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

Continue to learn Yiddish and celebrate the Eastern European Jewish culture that gave rise to it in a fun, interactive class. Learn conversational vocabulary, holiday-related songs and poems, and words and speech for adults, children, and grandchildren. Read, write, and speak Yiddish by singing, counting, creating, recording, copying, and conversing in large and small groups. Explore sources of Yiddish and its geographic and historical differences. Discover Yiddish primers and workbooks as materials to help your entry to the language, helping you increase skills in writing and in decoding. Gain an introduction to cursive Yiddish (finally, you can read the back of those old photos!). Build Yiddish communication skills for inclusion in American life, as well as becoming familiar with Eastern European Jewish life and the sources of Yiddish. Explore Yiddish artists, writers and musicians. We look forward to seeing you in Yiddish Level 2! 

Learning Objectives

• solidfy alef-beys, the Yiddish (Hebrew) alphabet
• develop conversational skills in exchanging information – introducing yourself, family, emotions, numbers, colors, health, and work
• gain exposure to beloved Yiddish songs and poems from yesteryear to present
• become familiar with Jewish holidays, Yiddish culture, and foodways from Eastern Europe and, later, in the United States

Textbook Needed

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

Who Might Enjoy This Class?

Prerequisites: Yiddish - Level 1. Prior knowledge of the alef-beys is helpful. Prior knowledge of basic Yiddish and/or Hebrew phrases or Jewish culture also could be helpful.

• Students who have taken Yiddish - Level 1 or the equivalent.
• Anyone who wants to continue learning artful and practical ways to express themselves in Yiddish.
• Everyone, regardless of ethnicity, spiritual affiliation, sexual orientation, and/or age, is welcome.