Yiddish   

Class Overview

Kum arayn (come in) -- join the Yiddish revival! We will begin by learning the alef-beys together, then go on to learn basic conversation, reading, and grammar through interactive games, songs, and dialogues. Gain confidence and vocabulary to carry on a conversation beyond just knowing the odd Yiddish word or phrase. Learn vocabulary for greetings, family members, health, the weather, and so on, through a communicative approach. Gain practice speaking and listening with the instructor and classmates. Enjoy a fun and interactive environment. By the end of the course, you will be able to read, speak, and translate simple Yiddish. All are welcome -- no prior Yiddish knowledge necessary. Required textbook: In Eynem: The New Yiddish Textbook, ISBN 978-1-7343872-3-0. 

Learning Objectives

• learn to read and write in Yiddish
• acquire vocabulary, phrases, and expressions from a wide range of topics
• develop conversational skills in exchanging information – introducing yourself, family, job, hobbies, your day, etc.
• gain exposure to Yiddish historical materials such as songs, poems, and newspapers

Textbook Needed

In Eynem: The New Yiddish Textbook, ISBN 978-1-7343872-3-0

Who Might Enjoy This Class?

• This class is for students who want to learn how to read, write, and speak Yiddish or who are curious about the language, regardless of whether they have family background in Yiddish culture.

Class Overview

Enhance your knowledge of Yiddish and celebrate the Eastern European Jewish culture that gave rise to it. In this fun, interactive intermediate class, learn to read, write, and speak Yiddish by singing, counting, creating, recording, copying, and conversing in large and small groups.

Begin to learn cursive Yiddish (finally, you can read the back of those old photos!) and improve your fluency with the Yiddish/Hebrew alphabet. Build Yiddish communication skills for inclusion in American life through conversations and dialogues.

In this class you will also become more familiar with Eastern European Jewish life and the sources of Yiddish, as well as how those sources used by Yiddish artists, writers, musicians and everyday folks. Explore a plethora of publications for modern Yiddish learners and gain new vocabulary by reading Yiddish primers and workbooks.

Increase your skills in writing, decoding, understanding recordings and spoken Yiddish. Continue to enjoy songs, stories and poems from past to present. Delve into the ideas, values and cultural experience embedded in Yiddish language.

Required Textbook

In Eynem: The New Yiddish Textbook, ISBN 978-1-7343872-3-0

Learning Objectives

• Increase fluency with alef-beys, the Yiddish/Hebrew alphabet
• Become comfortable using and reading cursive Yiddish
• Develop conversational skills in exchanging information – introducing yourself, family, emotions, numbers, colors, health and work
• Refine strategies for establishment and maintenance of conversations
• Continue exposure to beloved songs, stories, and poems from yesteryear to present
• Increase familiarity with practical Yiddish vocabulary pertaining to Jewish holidays and to typical daily interactions
• Explore and understand the ideas and values embedded in Yiddish

Who Might Enjoy This Class?

Prerequisites: Students who have successfully completed 2 quarters (40 hours) Yiddish study or equivalent. Ability to read and write block and/or cursive Hebrew or Yiddish recommended. Prior knowledge of basic Yiddish and/or Hebrew phrases or Jewish culture is also helpful.

• Anyone interested in Yiddish, the Eastern European Jewish culture in which it flourished, and the current worldwide Yiddish revival.
• Students who want to learn artful and practical ways to express themselves in Yiddish.
• Anyone interested in the plethora of Yiddish publications available to modern learners.
• This class is for students who want to enhance their ability to express themselves in Yiddish -- speaking and writing -- as well as decode Yiddish lyrics, stories, and assorted writings.
• Anyone, regardless of ethnicity, spiritual affiliation, sexual orientation, and/or age is welcome.

Class Overview

Build more advanced Yiddish vocabulary and expressions in this interactive class! Develop advanced conversational skills while continuing to explore Yiddish-speaking culture. 

In class, gain experience reading longer Yiddish texts and translating them together with classmates. Continue to develop practical listening, speaking and reading skills. Learn idiomatic expressions and phrases for everyday life to help you have more advanced and natural conversations.

We will also continue to explore Yiddish culture to gain more understanding and appreciation of the history and traditions.

Learning Objectives

• Use new vocabulary
• Be familiar with idiomatic expressions and phrases for everyday life
• Have more advanced conversations 
• Listen, speak, read and translate at a more advanced level
• Have more understanding of Yiddish culture

Who Might Enjoy This Class?

Prerequisites: Previous knowledge of Yiddish 8 quarters (120 hours) of study or equivalent. 

• Yiddish language students who wish to advance their conversational skills and fluency 
• Students who wish to continue learning Yiddish in a fun and interactive learning environment
• Those who enjoy improving their Yiddish language skills with an eye toward someday speaking Yiddish fluently