The Workers Circle Announces 2024 Summer Yiddish Classes, Beginning in July

—Registration for language, klezmer, and song courses is now open —

(New York, N.Y.) – The Workers Circle, a 123-year-old Jewish nonprofit based in New York City and the leading global provider of Yiddish language education, has begun registration for its summer semester. There are nearly 50 courses offered this semester – more than any other Yiddish language program. The program caters to learners at every stage of their Yiddish language journey, from beginners to advanced speakers. Most classes are conducted online, allowing students and teachers from around the world to participate. Instructors come from across the globe, including Argentina, Brazil, Australia, Israel, Canada, Switzerland and France.

The summer semester comes on the heels of a successful spring semester, which saw over 400 students from 21 countries and 32 states participate in 51 online classes. This semester will pilot two in-person classes, the first since before the pandemic. Given the importance of music to the language, the Workers Circle continues to provide workshops in klezmer and Yiddish song, including a new course, The Bundist Wing of the Yiddish Songbird – der bundisher fligl funem yidishn zingfoygl with Josh Waletzky.

“We are thrilled to announce the opening of registration for our summer semester of Yiddish classes. With more classes available than any other organization, we continue to support students at every level of their Yiddish journey.” said Ann Toback, CEO of the Workers Circle. “We are committed to making Yiddish education accessible to people across the world, with dozens of courses offered online, bringing our mamaloshn to peoples where they live. This summer, we are excited to introduce new courses in Klezmer and Yiddish song. We hope new people will join us in celebrating Yiddish culture, tradition, and community by registering for our summer courses today!"

The summer semester features 21 courses offered at the Beginners level, 14 courses at the Intermediate level, and nine courses for Advanced Yiddishists. There are also four klezmer and Yiddish song classes. With the majority of classes taught virtually via Zoom, the semester remains accessible to students residing across the United States and internationally. Each class is recorded and sent to students for review or to catch up.

In 2023, the Workers Circle registered nearly one thousand Yiddish students (many taking multiple classes), from 38 states and 25 countries.

For more details on course descriptions and dates, visit: https://www.circle.org/2024yiddish

Summer semester fees for Workers Circle members are $150 per class including song courses, and $310 for intensive courses. Member registration for full-time students and Yiddish teachers who are members is $75. Summer semester fees for non-members are $180 per class including song courses, and $360 for intensive courses. Non-member registration for full time-students and Yiddish teachers is $90. For more on costs and to register, visit: https://www.circle.org/2024-yiddish-class-price-and-registration

The Workers Circle (or Der Arbeter Ring, as it is known in Yiddish) was founded over a century ago by Yiddish-speaking immigrants to New York and has been at the forefront of the contemporary Yiddish renaissance, teaching the language for over 35 years and presiding over its surge in popularity.

About the Workers Circle

The Workers Circle is a national, secular, Jewish social justice organization founded by Eastern European immigrants who came to the United States fleeing autocracy and persecution, and seeking democratic freedoms and economic opportunities at the turn of the 20th century. That history drives our work for an inclusive democracy and human equality today. Our activism is rooted in 1,000 years of Yiddish culture and tradition. Through strategic social justice campaigns, vibrant Yiddish language classes, and interactive educational programs, we power a multi-generational community of activists that is building “a better and more beautiful world for all.” Learn more at www.circle.org.