Yiddish is one of those languages that people have strong feelings about, whether they know a lot or a little. Some associate it with jokes, insults, or funny sayings. For some, it is deeply tied to the loss and destruction of the Holocaust. Some people think Yiddish is dead and some think it was never a real language to begin with! How can a little diasporic mishmash of a language inspire so many strong opinions? This presentation and discussion will introduce the breadth and depth of the history of the Yiddish language from its medieval origins to its 21^st century present. Participants will learn interesting sayings and phrases that may be familiar or brand new. They will also learn about exciting happenings in the world of Yiddish culture today. 

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Madeleine Cohen is the academic director of the Yiddish Book Center. She has a PhD in Comparative Literature with an emphasis in Jewish Studies from the University of California, Berkeley. Her research focuses on modern Yiddish literature and the relationships between Jewish politics in central and Eastern Europe and writing about place. Mindl has taught Yiddish language at Harvard University and for a number of organizations, and she was an instructor for the Helix Fellowship run by Yiddishkayt (Los Angeles). She directs translation initiatives at the Center, which includes the Yiddish translation fellowship and the annual Pakn Treger digital translation issue. She was translations editor and chief editor for In geveb: A Journal of Yiddish Studies, and now serves as president of In geveb’s board of directors. 

WE HOPE YOU'LL JOIN US!

Sign up below to attend The World of Yiddish, the second in a series of four Celebration of Yiddish Culture events offered by B’nai Havurah's Year of Learning and sponsored by the CBG Family Fund.

All four of the Celebration of Yiddish Culture events are FREE, and voluntary donations are welcome from those able to support the musicians/speakers and our small congregation. Thank you!

This event is sponsored by the Yiddish Book Center, yiddishbookcenter.org and B'nai Havurah's Year of Learning (CBG Family Fund).

YIDDISH CULTURE EVENTS ARE HAPPENING EVERYWHERE!
Check out this list of additional Yiddish-themed events and resources.