location called Yiddishland California, both based in San Diego, California, are looking for a Human Resources intern. The mission of YAAANA and Yiddishland California is to promote Yiddish language and culture through academic and artistic events. To learn more about the organization, please visit www. yiddishlandcalifornia. org. We are currently seeking an organized, energetic, and diligent individual to assist us with HR tasks. No knowledge of Yiddish language is required. Our interns receive free access to all YAAANA events and classes as well as to the YAAANA archives. Internships are unpaid, but can be taken for college credit. We offer in-person and remote internships.   Key Responsibilities and Duties As a Human Resources Intern with YAAANA, you will gain hands-on experience in key HR processes and support our organization's growth. This position requires a proactive and detail-oriented individual who is excited to learn about talent acquisition, onboarding, and employee engagement. Your main responsibilities will include: Interview Process Management: Conduct initial screenings and assist in interviewing potential candidates, evaluating qualifications and alignment with organizational needs. Onboarding Support: Facilitate the onboarding process for selected candidates, ensuring a smooth transition into their roles. This includes handling onboarding emails and guiding candidates through initial stages. Communication & Outreach: Respond to applications, maintain communication with interested candidates, and manage email correspondence. Scheduling & Coordination: Arrange and confirm interview schedules, set up calendar invites, and manage appointments. Ensure that all necessary... --- - Published: 2024-11-02 - Modified: 2025-10-17 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/data-analyst-positions/ Data Analyst Internships Click on the internship position offers below to learn more We look forward to working with you! Social Media/Analyst Data Organization/Analyst Marketing/Analyst Web Developer/Analyst Please see our Volunteer Opportunities. FollowFollowFollowFollowFollow --- - Published: 2024-11-02 - Modified: 2025-10-17 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/marketing-analyst-internship/ a Marketing and Data Analysis Internship Dear Applicant, Are you looking for a data analysis/marketing internship? Come and be part of a team that celebrates diverse skills, experiences, and perspectives in the field of marketing research and data science. The Yiddish Arts and Academic Association of North America (YAAANA) and its cultural center called Yiddishland California, both based in San Diego, California, are looking for marketing and data analyst interns. The mission of YAAANA and Yiddishland California is to promote Yiddish language and culture through academic and artistic events. To learn more about the organization, please visit www. yiddishlandcalifornia. org. Our interns receive free access to all YAAANA and Yiddishland California events and classes as well as to the YAAANA and Yiddishland California archives. Internships are unpaid, but college credit can be earned. We offer in-person and remote internships. Position Overview: Ideal candidates for this position have an interest in the marketing and data analysis fields, and a willingness to learn. Essential Functions of the Role: Conduct market research and analyze competitor strategies. Support the development of marketing campaigns and initiatives. Help coordinate promotional events and activities. Monitor and report on the performance of marketing efforts. Collaborate with the creative team to design marketing materials. Assist in email marketing campaigns, database management, A/B testing and predictive analysis. Contribute to brainstorming sessions for new marketing ideas, based on previous marketing research and analysis. Stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices. Provide general administrative support to the marketing department as needed.... --- - Published: 2024-11-02 - Modified: 2025-10-17 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/web-developer-analyst-internship/ a Web Developer and Data Analysis Internship Dear Applicant, The Yiddish Arts and Academic Association of North America (YAAANA) and its physical location called Yiddishland California, both based in San Diego, California, are looking for a Web Developer/Analyst intern. The mission of YAAANA and Yiddishland California is to promote Yiddish language and culture through academic and artistic events. To learn more about the organization, please visit www. yiddishlandcalifornia. org. We are currently seeking an organized, energetic, and diligent individual to assist us. No knowledge of Yiddish language is required. Our interns receive free access to all YAAANA events and classes as well as to the YAAANA archives. Internships are unpaid, but can be taken for college credit. We offer in-person and remote internships. Key Responsibilities and Duties Develop and maintain efficient and easy-to-navigate websites for Yiddishland California and Yiddish Theater Academy at https://yiddishlandcalifornia. org. Analyze and review the website content, SEO and performance by using a variety of techniques such as NLP (natural language processing), tokenization, sentiment analysis and text richness. Come up with an action plan based on the analysis, aimed at keeping the website up-to-date and compliant with good web development and design practice policies. Work Experience & Skills Web design and development experience. Proficiency in applications such as WordPress and the Divi web design platform. Theoretical and practical experience doing descriptive statistical analysis, including the calculation of measures of central tendency and dispersion, frequency histograms, and basic data visualization. R or Python programming skills (desired). Strong initiative... --- - Published: 2024-10-22 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/conversational-hebrew/ Donate Subscribe Conversational Hebrew for intermediate and advanced students Conversational Hebrew Classes are the perfect opportunity to take your Hebrew fluency to the next level. In this advanced-level course, you will broaden your vocabulary, talk about diverse factual topics, and gain the ability to give and receive detailed instructions in Hebrew. Students will strengthen their conversational skills through guided dialogues, role-playing activities, and interactive discussions. Over the course of four engaging sessions, you will not only improve your speaking and listening abilities but also learn useful Hebrew idioms that bring conversations to life. By the end of these Conversational Hebrew Classes, you will be able to hold meaningful discussions on subjects such as Israeli music, art, culture, and current events. The class will also explore expressions that are common in everyday life, helping you communicate naturally and confidently. When: Wednesdays, 7:00 p. m. PT (9:00 p. m. CT, 10:00 p. m. ET), starting April 23 and ending May 14. Cost: Early Bird: $125 for 4 sessions (available until April 9) Regular Admission: $145 for 4 classes Instructor: Jana Galek LewJana is an experienced Hebrew instructor with over 15 years of 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. Currently, she teaches Jewish Studies and Hebrew at a Jewish elementary school in Mexico City, bringing her expertise, energy, and passion for language learning to every class.... --- - Published: 2024-10-22 - Modified: 2024-10-27 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/yoga-classes-oct/ Balance Yoga in YiddishIn 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, January 19, 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, January 5) 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. Please see our Events Calendar and Other Upcoming Events! facebooktwitterinstagramlinkedinyoutube --- - Published: 2024-10-22 - Modified: 2024-12-29 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/yoga-classes-nov/ Yoga for Gratitude in YiddishIn 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 Friday, November 22) 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. Please see our Events Calendar and Other Upcoming Events! facebooktwitterinstagramlinkedinyoutube --- - Published: 2024-10-22 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/yoga-classes-2025/ Yoga Classes Donate Subscribe Welcome to Yiddish yoga! Currently our sessions are happening monthly on Zoom. The language of instruction is Yiddish with translation into English if needed.   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. OCTOBER - BALANCE YOGA IN YIDDISH NOVEMBER - YOGA FOR GRATITUDE DECEMBER - NEW YEAR INTENTIONS Please see our Events Calendar and Other Upcoming Events! FollowFollowFollowFollowFollow --- - Published: 2024-10-21 - Modified: 2025-01-16 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/yiddishyoga/ SOME OF OUR PAST CLASSES Please click on any image to learn more. Please see our Events Calendar and Other Upcoming Events! facebooktwitterinstagramlinkedinyoutube --- - Published: 2024-10-21 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/hebrew-classes-2/ Donate Subscribe Hebrew Classes עבֿרית שפּראַך לעקציעס Our Hebrew classes at Yiddishland California are open to all levels, from absolute beginners to advanced learners. These courses focus on conversational and day-to-day Hebrew, making it easy for students to immerse themselves in the language and culture. BEGINNERS INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED Why join our Hebrew Classes? Learning Hebrew is more than memorizing words — it is connecting with history, tradition, and modern Israeli culture. Our Hebrew classes help students develop practical language skills while engaging with music, literature, and contemporary conversation. Course Levels Beginners — Build your foundation with vocabulary, grammar, and everyday conversations. Intermediate — Strengthen your reading, speaking, and listening skills through guided practice. Advanced — Explore literature, culture, and complex conversations entirely in Hebrew. Meet Our Instructor Our Hebrew instructor, Jana Galek, brings over 15 years of teaching experience. 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 has taught students of all ages and currently teaches Hebrew and Jewish Studies at a Jewish elementary school in Mexico City. SOME OF OUR PAST CLASSES Please click on any image to learn more. Please see our Events Calendar and Other Upcoming Events! --- - Published: 2024-10-21 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/intermediate-advanced-yiddish/ Donate Subscribe Conversational Hebrew for Beginners Have you ever wanted to greet friends, order food, or sing simple songs in Yiddish? In this in-person 4-session series, Conversational Yiddish for Beginners will give you a strong start in speaking and understanding Yiddish through English transliteration. You’ll learn everyday greetings, essential phrases, and basic conversation skills, as well as a few easy Yiddish songs to bring the language to life. This friendly, interactive course is perfect for anyone new to Yiddish and eager to explore Jewish language and culture. When: Mondays, 7:00 p. m. PT (9:00 p. m. CT, 10:00 p. m. ET)Dates: April 21 – May 12 (4 weeks) Cost: Early Bird: $125 for 4 sessions (available until Wednesday, April 9) Regular Admission: $145 for 4 classes Instructor: Jana Galek LewJana Galek Lew is an experienced Hebrew and Yiddish instructor with over 15 years of 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, where she combines cultural insights with an engaging, accessible teaching style. Why join Conversational Yiddish for Beginners? Build confidence speaking Yiddish from day one Learn in a relaxed, beginner-friendly environment Explore Jewish culture through songs, greetings, and conversation Practice pronunciation and vocabulary using English transliteration Whether you’re preparing for a trip, connecting with family heritage, or simply curious... --- - Published: 2024-10-12 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/miriam-libhaber-original-linocut/ Miriam Libhaber Born in Mexico, 1951 Libhaber is a unique artist who tirelessly seeks value and identity in her craft. She has studied Architecture and Visual Arts and reflects a profound understanding of both in her works. Her art has been exhibited in numerous individual and collective shows. About the Artist Featured Art The prices presented below do not include shipping costs. Yiddishland is touring Europe and North America until September 2025! If you are interested in purchasing, please email us info@yiddishland. ca Linocut REACHING THE SUN Linocut Unframed 7" x 7" Price: $50 1 in stock REACHING THE SUN by Miriam Libhaber quantity Add to cart AT NIGHT Linocut Unframed 7" x 7" Price: $50 1 in stock AT NIGHT by Miriam Libhaber quantity Add to cart FORZADA PEREGRINACIÓN Linocut Unframed 7" x 7" Price: $50 1 in stock FORZADA PEREGRINACIÓN by Miriam Libhaber quantity Add to cart SETTING SUN Linocut Unframed 7" x 7" Price: $50 1 in stock SETTING SUN by Miriam Libhaber quantity Add to cart BACK HOME Linocut Unframed 7" x 7" Price: $50 1 in stock BACK HOME by Miriam Libhaber quantity Add to cart RETURN Linocut Unframed 7" x 7" Price: $50 1 in stock RETURN by Miriam Libhaber quantity Add to cart RETURNING AT SUNSET Linocut Unframed 7" x 7" Price: $50 1 in stock RETURNING AT SUNSET by Miriam Libhaber quantity Add to cart CROSS TO MY CITY Linocut Unframed 7" x 7" Price: $50 1 in stock CROSS TO MY... --- - Published: 2024-10-12 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/miriam-libhaber-original-acrylic-2/ Miriam Libhaber Born in Mexico, 1951 Libhaber is a unique artist who tirelessly seeks value and identity in her craft. She has studied Architecture and Visual Arts and reflects a profound understanding of both in her works. Her art has been exhibited in numerous individual and collective shows. About the Artist Featured Art The prices presented below do not include shipping costs. Yiddishland is touring Europe and North America until September 2025! If you are interested in purchasing, please email us info@yiddishland. ca Gift envelopes TRAZOS QUE UNEN / STROKES THAT LINK 7 Linocuts 7”x7”with artistic handwritten envelope 2022Price: $350 1 in stock STROKES THAT LINK by Miriam Libhaber quantity Add to cart RESCATANDO TRADICIONES / RESCUING TRADITIONS 7 Linocuts 7”x7”with artistic handwritten envelope 2022Price: $350 1 in stock RESCUING TRADITIONS by Miriam Libhaber quantity Add to cart SIGO NAVEGANDO / I KEEP SAILING 13 Linocuts 7”x7”with artistic handwritten envelope 2022Price: $350 1 in stock I KEEP SAILING by Miriam Libhaber quantity Add to cart Custom-shipping available for destinations outside the US. Please fill the form to get a personalized quote. Name Email Address Phone Number Expedited Shipping Expedited Shipping Yes No Address Message Send Request Featured Art The prices presented below do not include shipping costs. Until December 2024, our virtual gallery is a work-in-progress. If you are interested in purchasing, please email us info@yiddishland. ca Gift Envelopes SIGO NAVEGANDO / I KEEP SAILING Linocut Unframed 7”x7” with artistic handwritten envelope created between the years 2020 – 2022 Price:... --- - Published: 2024-10-12 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/miriam-libhaber-original-acrylic/ Miriam Libhaber Born in Mexico, 1951 Libhaber is a unique artist who tirelessly seeks value and identity in her craft. She has studied Architecture and Visual Arts and reflects a profound understanding of both in her works. Her art has been exhibited in numerous individual and collective shows. About the Artist Featured Art The prices presented below do not include shipping costs.   