BROWSE CLASSES:
WORKERS CIRCLE MEMBER RATES
Member registration rates are $310 per class including song courses, and $620 for intensive courses.
Mini-courses are $155.
FULL-TIME STUDENTS WHO ARE MEMBERS
We are pleased to offer a 50% class discount for high school students, college students, and Yiddish teachers. Email yiddish@circle.org for more information. Member registration for full-time students and Yiddish teachers is $155.
WORKERS CIRCLE NON-MEMBER RATES
Non-member registration rates are $360 per class including song courses, and $720 for intensive courses.
Mini-courses are $180.
FULL-TIME STUDENTS WHO ARE NON-MEMBERS
We are pleased to offer a 50% class discount for high school students, college students, and Yiddish teachers. Email yiddish@circle.org for more information. Non-member registration for full time-students and Yiddish teachers is $180.
All sessions are in Eastern Time (ET) and are recorded and sent to students for review or catching up. Classes are conducted solely on Zoom. Refunds will not be given after the second class.
Email yiddish@circle.org to learn more!
Beginner Classes
If you have any questions about placement, or about course materials, feel free to email yiddish@circle.org
To view course descriptions and instructor bios, please click on + symbol.
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Tuesday and Thursday 1:00–2:30PM: Feb 6, 8, 13, 15, 20
Course Goals: Learn to read printed Yiddish materials in five sessions.
Course Tools: Yiddish street signs, posters, book covers, and alef-beys worksheets provided by the teacher.
Additional Info: No prior knowledge of Yiddish alef-beys required.
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Tuesday and Thursday 6:30–8:00PM: Feb 6, 8, 13, 15, 20
Course Goals: Learn to read printed Yiddish materials in five sessions.
Course Tools: Yiddish street signs, posters, book covers, and alef-beys worksheets provided by the teacher.
Additional Info: No prior knowledge of Yiddish alef-beys required.
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Mondays 12:00–1:30PM: Feb. 26, Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25, Apr. 1, 8, 15, May 6, 13
Course Goals: This course introduces students to basic Yiddish reading, writing, listening and speaking skills with a spirit of joy and community. We will begin learning the fundamentals of Yiddish grammar and, through festivals and songs, make connections between the Yiddish language and Ashkenazi-Jewish culture.
Course Tools: Yiddish (Volume I) by Sheva Zucker (available for purchase here), along with materials provided by the instructor.
Additional Info: Previous knowledge of the alef-beys not required.
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Thursday 12:00–1:30PM: Feb. 29, Mar. 7, 14, 21, 28, Apr. 4, 11, 18, May 2, 9
Course Goals: This course introduces students to Yiddish reading, writing, listening and speaking skills with a spirit of joy and community. We will continue learning the fundamentals of Yiddish grammar and, through festivals and songs, make connections between the Yiddish language and Ashkenazi-Jewish culture.
Course Tools: Yiddish (Volume I from Chapter 4) by Sheva Zucker (available for purchase here), along with materials provided by the instructor.
Additional Info: Previous knowledge of the alef-beys required.
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Wednesday 1:00–2:30PM: Feb. 21, 28, Mar. 6, 13, 20, 27, Apr. 3, 10, 17, May 1
Course Goals: Build your basic reading, speaking, and writing skills and knowledge of some fundamentals of grammar through the communicative approach. Learn how to greet one another and introduce yourself, discuss your typical day and week, count objects, and describe your surroundings.
Course Tools: In Eynem, by Asya Vaisman Schulman, Jordan Brown, and Mikhl Yashinsky (available for purchase here), along with materials provided by the instructor.
Additional Info: Students should learn the alef-beys in advance. They can practice their reading using the comic section at the beginning of In Eynem and can use these free alef-beys learning materials, available here. The first two class sessions will include some review of the Yiddish alphabet and pronunciation rules.}
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Wednesday 6:30–8:00PM: Feb. 28, Mar. 6, 13, 20, 27, Apr. 3, 10, 17, May 1, 8
Course Goals: Learn the basics of Yiddish conversation, reading, writing, and listening in a friendly environment. We’ll learn basic expressions, the present tense, days of the week, numbers, classroom objects, colors, and more!
Course Tools: In Eynem, by Asya Vaisman Schulman, Jordan Brown, and Mikhl Yashinsky (available for purchase here), along with materials provided by the instructor.
Additional Info: Students should learn the alef-beys in advance. They can practice their reading using the comic section at the beginning of In Eynem and can use these free alef-beys learning materials, available here.
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Thursday 6:30–8:00PM: Feb. 22, 29, Mar. 7, 14, 28, Apr. 4, 11, 18, May 2, 9
Course Goals: Introduction to basic Yiddish comprehension, reading, writing, speaking, and grammar.
Course Tools: Colloquial Yiddish by Lily Kahn (Units 1-4). Textbook can be purchased here; audio file here, supplementary reading and listening materials.
