Start Your Yiddish Journey
There are many ways to start learning Yiddish with us. Not sure where to begin? Below we outline the ways you can begin your Yiddish language journey or take it to the next level.
About In eynem Yiddish Courses
Our courses use a research-backed method called the communicative approach, based on the idea that successful language learning should prioritize communicating and interpreting real meaning, similarly to how humans learn their first language. Using real-life situations and authentic materials, students in our courses focus on engaging directly with Yiddish, rather than learning about Yiddish.
Our small, student-centered classes are led by instructors who facilitate a uniquely collaborative and dynamic environment. Instructors ensure that students are able to understand the language used in class by means of gestures, miming, and visual aids, and that they are compelled to understand by encouraging conversations about topics that are important to each student, thus increasing motivation and lowering any anxiety about language learning. Each course level builds on previous knowledge and uses In eynem: The New Yiddish Textbook, authored by Asya Vaisman Schulman, director of the Center's Yiddish Language Institute.
Introduction to Yiddish with In eynem
Try out the Center's virtual language classroom with a free sample lesson from In eynem: The New Yiddish Textbook! This highly interactive class will introduce you to the communicative approach to language learning and teach you some Yiddish basics. This is ideal for anyone curious about our teaching style; no previous knowledge is required to participate.
Instructor: Moishele Alfonso
Dates: Sunday, January 5, 6:30–7:30 p.m. ET
Registration for this course has been filled. If you would like to be placed on our waitlist, or have any questions, please email Cole Norris, education program assistant.
Alef-beys Course
Learn and practice the Yiddish alphabet in this intensive four-day online course taught by Moishele Alfonso. This course will focus on reading and pronouncing the printed Yiddish alphabet, with an introduction to handwriting. Optional homework exercises will be provided. Space is limited; sign up now to reserve a spot.
Instructor: Moishele Alfonso
Cost: $100 for Yiddish Book Center members; $175 for nonmembers. Unfortunately, we are unable to refund any cancellations for this program.
January course dates:
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:30–8:00 p.m. ET
January 7, 9, 14, 16
Registration for this course has been filled.
March course dates:
Sundays and Wednesdays, 6:30–8:00 p.m. ET
March 16, 19, 23, 26
12-Week In eynem Yiddish Language Courses
This winter we are offering courses for both new students and continuing students. Classes are held twice a week on Zoom, and students connect and submit homework using Google Classroom. See our Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
Course Expectations
Before signing up, make sure you:
- Can commit to participating in all class sessions and spending 60–90 minutes on homework per class
- Have a computer with a camera and microphone, headphones, Internet access, and proficiency with Zoom
- Create a free Google account (or use an existing one) to access Google Classroom
- Have a copy of In eynem: The New Yiddish Textbook (available here)
- Familiarize yourself with the Yiddish alphabet before the course begins (or take our alphabet course)
- If you are a continuing student, review previous units of the textbook before the course begins
In eynem Level 1
Who should take this course?
This course is designed for students with no prior Yiddish language experience. Students should study the Yiddish alphabet or take our alef-beys course prior to the course start date.
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Greet people and introduce yourself
- Describe activities during a typical day and a typical week
- Talk about geography
- Have polite conversation
- Count objects and buy certain items at a store
- Describe your classrooms and workspaces
- Exchange simple information about everyday objects
Grammar: Present tense verb conjugations, pronouns, word order, negation, there is/there are
Culture: Folksongs, brief history of Yiddish, poems, archival images
Instructor: Moishele Alfonso
Course schedule:
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:30–8:00 p.m. ET
January 21, 23, 28, 30
February 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27
March 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27
April 1, 3, 8, 10
Cost: $700 for members; $775 for nonmembers. The required textbook is sold separately at $100 in our online store.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations by January 13 will be refunded, minus a $30 administration fee. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide refunds for cancellations after January 13.
Registration for this course has been filled.
In eynem Level 4
Who should take this course?
This course is designed for students who have taken an In eynem Level 3 course, or have studied equivalent material (Volume I of In Eynem: The New Yiddish Textbook).
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Talk about food items
- Discuss the dinner menu and table settings
- Describe the arrangement of furniture in a room
Grammar: The dative case
Culture: Songs, poems, historical advertisement
Instructor: Sasha Berenstein
Course schedule:
Mondays and Wednesdays, 6:00–7:30 p.m. ET
January 13, 15, 22, 27, 29
February 3, 5, 10, 12, 19, 24, 26
March 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26, 31
April 2, 7, 9
Cost: $700 for members; $775 for nonmembers. The required textbook is sold separately at $100 in our online store.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations by January 6 will be refunded, minus a $30 administration fee. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide refunds for cancellations after January 6.
Registration for this course has been filled.
This has been a dream of mine my entire adult life, and I had all but given up on it. I thought I was just too old to tackle this type of new learning. But now I believe it is possible for me to take this much further, and I hope to do so.