Yiddishland is touring Europe and North America until September 2025! If you are interested in purchasing, please email us atinfo@yiddishland. ca Acrylic BRILLANDO / SHINING Acrylic 22. 8 cm x 30. 5 cm / 9” x 12” Price: $100 1 in stock SHINING by Miriam Libhaber quantity Add to cart ESCURRE / DRAINS Acrylic 22. 8 cm x 30. 5 cm / 9” x 12” Price: $100 1 in stock DRAINS by Miriam Libhaber quantity Add to cart CIUDAD DERRETIDA / MELTING CITY Acrylic 22. 8 cm x 30. 5 cm / 9” x 12” Price: $100 1 in stock MELTING CITY by Miriam Libhaber quantity Add to cart REFLEJOS / REFLEXION Acrylic 22. 8 cm x 30. 5 cm / 9” x 12” Price: $100 1 in stock REFLEXION by Miriam Libhaber quantity Add to cart ROJO QUE TE QUIERO ROJO / RED I WANT YOU RED Acrylic 22. 8 cm x 30. 5 cm / 9” x 12” Price: $100 1 in stock RED I WANT YOU RED by Miriam Libhaber quantity Add to cart CAPA MARINA / MARINE LAYER Acrylic 15. 24 cm x... --- - Published: 2024-10-11 - Modified: 2025-08-14 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/yiddish-yoga/ Yoga ClassesNew 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   Yoga Classes 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   Yoga for Gratitude in Yiddish In this yoga class instructed in Yiddish with English translation, we will practice... --- - Published: 2024-10-06 - Modified: 2024-10-22 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/yoga-classes/ Yoga ClassesBalance 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... --- - Published: 2024-09-11 - Modified: 2025-08-14 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/yiddish-for-beginners-julia/ Yiddish Classes for Absolute BeginnersThis 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 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. Please see our Events Calendar and Other Upcoming Events! facebooktwitterinstagramlinkedinyoutube --- - Published: 2024-09-11 - Modified: 2025-08-24 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/intermediate-advanced-yiddish-julia/ Intermediate-Advanced Conversational YiddishThis 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 January 25), $200 (regular price, if paid after January 25) 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. Please see our Events Calendar and Other Upcoming Events! facebooktwitterinstagramlinkedinyoutube --- - Published: 2024-09-05 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/miriamlibhaber/ Miriam Libhaber Born in Mexico, 1951 Libhaber is a unique artist who tirelessly seeks value and identity in her craft. She has studied Architecture and Visual Arts and reflects a profound understanding of both in her works. Her art has been exhibited in numerous individual and collective shows. ABOUT THE ARTIST Featured Art The prices presented below do not include shipping costs.   Yiddishland is touring Europe and North America until September 2025! If you are interested in purchasing, please email us atinfo@yiddishland. ca LINOCUT GIFT ENVELOPES ARCYLIC Featured Art The prices presented below do not include shipping costs. Until December 2024, our virtual gallery is a work-in-progress. If you are interested in purchasing, please email us info@yiddishland. ca Linocut Gift Envelopes Acrylic Please see the rest of our Virtual Gallery Miriam Libhaber A Journey Through Art and Heritage Miriam Libhaber, born Miriam Tabachnik Edelsztejn in 1951 in Mexico City, is a distinguished Mexican artist and architect known for her vibrant cityscapes and abstract paintings. Growing up in a Yiddish-speaking family of Polish Holocaust survivors, Miriam's artistic journey is deeply intertwined with her heritage and personal history. Early Life and Education Miriam was the first generation of her family born in Mexico City. Her parents, Jose Tabachnik and Sara Edelsztejn, were Polish Holocaust survivors who instilled in her a strong sense of cultural identity. From a young age, Miriam had a passion for painting, but she initially pursued architecture, earning her degree from UNAM/Mexico. After eight years as an architect,... --- - Published: 2024-08-23 - Modified: 2025-10-17 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/a-traveling-talk-what-was-and-what-is-yiddishland/ We are coming back from the East Coast guest talks on Yiddish language, culture, and the history of Yiddishland, very grateful to our hosts and audiences, and ready to travel throughout California starting from next week. We are looking forward to giving more presentations in New York and in New Jersey in December, traveling from there to Europe, and wherever else there is yinterest in our work. If you know of any communities to yiddishize, do let us hear from you! We would love to hear from you! If you are interested, feel free to fill out this form and we will contact you. Name How did you learn about us? Email Address When would you like to schedule your talk? (MM/DD/YY) Schedule your Yiddish talk! Please see our other Yiddish Services. FollowFollowFollowFollowFollow --- - Published: 2024-08-09 - Modified: 2024-11-17 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/healing-hearts-support-group/ When: Mondays, Oct 7, Oct 14, Oct 28. Nov 4, Nov 11, Nov 18, Dec 2 and Dec 16, 7:30 p. m. to 8:30 p. m. PT (10:30 p. m. to 11:30 p. m. ET, 9:30 p. m. to 10:30 p. m. CT). Healing HeartsWelcome! 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 ongoing 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... --- - Published: 2024-08-08 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/rembrandt-van-rijn/ Donate Subscribe 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 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. Please see our Events Calendar and Other Upcoming Events! FollowFollowFollowFollowFollow --- - Published: 2024-08-08 - Modified: 2025-08-17 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/poland-is-not-yet-lost/ 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: (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... --- - Published: 2024-07-29 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/unknown-artists/ Donate Subscribe Unknown Artists Our Unknown Artists collection in Yiddishland California’s Virtual Gallery showcases original works whose creators remain unidentified. These pieces, though unsigned, carry historical and cultural significance that enrich our understanding of Jewish and Yiddish heritage. Featured Art The prices presented below do not include shipping costs.   Yiddishland is touring Europe and North America until September 2025! If you are interested in purchasing, please email us atinfo@yiddishland. ca Untitled Original Framed Price: $70 1 in stock Unknown Artists - Art1 quantity Add to cart Untitled Original Framed Price: $100 1 in stock Unknown Artist Art-2 quantity Add to cart Featured Artworks by Unknown Artists Untitled Watercolor — A framed watercolor painting of a church and surrounding buildings. The details evoke a strong sense of place and atmosphere. Price: $70 Pen and Ink Drawing — A classroom scene rendered in pen and ink, offering a glimpse into everyday life and education. Each work is carefully preserved and available for purchase. Prices listed do not include shipping. For inquiries, please contact us at info@yiddishland. ca. Custom shipping quotes are available for destinations outside the US. The Importance of Unknown Artists Even without signatures, these artworks speak volumes. They remind us that cultural heritage is often shaped by voices that remain uncredited, yet still contribute to the larger story of Yiddishland. Including Unknown Artists in our gallery ensures their work continues to be seen and appreciated. Explore More This page is just one part of our broader Virtual Gallery. We... --- - Published: 2024-07-29 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/theadius-mccall/ Donate Subscribe Theadius McCall Born in New York, 1945 Theadius McCall is a well-known African American portrait artist and musician born in 1945. About the Artist Featured Art The prices presented below do not include shipping costs.   Yiddishland is touring Europe and North America until September 2025! If you are interested in purchasing, please email us atinfo@yiddishland. ca Untitled Original Art - 7″ x 5. 4″ Price: $2,500 1 in stock Jerusalem quantity Add to cart Untitled Print Art - 7″ x 5. 4″ Price: 1 in stock Jerusalem quantity Add to cart Custom-shipping available for destinations outside the US. Please fill the form to get a personalized quote. Name Email Address Phone Number Expedited Shipping Expedited Shipping Yes No Address Message Send Request Please see the rest of our Virtual Gallery Theadius McCall Theadius McCall is a well-known African American portrait artist born in 1945. Reflecting on his childhood, he shared, “I was born and raised in Williamsburg, and my friends with whom I went to kindergarten were Jewish. I used to play with them and eat with them. We all said we were going to be artists. I spent a lot of time around Eastern European Jews. Yiddish was common, and Hebrew was common. Bagels were common. " - Theadius McCall interviewed in The Jewish Week by Susan Gilman. Also a musician and gallery manager at a young age, McCall is a connoisseur of tradition when it comes to his art, which includes sketches of black sharecroppers,... --- - Published: 2024-07-28 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/scher-family/ Donate Subscribe Scher Family The Scher family, originally from South Africa and now residing in San Diego, CA, have become integral members of the local California community. ABOUT THE ARTIST The Scher family generously donated their artwork to the Yiddish Arts and Academics Association of North America (YAAANA). Featured Art The prices presented below do not include shipping costs.   Yiddishland is touring Europe and North America until September 2025! If you are interested in purchasing, please email us atinfo@yiddishland. ca Chanukkah Original Art - 7″ x 5. 4″ Price: $600 1 in stock Jerusalem quantity Add to cart Chanukkah Print Art - 7″ x 5. 4″ Price: $600 1 in stock Jerusalem quantity Add to cart Untitled Original Art - 7″ x 5. 4″ Price: $1000 1 in stock Rubin-untitled quantity Add to cart Untitled Print Art - 7″ x 5. 4″ Price: $1000 1 in stock Rubin-untitled quantity Add to cart Shalom Original Art - 7″ x 5. 4″ Price: $450 1 in stock Rubin-untitled quantity Add to cart Shalom Print Art - 7″ x 5. 4″ Price: $450 1 in stock Rubin-untitled quantity Add to cart Custom-shipping available for destinations outside the US. Please fill the form to get a personalized quote. Name Email Address Phone Number Expedited Shipping Expedited Shipping Yes No Address Message Send Request Please see the rest of our Virtual Gallery Scher Family The Scher family, originally from South Africa and now residing in San Diego, CA, have become integral members of the... --- - Published: 2024-07-27 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/photographers/ Photographers   Photographers showcased in Yiddishland California’s Virtual Gallery bring diverse stories and cultural perspectives to life. Their works highlight Jewish heritage, Yiddish traditions, and modern artistic expression, offering visitors a chance to see the world through unique lenses. Click on the photographer's name below to see more details Yale Strom Abi Polinsky Featured Photographers Yale StromBorn in Detroit in 1957, Yale Strom is an internationally recognized ethnographer and photographer whose career spans over four decades. Strom has documented Jewish communities and cultural traditions around the world, combining his research with artistry. His portfolio includes nine documentary films, twelve published books, and numerous global photography exhibitions. Through the lens, Strom captures stories of resilience, migration, and heritage, creating images that resonate deeply with themes of identity and memory. His photographs reflect both ethnographic insight and creative composition, bridging scholarship and artistic expression. Abi PolinskyAbi Polinsky is a celebrated director and photographer based in New York City. Known for his dynamic work in fashion, fine art, and concert photography, Polinsky brings a contemporary eye to cultural and creative storytelling. Raised in a Jewish family in San Diego, his heritage continues to influence his visual perspective. Polinsky’s images capture movement, personality, and atmosphere, whether in the glamour of a fashion shoot, the intimacy of fine art, or the energy of live performances. His work has been showcased across diverse venues and platforms, marking him as one of today’s leading contemporary photographers with Jewish roots. Photographers at Yiddishland California The Photographers featured at... --- - Published: 2024-07-25 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/passover-poster/ Donate Subscribe Passover Poster Below is an amazing passover-inspired poster, check it out! Featured Art The prices presented below do not include shipping costs.   