Additional Info: No prior knowledge of Yiddish alef-beys required.
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Thursday 1:00–2:30PM: Feb. 22, 29, Mar. 7, 14, 28, Apr. 4, 11, 18, May 2, 9
Course Goals: Further develop basic comprehension, reading, writing, and speaking skills.
Course Tools: Colloquial Yiddish by Lily Kahn (Units 4 - 6) and supplementary reading and listening materials provided by the teacher. Textbook can be purchased here; audio files, here.
Additional Info: Knowledge of Yiddish alef-beys required.
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Monday and Thursday 6:30–8:00PM: Feb. 22, 26, 29 Mar. 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28, Apr. 1, 4, 8, 11, 15, 18 May 2, 6, 9
Course Goals: Build your basic reading, speaking, and writing skills and knowledge of some fundamentals of grammar through the communicative approach. Learn how to greet one another and introduce yourself, discuss your typical day and week, count objects, and describe your surroundings.
Course Tools: In Eynem, by Asya Vaisman Schulman, Jordan Brown, and Mikhl Yashinsky (available for purchase here), along with materials provided by the instructor.
Additional Info: Students should learn the alef-beys in advance. They can practice their reading using the comic section at the beginning of In Eynem and can use these free alef-beys learning materials, available here. The first two class sessions will include some review of the Yiddish alphabet and pronunciation rules.
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Tuesdays and Thursdays 1:00–2:30 PM: Feb 20, 22, 27, 29; Mar 5, 7, 12, 19, 21, 26, 28; Apr 2, 4, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30; May 2, 7.
Course Goals: Build your basic reading, speaking, and writing skills and knowledge of some fundamentals of grammar through the communicative approach. Learn how to greet one another and introduce yourself, discuss your typical day and week, count objects, and describe your surroundings.
Course Tools: In Eynem, by Asya Vaisman Schulman, Jordan Brown, and Mikhl Yashinsky (available for purchase here , along with materials provided by the instructor.
Additional Info: Students should learn the alef-beys in advance. They can practice their reading using the comic section at the beginning of In Eynem and can use these free alef-beys learning materials, available here. The first two class sessions will include some review of the Yiddish alphabet and pronunciation rules.
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Sunday 11:00AM–12:30PM: Feb. 25, Mar. 3, 10, 17, 31, Apr. 7, 14, May 5, 12, 19
Course Goals: To learn basic spoken Yiddish in a supportive setting. Listening comprehension will be emphasized in the beginning until students have acquired the necessary vocabulary and confidence to speak on their own.
Course Tools: YiddishPOP.com (Chapter 1 & 2) as well as supplemental materials provided by the instructor.
Additional Info: Previous knowledge of the alef-beys not required.
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Thursday 6:30–8:00PM: Feb. 22, 29, Mar. 7, 14, 21, 28, Apr. 4, 11, 18, May 2
Course Goals: Students will learn basic Yiddish primarily through listening and conversation, with additional focus on reading, writing, and typing
Course Tools: No textbook needed. Any supplementary materials will be provided by the instructor
Additional Info: Previous knowledge of the alef-beys not required.
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Wednesday 6:30–8:00PM: Feb. 21, 28, Mar. 6, 13, 20, 27, Apr. 3, 10, 17, May 1
Course Goals: Build your basic reading, speaking, and writing skills and knowledge of some fundamentals of grammar through the communicative approach. Learn how to greet one another and introduce yourself, discuss your typical day and week, count objects, and describe your surroundings. We will pick up in chapter 3.
Course Tools: In Eynem, by Asya Vaisman Schulman, Jordan Brown, and Mikhl Yashinsky (available for purchase here), along with materials provided by the instructor.
Additional Info: Students should learn the alef-beys in advance. They can practice their reading using the comic section at the beginning of In Eynem and can use these free alef-beys learning materials, available here. The first two class sessions will include some review of the Yiddish alphabet and pronunciation rules.
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Sunday 2:00–3:30PM: Feb. 25, Mar. 3, 10, 17, 31, Apr. 7, 14, 21, May 5, 12
Course Goals: Build your basic reading, speaking, and writing skills and knowledge of some fundamentals of grammar through the communicative approach.
Course Tools: In Eynem, by Asya Vaisman Schulman, Jordan Brown, and Mikhl Yashinsky (available for purchase here )along with materials provided by the instructor.
Additional Info: This is a continuation of the Spring 2023 semester. New students should have done at least one semester of Yiddish, be able to read the alef-beys and be able to construct simple sentences in the present tense. We will begin with Unit II, chapter 5 of In Eynem.
