Yiddish Language Courses

If you’re looking for Yiddish language classes in Boston, you’ve come to the right place. Our instructors are passionate about Yiddish and are experienced educators. Whether you are a complete beginner or grew up speaking the language, we have a class that will accommodate you. Students cover a wide age range, from young adults to seniors. We offer classes in the fall and spring at up to four levels — Beginners, Advanced Beginners, Intermediate, and Advanced. Students in doubt about their course level may contact an instructor to discuss.

For more information: http://circleboston.org/yiddish-classes

Spring 2016 YIDDISH LANGUAGE COURSES
Twelve evenings, starting Tuesday, February 2 and Wednesday, February 3 from 7:30-9 PM
Tuition Rates

Workmen’s Circle Member: $199
Non-member: $265
Special Young adult rates (under 30 yr old): Member $130 / Non-member $199

►REGISTER ONLINE: Use our online form: http://bit.ly/204EAjn

►BY CHECK: You can come in person the first day of classes with your check, or you can mail it. Make it out to “Boston Workmen’s Circle.” Our mailing address is 1762 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA 02445. Please be sure to indicate which class you’re interested in and include your address, phone, and email.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS:

Beginner II (Tues nights): This is a continuation of our fall beginner session. Newcomers who know the Yiddish alphabet and can read and write simple sentences in the present tense are encouraged to join. Yiddish reading, conversation skills and grammar will be taught using a textbook, songs and other multi­media materials.

Instructor: Lily Weitzman.

Intermediate (Tues nights): Students will build on their knowledge of Yiddish through reading and translating prose, poetry and songs, with an opportunity to discuss the works. Various grammatical points will be highlighted and explained in the context of the materials used. Students should be somewhat proficient in reading and comfortable using Yiddish dictionaries. Yiddish conversation will be part of each class.

Instructor: Lillian Leavitt.

Advanced Level: Yiddish Literature (Wed nights): This course will cover some of Yiddish literature’s best authors, including but not limited to: Sholem Aleykhem, I.B. Singer, and Sholem Asch. We’ll read and discuss themes, characters and plots. English translations will be made available whenever possible to reduce excessive dictionary work. Discussions will be primarily in Yiddish with allowance for English when necessary. Fluency in reading required with an interest in developing greater speaking capacities. The curriculum will include grammar instruction in the context of the reading materials. Purchase of some books may be required.

Instructor: Lillian Leavitt.

OUR INSTRUCTORS:

Lillian Shporer Leavitt, a daughter of Shoah survivors, grew up speaking Yiddish and was graduated from the Boston Workmen’s Circle Yiddish shule. A former computer software trainer, she is an experienced Yiddish teacher and translator, having taught at the Workmen’s Circle, Gann Academy of Greater Boston, Boston University, and Brandeis University, as well as subtitled Yiddish films for the National Center for Jewish Film.

Lily Weitzman took her first Yiddish class at the Boston Workmen’s Circle and has gone on to study the language at the Yiddish Book Center, Yiddish Farm, and YIVO Summer Program. She currently co-chairs the Boston Workmen’s Circle Yiddish Committee. Lily is studying for a master’s degree in library science at Simmons College.

Event Location: Boston Workmen’s Circle
1762 Beacon St, Brookline, Massachusetts, 02445