Until October 2024, our virtual gallery is a work-in-progress. If you are interested in purchasing, please email us atinfo@yiddishland. ca Passover Seder In Radom Framed Poster Price: $600 1 in stock Passover Seder In Radom quantity Add to cart Passover Seder In Radom Poster   Price: $600 1 in stock Passover Seder In Radom quantity Add to cart Custom-shipping available for destinations outside the US. Please fill the form to get a personalized quote. Name Email Address Phone Number Expedited Shipping Expedited Shipping Yes No Address Message Send Request Please see the rest of our Virtual Gallery FollowFollowFollowFollowFollow --- - Published: 2024-07-25 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/posters/ Posters   Our Posters collection at Yiddishland California highlights rare and meaningful works that combine photography, cultural history, and design. These framed posters celebrate Jewish heritage and Polish artistry, making them unique additions to our Virtual Gallery. Click on the artist's name or poster title below to see the available posters Posters by Adam Bujak Renowned Polish photographer Adam Bujak is represented in our collection with striking poster art that documents heritage and tradition. Polish Poetry Passover Sederin Radom A framed poster depicting the seder plate, capturing the spirit of Jewish ritual and community. Passover Seder In Radom --- - Published: 2024-07-25 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/abi-polinskys-art/ Donate Subscribe Abi Polinsky Polinsky is a renowned director and photographer based in New York City, specializing in fashion, fine art, and concert photography. Raised in a Jewish family in San Diego, his heritage and upbringing have profoundly shaped his artistic vision and creative journey. ABOUT THE ARTIST Abi Polinsky Abi Polinsky is a photographer and director based in New York City and Los Angeles About the Artist Featured Art The prices presented below do not include shipping costs.   Yiddishland is touring Europe and North America until September 2025! If you are interested in purchasing, please email us atinfo@yiddishland. ca Eternity Moment-Same Energy Framed Photograph Not for sale size: 512" x 768" 1 in stock Untitled Poster Abi Polinsky quantity Add to cart Eternity Moment-Same Energy Framed Photographsize: 512" x 768"Price: $180 1 in stock Untitled Poster Abi Polinsky quantity Add to cart Custom-shipping available for destinations outside the US. Please fill the form to get a personalized quote. Name Email Address Phone Number Expedited Shipping Expedited Shipping Yes No Address Message Send Request Please see the rest of our Virtual Gallery Abi Polinsky Abraham (Abi) Polinsky, an acclaimed director and photographer in New York City, brings a unique approach to his work. Specializing in fashion, fine art, and concert photography, he draws significant inspiration from surrealist European art from the 1950s to the 1980s and fashion photography from the 1980s to the 2000s. His photographs, renowned for their unique set designs, meticulous color processing, and innovative lighting, stand... --- - Published: 2024-07-23 - Modified: 2025-10-19 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/yiddish-family-portraits/ Donate Subscribe Family Portraits פּאָרטרעטן Tired of the same old birthday gift? Consider commissioning a portrait for your friends and family - that will be a gift they'll always remember! A portrait is a deeply rich way to capture your life and accomplishments, as well as to ensure your legacy. Oleg Tsank is available for painting individual and family portraits. Please email us for scheduling and pricing info@yiddishland. ca. Oleg Tsank is a contemporary artist currently based in San Diego, CA. He is known for his vibrant paintings that hover between the literal and nonrepresentational. His paintings are in private collections both domestically and internationally. Oleg works in several genres, including portraiture, landscapes, and still life. His work resonates with people around the world. “I like portraits better, but I prefer people to sit for the painting - and not many people like to do that. If working from the photo, it lacks personality. If you work from life, you get more character from life as opposed to photography. The photo is still, and everything is flat; all the colors are flat. The camera treats everything the same. The human eye can capture more of the world around you. If you work from life, you see how things change right before your eyes, especially from the landscape. I prefer portraits, but the landscapes are on the same level. There is always a story that you can add to the landscape, and it is always interesting. You can pick out certain... --- - Published: 2024-07-21 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/adam-bujak/ Donate Subscribe Adam Bujak Born in Poland, 1942 Bujak's photography is celebrated for its ability to capture the essence of Poland's rich heritage, focusing on themes such as architecture, religious ceremonies, and landscapes. ABOUT THE ARTIST Adam Bujak Born in Poland, 1942 Bujak's photography is celebrated for its ability to capture the essence of Poland's rich heritage, focusing on themes such as architecture, religious ceremonies, and landscapes. About the Artist Featured Art The prices presented below do not include shipping costs.   Yiddishland is touring Europe and North America until September 2025! If you are interested in purchasing, please email us atinfo@yiddishland. ca Polish Poetry Framed Poster - 18. 5″ x 27″Photograph by Adam Bujak, announcing a poetry reading in NYC, designed by J. VoitGift of Henry Grynberg Price: $300 1 in stock Voit quantity Add to cart Polish Poetry Poster Framed Poster - 18. 5″ x 27″Photograph by Adam Bujak, announcing a poetry reading in NYC, designed by J. VoitGift of Henry Grynberg Price: $300 1 in stock Voit quantity Add to cart Custom-shipping available for destinations outside the US. Please fill the form to get a personalized quote. Name Email Address Phone Number Expedited Shipping Expedited Shipping Yes No Address Message Send Request Please see the rest of our Virtual Gallery Adam Bujak Adam Bujak, a renowned Polish photographer whose work has significantly contributed to the documentation and preservation of Polish culture, history, and religious life. Bujak's photography is celebrated for its ability to capture the essence of... --- - Published: 2024-07-21 - Modified: 2025-08-16 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/bruno-schulz/ Bruno Schulz Born in 1892 in Drohobych, Austrian GaliciaBruno Schulz (1892–1942) was a Polish writer, fine artist, literary critic, and art teacher, born in Drohobych (then Austro-Hungarian Empire, now Ukraine). He is best known for his two short-story cycles, The Street of Crocodiles (also translated as Cinnamon Shops) and Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass. Published in the 1930s, these works transform childhood memories and family lore into dreamlike, metaphor-rich tableaux, where time and reality bend. Schulz also wrote criticism and correspondence that reveal his aesthetic vision. Though his life was tragically cut short during World War II, his writings gained international recognition after the war and have inspired generations of authors, artists, and filmmakers. Through new translations and adaptations, Schulz remains celebrated as a central voice of twentieth-century Central European literature, admired for turning everyday reality into radiant, surreal mystery. facebooktwitterinstagramlinkedinyoutube --- - Published: 2024-07-19 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/mordecai-ardon/ Donate Subscribe Mordecai Ardon 1896-1992 b. Poland d. Israel Ardon's works are displayed in major museums worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Tate Gallery in London About the Artist Featured Art The prices presented below do not include shipping costs.   Yiddishland is touring Europe and North America until September 2025! If you are interested in purchasing, please email us atinfo@yiddishland. ca Composition in Dark Blue Print Art - 5. 4″ x 7″ Price: $80 1 in stock Composition in Dark Blue quantity Add to cart Composition in Dark Blue Print Art - 5. 4″ x 7″ Price: $80 1 in stock Composition in Dark Blue quantity Add to cart Custom-shipping available for destinations outside the US. Please fill the form to get a personalized quote. Name Email Address Phone Number Expedited Shipping Expedited Shipping Yes No Address Message Send Request Please see the rest of our Virtual Gallery Mordecai Ardon Mordecai Ardon was born on July 13, 1896, in Tuchów, Poland, which was then part of Austria-Hungary. Ardon's early interest in art led him to pursue formal studies at the Kunstakademie in Vienna from 1919 to 1924. He continued his education at the Bauhaus in Weimar, where he studied under influential figures such as Johannes Itten, Wassily Kandinsky, and Paul Klee. His quest for artistic growth took him to the Academy of Decorative Arts in Munich, where he worked with Max Doerner. These experiences profoundly shaped his artistic vision and style. In 1933,... --- - Published: 2024-07-19 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/hilary-krzysztofiak/ Donate Subscribe Hilary Krzysztofiak 1926-1979 b. Poland d. USA Hilary Krzysztofiak's work is often associated with the post-war avante-garde movent in Poland. His style evolved to embrace abstract expresionisim, charactirized by bold, dynamic compositions and keen exploration of form and color. About the Artist Featured Art The prices presented below do not include shipping costs.   Yiddishland is touring Europe and North America until September 2025! If you are interested in purchasing, please email us atinfo@yiddishland. ca Untitled Original framed 16″ x 16″, unframed 12. 5″ x 15″ Price: $500 A painting with Henry Grynberg's poetry, with dedication. 1 in stock A painting with Henry Grynberg's poetry quantity Add to cart Untitled Original framed 16″ x 16″, unframed 12. 5″ x 15″ Price: $500 A painting with Henry Grynberg's poetry, with dedication. 1 in stock A painting with Henry Grynberg's poetry quantity Add to cart Custom-shipping available for destinations outside the US. Please fill the form to get a personalized quote. Name Email Address Phone Number Expedited Shipping Expedited Shipping Yes No Address Message Send Request Please see the rest of our Virtual Gallery Hilary Krzysztofiak Hilary Krzysztofiak was born on October 28, 1926, in Szopienice, Poland. Showing an early aptitude for art, he pursued formal education in the field and enrolled in the Academy of Fine Arts in Kraków. Here, he studied under the tutelage of some of Poland's most renowned artists, which significantly influenced his development as an artist. Krzysztofiak's work is often associated with the post-war avant-garde... --- - Published: 2024-07-19 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/ilan-hasson/ Donate Subscribe Ilan Hasson Born in Israel, 1958 Hasson uses watercolors, gouache, acrylics, Japanese ink, and enamel colors, incorporating handmade paper. His themes draw from Jewish texts like the Bible, Talmud, Passover Haggadah, Kabbalah, and Israeli landscapes. About the Artist Ilan Hasson Born in Israel, 1958 Hasson uses watercolors, gouache, acrylics, Japanese ink, and enamel colors, incorporating handmade paper. His themes draw from Jewish texts like the Bible, Talmud, Passover Haggadah, Kabbalah, and Israeli landscapes. About the Artist Featured Art The prices presented below do not include shipping costs.   Yiddishland is touring Europe and North America until September 2025! If you are interested in purchasing, please email us atinfo@yiddishland. ca The Seder Print Price: $150 1 in stock The Seder quantity Add to cart The Seder Print Price: $150 1 in stock The Seder quantity Add to cart Untitled Print Price: $150 1 in stock Ilan Hasson - Artwork quantity Add to cart Untitled Print Price: $150 1 in stock Ilan Hasson - Artwork quantity Add to cart Custom-shipping available for destinations outside the US. Please fill the form to get a personalized quote. Name Email Address Phone Number Expedited Shipping Expedited Shipping Yes No Address Message Send Request Please see the rest of our Virtual Gallery Ilan Hasson Ilan Hasson, born in 1958 in Bnei Dror in central Israel, is a renowned artist whose work has been celebrated for its vibrant depiction of Mediterranean life and Jewish themes. His early life in the Moshav, a type of cooperative... --- - Published: 2024-07-19 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/our-team/ Donate Subscribe Our Team Jana M Meisarosh Founder & President Jana Mazurkiewicz Meisarosh is a PhD candidate in the Slavic... Learn More Kathryn Gainor Secretary She has worked as administrative staff, as well as for nonprofits. She has a... Learn More Germán Alonso Treasurer Germán Alonso is a general physician (UNAM, Mexico), and holds a Masters... Learn More Tanya Yakovleva Vice President She studied Comparative Literature, Classical, Slavic, Jewish and Media Studies at... Learn More Yale Strom Artistic Consultant He is also one of the world’s leading ethnographer-artists of klezmer and Roma... Learn More Elizabeth Schwartz Artistic Consultant She is a renowned klezmer vocalist, specializing in the... Learn More Marc Caplan Academic Consultant He has been an activist in the Yiddish world since the 1990s, when he began studying... Learn More Amelia Glaser Academic Consultant She is a scholar of Russian, Ukrainian, and Yiddish literature and an Associate Professor... Learn More Karen Bohrer Community Outreach Advisor She has worked in areas of professional services marketing, corporate... Learn More Lea Wolinetz Community Relations Specialist Lea Sigiel Wolinetz is a daughter of Holocaust survivors. She is a former administrator in the... Learn More Edward Meisarosh Legal Consultant He is responsible for managing the financial actions of YAAANA. He has been with YAAANA... Learn More Kathi Diamant Prospective Board Member Kathi has worked her way through a variety of careers: author, actor, TV talk show... Learn More Kathi Diamant Kathi has worked her way through a variety of careers: author, actor, TV talk... --- - Published: 2024-07-19 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/atara-baker/ Donate Subscribe Atara Baker 1936-2021 b. Israel d. San Diego Her textured works, rich in vibrant colors and intricate patterns, explore "tribal memory," blending ancient perspectives with modern techniques. ABOUT THE ARTIST Featured Art The prices presented below do not include shipping costs.   