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Wednesday 11:00AM–12:30PM: Feb. 21, 28, Mar. 6, 13, 20, 27, Apr. 3, 10, 17, May 1
Wednesday 11:00AM–12:30PM: Feb. 21, 28, Mar. 6, 20, 27, Apr. 3, 10, 17, May 1, 8
Course Goals: To achieve basic listening comprehension and conversational abilities in Yiddish without learning the alphabet. Comprehension will be emphasized in the beginning until students have acquired the necessary grammar and vocabulary to speak on their own.
Course Tools: YiddishPOP lessons from chapter 3 & 4 and other supplementary texts. Transliterations will be provided when needed.
Additional Info: This class is a continuation of Beginner’s Conversational Yiddish. Knowledge of the vocabulary and grammar of YiddishPop chapters 1 & 2 is recommended, but no knowledge of the alef-beys is required.
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Monday 11:00AM–12:30PM: Feb. 26, Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25, Apr. 1, 8, 15, May 6, 13
Mira Rivka Blum
Course Goals: To achieve basic listening comprehension and conversational abilities in Yiddish without learning the alphabet. Comprehension will be emphasized in the beginning until students have acquired the necessary grammar and vocabulary to speak on their own.
Course Tools: YiddishPOP lessons from chapters 3.3 - 5.2 and other supplementary texts. Transliterations will be provided when needed.
Additional Info: Knowledge of the vocabulary and grammar of YiddishPop chapters 1 - 3.2 is recommended, but no knowledge of the alef-beys is required.
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Monday 1:00–2:30PM: Feb. 26, Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25, Apr. 1, 8, 15, May 6, 13
Course Goals: Develop speaking and listening skills through simple Yiddish conversation on different subjects. Learn common phrases and useful expressions.
Course Tools: Readings and vocabulary lists in Hebrew letters and in transliteration provided by the instructor.
Additional Info: Previous knowledge of the alef-beys is required.
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Tuesday 1:00–2:30PM: Feb 27, Mar 5, 12, 19, 26, Apr 2, 9, 16, May 7, 14
Course Goals: Further develop basic comprehension, reading, writing, and speaking skills.
Course Tools: Colloquial Yiddish by Lily Kahn (Units 10 - 12). Textbooks can be purchased here; audio files here, supplementary reading and listening materials.
Additional Info: This class is for students who have already done three or more semesters of Yiddish at beginners level, and have a good grasp on present and past tense. Knowledge of the alef-beys required.
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Sunday 12:00–1:30PM: Feb. 25, Mar. 10, 17, 31, Apr. 7, 14, 21, May 5, 12, 19
Course Goals: Build your basic reading, speaking, and writing skills and knowledge of some fundamentals of grammar through the communicative approach.
Course Tools: In Eynem, by Asya Vaisman Schulman, Jordan Brown, and Mikhl Yashinsky (available for purchase here), along with materials provided by the instructor.
Additional Info: This is a continuation of the Fall 2023 semester. New students should have done at least one semester of Yiddish, be able to read the alef-beys, and be able to construct simple sentences in the present tense. We will begin with chapter 7 of In Eynem.
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Monday 11:00AM–12:30PM: Feb. 26, Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25, Apr. 1, 8, 15, May 6, 13
Course Goals: Develop speaking and listening skills. Improve fluency in talking about everyday life topics.
Course Tools: Readings and vocabulary lists in Hebrew letters and in transliteration provided by the instructor. Short audio and video recordings.
Additional Info: Students should have a basic grasp of Yiddish conversational skills.
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Tuesday 6:30–8:00PM: Feb. 20, 27, Mar. 5, 12, 19, 26, Apr. 2, 9, 16, May 7
Course Goals: Progress your Yiddish through conversation about your daily life, your opinions, and past experiences. Practice your listening, speaking, and pronunciation.
Course Tools: No textbook needed. Any supplementary materials will be provided by the instructor.
Additional Info: Must be comfortable with class being almost entirely in Yiddish. Students should have a basic grasp on present, past, and future tense. Knowledge of the alef-beys not required.
Register Today
To view course descriptions and instructor bios, please click on + symbol.
InTERMEDIATE Classes
If you have any questions about placement, or about course materials, feel free to email yiddish@circle.org
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Tuesday 6:30 – 8:00PM: Feb. 20, 27, March 5, 12, April 2, 9, 16, May 7, 14, 21
Course Goals: Improving aural comprehension, reading, writing, speaking, and grammar.
Course Tools: Yiddish: An Introduction to the Language, Literature & Culture Vol. II by Sheva Zucker (Starting with Unit 12A), supplementary videos and readings including poetry and songs.
Additional Info: Requirements include previous knowledge of basic Yiddish grammar, including past tense and use of cases, and good reading and comprehension skills.
