YIVO-Bard Summer Program
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Intensive Beginner I&II Yiddish

Class starts Sep 15 6:00pm-7:30pm

Tuition: $800 | YIVO members: $625**
Students: $400 (Must register with valid university email address)

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This is a live, online course held twice weekly on Zoom. Enrollment will be capped at about 15 students. All course details (Zoom link, syllabus, handouts, assignments, etc.) will be posted to Canvas. Students will be granted access to the class on Canvas after registering for the class here on the YIVO website. This class will be conducted in Yiddish and English.

Instructor: Perl Teitelbaum

Who should take this course?
This course is appropriate for those who are new to Yiddish or would like a review.

What topics will this class cover?
This course will introduce the Yiddish alef-beys (alphabet), classroom expressions, getting acquainted, geography, greetings, and days of the week. Other topics will include basic verbs, numbers, the classroom, disciplines of study, and schoolwork. Students will engage in listening, speaking, reading, and writing activities. In addition, songs related to the content as well as the Jewish calendar will be taught.

Is knowledge of the Yiddish alphabet required?
No, knowledge of the Yiddish alphabet is not required. However, students who have no prior experience with the Yiddish or Hebrew alphabets are highly encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Yiddish alphabet before class, as the course will move at a fast pace. The tools and videos provided here will be helpful in getting a handle on reading and writing the alef-beys, and are designed for independent use.

Course Materials:
This course will use the textbook In eynem: The New Yiddish Textbook, Vol I & II by Asya Vaisman Schulman, Jordan Brown, Mikhl Yashinsky (Purchase).

Questions? Read our 2022 Fall Classes FAQ.

Perl (Paula) Teitelbaum was born and raised in a Yiddish-speaking home in post-war Wroclaw. After immigrating to the United States in 1967, Paula became actively involved in New York City’s Yiddish-speaking circles. During her professional career Paula has taught Yiddish as well as Spanish and English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESL) in a variety of settings, including college, and pre-K through high school and adult education classes. Using her TESOL background Paula has applied some of the most successful teaching methods into her Yiddish classes.


**Become a member today, starting at $54 for one year, and pay the member price for classes! You’ll save $121 right now, and more on future classes and public programs tickets.