Yiddishland is touring Europe and North America until September 2025! If you are interested in purchasing, please email us atinfo@yiddishland. ca Untitled Original Unframed 24” x 24” Price: $300 1 in stock Duette by Pomm Hepner quantity Add to cart Untitled Original Unframed 24” x 24” Price: $300 1 in stock Duette by Pomm Hepner quantity Add to cart Untitled Original 36” x 24” / 40. 6 x 50. 8 cm Price: $300 Untitled Original 36” x 24” / 40. 6 x 50. 8 cm Price: $300 Untitled Original Unframed 24” x 24. 5” Price: $300 1 in stock Duette by Pomm Hepner quantity Add to cart Untitled Original Unframed 24” x 24. 5” Price: $300 1 in stock Duette by Pomm Hepner quantity Add to cart Untitled Original 16” x 20” Not for sale   Untitled Original 16” x 20” Not for sale   Custom-shipping available for destinations outside the US. Please fill the form to get a personalized quote. Name Email Address Phone Number Expedited Shipping Expedited Shipping Yes No Address Message Send Request Please see the rest of our Virtual Gallery Atara Baker Atara Baker was born in Israel, both of her parents escaped Poland by forging marriage certificates to their non-Jewish best... --- - Published: 2024-07-18 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/ben-zion/ Donate Subscribe Ben Zion 1897-1987 b. Ukraine d. NewYork Co-Founder of "The Ten", a group of expressionist painters in New York City. Ben Zion often drew on biblical themes, infused with his personal interpretive style, which brought a spiritual dimension to his art. About the Artist Featured Art The prices presented below do not include shipping costs.   Yiddishland is touring Europe and North America until September 2025! If you are interested in purchasing, please email us atinfo@yiddishland. ca Untitled Original Framed 10. 5" x 0. 5" x 11. 5" Price: $650 1 in stock Ben Zion painting quantity Add to cart Untitled Original Framed 10. 5" x 0. 5" x 11. 5" Price: $650 1 in stock Ben Zion painting quantity Add to cart Custom-shipping available for destinations outside the US. Please fill the form to get a personalized quote. Name Email Address Phone Number Expedited Shipping Expedited Shipping Yes No Address Shipment Comments(expedited yes or no) Send Request Please see the rest of our Virtual Gallery FollowFollowFollowFollowFollow Ben Zion Ben-Zion Weinman, known simply as Ben-Zion, was a Ukrainian-American artist born on July 8, 1897, in Staryi Kostyantyniv, Ukraine. Initially aspiring to become a rabbi, Ben-Zion eventually shifted his focus to art, emigrating to the United States in 1920. He became deeply involved in the Hebrew and Yiddish literary communities in New York, teaching and writing poetry, dramas, and fairytales. His disillusionment with language due to its manipulation during World War II led him to express himself primarily through... --- - Published: 2024-07-18 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/maura-berman-vazakas/ Donate Subscribe Maura Berman Vazakas Born in New York Berman’s work has been recognized and exhibited in prestigious museums and galleries across the United States, including San Diego, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, and New York, and featured in New American Paintings, Vol. 31. About the Artist Featured Art The prices presented below do not include shipping costs.   Yiddishland is touring Europe and North America until September 2025! If you are interested in purchasing, please email us atinfo@yiddishland. ca The Land of Never-Never Original Framed 31. 3" x 23"Price: $1,200 1 in stock The Land of Never-Never quantity Add to cart The Land of Never-Never Original Framed, unframed Price: $1,200 1 in stock The Land of Never-Never quantity Add to cart Custom-shipping available for destinations outside the US. Please fill the form to get a personalized quote. Name Email Address Phone Number Expedited Shipping Expedited Shipping Yes No Address Message Send Request Please see the rest of our Virtual Gallery Maura Berman Vazakas Maura Berman is a contemporary American artist based in San Francisco. She is known for her thought-provoking paintings and collages. Maura Berman developed her passion for art from an early age. Her mother was an artist, so she grew up surrounded by an artsy atmosphere of painting and drawing. “Growing up in New York City, my mother always took me to all the great museums in New York. Of course, you go into museums and see Picasso at the Modern and go just like, “Wow! ”. I... --- - Published: 2024-07-18 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/debbie-grynberg/ Donate Subscribe Deborah Maria Grynberg 1968 - 2007 b. Los Angeles d. Maryland A gifted artist from childhood, Debbie Grynberg left a lasting legacy through her art and writings. About the Artist Featured Art The prices presented below do not include shipping costs.   Yiddishland is touring Europe and North America until September 2025! If you are interested in purchasing, please email us atinfo@yiddishland. ca Untitled Original   Framed 24. 4" x 18. 5"   Price: $100 1 in stock debbie-grynberg-painting quantity Add to cart Untitled Original Framed 24. 4" x 18. 5" Price: $100 1 in stock debbie-grynberg-painting quantity Add to cart Custom-shipping available for destinations outside the US. Please fill the form to get a personalized quote. Name Email Address Message Send Request Please see the rest of our Virtual Gallery Debbie Grynberg Deborah Maria Grynberg was born in Los Angeles on July 6, 1968. Since early childhood, she loved to draw and paint. The walls of her family's rented apartment in New Carlton, Maryland. , were all scribbled on from the floor up to where she could reach at the age of 3-5. Deborah's talent for drawing and painting continued to blossom as she won numerous prizes throughout kindergarten and grade school. In high school, she also had an acting success in the role of Puck in Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night's Dream. ” After graduating from McLean High School in Virginia, Deborah pursued higher education at St. John’s College in Annapolis, Maryland. During her junior year, she... --- - Published: 2024-07-17 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/reuven-rubin/ Donate Subscribe Reuven Rubin 1893-1974 b. Romania d. Israel Rubin was a prominent Romanian-born Israeli painter known for his contributions to the modern art scene in Israel, having studied at he Bezalel Academyof Art and Design in Jerusalem and at the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris. About the Artist Featured Art The prices presented below do not include shipping costs.   Yiddishland is touring Europe and North America until September 2025! If you are interested in purchasing, please email us atinfo@yiddishland. ca Jerusalem Print Art - 7″ x 5. 4″ Price: $80 1 in stock Jerusalem quantity Add to cart Jerusalem Print Art - 7″ x 5. 4″ Price: $80 1 in stock Jerusalem quantity Add to cart Jerusalem Rabbi Print Art - 5. 4″ x 7″ Price: $80 1 in stock Jerusalem Rabbi quantity Add to cart Jerusalem Rabbi Print Art - 5. 4″ x 7″ Price: $80 1 in stock Jerusalem Rabbi quantity Add to cart Untitled Print Art - 5. 4″ x 7″ Price: $80 1 in stock Rubin-untitled quantity Add to cart Untitled Print Art - 5. 4″ x 7″ Price: $80 1 in stock Rubin-untitled quantity Add to cart Untitled Print Art - 7″ x 5. 4″ Price: $80 1 in stock Rubin-untitled quantity Add to cart Untitled Print Art - 7″ x 5. 4″ Price: $80 1 in stock Rubin-untitled quantity Add to cart Untitled Print Art - 5. 4″ x 7″ Price: $80 1 in stock Rubin-untitled quantity Add to cart... --- - Published: 2024-07-15 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/nahum-gutman/ Donate Subscribe Nahum Gutman 1898-1980 b. Moldova d. Israel Gutman’s work often reflects his deep connection to the land of Israel and its people, playing a significant role in shaping the visual and cultural identity of the young nation. ABOUT THE ARTIST Featured Art The prices presented below do not include shipping costs.   Yiddishland is touring Europe and North America until September 2025! If you are interested in purchasing, please email us atinfo@yiddishland. ca Shepherd Print Art - 15. 2″ x 13. 6″ Price: $425 1 in stock Shepherd quantity Add to cart Shepherd Print Art - 15. 2″ x 13. 6″ Price: $425 1 in stock Shepherd quantity Add to cart Hami Gutman Print Art - 15. 6″ x 13″ Price: $425 1 in stock Hami Gutman quantity Add to cart Hami Gutman Print Art - 15. 6″ x 13″ Price: $425 1 in stock Hami Gutman quantity Add to cart Custom-shipping available for destinations outside the US. Please fill the form to get a personalized quote. Name Email Address Phone Number Expedited Shipping Expedited Shipping Yes No Address Message Send Request Please see the rest of our Virtual Gallery Nahum Gutman Nahum Gutman, an Israeli painter, sculptor, illustrator, and author, is renowned for his vibrant and dynamic works that capture the essence of early 20th-century Tel Aviv and the Israeli landscape. His artistic style is characterized by bold colors, a keen sense of composition, and a unique ability to blend reality with fantasy. Gutman’s work often reflects... --- - Published: 2024-07-14 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/other-artists/ Other Artists Our Other Artists collection at Yiddishland California’s Virtual Gallery celebrates world-renowned creators who, while not exclusively Yiddish artists, share connections to Jewish heritage and modern art movements. This section highlights visionaries like Salvador Dalí and Marc Chagall alongside additional painters, sculptors, and illustrators who influenced or intersected with Yiddishland’s cultural mission. Click on the artist's name below to learn more Ben Zion Hilary Krzysztofiak Maura Berman Vazakas Reuven Rubin Debbie Grynberg Ilan Hasson Mordecai Ardon Salvador Dalí Digital Art Marc Chagall Pomm Hepner Theadius McCall Featured Other Artists Among the creators showcased are: Marc Chagall — known for his dreamlike works blending folklore, religion, and modernist techniques. Salvador Dalí — a surrealist icon whose symbolic, imaginative style resonates with themes of identity and transformation. Guest Contributors — rotating artists whose pieces enrich our understanding of Jewish and global creative traditions. Why include other artists? Our Virtual Gallery recognizes that Yiddishland’s story is not only shaped by Yiddish-speaking creators but also by those whose work intersects with Jewish themes, cultural resilience, and modern artistic experimentation. Including them allows visitors to see how Yiddish creativity fits into a larger artistic dialogue. Explore More in the Virtual Gallery This page is one part of our broader Virtual Gallery, which also features Yiddish artists, contemporary creators, and community contributors. We invite you to explore these collections to see how different perspectives weave together in a shared cultural fabric. For more information browse our Virtual Gallery. --- - Published: 2024-07-13 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/marcchagall/ Donate Subscribe Marc Chagall 1887 – 1985 b. Belarus d. France Chagall was celebrated for his colorful, dreamlike works that blended modernist styles with Eastern European Jewish folklore. About the Artist Featured Art The prices presented below do not include shipping costs.   Yiddishland is touring Europe and North America until September 2025! If you are interested in purchasing, please email us atinfo@yiddishland. ca The Yellow Rabbi Print Framed Price : $36 1 in stock The Yellow Rabbi quantity Add to cart The Yellow Rabbi Framed Price : $36 1 in stock The Yellow Rabbi quantity Add to cart Custom-shipping available for destinations outside the US. Please fill the form to get a personalized quote. Name Email Address Phone Number Expedited Shipping Expedited Shipping Yes No Address Message Send Request Please see the rest of our Virtual Gallery Marc Chagall Marc Chagall, originally named Moishe Shagal, was born into a Jewish family near Vitebsk, in the Russian Empire. Growing up in a vibrant Jewish community, Chagall's early life was deeply influenced by his cultural and religious background, which later profoundly impacted his artistic vision. His journey as an artist began in Vitebsk, where he studied under local artist Yehuda Pen. Despite the socio-political challenges and restrictions faced by Jews, Chagall pursued his passion, eventually moving between Saint Petersburg, Paris, and Berlin before World War I. These travels allowed him to blend Eastern European and Jewish folklore with the modernist movements he encountered, forming a unique style that resonated with the... --- - Published: 2024-07-10 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/digital-art-yiddishland/ Donate Subscribe Digital Art   Digital art powered by AI brings new dimensions to creativity, blending innovation with imagination. Featured Art The prices presented below do not include shipping costs.   Yiddishland is touring Europe and North America until September 2025! If you are interested in purchasing, please email us atinfo@yiddishland. ca Old Goat and the Sea Framed 9” x 12”   Price: Framed $36 40 in stock Old Goat and the sea - framed quantity Add to cart Price: Unframed $18 50 in stock Old Goat and the sea Unframed quantity Add to cart Old Goat and the Sea Framed 9” x 12”   Price: Framed $36 40 in stock Old Goat and the sea - framed quantity Add to cart Price: Unframed $18 50 in stock Old Goat and the sea Unframed quantity Add to cart Water Challa Dreams Framed 9” x 12” Price: Framed $36 40 in stock Water Challa Dreams Framed quantity Add to cart Price: Unframed $18 50 in stock Water Challa Dreams Unframed quantity Add to cart Water Challa Dreams Framed 9” x 12”   Price: Framed $36 40 in stock Water Challa Dreams Framed quantity Add to cart Price: Unframed $18 50 in stock Water Challa Dreams Unframed quantity Add to cart Custom-shipping available for destinations outside the US. Please fill the form to get a personalized quote. Name Email Address Phone Number Expedited Shipping Expedited Shipping Yes No Address Message Send Request Please see the rest of our Virtual Gallery --- - Published: 2024-07-10 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/pomm-hepner/ Donate Subscribe Pomm Hepner Born in 1954, Los Angeles Pomm is known for her acclaimed watercolor "Unspoken Courage" and involvement with Artists for Human Rights International. She has been an exhibiting artist for over 30 years. About the Artist Featured Art The prices presented below do not include shipping costs.   