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Sunday 2:30–4:00PM: : Feb. 25, Mar. 3, 17, 31, Apr. 7, 14, May 5, 12, 19, 26
Course Goals: To strengthen one’s understanding of both Yiddish and Yiddishkeyt by learning the basics of the Jewish yom toyvim entirely in Yiddish. Each class will focus on a different holiday, where we will delve into some history and discuss various traditions such as foods, songs, etc. Participants are encouraged to participate and share their own knowledge and/or experiences with the class.
Course Tools: Dos Idishe Yor by Lipa Friedman; YiddishPop episodes on Sukkos, Purim, yomim noranim, and Pesakh. Misc. holiday-themed songs.
Additional Info: Reading ability using the alef-beys is highly recommended.
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Wednesday 11:00AM–12:30PM: Feb. 21, 28, Mar. 6, 13, 20, 27, Apr. 3, 10, 17, May 1
Course Goals: Improve and make more confident students’ use of the unique music of Yiddish speech. The course handles theoretical and practical aspects of Yiddish intonation, and uses the method of comparison with the intonation of other languages such as English, Spanish, and Hebrew.
Course Tools: The exercises are in day-to-day speech, prose, poetry, and drama.
Additional Info: You can take a look at the Youtube videos under the title “Yiddish Zingt Zikh” here.
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Tuesday 6:30–8:00PM: Feb. 20, 27, Mar. 5, 12, 19, 26, Apr. 2, 9, 16, May 7
Course Goals: Continue learning Yiddish with a stronger focus on developing comprehension, speaking, reading and grammar skills in context.
Course Tools: Yiddish: An Introduction to Language, Literature and Culture, Volume II by Sheva Zucker (starting from Lesson 18B); Student friendly edition of Motl peyse dem khazns by Sholem-Aleichem starting with (chapter 8 giml) book and audio available from League for Yiddish. After completing Motl peyse dem khazns we will begin Hana Senesz by Aharon Meged, which can be downloaded from the Yiddish Book Center Digital Library.
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After completing Motl peyse dem khazns, we will begin Hana Senesz by Aharon Meged,
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Tuesday 4:00–5:30PM: Feb. 27, Mar. 5, 12, 19, 26, Apr. 2, 9, 16, May 7, 14
Course Goals: Continuing practice in listening, reading, speaking and writing Yiddish in a variety of situations.
Course Tools: Yiddish: An Introduction to the Language, Literature & Culture, Vol. II by Sheva Zucker (Starting from Unit 17B), supplementary basic reading texts & songs.
Additional Info: Previous knowledge of Yiddish is required.
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Wednesdays 6:30–8:00PM: Feb. 21, 28, Mar. 6, 13, 20, 27, Apr. 3, 10, 17, May 1
Course Goals: Continue learning Yiddish with a stronger focus on developing comprehension, speaking, reading and grammar skills in context.
Course Tools: Yiddish: An Introduction to Language, Literature and Culture, Volume II by Sheva Zucker (starting from Lesson 20A); Dayne geslekh yerushalayim by Yosl Birstein, which can be downloaded from the Yiddish Book Center Digital Library.
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Thursday 4:00–5:30PM: Feb. 29, Mar. 7, 14, 21 Apr. 4, 11, 18, May 2, 9, 16
Course Goals: Intensive practice in listening, reading, speaking and writing Yiddish in varied settings.
Course Tools: Yiddish II by Mordkhe Schaechter (Starting from Unit 4), songs and specialized handouts.
Additional Info: This course will be taught entirely in Yiddish.
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Tuesday and Thursday 1:00–2:30 PM: Feb. 27, 29, Mar. 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, Apr. 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, May 2, 7, 9, 14,16
Course Goals: Intensive practice in listening, reading, speaking and writing Yiddish in varied settings.
Course Tools: Yiddish II by Mordkhe Schaechter (Starting from Unit 7), songs and specialized handouts.
Additional Info: This course will be taught entirely in Yiddish.
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Wednesday 2:00–3:30PM: Feb. 21, 28, Mar. 6, 13, 20, 27, Apr. 3, 10, 17, May 1
Course Goals: Improve speaking and listening skills, with the focus on developing vocabulary.
Course Tools: Readings and vocabulary lists in Hebrew letters and in transliteration provided by the instructor. Audio and video recordings in different dialects.
Additional Info: Previous knowledge of Yiddish is required.
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Tuesday 8:30–9:30PM: Feb. 20, 27, Mar. 5, 12, 19, 26, Apr. 2, 9, 16, May 7
Course Goals: Develop Yiddish skills while discussing topics in sustainability, climate change, and environmental justice.
Course Tools: References will often be made to relevant materials (usually not in Yiddish), but no preparation is necessary outside of class.
Additional Info: This course will be conducted in Yiddish. It is an informal discussion group, and the specific content of the discussion will depend a lot on the interests and participation of the students, though just listening in is fine, too. Students can join at any time throughout the semester, but sessions will not be recorded. This is a free course, but contributions are welcome and/or we encourage you to take this course in addition to one of the other courses in our catalog.
