Spring 2023 Yiddish Classes

A new semester of online Yiddish classes will begin the week of April 23. More information about our upcoming Spring session is below. Registration will open March 9. We look forward to having you join us!
Visit our FAQ (FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS) page for more information about our classes and policies, or send us an email at yiddish@ujafed.org

Cancellation Policy: CFY will offer students a full refund for withdrawal by the end of the second week of the course (i.e. before the third class of the course). No refunds are available after the second week of classes. Refunds will be processed one month after the course begins.

All classes are subject to enrollment. Please note that course fees are in Canadian funds.

ײִדיש קלאַסן

Learn, refresh, and improve your speaking, reading, and writing language skills with experienced instructors in a fun and stimulating learning environment.

Beginner Yiddish Language

Monday evenings on Zoom, 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm ET | April 24 – June 12, 2023
8 classes | Cost: $130 CAD
Instructor: Ruth Gerlock

This introductory level course is suitable for those with no prior or minimal Yiddish language knowledge. Students will be introduced to the basics of Yiddish conversation, grammar, reading, and writing in an engaging class supplemented by songs and activities.

Beginner-Plus Yiddish Language

Wednesday evenings on Zoom, 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm ET | April 26 – June 14, 2023
8 classes | Cost: $130 CAD
Instructor: Ruth Gerlock

This high-beginner level course is suitable for those who have taken at least one or two semesters of Beginner-level Yiddish courses, or equivalent prior experience. Students will continue to develop their basic conversational skills, grammar understanding, and facility with the alef-beys.

Intermediate Yiddish Language

Sunday mornings on Zoom, 10:00 am – 11:30 am ET | April 23 – June 11, 2023
8 classes | Cost: $130 CAD
Instructor: Ruth Gerlock

This course is suitable for those who have studied Yiddish for one to two years or have equivalent experience. Students must be able to read alef-beys at least at a basic level. Students will continue to develop their intermediate-level speaking and reading comprehension skills through reading and discussing selections of Yiddish poetry, review of grammar with points drawn from the texts, and relevant vocabulary and conversational activities.

Intermediate-Plus Yiddish Language

Wednesday evenings on Zoom, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm ET | April 26 – June 14, 2023
8 classes | Cost: $130 CAD
Instructor: Sharon Power

This course, conducted mainly in Yiddish, is designed for students who have previously studied Yiddish at the Intermediate level and are ready to apply their skills in a literature-based course. Students will develop their speaking and reading comprehension abilities through reading and discussing an engaging selection of short to medium-length Yiddish texts (poetry, newspaper articles, short stories). Cultural and linguistic points of interest will be highlighted as we analyse the texts.

Advanced Yiddish Language

Sunday mornings on Zoom, 10:00 am – 11:30 am ET | April 23 – June 11, 2023
8 classes | Cost: $130 CAD
Instructor: Sharon Power

This course, conducted entirely in Yiddish, will focus on advanced reading, writing, vocabulary, grammar, and conversation. We will read short stories and other Yiddish literary materials and use the texts as jumping-off points, to explore higher-level grammatical topics and to discuss historical, cultural, and linguistic points of interest.

לײענקרײַז

Third Tuesday of each month on Zoom, 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm ET. The Leyenkrayz meets monthly year-round.
Cost: $30 annual fee for new participants only.

Participants will read and discuss the collection of short stories in Yiddish from the book FIGURN by Ephraim Kaganowski. Materials will be provided in PDF form. The Leyenkrayz is facilitated by two class participants.

Please note: If you registered for this program in September 2022, you do not have to register again until next September 2023.