Yiddishland is touring Europe and North America until September 2025! If you are interested in purchasing, please email us atinfo@yiddishland. ca Duette Print Unframed 40” x 30” Price: $2,500 if you look closely you’ll see that the old man is playing with another musician. I can hear the strings of harmony as they play together. There is nothing like listening to a Duet. - Pomm Hepner 1 in stock Duette by Pomm Hepner quantity Add to cart Duette Print Unframed 40” x 30” Price: $2,500 "If you look closely you’ll see that the old man is playing with another musician. I can hear the strings of harmony as they play together. There is nothing like listening to a Duet. " - Pomm Hepner 1 in stock Duette by Pomm Hepner quantity Add to cart Custom-shipping available for destinations outside the US. Please fill the form to get a personalized quote. Name Email Address Phone Number Expedited Shipping Expedited Shipping Yes No Address Message Send Request Please see the rest of our Virtual Gallery Pomm Hepner Pomm Hepner’s artistic style is a mesmerizing blend of tradition and innovation. Her watercolors are characterized by a meticulous layering technique that creates a... --- - Published: 2024-07-10 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/salvador-dali/ Donate Subscribe Salvador Dalí 1904 - 1989, Spain Salvador Dalí was a Spanish surrealist artist renowned for his technical skill, precise draftsmanship, and the striking and bizarre images in his work. About the Artist Featured Art The prices presented below do not include shipping costs.   Yiddishland is touring Europe and North America until September 2025! If you are interested in purchasing, please email us atinfo@yiddishland. ca Moses: Hand Signed Lithograph Rare Limited Edition Edition: 24/300 Unframed Price: $800 1 in stock Salvador Dalí lithograph: Moses (Hand Signed and Numbered) quantity Add to cart Add on: Frame for Moses Price: $400 1 in stock Add Frame: Salvador Dalí lithograph: Moses quantity Add to cart Salvador Dalí lithograph: Moses (Hand Signed and Numbered) Rare Limited Edition Unframed - 22" x 28" Price: $800 1 in stock Salvador Dalí lithograph: Moses (Hand Signed and Numbered) quantity Add to cart Salvador Dalí lithograph: Moses (Hand Signed and Numbered) Rare Limited Edition Framed Price: $1200 1 in stock Add Frame: Salvador Dalí lithograph: Moses quantity Add to cart Custom-shipping available for destinations outside the US. Please fill the form to get a personalized quote. Name Email Address Phone Number Expedited Shipping Expedited Shipping Yes No Address Message Send Request Please see the rest of our Virtual Gallery Salvador Dalí Salvador Dalí was a renowned Spanish surrealist artist known for his technical skill, precise draftsmanship, and the striking and bizarre images in his work. Born in 1904 in Figueres, Catalonia, Dalí was influenced by Impressionism... --- - Published: 2024-06-30 - Modified: 2025-08-24 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/hebrewbeginners/ var humanitix = { realOffsetTop: (el) => { var combinedTop = 0; if (el. offsetParent) { do combinedTop += el. offsetTop; while ((el = el. offsetParent)); return ; } }, updateTopBottomAnchors: => { let scrollY = window. scrollY; let childFrame = document. getElementById("iframe-container"); let iframeY = humanitix. realOffsetTop(childFrame); let iframeH = childFrame. offsetHeight; let topAnchor = scrollY - iframeY let parentViewportHeight = window. innerHeight; childFrame. contentWindow. postMessage({ topAnchor, parentViewportHeight },"*"); }, handleMessage: (e) = { if (e. origin ! == "https://events. humanitix. com") return; var messageData = e. data; var iframeEl = document. getElementById("iframe-container"); if (iframeEl && messageData && ! isNaN(messageData. scrollHeight)) { iframeEl. style. height = messageData. scrollHeight + "px"; } if (iframeEl && messageData && messageData. pageChange) { window. scroll(0, humanitix. realOffsetTop(iframeEl)); } } }; window. addEventListener("scroll", humanitix. updateTopBottomAnchors); window. addEventListener("scrollEnd", humanitix. updateTopBottomAnchors); window. addEventListener("message", humanitix. handleMessage, false); Hebrew for Beginners Join us for fun conversational classes of Hebrew for beginners at Yiddishland California with our experienced teacher Orli Moses. Knowledge of the Hebrew alphabet is not required as we will use transliterated scripts to focus on greetings and topical chats all while gaining the confidence of proper Hebrew pronunciation in a Hebrew speaking environment. When: Thursdays, beginning on August 22, ending on September 12, 7 to 8 p. m. PT (10 p. m. CT. , 11 p. m. ET) Where: on Zoom Cost: Early bird: $145 for 4 classes (available until Thursday, August 15), $167 regular admission. Teacher: Orli Moses - Vilensky Born and raised in California,... --- - Published: 2024-06-29 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/boutique-travel/ Donate Subscribe Jewish Poland רײַזעס אין פּױלן Boutique Travel We are happy to announce about our cooperation with Jewish Poland Boutique Travel, a family-run platform dedicated to crafting personalized heritage journeys that align with your own needs. About Jewish Poland Boutique Travel From the moment you reach out to us, we take care of every aspect of your travel, from pre-booking tickets, accommodations, and restaurants to arranging local tours and visits, as well as offering our individual drivers and guides. We organise both short and long trips, and we're also happy to arrange escapades to specific destinations of your choice. Let us guide you through the heart of Poland's Jewish heritage! Immerse yourself in the unique Jewish history and partake in the vibrant local celebrations of Jewish culture! LEARN MORE Fill out our Contact Form! We're excited to help you plan your dream journey with Jewish Poland Boutique Travel! To create a personalized itinerary tailored to your preferences, please fill out the contact form provided below. Based on your responses, we will design and email you a travel plan that perfectly suits your needs and desires. Should you have any questions in the meantime feel free to email us at info@yiddishland. ca First Name *Last Name *Email address *Phone number *What activities would you be interested in? *Cultural EventsGuided Tours to Historical PlacesAdventure and Leisure ActivitiesWorkshops and ConferencesSocial NetworkingAre there any places you would specifically like to visit? *Expected starting date *Tell us when you would like to schedule your... --- - Published: 2024-06-21 - Modified: 2025-06-24 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/more-yiddish-classes-judeo-spanish-ladino-classes-and-other-news/ Dear Friends of YAAANA and Yiddishland California, We are very busy this summer at virtual Yiddishland! This Friday at 12. 30 p. m. PT, on Zoom, we will have our conversational Yiddish for Beginners class—and yes! you can join if you missed previous sessions. Additionally, we are delighted to announce a new Judeo-Spanish (Ladino) Zoom course for the summer. The course is based on Sephardic tales that students will read in the Latin alphabet. We will also practice speaking skills and provide optional short writing tasks. Elements of the Hebrew Rashi script will be included as well. This course is appropriate for people with basic knowledge of Ladino or Spanish. The course is scheduled to start on Tuesday, July 16th, and early bird pricing is available until Tuesday, July 7th. The schedule is somewhat flexible if needed. If you are interested in other levels of Yiddish or Ladino classes, or in learning Hebrew, contact us and we will do our best to help! Wishing you a festive summer solstice, Jana and the teams of YAAANA and Yiddishland California, 858-220-2992 info@yiddishland. ca www. yiddishlandcalifornia. orgHebrew, Yiddish, Ladino? If you are interested in other levels of Yiddish or Ladino classes, or in learning Hebrew, contact us and we will do our best to help! Conversational Hebrew for Beginners with Orli MosesUnlock the beauty of Hebrew with our engaging beginner classes led by experienced teacher Orli Moses. Join us on Zoom every Thursday, starting August 22, for fun, conversational sessions. Early bird pricing... --- - Published: 2024-06-19 - Modified: 2025-10-19 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/yiddishland-online-newsletter/ Donate Subscribe Yiddishland Newsletters Read this Week's Newsletter Subscribe to the Online Newsletter from Yiddishland California and never miss an update! Our newsletter is the best way to stay informed about upcoming events, cultural programs, Yiddish classes, and community highlights. Each edition brings you fresh stories, inspiring articles, and special opportunities to participate in our vibrant Yiddishland community. Why Subscribe? Our Online Newsletter offers more than just announcements. It connects you to the living world of Yiddish culture, language, music, and art. Every month, you’ll receive: Updates on new courses, workshops, and lectures. Exclusive invitations to online and in-person events. Community spotlights featuring members and teachers. Special offers and early-bird access to programs. For Members and FriendsWhether you are a local in La Jolla or part of our global community, the Online Newsletter keeps you connected. Members enjoy additional perks, such as behind-the-scenes stories and access to members-only content. How to Sign UpIt’s easy and free! Simply enter your email and click subscribe to join our mailing list. You’ll immediately begin receiving the latest news, cultural insights, and invitations straight to your inbox. Join Our Community TodayDon’t miss out on the chance to be part of a growing network of Yiddishland friends and supporters. By subscribing to the Online Newsletter, you’ll not only stay informed but also play an active role in supporting Yiddish culture for future generations. Name How did you learn about us? Email Address Sign Up --- - Published: 2024-06-19 - Modified: 2025-10-19 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/ladino-judeo-spanish-for-beginners/ Donate Subscribe New Course of Judeo-Sephardic (Ladino) for Beginners: ¡Buyrun al Ladino! Have you ever wanted to explore Sephardic heritage, learn the unique language of the Sephardic Jews, or simply try something new and enriching? Join our Judeo-Sephardic (Ladino) Course for Beginners! What to Expect: Learn to speak, read, and understand basic Judeo-Sephardic (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 17): 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. Please see our Events Calendar and Other Upcoming Events! FollowFollowFollowFollowFollow --- - Published: 2024-06-16 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/yiddish-services/ Services איבערזעצונגען Yiddish services at Yiddishland California bring language, culture, and community to life. We offer memberships, event planning, translation, tours, and classes that make Yiddish heritage accessible to all. Enjoy exclusive benefits with a Yiddishland membership — discounts on events, early registration, and access to members-only gatherings. Memberships Experience Wooden Wars, a contemporary Yiddish play by Jana Mazurkiewicz, blending modern themes with cultural storytelling. Wooden Wars Our Yiddish services include custom-designed parties with authentic décor, live entertainment, and traditional food. Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions. Yiddish-themed Parties We provide accurate Yiddish translation for documents, creative works, and events, keeping cultural meaning intact. Translation Services Discover heritage sites on curated trips to Poland, led by cultural experts who connect you with history and tradition. Jewish Poland Boutique Travel Join guided tours of our art gallery, featuring works inspired by Jewish and Yiddish culture. Featured Artist Preserve your memories with our professional Yiddishland family portrait services, capturing the spirit of community and tradition. Family Portraits Explore the symbols and people that define Yiddishland’s mission including the peacock , representing resilience and cultural pride. What is and what was Yiddishland? --- - Published: 2024-05-24 - Modified: 2025-08-14 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/what-is-yiddishland/ var humanitix = { realOffsetTop: (el) => { var combinedTop = 0; if (el. offsetParent) { do combinedTop += el. offsetTop; while ((el = el. offsetParent)); return ; } }, updateTopBottomAnchors: => { let scrollY = window. scrollY; let childFrame = document. getElementById("iframe-container"); let iframeY = humanitix. realOffsetTop(childFrame); let iframeH = childFrame. offsetHeight; let topAnchor = scrollY - iframeY let parentViewportHeight = window. innerHeight; childFrame. contentWindow. postMessage({ topAnchor, parentViewportHeight },"*"); }, handleMessage: (e) = { if (e. origin ! == "https://events. humanitix. com") return; var messageData = e. data; var iframeEl = document. getElementById("iframe-container"); if (iframeEl && messageData && ! isNaN(messageData. scrollHeight)) { iframeEl. style. height = messageData. scrollHeight + "px"; } if (iframeEl && messageData && messageData. pageChange) { window. scroll(0, humanitix. realOffsetTop(iframeEl)); } } }; window. addEventListener("scroll", humanitix. updateTopBottomAnchors); window. addEventListener("scrollEnd", humanitix. updateTopBottomAnchors); window. addEventListener("message", humanitix. handleMessage, false); Interested in new cultural and educational activities in Baja? Join us for an interactive introduction to Yiddishland California! Learn about the history of the Yiddish language and culture, about San Diego's Yiddishland project, and how you can help us bring Yiddish culture south of the border to Baja California. People of all ages and backgrounds are welcome---pets welcome, too. The event will also be broadcast on Zoom for virtual attendees. We kindly ask for advanced registration to help us plan accordingly. When: Friday, May 31, 4 - 6 p. m. PT Where: The salon gathering hall, right next to Gertrude Pearlman Theatre, 1st St, Esteban Cantú, Punta Banda, 22791 Ensenada,... --- - Published: 2024-05-15 - Modified: 2025-10-17 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/marketing-intern/ a Dear Applicant, Are you looking for a marketing internship? Come and be part of a team that celebrates diverse skills, experiences, and perspectives in the field of marketing research. The Yiddish Arts and Academic Association of North America (YAAANA) and its cultural center called Yiddishland California, both based in San Diego, California, are looking for marketing interns. The mission of YAAANA and Yiddishland California is to promote Yiddish language and culture through academic and artistic events. To learn more about the organization, please visit www. yiddishlandcalifornia. org. Our interns receive free access to all YAAANA and Yiddishland California events and classes as well as to the YAAANA and Yiddishland California archives. Internships are unpaid, but college credit can be earned. We offer in-person and remote internships. Position Overview:Ideal candidates for this position have an interest in the marketing profession, and a willingness to learn. Essential Functions of the Role: Conduct market research and analyze competitor strategies. Support the development of marketing campaigns and initiatives. Help coordinate promotional events and activities. Monitor and report on the performance of marketing efforts. Collaborate with the creative team to design marketing materials. Assist in email marketing campaigns and database management. Contribute to brainstorming sessions for new marketing ideas. Stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices. Provide general administrative support to the marketing department as needed. Organize marketing materials. Other duties as assigned. Essential Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Proven ability to prioritize and multitask Creativity-driven Excellent time management skills What Sets You Apart? A strong commitment... --- - Published: 2024-04-26 - Modified: 2025-10-17 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/data-analysis-internship/ a a a Dear Applicant, Ignite Your Technical Passion and Join Our Dynamic Team! The data analysis and social media marketing internship is aimed at developing and fostering analytical skills. Interns will perform, evaluate, and present relevant information from both descriptive and predictive statistical analysis. They will analyze discrete and continuous quantitative social media data by using different techniques, including but not limited to linear regression, correlations, Bayesian networks, and decision trees. Interns will also propose an algorithmic framework to use a predictive model based on previously collected data. This model will estimate the expected performance of our social media accounts and characterize the content that has been successful (posts, reels, and stories). Applying Data Analysis to Social Media Strategy Based on the analysis, interns are expected to apply insightful recommendations to our social media accounts, including Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and TikTok. They will then be responsible for creating posts, reels, and stories that foster our presence and reach a wider audience. All content will align with the overall purpose of our nonprofit organization to preserve and advance Yiddish language and culture in the US and worldwide. Benefits and Opportunities Our interns receive free access to all YAAANA and Yiddishland California events and classes. They also gain entry to the YAAANA and Yiddishland California archives. Internships are unpaid but can be taken for college credit. We offer both in-person and remote options. Key Responsibilities and Duties Collect, purge, and select relevant data and variables to perform an analytical summary... --- - Published: 2024-04-07 - Modified: 2025-08-17 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/the-city-without-jews/ var humanitix = { realOffsetTop: (el) => { var combinedTop = 0; if (el. offsetParent) { do combinedTop += el. offsetTop; while ((el = el. offsetParent)); return ; } }, updateTopBottomAnchors: => { let scrollY = window. scrollY; let childFrame = document. getElementById("iframe-container"); let iframeY = humanitix. realOffsetTop(childFrame); let iframeH = childFrame. offsetHeight; let topAnchor = scrollY - iframeY let parentViewportHeight = window. innerHeight; childFrame. contentWindow. postMessage({ topAnchor, parentViewportHeight },"*"); }, handleMessage: (e) = { if (e. origin ! == "https://events. humanitix. com") return; var messageData = e. data; var iframeEl = document. getElementById("iframe-container"); if (iframeEl && messageData && ! isNaN(messageData. scrollHeight)) { iframeEl. style. height = messageData. scrollHeight + "px"; } if (iframeEl && messageData && messageData. pageChange) { window. scroll(0, humanitix. realOffsetTop(iframeEl)); } } }; window. addEventListener("scroll", humanitix. updateTopBottomAnchors); window. addEventListener("scrollEnd", humanitix. updateTopBottomAnchors); window. addEventListener("message", humanitix. handleMessage, false); The City without Jews (Die Stadt ohne Juden) Movie screening and live music by Alicia Svigals and Donald Sosin   Yiddishland and The House of Israel are honored to host a screening of the silent film Die Stadt ohne Juden (The City without Jews), a 1924 Viennese masterpiece, directed and produced by H. K. Breslauer. The film is based on a bestselling eponymous dystopian novel by Hugo Bettauer, which portrays the fictional Austrian city of “Utopia” (a thinly-disguised stand-in for Vienna), which passed an antisemitic law, expelling all its Jews. Although at first the decision was welcomed and met with celebration, as time went by, Utopia’s citizens faced an ongoing... --- - Published: 2024-03-27 - Modified: 2025-08-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/final-fire-sale-ends/ Final Fire Sale Ends - Until Thursday, April 4thOur Final Liquidation Sale is Here at Yiddishland, California! The time has come for our Final Liquidation Sale, and we are inviting our entire community to join us for this special event. This is your last chance to take home rare and unique Yiddishland treasures, from books and art to handcrafted items and cultural collectibles - all at unbeatable prices. When: March 27 – April 5Where: Yiddishland CaliforniaCost: Free – open to the public by appointment Call 858-220-2992 today to schedule your visit and secure your spot. Our sale is by appointment only to ensure a comfortable, personalized shopping experience for every guest. Special Surprise Gift OfferAs a thank-you to our supporters, we will have exclusive surprise Yiddishland gifts for those who: Purchase Yiddishland merchandise Make a minimum donation of $180 These surprise gifts are a wonderful way for us to express our gratitude and allow you to take home an extra piece of Yiddishland’s heritage. Why You Shouldn’t Miss the Final Liquidation SaleThis is truly our Final Liquidation Sale, which means once these items are gone, they will not return. We are making space for upcoming programs, exhibitions, and events, so now is the perfect time to find that one-of-a-kind item you’ve been dreaming of. What You’ll Discover Rare Yiddish literature and historical books Original artwork, prints, and cultural memorabilia Judaica, vintage décor, and handmade crafts Items that reflect and preserve Yiddish culture Support Our MissionEvery purchase and donation directly supports... --- - Published: 2024-03-23 - Modified: 2025-09-02 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/sept/ Polish Classes Payment 6 ClassesDear students, Thank you so much for attending our Polish classes! Feel free to make your payment with the form here below. Best regards, The Yiddishland Teamfacebooktwitterinstagramlinkedinyoutube --- - Published: 2024-03-15 - Modified: 2025-10-17 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/zelle/ Please send your Zelle donation to info@yiddishland. ca and include the comment 'donation'. --- - Published: 2024-03-14 - Modified: 2025-08-17 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/purim-farewell-fundraiser/ var humanitix = { realOffsetTop: (el) => { var combinedTop = 0; if (el. offsetParent) { do combinedTop += el. offsetTop; while ((el = el. offsetParent)); return ; } }, updateTopBottomAnchors: => { let scrollY = window. scrollY; let childFrame = document. getElementById("iframe-container"); let iframeY = humanitix. realOffsetTop(childFrame); let iframeH = childFrame. offsetHeight; let topAnchor = scrollY - iframeY let parentViewportHeight = window. innerHeight; childFrame. contentWindow. postMessage({ topAnchor, parentViewportHeight },"*"); }, handleMessage: (e) = { if (e. origin ! == "https://events. humanitix. com") return; var messageData = e. data; var iframeEl = document. getElementById("iframe-container"); if (iframeEl && messageData && ! isNaN(messageData. scrollHeight)) { iframeEl. style. height = messageData. scrollHeight + "px"; } if (iframeEl && messageData && messageData. pageChange) { window. scroll(0, humanitix. realOffsetTop(iframeEl)); } } }; window. addEventListener("scroll", humanitix. updateTopBottomAnchors); window. addEventListener("scrollEnd", humanitix. updateTopBottomAnchors); window. addEventListener("message", humanitix. handleMessage, false); Purim Farewell Fundraiser We are inviting our community to celebrate Purim with us! We will have entertainment, nosh, festive mashke, and a Purim costume contest. This event is a fundraiser for assisting with expenses associated with our big schlep to Cabo Punta Banda in Baja California happening shortly after Purim. Additionally, we will have surprise Yiddishland gifts for people who purchase Yiddishland merchandise and who donate a minimum of $180 that evening. When: Friday, March 22, 7 - 9 p. m. Where: Yiddishland California, 1128 Wall St, La Jolla, CA (no Zoom broadcast) Tickets: Early bird: $20 Regular: $25 Please see our Events Calendar and Other Upcoming Events! --- - Published: 2024-03-06 - Modified: 2025-08-16 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/3rd-annual-storytime-scavenger-hunt/ This Sunday It's Time to Spring Forward Celebrate at the 3rd Annual Storytime Scavenger Hunt. PRE-REGISTER! to Guarantee Your Spot.   3rd Annual Spring Forward Storytime Scavenger Hunt The La Jolla Village Merchants Association is excited to present the 3rd Annual Spring Forward Storytime Scavenger Hunt on Sunday, March 10, from 11:00 a. m. to 2:00 p. m. This free, family-friendly event will feature: Storytime with Ms. Sonia from Warwick’s Live music & a fun dance party Interactive activities and surprises for the whole family Children can also collect goodie bags filled with special prizes from sponsors including Geppetto’s, Warwick’s, and more (limited to the first 150 children). So please register NOW. Event Details When: Sunday, March 10, 11:00 a. m. – 2:00 p. m. Where: La Jolla Village Check-in: 1111 Prospect, Sotheby’s Plaza Tickets: Registration is FREE Reserve your spot today Free Parking available Goodie Bags for the first 150 children Don’t miss this wonderful day of stories, music, and community fun in the heart of La Jolla Village! Please see our Events Calendar and Other Upcoming Events! facebooktwitterinstagramlinkedinyoutube --- - Published: 2024-02-28 - Modified: 2025-08-24 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/no-end-to-yiddishland-3/ var humanitix = { findPos: function(obj) { var curtop = 0; if (obj. offsetParent) { do { curtop += obj. offsetTop; } while ((obj = obj. offsetParent)); return ; } } }; window. addEventListener('message', function (e) { if (e. origin ! == "https://events. humanitix. com"){ return; } var messageData = e. data; var iframeEl = document. getElementById('iframe-container'); if (iframeEl && messageData && ! isNaN(messageData. scrollHeight)){ iframeEl. style. height = messageData. scrollHeight + 'px'; } if (iframeEl && messageData && messageData. pageChange) { window. scroll(0, humanitix. findPos(iframeEl)); } }, false);"No End to Yidishland" The next phase No End to Yiddishland is more than an event — it is a commitment to cultural continuity and community building. This gathering invites supporters and newcomers alike to celebrate achievements and look ahead to the next phase of Yiddishland California. What is No End to Yiddishland? The idea behind No End to Yiddishland reflects our mission to ensure that Yiddish culture remains alive, evolving, and accessible. This event highlights the resilience of our community and demonstrates how creativity and tradition work together to shape the future. Event Highlights At No End to Yiddishland, participants will enjoy music, food, and presentations that showcase our growth and direction. Past successes in classes, art exhibits, performances, and cultural programs will be shared, alongside new projects designed to expand outreach and enrich programming. Community members will also have the opportunity to connect with leaders and visionaries who keep Yiddishland thriving. Engaging discussions, artistic showcases, and plenty of nosh create... --- - Published: 2024-02-20 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/yale-strom/ Donate Subscribe Yale Strom Born in Detroit, 1957 Yale Strom has established a distinguished career as an ethnographer-artist, documenting his extensive research through nine documentary films, twelve books, and numerous global photo exhibitions. ABOUT THE ARTIST Featured Art The prices presented below do not include shipping costs.   