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Wednesday 6:30–8:00PM: Feb. 28, Mar. 6, 13, 20, 27, Apr. 3, 10, 17, May 1, 8
Course Goals: Introduce students to contemporary Yiddishists and key Yiddish cultural figures from the past and learn about their work and legacy through multimedia resources.
Course Tools: Texts and multimedia by and about outstanding Yiddishists
Additional Info: This course is conducted entirely in Yiddish. It is not a repetition of previous courses.
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Tuesdays 10:00–11:30 AM: Feb. 20, 27, Mar. 5, 12, 19, 26, Apr. 2, 9, 16, May 7
Course Tools: Conversation practice for those who are at a communicative level but would like to improve their fluency, vocabulary, and idiomatic expression.
Additional Info: This course is conducted entirely in Yiddish.
Register Today
To view course descriptions and instructor bios, please click on + symbol.
ADVANCED Classes
If you have any questions about placement, or about course materials, feel free to email yiddish@circle.org
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Monday 1:30–3:00PM: Feb. 26, Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25, Apr. 1, 8, 15, May 6, 13
Course Goals: Comprehension, reading, writing, speaking, and grammar.
Course Tools: Yiddish: An Introduction to the Language, Literature & Culture, Vol. II by Sheva Zucker (starting with Lesson 20B, last chapter) and selections from Dos mayse-bukh fun mayn lebn by Meylekh Ravitsh.
Additional Info: We will begin by finishing Yiddish: An Introduction II and follow this with a review of grammar, based on student need. The reading of Ravitsh’s Mayse-bukh will be accompanied by the study of grammar. This course will be taught entirely in Yiddish and is designed for those with approximately 3-4 years of Yiddish language study. You need not have taken the fall course to join in the spring.
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Sunday 10:00–11:30AM: Feb. 25, Mar. 3, 10, 17, 31, Apr. 7, 14, 21, May 5, 12
Course Goals: Before 1974, very few Soviet passport-holders and former Soviet citizens immigrated to the United States. The change occurred fifty years ago. The course will analyze the process of building the “Soviet constituent” of American Jewry. Special attention will be paid to the arrival of Yiddish cultural figures, such as the writers Grigory Vinokur (Hershl Weinrauch), Israel Emiot, Chaim Beider, and Boris Sandler, and the singer Emil Gorovets.
Additional Info: This course is taught entirely in Yiddish.
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Sunday 10:30AM–12:00PM: Feb. 25, Mar. 3, 10, 17, 31, Apr. 7, 14, 21, May 5, 12
Course Goals: In this course we will focus on women writers in Modern Yiddish Literature exploring their poetry, prose and autobiography. Central to many works is the struggle between tradition and modernity and the particular ways it played itself out in the lives of women. We shall examine the works of poets such as Rokhl Korn and Rivka Basman Ben-Haim and prose writers Miriam Karpilov, Esther Singer Kreitman, Blume Lempl, Helen Londinski and Chava Rosenfarb.
Course Tools: Works written by female Yiddish writers: poetry, short story and autobiography. Grammar will be drawn from the readings.
Additional Information: The course is appropriate for those able to read Yiddish literary works in the original. In some cases English translations will be provided but the course will be conducted entirely in Yiddish. You need not have taken Parts I or II to participate. The readings will be different.
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Monday 3:30–5:00 PM: Feb. 26, Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25, Apr. 1, 8, 15, May 6, 13
Course Goals: 1) to show how Yiddish borrowed scientific and technological terms from dozens of languages, including such "exotic" ones (in this context) as Portuguese, Ladino, Swedish, as well as Arabic and other oriental tongues, adapting the foreign lexicon to its phonological and grammatical nature; 2) to discuss Yiddish word creation mechanisms (which functioned at times as part of natural language development, at times within planned scientific activity), learning to recognize and analyze their production, i.e. developing the skill of deciphering unfamiliar words; 3) to considerably enhance the students’ personal vocabulary command in both passive and active aspects.
Course Tools: Relevant fragments of the tutor’s PhD thesis (approved by Bar Ilan University in 2023), excerpts from literature rich in terminology, as well as glossaries of various origin with English, Hebrew, Russian, German and French equivalents.
Additional Info: This class is taught in Yiddish; however, difficult issues may be explained in other languages if necessary. taught entirely in Yiddish
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Monday 6:00–7:30 PM: Feb. 26, Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25, Apr. 1, 8, 15, May 6, 13
Course Goals: Improve vocabulary, grammar, reading, writing and conversation skills while reading wonderful stories.
Course Tools: We will continue with stories (mostly) of Vilna by Avrom Karpinovitsh and Chaim Grade, grammar, and student personal presentations.
Additional Info: This course is designed for those with approximately 4 years or more of Yiddish language study and who have completed Yiddish: An Introduction to the Language, Literature & Culture, Vol. II by Sheva Zucker, or the equivalent, and beyond.
