Mar 08, 2022
![<p><em>Idish-kursn fun <span class="push-double"></span><span class="pull-double">“</span>Ivo” un kolombia universitet efenen zikh mit groyser tsol studenten </em>[Yiddish courses from <span class="caps">YIVO</span> and Columbia University open with a large number of students], <em>Forverts</em>, <span class="numbers">8</span> June <span class="numbers">1972</span>. Digitized in the <span class="push-double"></span><span class="pull-double">“</span>Historical Jewish Press,” National Library of Israel.</p>](https://s3.amazonaws.com/ingeveb/images/Bildschirmfoto-2022-03-04-um-1.58.31-PM.png)
Idish-kursn fun “Ivo” un kolombia universitet efenen zikh mit groyser tsol studenten [Yiddish courses from YIVO and Columbia University open with a large number of students], Forverts, 8 June 1972. Digitized in the “Historical Jewish Press,” National Library of Israel.
INTRODUCTION
Summer 2022 is going to feature a stunning variety of Yiddish courses, language immersion opportunities, and Jewish festivals around Yiddishland. In geveb is happy to present our annual Summer Programs Roundup for 2022, where you will find a guide to programs where you can improve, practice, enjoy, and grow your Yiddish knowledge for all levels and backgrounds, from intensive language schools to international Jewish cultural events. Just like in previous years, there are also plenty of experiences offered virtually which hope to widen accessibility, especially during the pandemic.
If you would like to suggest an addition or correction to this list, please contact us.
Note: All currency values are subject to change depending on current exchange rates.
United States
Queer Yiddish Camp (Online)
https://www.queeryiddish.camp/
Dates: May 15 - May 27
Application deadline: Early-bird registration and scholarship application deadline is March 15.
Cost: 400-800 USD (362.6-725 EUR, 507-1015 CAD), with scholarships available prioritizing Indigenous, Black, People of Color, trans, and disabled folks.
Description: Queer Yiddish Camp is a 2 week online Yiddish intensive May 15-27, 2022 for all levels from complete beginner to advanced. Students will take language, literature, history, music, and culture classes from an all-queer faculty of world-renown Yiddish teachers, scholars, artists, activists, and cultural workers.
Levels: 5 levels, complete beginner to advanced.
Housing: This program is online.
More information: They are on Facebook and Instagram @queeryiddishcamp or contact [email protected].
YIVO-Bard Uriel Weinreich Summer Program in Yiddish Language, Literature, and Culture (New York, NY & Online)
https://summerprogram.yivo.org/
Dates: June 21 - July 29, with an optional refresher course taking place June 13-17, and a continuing education course for those teaching, researching, or performing in Yiddish from August 1-12
Application deadline: the general application deadline has been extended to April 15, with the financial aid deadline on February 25.
Cost: 2680 USD, with financial aid available (2428 EUR, 3401 CAD); Cost of textbooks and other aides can range from 30-100 USD
Description: The Uriel Weinreich Summer Program in Yiddish Language, Literature, and Culture, established in 1968, is the oldest intensive Yiddish summer program in the world. The 6-week program offers classes from beginner to advanced levels and a wide variety of cultural and enrichment activities. Under the auspices of the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research and Bard College, the program offers instruction in the Yiddish language and an in-depth exploration of the literature and culture of East European Jewry and its diaspora communities. The Weinreich Program treats Yiddish as a living language and emphasizes spoken Yiddish.
Levels: Beginner - Advanced
Housing: Not included in cost of attendance; not necessary for students attending online.
Program Layout: Both in-person and online courses and opportunities are available.
More information: Watch and learn more here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eO_-SNJaP6c Youtube (Jan 22, 2018)
Workers Circle Summer 2022 Semester (Online)
https://www.circle.org/yiddish (Will be updated with Summer registration when available)
Dates: Summer 2022
Application deadline: TBD
Cost: Using Winter-Spring 2021 semester pricing, non-member registration rates are 340 USD (282 EUR, 433.50 CAD) per class, and 150 USD (125 EUR, 191.25 CAD) per mini-class; member registration rates are 295 USD (254 EUR, 376 CAD) per class and 120 USD (100 EUR, 153 CAD) per mini-class.
Description: The Workers Circle provides one-of-a-kind classes to improve your Yiddish, expand your knowledge of Yiddish history and culture, as well as give you time to learn and grow from distinguished experts in Yiddish studies. There are workshops and classes offered on all subjects, from Yiddish grammar to song, to autobiography and dialectology.
Levels: Beginner - Advanced
Housing: This program is online.
Chicago Worker’s Circle & Chicago YIVO Society (Online)
https://www.chicagoyivo.org/yi...