Yiddishland is touring Europe and North America until September 2025! If you are interested in purchasing, please email us atinfo@yiddishland. ca The Shames/Sexton with Candlesticks PrintFramed 12” x 17”Price: $500 1 in stock The Shames/Sexton with Candlesticks quantity Add to cart The Shames/Sexton with Candlesticks PrintFramed 12” x 17”Price: $500 1 in stock The Shames/Sexton with Candlesticks quantity Add to cart Romani Violinist PrintFramed 13. 5” x 17. 5”Price: $500 1 in stock Romani Violinist quantity Add to cart Romani Violinist PrintFramed 13. 5” x 17. 5”Price: $500 1 in stock Romani Violinist quantity Add to cart Reciting the Tashlekh Rosh Hashone Ritual PrintFramed 15” x 18”Price: $500 1 in stock Reciting the Tashlekh Rosh Hashone Ritual quantity Add to cart The Burning of Khomets PrintFramed 11” x 14”Price: $250 1 in stock The Burning of Khomets quantity Add to cart Reciting the Tashlekh Rosh Hashone Ritual PrintFramed 15” x 18”Price: $500 1 in stock Reciting the Tashlekh Rosh Hashone Ritual quantity Add to cart The Burning of Khomets PrintFramed 11” x 14”Price: $250 1 in stock The Burning of Khomets quantity Add to cart Man Visiting Cemetery PrintFramed 16. 5” x 12. 5”Price: $500 1 in stock Man Visiting Cemetery quantity... --- --- ## Posts - Published: 2025-07-28 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/solomon-epstein-a-yiddish-voice-in-american-opera/ Solomon Epstein: A Yiddish Voice in American Opera By Prudhvi Raj Some composers write music. Solomon Epstein lived it. He didn’t just sit at the piano thinking of melodies—he carried them in his bones. His songs came not from trends or textbooks, but from the voices of his ancestors, the melodies of synagogue prayer, and the stubborn heartbeat of Yiddishkeit. There aren’t many operas in Yiddish—fewer than a dozen, really—and even fewer written fully in the language. But The Dybbuk, Epstein’s three-act opera, isn’t just rare. It’s alive. It breathes with memory, with longing, with questions we’re still asking: Who are we? Where do we come from? What haunts us? What holds us? A Southern Childhood, a Cantor’s Calling Solomon Epstein was born in Savannah, Georgia in 1939, in a Jewish home full of tradition, music, and warmth. He grew up surrounded by synagogue liturgy, Yiddish conversation, and the deep sense that music was a form of prayer. That sense never left him. He became a trained cantor, studying at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York. But he didn’t stop there. He earned a Master’s in Voice and Opera from Yale, and later a Doctorate in Composition from the Hartt School. For decades, he served Jewish communities across Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania, using both voice and soul to lead prayer—and writing music that carried those moments into new forms. The Dybbuk: A Spirit That Stays If you know one work by Solomon Epstein, it’s probably The Dybbuk. But this... --- - Published: 2025-07-25 - Modified: 2025-07-25 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/yiddishland-newsletter-2/ Dear Friends of YAAANA and Yiddishland California, Thank you to everyone who supported our highlight event, "The City Without Jews," last week! Your presence and assistance at the event made it truly special. Yiddishland's next schlep to San Diego is scheduled for June 26-29 for a few private events. We have some availability for additional meetings and events then, so let us know if you are interested in scheduling one. We are excited to announce our first public event in Baja California, happening this Friday, May 31, 4 - 6 p. m. PT! If you would like to attend remotely, then join us on the Zoom simulcast. We will be presenting an interactive introduction to Yiddishland California -- learn about the history of the Yiddish language and culture, about San Diego’s Yiddishland project, and how you can help us bring Yiddish culture to Baja California. People of all ages and backgrounds are welcome; pets welcome, too. We kindly ask attendees to register online beforehand. Details regarding the event and registration are available below. We are looking forward to seeing you this Friday, in person and on Zoom, Jana and the teams of YAAANA and Yiddishland California, 858-220-2992 info@yiddishland. ca www. yiddishlandcalifornia. org What is Yiddishland CA? Interested in new cultural and educational activities in Baja? Join us for an interactive introduction to Yiddishland California! Learn about the history of the Yiddish language and culture, about San Diego’s Yiddishland project, and how you can help us bring Yiddish culture south of... --- - Published: 2025-05-30 - Modified: 2025-06-05 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/summer-classes-of-yiddish-and-ladino-judeo-spanish-on-zoom-survey-2/ Dearest Friends of YAAANA and Yiddishland California,We hope you’ve been enjoying your language learning journey with us! Summer is approaching, and we are about to start our summer language courses on Zoom. Whether it’s Yiddish, Ladino (Judeo-Spanish), or Hebrew, our experienced teachers offer customized courses for all levels—from beginners to advanced. You’ll learn everything from grammar to daily expressions. Reminder: Early bird pricing for the Ladino class ends Friday, May 30th. Useful Links Discover Our Classes For New Students:We’re always excited to welcome new learners to our classes! Take the Interest Survey For Returning Students:Your feedback is valuable! Please take a moment to help us improve. Language Classes Feedback Thank you for being part of this vibrant community. A freylekhn shvues! Happy Shavuot! — Jana and the team at YAAANA & Yiddishland California info@yiddishland. ca www. yiddishlandcalifornia. org   --- - Published: 2025-05-29 - Modified: 2025-05-31 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/summer-classes-of-yiddish-and-ladino-judeo-spanish-on-zoom-survey/ Summer Classes of Yiddish and Ladino (Judeo-Spanish) on Zoom and a survey Dearest Friends of YAAANA and Yiddishland California,We hope you’ve been enjoying your language learning journey with us! Summer is approaching, and we are about to start our summer language courses on Zoom. Whether it’s Yiddish, Ladino (Judeo-Spanish), or Hebrew, our experienced teachers offer customized courses for all levels—from beginners to advanced. You’ll learn everything from grammar to daily expressions. Reminder: Early bird pricing for the Ladino class ends Friday, May 30th. Useful Links Discover Our Classes For New Students:We’re always excited to welcome new learners to our classes! Take the Interest Survey For Returning Students:Your feedback is valuable! Please take a moment to help us improve. Language Classes Feedback Thank you for being part of this vibrant community. A freylekhn shvues! Happy Shavuot! — Jana and the team at YAAANA & Yiddishland California info@yiddishland. ca www. yiddishlandcalifornia. org     --- - Published: 2025-05-20 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/steve-budds-insightful-take-on-love-laughter-and-the-jewish-soul/ Steve Budd's Insightful Take on Love, Laughter, and the Jewish Soul By Kathryn Gainor What kind of person leans into the ache of loneliness instead of shying away from it? Who turns a mirror on their own search for love—not just to reflect, but to help others laugh, cry, and think a little deeper about the whole messy experience? Meet Steve Budd: actor, writer, standup comic, and solo performer. He’s funny, fearless, and endlessly curious—but above all, he’s a mensch. Not in a grand, dramatic way, but in the way that makes you want to pull up a chair and share your childhood crushes, awkward dating stories, and that one time you accidentally sabotaged your own happiness out of fear. Steve is the kind of storyteller who makes you feel less alone—even when he’s telling stories about being, well, very much alone. From Boston to the Bay—and Beyond Steve Budd hails from Boston, Massachusetts—a city famous for its neurotic intellectuals, weather-related grievances, and history buffs. It’s no surprise that much of Steve’s work, especially his solo theater, feels like a one-man Ellis Island of ideas. He brings together a mashup of voices, perspectives, and comedic moments, all grounded in something deeply personal. After settling in the Bay Area, Steve became a mainstay in the local theater scene, performing with venues like San Francisco Playhouse, New Conservatory Theatre Center, and Marin Shakespeare Company. He didn’t just act—he immersed himself in stories. Real stories. Often uncomfortable ones. And he started to ask... --- - Published: 2025-05-18 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/a-surreal-future-a-satirical-mirror-poland-is-not-yet-lost/ A Surreal Future, A Satirical Mirror: Poland Is Not Yet Lost By Kathryn Gainor Prepare for a thought-provoking—and at times unsettling—theatrical experience with "Poland Is Not Yet Lost, as long as we are alive! " This bold and imaginative play, created by Dorota Abbe and Michael Rubenfeld, dives headfirst into the complex and often tense landscape of contemporary Polish-Jewish relations. Using a daring satirical lens, it paints a vivid portrait of an alternate reality that is as captivating as it is provocative. What if? What if the story of Jewish history in Poland took a dramatic—and surreal—turn? That question lies at the heart of Poland Is Not Yet Lost, As Long As We Are Alive, a provocative play imagined by theater artists Dorota Abbe and Michael Rubenfeld. In this alternate reality, the geopolitical map has been redrawn: Israel, as we know it, no longer exists. In the wake of this seismic shift, three million Jewish refugees seek a new home. Their gaze turns—perhaps unexpectedly—toward Poland, a land deeply imprinted with their collective memory, filled with centuries of both profound cultural richness and unspeakable tragedy. But rather than facing closed borders or suspicion, the refugees are welcomed with open arms. The narrative upends conventional expectations of displacement and reception. Then, the story takes a dizzying leap: Poland’s President publicly converts to Judaism, setting off a cultural chain reaction. Millions of non-Jewish Poles follow suit, fundamentally transforming the country’s religious and cultural landscape. This wave of mass conversion raises profound questions about... --- - Published: 2025-02-12 - Modified: 2025-06-24 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/yiddishland-offerings/ Dearest Yiddish enthusiasts, a We are excited to share our upcoming educational offerings with you. Whether you are looking to deepen your connection to Yiddish, Ladino, and Hebrew, explore Jewish art history, or find balance through Yiddish yoga, our diverse classes are designed to inspire, educate, and bring our community closer together. a Let us introduce what is coming up in the next months   Art & History with Jennifer Stern  Rembrandt & Amsterdam’s Jewish Communities Explore Rembrandt’s rare depictions of Jewish culture and their historical significance.   Language & Learning Yiddish Language Classes Conversational Yiddish for Beginners Start speaking Yiddish with simple dialogues in this engaging in-person class in Valencia. Yiddish for Absolute Beginners Learn to read and write the alef-beys, practice basic phrases, and sing Yiddish songs in this interactive online course. Yiddish for Beginners 2 Strengthen your Yiddish language skills with our new engaging teacher.    Hebrew Language Classes Conversational Hebrew for Beginners Build confidence in everyday Hebrew conversations, from ordering food to navigating daily interactions. Conversational Hebrew for Intermediate & Advanced Students Enhance your Hebrew fluency through discussions on Israeli music, art, and culture. Yoga in Yiddish—A Unique Mind-Body Experience Find peace and balance through our Yiddish-language yoga sessions. Whether you’re looking for a gentle, restorative flow (Balance Yoga), a session focused on self-love (Heart Yoga), a seasonal refresh (Blossoming Yoga), or a practice to re-energize your body and mind (Energy Yoga), these classes provide a unique way to integrate mindfulness and movement.   Join Us!... --- - Published: 2024-10-13 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/christopher-columbus/ Was Christopher Columbus Jewish and did he speak Judeo-Spanish (Ladino)? By Jana Mazurkiewicz Meisarosh, German Bernate Obando, and Kathyn Gainor Regardless of your stance on Columbus Day, recent news shed light on a fascinating possibility: Christopher Columbus, traditionally hailed as Italian, might have had Sephardic Jewish heritage. Although it is too early to make a definite conclusion at this point, Spanish scientists, after a 22-year controversial investigation, analyzed DNA from Columbus's remains and found genetic markers that may be consistent with Jewish ancestry. This aligns with theories suggesting Columbus belonged to the Sephardic Jewish diaspora, a community ruthlessly persecuted in Spain, and facing numerous pogroms. The expulsion, spearheaded by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, the Catholic monarchs, forced Jews to convert or flee in 1492 – the very year Columbus embarked on his voyage to India, but which brought him instead to the Americas. This finding compels us to consider a captivating question: Did Columbus, along with his crew, speak Ladino, a Sephardic Jewish language? Ladino: A Legacy Enduring Ladino, also known as Judeo-Spanish, originated from a very archaic form of Castilian Spanish and was spoken by Spanish Jews before their expulsion in 1492. Forced to find new homes, these communities carried their language to places like Turkey, Greece, and North Africa. Although Ladino language is near extinct today, it used to thrive within the Sephardic communities of these people living mostly in Israel, Greece, Spain, the Balkans, the Americas, North Africa, and Turkey. Sharing similarities with late 15th-century Spanish,... --- - Published: 2024-09-18 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/oleg-tsank-blog/ Oleg Tsank Ukrainian-American Artist's Vibrant Works Explore the Beauty of the World By Daria Maksymenko Oleg Tsank is a contemporary artist currently based in San Diego, CA. He is known for his vibrant paintings that hover between the literal and nonrepresentational. His paintings are in private collections both domestically and internationally. Born in 1983 in