This course will be taught entirely in Yiddish. You need not have taken the fall course to join now.
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Tuesday 6:30–8:00PM: Feb. 27, Mar. 5, 12, 19, 26, Apr. 2, 9, 16, May 7, 14
Course Goals: Read and analyze I. J Singer’s important novel (2nd and 3rd part), through relevant historical events and places, archival documents, and related poetry and songs. Written under the influence of the first wave of Stalinist purges, this novel, according to Anita Norich, is “a radical continuation of “Yoshe Kalb’s” depiction of corrupt external powers from which the individual can never be free.”
Additional Info: This course is taught entirely in Yiddish.
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Wednesday 1:00–2:30PM: Feb. 21, 28, Mar. 6, 13, 20, 27, Apr. 3, 10, 17, May 1
The philologist and literary critic Dov Sadan (1902-1989) was devoted throughout his life to, in addition to other various interests, collecting and researching Jewish humor. The anecdotes and jokes that he focused on were not derived from other humor collections, rather he collected them from people he knew personally, both from his childhood and youth in Galicia and later in Israel, where he moved in 1925. With much erudition, Sadan portrays the humor in all sectors of former and modern Jewish life: The classrooms of Talmud scholars and rabbis, the Hasidic world, the Haskalah circles, the gatherings of writers and artists. He presents a treasure trove of comic situations playing on the contrast between mitsvos and aveyros, between faith and lack of faith, between Jew and non-Jew. His collection of anecdotes is a sort of smiling encyclopedia of Jewish civilization from the beginning of the 19th century to the middle of the 20th century.
Additional Info: This course is taught entirely in Yiddish.
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Thursday 11:00AM–12:30PM: Feb. 22, 29, Mar. 7, 14, 21, 28, Apr. 4, 11, 18, May 2
Course Goals: In this course we will learn, analyze, and enjoy Yiddish humor
in proverbs, songs, curses, jokes, texts, and films by the outstanding masters of this genre. The participants that wish will also be able to develop their writing skills and do collective improvisation. As Sholem-Aleichem said: Lakhn iz gezunt, doktoyrim heysn lakhn: To laugh is healthy, doctors recommend laughter.
Additional Info: This course is taught entirely in Yiddish.
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Thursday 11:00AM–12:30PM: Feb. 22, 29, Mar. 7, 14, 21, 28, Apr. 4, 11, 18, May 2
Course Goals: The martyred Peretz Markish (1895-1952), poet, playwright, novelist and essayist, was the most outstanding exponent of expressionism in modern Yiddish poetry. A deeply national and individualistic Jewish writer, Markish chose to return to the Soviet Union. Hesitantly, he was forced to conform to Soviet literary and political standards in order to survive. This course will cast some light on the complex twists and turns of his poetry and gauge its impact on modern Yiddish literature.
Course Tools: We will study a selection of his poetry.
Additional Info: This course is taught entirely in Yiddish
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Thursday 6:30–8:00PM: Mar. 7, 14, 21, 28 Apr. 4, 11, 18, May 2, 9, 16
Course Goals: When, in the 19th century, folklore became an important factor in culture, also the Jews started to hold onto treasures, which would otherwise have been lost, because "folk" had meant vulgarity. The Jewish artist, theater and spectacles reflect new ways of Yiddish culture, and the folk element is elevated from being disparaged to being honored.
Course Tools: In this course, we bring in artists and the creations that incorporated and spread their songs, which the audience turned into folk songs. We will learn the works of Mark Warshawsky, Avrohom Goldfaden, Eliakum Zunser, Broder Singer, Moishe Broderzon, Zelig Bardichever, Mikhl Gordon, Yosele Kolodny, Lola Folman - Yitskhok Perlov, Max Zalkind, Khavl Kats, Mickey Katz, Max Perelman, Henry Gerro, Ben-Zion Witler.
Additional Info: This course is taught entirely in Yiddish.
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Monday 1:30–3:00PM: Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25, Apr. 1, 8, 15, May 6, 13, 20
Course Goals: Although the first Yiddish newspaper was created in Amsterdam (1686-1687), Holland never became a center for Yiddish language and literature. But there were many Yiddish writers who lived and wrote in Brussels, Antwerp, Paris, and London.
The great number of Yiddish writers who wrote and published for years in Western Europe never forgot "di alte heym." They described their neighborhoods, and on the eve and during the Holocaust, they became witnesses to the destruction of Jewish life in Europe.
Course Tools: We will study the work of the following writers, who are almost entirely unfamiliar to today's readers: Moyshe Shulshteyn, Yosl Zucker, Elkhonen Vogler, Yoysef Leftvitsh, S. Palme, Max Hershman, Morris Winchevsky, Esther Kreitman, Shaye Zandberg, L. Fuks
Additional Info: This course is taught entirely in Yiddish.
