Limmud Seattle 2019

Yiddish is alive and thriving in many different communities around the world. In addition to being the language of choice in Hasidic circles, Yiddish is being taught worldwide by organizations like the Workmen’s Circle (both online and in person), in universities and synagogues, and at festivals like KlezKanada, Yiddish New York, and Yiddish Summer Weimar. Yiddish is being used by many younger Jewish artists as a form of resistance, and the Yiddish version of “Fiddler on the Roof” in NYC has been wildly popular. The Yiddish Book Center's new textbook, “In Eynem” ("as one"), uses a communicative approach to learning to reflect the vibrancy of the language rather than relying on native speakers for transmission or singling out the Holocaust and Israel for special treatment. We will look at the current status of Yiddish, review previous pedagogical techniques, and participate in activities from the new textbook.