Donate

Upcoming Yiddish Classes

ייִדיש שפּראַך לעקציעס

ייִדיש איז דאָך אַזױ שײן. . .

Yiddish awakens the silent echo of forgotten shtetl, a living language that touches the roots of the soul, opening to stories that still resonate in the hearts of those that seek more than words. Yiddish is so beautiful!

NEW Yiddish for Absolute Beginners - poster

NEW Yiddish for Absolute Beginners: Reading and Writing the Alef-beys

This 5-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.

Sundays, March 23, 2025 – May 4, 2025
10:30–12:00 p.m. PT / 1:30-3:00 p.m. ET / 7:30-9:00 p.m. in Central Europe

Online via Zoom

Yiddish for Absolute Beginners 2 - poster

Learn more and register here

Yiddish for Absolute Beginners 2: Basic Grammar and Conversation

This course is designed for students who are already familiar with the Yiddish Alef-Beys and have had approximately 5 to 20 hours of prior Yiddish instruction (A1.1–A1.2). In addition to the alef-beys, participants may already be able to introduce themselves, use basic greetings, or recognize a few common verbs. The course is open to those who are looking to continue their Yiddish language journey.Through texts, audio-visual materials and engaging exercises participants will deepen their knowledge of the language.

Sundays, March 9, 2025 – April 20, 2025
12:30 – 1:30 p.m. PT / 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. ET / 8:30 – 9:30 p.m. in Central Europe

Online via Zoom

Learn more and register here

Yoga in Yiddish Series: Heart, Blossoming, Energy

Join us for a three-part yoga series that combines gentle, grounding yoga with the beauty of Yiddish. Each class is designed to foster wellness and happiness, perfect for beginners or seasoned practitioners looking to deepen their practice. With themes of heart, blossoming and energy, these sessions offer a nurturing way to connect mind and body while focusing on intentionality and well-being. Instruction will be in Yiddish, with English translation provided.

23rd March, 27th April, 25th May
8 – 9 a.m. PT / 10 – 11 a.m. CT / 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. ET / 4 – 5 p.m. UK / 5 – 6 p.m. Central Europe

Online via Zoom

Yiddish is old and new, pious and rebellious, stateless but international. It was born about a millennium ago in what is today Germany, called Ashkenaz in Jewish texts. It has travelled to wherever Ashkenazi travelled, immigrated, or were exiled. Once the language of millions of Jews, Yiddish is still spoken as a native language by more than a million people. It is studied and spoken by Jews and non-Jews around the world who want to access the vast legacy of literature, music, religious and folk traditions, politics and history, theater, film, and humor that exist only in Yiddish. While Yiddish is written using the Hebrew alphabet, it is a Germanic language, so it is relatively easy for English-speakers to learn.

We have been fortunate to be able to offer our students the rare opportunity to study Yiddish from beginner to advanced. Our classes include reading circles, conversation classes, theater workshops, classes for children, literary analysis, song workshops, and even Yoga. We’ve also organized intensive programs in Yiddish language and culture and a Yiddish teachers’ committee. Please explore some of our past offerings below, and check out our upcoming activities and events calendar for future classes.