Register Today
To view course descriptions and instructor bios, please click on + symbol.
MINI-COURSES
If you have any questions about placement, or about course materials, feel free to email yiddish@circle.org
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Wednesday 3:00 – 4:30PM: March 27 April 3, 10, 17 May 1
Daniel Soyer
Course Goals: Between the 1870s and 1920s, more than two million Yiddish-speaking Jews arrived in the US, and most of them settled in New York. Using a variety of historical texts, we will examine Jewish immigrant life in New York City in the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries. Among the topics to be covered are arrival, work, and mobility; landsmanshaftn (hometown societies); politics (especially Socialist politics); and how New York influenced Yiddish and Yiddish influenced New York.
Course Tools: We will look at a variety of historical documents, including newspaper articles and immigrant autobiographies.
Additional Info: This course is conducted entirely in Yiddish.
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Sunday and Monday 11:00AM–12:30PM: May 5, 6, 12, 13,19
Course goals: To explore various grammatical idiosyncrasies in Yiddish, including passive constructions, accusative with infinitive, specific adjectives, aspects of verb, fun/far...verb-construction, verb tenses, etc. These grammatical elements will be illustrated using examples from literary texts that the students will read in advance.
Course Tools: Most of the material will be from the teacher’s textbook Mit Vort un Maysim: Lernbukh far Vaythalters. To get the book, write to Fani Klevitski at eden.shalem@gmail.com.
Additional Info: This class is taught entirely in Yiddish.
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Tuesday 12:30–2:00PM: Mar. 5, 12, 19, 26, Apr. 2
Course Goals: Discussions of Sholem Aleichem’s own screenplays in the context of the emergence of Jewish silent films.
Course Tools: Discussions of Sholem Aleichem’s own screenplays in the context of the emergence of Jewish silent films.
Additional Info: This class is taught entirely in Yiddish.
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Tuesday 2:30 – 4:00PM: Mar. 5, 12, 19, 26, Apr. 2
Course goals: The main focus of this Prose Masterclass will be practical exercises done in order to discuss the important factors of creativity—language, style, form, genre.
Additional Info: This course is conducted entirely in Yiddish. It is not a repetition of previous course.
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Klezmer/YIDDISH SONG
If you have any questions about placement, or about course materials, feel free to email yiddish@circle.org.
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Monday 12:00–1:30PM: Feb. 26, Mar. 4, 11, 18 Apr. 1, 8, 15, May 6, 13, 20
Course Goals: Yiddish song workshop offered by Zisl Slepovitch takes you on the road of exploration of the Yiddish song, old and modern, created by known and anonymous authors, covering many different themes. Each class opens with a nign — a wordless Hassidic (religious Ashkenazi) tune, which serves as a form in introduction and meditation, and followed by several carefully selected songs that we will sing together via Zoom, and learn the history behind each of them. The workshop will broaden your knowledge of the existing body of the Yiddish songs, their creators, performers, and connections between different genres of Jewish and related music. The workshop is just as about “how” as it is about “what.”
Course Tools: You will receive a printable PDF book before each session.
Additional Info: Open to everyone, no previous experience necessary. Ability to read music and knowledge of Yiddish will help but are not required.
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Monday 1:45–3:00PM: Feb. 26, Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25
Course Goals: It is widely acknowledged that what has become known as klezmer music shares much of its repertoire with neighboring cultures in the Balkans, Turkey, Greece, and Crimea. Yet not only the tunes, but also certain stylistic elements are also shared.
Did you know that Brandwein’s Der Heyser Tatar Tants is the Jewish version of a Crimean Tatar Kaitarma in 7/16? That the tune we all know as Baym Rebns Sude was also recorded as a Greek Hasapiko? That the Araber Tants was years earlier recorded as a Zeibekiko with words? And that there are klezmer bulgars that are still played today in the remote villages of Moldova as Fanfara tunes?
Some of you may remember that some 20 years ago Josh taught this class at KlezKamp, but since then our knowledge of the interactions has enjoyed increased interest and resources. Join Josh in version 2.0 of this hands-on class in which klezmer tunes are learned side by side with their cultural neighbors’ renditions following analysis of rare historical recordings. Different versions of the tune will be learned cell by cell, phrase by phrase, in at least two stylistically different ways.
Students will learn pragmatically what defines klezmer style by being immersed in other musical dialects based on the same material and be able to create amalgams of the styles in the same way that klezmorim understood them over a century ago. Josh will provide detailed transcriptions and recordings of each tune in all the styles that are dealt with. Special attention will be given to the minute details that define the styles that all feed into each other. The exhilaration that we’re likely to experience in this class via Zoom could only be compared to that which Trappist nuns feel when they enter a confession booth to divulge their secret sordid sins to the priest behind the lattice they’ve had their eyes on for so long.