the small city of Kamianske on the Dnipro River in Ukraine, Oleg, and his family, left for the US when he was twelve. His memories of Ukraine, though fragmented, are deeply ingrained in his art. “I remember bits and pieces because I left when I was young. The scenery was stunning – it stands out in my memory, especially the picturesque Dnipro river banks and the bright colors of forests and city trees in the fall. It influenced my art, even if subconsciously”, Oleg reminisces. Childhood picture of Oleg Tsank Oleg Tsank’s heritage is not just a part of his artistic journey, it’s a unique blend of influences that makes his work stand out. From early childhood, he immersed himself in literature and was introduced to the art of classical artists in middle school. He deeply admired many Jewish artists, like Marc Chagall and Chaim Soutine. “20th-century Jewish artists pretty much influence me. They may not have been dedicated strictly to painting Jewish motifs, but they left their mark on the modern art world. In those days, many famous artists were Jewish refugees. I admire many artists, but these are the artists I feel I... --- - Published: 2024-09-18 - Modified: 2024-09-21 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/newsletter-yiddish-ladino-new-courses/ At Yiddishland CA, Yiddish and Ladino come together! Dearest Friends of YAAANA and Yiddishland California, We are excited to introduce three unique courses that will take you on a journey through languages and cultures. Whether you're a beginner or looking to improve your skills, we have something for everyone! See them below: Course 1: Ladino Language and Poetry Are you passionate about Jewish languages and cultures? Join us and enjoy the rich Sephardic tradition through the Ladino language! This course will guide you through Ladino vocabulary and grammar while exploring the captivating world of Ladino poetry. You'll even learn how to read Hebrew Rashi script. Dates: Tuesdays, October 29th – December 3rd Time: 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) Location: Online via Zoom Course 2: Yiddish for Absolute Beginners - From Alef-Beys to Basic Conversation This 5-session course is ideal for students with no prior knowledge of Yiddish. You’ll start with learning the Alef-Beys (Yiddish alphabet) and basic pronunciation. By the end, you’ll be able to read the letters, introduce yourself, and understand basic vocabulary for everyday situations. Each session ends with a Yiddish song, offering a delightful introduction to Yiddish culture. Course 3: Intermediate-Advanced Conversational Yiddish For students looking to improve their conversational skills, this course focuses on dialogues and discussions to help you gain fluency. You’ll expand your vocabulary, refine pronunciation, and build confidence using... --- - Published: 2024-07-02 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/miriam-libhaber-blog/ Miriam Libhaber The Synthesis between Art and Architecture By Daria Maksymenko Miriam Libhaber is a Mexican artist and architect, currently based in San Diego, CA. Born Miriam Tabachnik Edelsztejn in 1951, she grew up in Mexico City as the first generation of her family born in Mexico, in a Yiddish-speaking household of Polish Holocaust survivors. Known for her vibrant cityscapes and abstract paintings, Libhaber’s work is celebrated worldwide for its depth and meaning. Although she showed a passion for painting from a young age, her early artistic journey led her to architecture. After eight years working as an architect, she ultimately shifted her focus to painting, pursuing formal training at UNAM in Mexico. Miriam Libhaber is recognized internationally, with over 30 solo exhibitions and participation in more than 200 group shows across her career. She has received six awards for her graphic work, including a prize at the Painting Biennale in Caracas, Venezuela. Her ceramics have been featured twice in the Utilitarian Ceramics Biennial at the Franz Mayer Museum in Mexico. Libhaber’s works are held in the collections of the Buenos Aires Engraving National Museum, the Southern Nevada Museum of Fine Arts in the USA, and, in Mexico, the Claustro de Sor Juana and the Cultural Institute of Campeche, among others. In 2012, she published her book, Reference Points, which presents over 70 images of her monoprints inspired by iconic buildings in Mexico City. Miriam Libhaber is recognized internationally, with over 30 solo exhibitions and participation in more than 200... --- - Published: 2024-06-15 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/yiddish-ladino-judeo-spanish-and-claudia-sheinbaum/ Yiddish, Ladino (Judeo-Spanish), and Claudia Sheinbaum By Jana Mazurkiewicz Meisarosh Recently, we received the news about Mexico’s new president being elected, Claudia Sheinbaum. With this Yiddish-sounding name, many are wondering about her family background. Let us bring to your attention a bit about her heritage and the linguistic aspects of her family background. Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, born in 1962, is a Mexican politician, scientist, and academic who is currently the president-elect of Mexico, the first woman to be elected to the position. She is a member of the left-wing political party Morena. Claudia Sheinbaum has openly discussed her Jewish heritage in interviews, noting that her connection to Judaism is more cultural and historical than religious. She has stated, “I grew up without religion. That's how my parents raised me,” during a 2018 event hosted by a Jewish organization in Mexico City. While she sometimes celebrated Jewish holidays at her grandparents’ house, she does not identify as religious and there are no public records indicating regular synagogue attendance. Sheinbaum’s family background reflects a rich and diverse Jewish heritage. Her maternal grandparents were Sephardic Jews from Bulgaria who fled to Mexico in the early 1940s to escape the Holocaust. They spoke Ladino, the Judeo-Spanish language traditionally spoken by Sephardic Jews. On her father's side, her grandparents were Ashkenazi Jews from Lithuania. They emigrated to Mexico in the 1920s, leaving Europe before the Holocaust, in response to growing antisemitism and challenging economic conditions. Their story is part of a larger history of Jewish... --- - Published: 2024-06-15 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/what-was-or-what-is-yiddishland-ca/ What was (or is) Yiddishland? By Jana Mazurkiewicz Meisarosh Volunteering with YAAANA and Yiddishland California has shown me that, while academics passionately debate the details of Yiddish and produce outstanding books and dictionaries, most Jewish Americans remain distant from their ancestors’ Yiddish heritage. For many families, Yiddish is associated with difficult or negative memories. As Yiddishists, we still have a long way to go—beyond the classroom—to truly reconnect people with their heritage, inspire pride in their Jewish roots, and encourage a celebration of that legacy. Can Yiddish culture ever become fashionable on a global scale, or is it destined to remain the passion of a select group of college intellectuals, artists, and academics? How can we bring it to the broader public? Might the idea of “Yiddishland” help make that possible? And first, what exactly is Yiddishland? Yiddishland refers to the cultural and linguistic sphere where Yiddish—the historic language of Ashkenazi Jews—is spoken and cherished. It encompasses both the historical communities of Eastern Europe and today’s worldwide efforts to preserve and celebrate Yiddish language, literature, music, theater, and other cultural expressions. The term “Yiddishland” was popularized by the Yiddishist movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which aimed to promote Yiddish as a national language for Jews. Institutions like YIVO (the Yiddish Scientific Institute, founded in 1925) played a major role in advancing Yiddish scholarship and culture. Historically, Yiddishland was centered in Eastern Europe—in countries such as Poland, Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine, and parts of Russia. In the early... --- - Published: 2024-06-15 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/the-city-without-jews-facebook-without-jews-personal-reflections-from-mexican-exile-blog/ "The City without Jews" - Facebook without Jews? Personal Reflections from Mexican Exile By Jana Mazurkiewicz Meisarosh Time to Get Serious: Yiddishland in Exile and the Lessons of "The City Without Jews" I feel fortunate to be writing from Mexico, where Yiddishland in exile currently enjoys a relatively peaceful existence. In contrast, friends and Jewish institutions in the United States regularly report countless incidents of antisemitism. Those working in arts and culture are exhausted, struggling to make their voices heard amid the endless noise and misinformation on social media—content that is often consumed as “news” by the general public. The pressure to keep things brief, catering to shrinking attention spans, makes it nearly impossible to discuss history in any meaningful way. So what is the role of Yiddishland California in exile at this moment, in these meshugene (crazy) times? Of course, it would be naïve to think that our efforts alone could magically solve the world’s problems. A real concern is that many young people today lack historical knowledge about antisemitism—knowledge that generations of Jews have painstakingly built and shared. While Hebrew schools cover the basics, they rarely address the causes of rising antisemitism in Europe a hundred years ago, or how history is repeating itself today. One role of Yiddishland California right now is to help fill those gaps in historical understanding. We’re planning monthly educational events in San Diego and Baja California, and are open to collaborating with other non-profit organizations to organize similar events elsewhere. As our... --- - Published: 2024-06-02 - Modified: 2025-10-15 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/blog/ Donate Subscribe Blogs Solomon Epstein: A Yiddish Voice in American Opera Some composers write music. Solomon Epstein lived it. He didn’t just sit at the piano thinking of melodies—he carried them in his bones. His songs came not from... . READ MORE Steve Budd's Insightful Take on Love, Laughter, and the Jewish Soul What makes someone lean into the ache of loneliness instead of away from it? What kind of person turns a mirror on their own search for love... . READ MORE A Surreal Future, A Satirical Mirror: Poland Is Not Yet Lost Prepare for a thought-provoking and potentially unsettling theatrical experience with "Poland Is Not Yet Lost, as long as we are alive! "... . READ MORE Was Christopher Columbus Jewish and did he speak Judeo-Spanish (Ladino)?   Regardless of your stance on Columbus Day, recent news shed light on a fascinating possibility: Christopher Columbus, traditionally hailed as Italian, might have had Sephardic Jewish heritage... . READ MORE Oleg Tsank Oleg Tsank, a Ukrainian-born artist, creates vibrant paintings that blend the literal and nonrepresentational. His work is influenced by his heritage and classical artists like Chagall and Soutine... ... READ MORE Miriam Libhaber Our featured painter of the month is Miriam Libhaber. You can view her Yiddishland exhibit at UC San Diego Hillel in La Jolla. Discover how her Yiddishkeit roots and Mexican heritage shaped her unique artistic voice... . READ MORE Yiddish, Ladino (Judeo-Spanish), and Claudia Sheinbaum Recently, we received the news about Mexico’s new president being... --- - Published: 2024-05-09 - Modified: 2024-05-31 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/the-city-without-jews-facebook-without-jews-personal-reflections-from-mexican-exile/ Dear Friends of YAAANA and Yiddishland California, Thank you to everyone who supported our highlight event, "The City Without Jews," last week! Your presence and assistance at the event made it truly special. Yiddishland's next schlep to San Diego is scheduled for June 26-29 for a few private events. We have some availability for additional meetings and events then, so let us know if you are interested in scheduling one. We are excited to announce our first public event in Baja California, happening this Friday, May 31, 4 - 6 p. m. PT! If you would like to attend remotely, then join us on the Zoom simulcast. We will be presenting an interactive introduction to Yiddishland California -- learn about the history of the Yiddish language and culture, about San Diego’s Yiddishland project, and how you can help us bring Yiddish culture to Baja California. People of all ages and backgrounds are welcome; pets welcome, too. We kindly ask attendees to register online beforehand. Details regarding the event and registration are available below. Our featured Yiddishland artist of the month is Miriam Libhaber. Schedule a visit at UC San Diego Hillel to see her artwork and meet the artist! Visits are available between Tuesday, June 4, and Tuesday, June 18. Book a visit by clicking the button below.  We are looking forward to seeing you this Friday, in person and on Zoom, Jana and the teams of YAAANA and Yiddishland California, 858-220-2992 info@yiddishlandcalifornia. org www. yiddishlandcalifornia. org "The City without... --- - Published: 2023-10-26 - Modified: 2025-06-24 - URL: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/yiddishland-newsletter/ Dearest Friends of YAAANA and Yiddishland California, We hope you’ve been enjoying your language learning journey with us! Summer is approaching, and we are about to start our summer language courses on Zoom. Whether it’s Yiddish, Ladino (Judeo-Spanish), or Hebrew, our experienced teachers offer customized courses for all levels—from beginners to advanced. You’ll learn everything from grammar to daily expressions. Reminder: Early bird pricing for the Ladino class ends Friday, May 30th. For New Students: We’re always excited to welcome new learners to our classes! For Returning Students:Your feedback is valuable! Please take a moment to help us improve. Thank you for being part of this vibrant community. A freylekhn shvues! Happy Shavuot! — Jana and the team at YAAANA & Yiddishland California info@yiddishland. ca www. yiddishlandcalifornia. org --- ---