Uriel Weinreich Summer Program Testimonial: Graeme Myers ,‘22

A Sense of Collaboration and Community

by GRAEME MYERS, Summer Program ‘22

When I applied to the YIVO Summer Program, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect—what would an intensive Yiddish program entail? Was I prepared? I had studied other languages in immersion settings, but never in an academic program. No matter what I might have imagined, the YIVO Summer Program exceeded any expectation, plunging me into Yiddish language and culture, day and night, for six inspiring, invigorating weeks.

All the program classes were spectacular. Rare is the opportunity to go through hundreds of hours of Literature, Grammar and Conversation classes alongside the same group of people, learning and helping each other improve. Thanks to the variety of texts we studied in Literature class, which spanned centuries and continents, many of us were able to observe our reading speed and comprehension levels improve before our very eyes, a truly inspiring feeling.

Advanced Grammar was also a joy, a dedicated space to explore the intricacies of the Yiddish language. From complicated concepts that one might pass by in an intermediate class, to dedicated time for student questions, we covered a vast amount of material in a way that really allowed students to internalize and digest the subtleties of the language.

In Shmues class, we were given the opportunity to put these concepts to work, conducting group discussions in Yiddish on a variety of themes and topics. It was a joy to get to know my classmates better in Yiddish, in a welcoming and supportive environment where we all greatly improved over the course of the six weeks.

The best part of the YIVO Summer Program was the sense of collaboration and community present within our class. Learning a language is always both difficult and rewarding, but learning it together with a group of dedicated, kind, and helpful peers, along with excellent instructors, is what really made YIVO special. Not only did I have the pleasure of using Yiddish in daily life outside class, but it was also a joy to do so with the friends you make along the way. As I continue studying and (hopefully) improving my Yiddish going forward, this is what I’ll always remember from the YIVO Summer program—the willingness of everyone around to help, chat, or manically try to finish some homework.

Learn more about the Uriel Weinreich Summer Program in Yiddish Language, Literature, and Culture.