Course Tools: Syllabus, teaching materials, articles and some recordings will be provided as needed.
Additional Info: For high-intermediate to advanced students. No previous klezmer experience is required though helpful, but knowledge of instrument and intermediate music reading ability is required for reading simple lead sheets. Basic theory knowledge of scales and intervals is necessary.
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Monday 6:30–8:00PM: Feb. 26, Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25, Apr. 1, 8, 15, May 6, 13
Course Goals: Join Aaron Alexander in a fun and informative exploration of klezmer tunes taken from the Beregovski book. The class will be a repertoire class but will be enhanced by doing some reading as well. Charts will be available in all appropriate keys (C, Bb, Eb, bass clef, viola if desired, etc.)
Course Tools: There will be music written out in all the necessary keys and taught by ear as well.
Additional Info: At the end we’ll make a video to share with friends and family.
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Tuesday 12:00–1:30PM: Feb. 20, 27, Mar. 5, 12, 19, 26, Apr. 2, 9, 16, May 7
How do we carry forward the rich tradition of Yiddish song? This course will “de-exoticize” the aesthetic of idiomatic Yiddish singing. We will explore the basic rhythmic and melodic principles that underlie the great Yiddish singing tradition. We will use the notion of “multivalency”—the idea that several different rhythms and harmonic patterns co-exist in the ear of the listener/singer at the same time. Geared for listeners, singers, and instrumental accompanists alike. For those with, or without, formal musical training. Participation will involve active engagement: be prepared to sing! — not as a performance but as a path to active “ethno-hearing.”
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Tuesday 1:45–3:00PM: Feb. 20, 27, Mar. 5, 12, 19, 26, Apr. 2, 9, 16, May 7
Course Goals: In this very challenging time, join our long-running group of new and old friends, singing beautiful comforting melodies in a relaxed, friendly and heymish online atmosphere! Instrumentalists were also warmly welcomed. Learn and sing deep and soulful melodies, from quiet and introspective to (yes!) joyous and foot-stomping.
Course Tools: Songs to be provided by the instructor.
Additional Info: Open to everyone, no previous experience necessary.
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Tuesday 7:00-8:15PM: : Feb. 20, 27, Mar. 5, 12, 19
Defining klezmer as being both the person and the music, we will study and play exemplary tunes that have been written down and performed throughout the 19th c. With the important intent of learning the essence of the melody itself - and equally importantly -, we will explore this essence before adding any bells and whistles. This method, called “Deconstructing”, will provide everyone with the core melody, with a better understanding of the tune, the musical elements within the tune itself and what is essential in order to play any tune musically. Then, no matter your level we will “Reconstruct” by adding embellishments and/or the variants, while also learning what they can be, what we see or hear, and to eventually learn to create your own performance, with even the possibility of simply leaving the melody in its simpler form. It’s all good. It’s all valid. And for ALL levels. Come and learn via a better understanding of what IS essential and enjoy the final results you’ll achieve with your newly informed sensibilities to create your version of a traditional klezmer tune!
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Wednesday 1:00–2:30PM: Feb. 21, 28, Mar. 6, 13, 20
Let's explore magic in Yiddish songs: songs full of mystery, songs about wizards and rabbis who created wonders, nigunim made for special states of consciousness or just songs that bring magic into our lives.
This mini-course invites you to learn new songs and share yours, discuss their musical styles, listen to various interpretations and...get enchanted.
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Wednesday 2:00–3:30PM: Mar. 27, Apr. 3, 10, 17, May 1
Cindy Paley
Come join Cindy Paley in singing a variety of Yiddish songs about Jewish women. From everyday love ditties, to an erotic, passionate tango, to justice-seeking women of the labor movement, songs of immigrant working women and partisan resistance fighters in the Holocaust, songs of domestic abuse and prostitution in Argentina, these Yiddish folk songs provide a means of connecting with previous generations through the women’s perspective. Music by Chava Alberstein and Beyle Schaechter-Gottesman will also feature lesser known songs from the Ruth Rubin archive.
Course Tools: You will receive a printable book, which includes sheet music, lyrics and English translations, before each session.
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Thursday 1:30–2:45PM: Feb. 22, 29, Mar. 7, 14, 21, 28 Apr. 4, 11, 18, May 2
Course Goals: A unique opportunity for each participant to bring what they wish to study to the group. This class will provide ample opportunity to address each participant’s specific questions and objectives in a safe and encouraging environment. Wrote a new tune? Let’s hear it! Learning to improvise? Let’s work on it! Want to dance? We can help!
Course Tools: Ear work and provided written music, as needed.
Additional Info: No experience necessary. All instruments are welcome. If you don’t have material to bring to the first sessions, zorgt nit, don’t worry! I’ll have plenty of materials on hand to get us started!!