About the Yiddish Book Center Translation Fellowship


The Yiddish Book Center Translation Fellowship trains, supports, and encourages a new generation of Yiddish literary translators.

Each year, the program selects a group of translators who are versed in Yiddish language and culture and passionate about developing their skills as literary translators. During the fellowship year, fellows complete a book-length translation project of their choosing. They are supported by a generous stipend as well as a research fund, and are provided with training, mentoring, opportunities to workshop and network with other translators, and publishing opportunities.

Over the course of the year, fellows attend three two-day Workshops (two in person at the Yiddish Book Center in Amherst and one held online) to develop their translations in a rigorous collaborative environment led by seasoned literary translators and other experts in the field. Fellows are also paired with a carefully selected mentor—an experienced translator who matches their literary profile—with whom they will work throughout the program. Additionally, fellows are paired with peers from the cohort throughout the year to continue discussions and exchange feedback. Yiddish Book Center staff offer additional resources, support, and consultation on the project throughout the year. 

Eligibility:

Applicants to the Fellowship Program must possess at least a high intermediate command of Yiddish and a talent for creative writing in English. While no professional experience in literary translation is required, fellows must display an aptitude for and a commitment to the wider project of Yiddish translation. 

 

The Yiddish Book Center Translation Fellowship is made possible through the generous support of The Applebaum Foundation, New York, with additional funding from Dr. Paula Bursztyn Goldberg, the Estate of Joseph Esselin, the Alice Lawrence Foundation, Eileen Tunick in honor of her father Aaron Tunick z”l, and the Marilyn Rae Sporty Fund for Translation.