The Workers Circle Opens Registration for Spring Yiddish Classes with New Topics, Teachers

February 14, 2023

Contact: Joanna Gallai, joanna@anatgerstein.com, 347-361-8687

—Internationally acclaimed Klezmer instructors Adrianne Greenbaum and Joshua Horowitz join Workers Circle faculty—

(New York, N.Y.)—The Workers Circle, a 122-year-old Jewish nonprofit headquartered in New York City and the world’s preeminent provider of Yiddish language instruction, has opened registration for its Spring Semester with new classes for all levels and interests.

Spring Yiddish language courses meet through May of 2023 and are offered at the Beginners, Intermediate, and Advanced levels, with additional Klezmer and Yiddish Song courses for all.

“We offer an incredible range of classes from beginner to advanced to classes where Yiddish authors are studied in their origin language—all with expert instruction—which is why demand remains high from both new and returning students. Yiddish language and traditions are both our cultural heritage and inspiration for our work today and into the future, and the Workers Circle classes allow aspiring and established Yiddishists to connect with students around the world, building a global community of Jewish traditions,” says Workers Circle CEO Ann Toback.

With a total of 56 course offerings, students can explore a variety of topics in addition to basic language and conversation skills. Advanced courses include a look at history through the lens of memoirs by Yiddish authors; Yiddish humor and satire; and the early history of women as readers and writers of Yiddish literature. New courses cover topics such as Yiddish cinema, children’s non-fiction in Yiddish, and Yiddish academic research. Plus, this semester, the Workers Circle will offer two new klezmer classes with renowned instructors Adrianne Greenbaum, who will be teaching a workshop in expressive playing, and Joshua Horowitz, who will be teaching a hands-on theory class.

All classes will be taught virtually via Zoom, ensuring the semester is accessible to students throughout the United States and around the world.

The Workers Circle (or Der Arbeter Ring, as it is fondly known among Yiddishists), was founded over a century ago by Yiddish-speaking immigrants and has been at the forefront of the contemporary Yiddish renaissance, teaching the language for the last 31 years and presiding over its recent surge in popularity. Its Yiddish program currently serves over 1,200 students annually. In the past year, the Workers Circle has registered students from across New York City, in 34 states, and in 22 countries around the world. Its 31 instructors come from seven countries: the United States, Argentina, Israel, Canada, England, France, and Brazil, where a former-student-turned-teacher conducts his classes.

“The instructors are the heart of this program, and our 60 percent student return rate is testament to their skill and talent,” says Kolya Borodulin, Yiddish Program Director at the Workers Circle. “Our teachers bring with them not only their incredible instructional skills but also serious Yiddish credentials as leaders of Yiddish organizations and authors of Yiddish textbooks and dictionaries.”

To learn more and register, visit https://www.circle.org/yiddish or email yiddish@circle.org.

Member rates are $295 per class or song course, $590 for intensive courses, and $150 for mini courses. Non-member rates are $340 per class or song course, $680 for intensive courses, and $170 for mini courses. The Workers Circle offers a 50 percent class discount to full-time students and Yiddish teachers.

About the Workers Circle

Founded 122 years ago, the Workers Circle (formerly known as the Workmen’s Circle) is a social justice organization that powers progressive Jewish identity through Jewish cultural engagement, Yiddish language learning, multigenerational education, and social justice activism. For over a century we have provided this 360-degree approach to Jewish identity-building. Through contemporary cultural programs, strategic social justice campaigns, vibrant Yiddish language classes, interactive educational experiences and more, we connect Jewish adults, kids and families of all affiliations with their cultural heritage, working to build a better and more beautiful world for all. Learn more at www.circle.org.