Dates: Summer 2022 dates TBA
Registration deadline: N/A
Details: TBA
Yiddish Vokh (Copake, New York, USA)
Dates: August 17-23
Application deadline: Registration is not yet open. Early bird registration deadline will be April 10 (for a $50 discount), late registration (after July 15) costs an additional $75
Cost: TBA
Description: Yiddish Vokh is a language immersion retreat. Volunteers lead art activities, lectures, discussions, workshops, and sports.
More information: Read More About It: Sandra Fox, “Recreation as Education, Yiddish Vokh 2017″.
Trip to Yiddishland (Dutchess County, New York, USA)
https://www.circle.org/yiddish
Dates: mid August, specifics forthcoming for 2022; dates for 2021 were August 16-22
Application deadline: TBD
Cost: In 2021, the Trip to Yiddishland prices ranged from 350-1400 USD per person (317-1268.6 EUR, 444.2-1776.85 CAD) depending on housing choice (many options available from dormitory to private lakefront and lawn rooms). Also, University students were able to register with shared accomodations for 325 USD (294.5 EUR, 412.5 CAD). Cost includes meals, programs, and entertainment.
Description: The Trip to Yiddishland features four levels of Yiddish classes, dance & klezmer instruction, theater & music workshops, concerts & entertainment, children’s program, and more.
More information: Read More About It: Andrew Brownstein, “Yiddishland Brings Diverse Group Together for Language and Culture.” Forward (June 27, 2014).
Steiner Summer Program, Yiddish Book Center (Amherst, Massachusetts)
https://www.yiddishbookcenter.org/educational-programs/steiner-summer-yiddish-program
Dates: May 29 - July 15
Application deadline: applications for the 2022 summer program are closed
Cost: The program covers tuition, required textbooks, and any subsequent shipping costs.
Description: Now in its fourth decade, the Steiner Summer Yiddish Program offers motivated students, ages 18-26, the opportunity to immerse themselves in Yiddish language and culture. Participants study with renowned scholars and build a community of yidishkayt in a supportive residential (or online!) setting. Students take a full year of language courses in seven weeks and take part in seminars with leading scholars of literature, film, music, and history. They also attend the Yiddish Book Center’s Yidstock: The Festival of New Yiddish Music and can participate in paid internships.
Levels: Beginner and intermediate
Europe
Yiddish in Berlin (Berlin, Germany)
Dates: August 8 - August 26
Registration deadline: N/A
Cost: Tuition for the program is 680 EUR (750.4 USD, 952.4 CAD) with an additional administration fee of 50 EUR (54.56 USD, 70.24 CAD). Scholarships are available, and priority will be given to students. More information and costs and scholarships can be found here.
Description: The 3rd Summer Program for Yiddish Language and Literature in Berlin will be held at the Institute for East European Studies at the Free University of Berlin. For three weeks, the Institute for East European Studies hosts students from all around the world, offering a rich program of language courses and cultural activities.
Levels: Beginner - Advanced, as well as pedagogical training seminar
Housing: Not included in cost of attendance; not necessary for students attending online.
Program Layout: Both in-person and hybrid/online course opportunities.
Yiddish Seminar / Seminarium Jidysz (Warsaw, Poland & Online)
http://jidyszland.pl/en/yiddish-seminar/
Dates: June 27 - July 15
Application deadline: June 6, scholarship deadline is May 3
Cost: There are a variety of costs for a variety of course offerings: tuition for a full seminar program for three weeks is 600 EUR / 650 USD, with a student fee of 400 EUR / 450 USD. Tuition for a full seminar program for two weeks is 450 EUR / 490 USD, with a student fee of 300 EUR / 325 USD. A more detailed breakdown of other costs, individual course tuition, and more can be found here.
Description: The 20th International Summer Seminar in Yiddish Language and Culture in Warsaw and virtually will provide a diverse range of Yiddish courses, cultural immersion opportunities, tutorials, lectures, and workshops.
Levels: Beginner - Advanced
Housing: Not included in cost of attendance; not necessary for students attending online.
Program Layout: Both in-person and hybrid/online course opportunities.
Jewish Music Institute’s Ot Azoy 2022 (London, UK)
https://www.jmi.org.uk/event/ot-azoy-learn-yiddish-2022/
Dates: August 22 - 27
Cost: 250 GBP (333.6 USD, 302.3 EUR); Student / Senior (65+) rate set at 150 GBP (200 USD, 181.4 EUR), and a scholarship rate of 125 GBP (166.78 USD, 151 EUR). More scholarship information is available available upon request.
Description: Full immersion courses in Yiddish Culture, Song, and Dance for people of all ages and backgrounds from beginner to advanced. Organized under a faculty of Yiddish teachers and artists, it is “the only opportunity in the UK to immerse yourself in the deep and inspiring world of Yiddish culture.”
Levels: 5 levels, beginner to advanced
Housing: Housing is not provided, but several recommendations for housing are given.
Program Layout: In-person.
Israel
Naomi Prawer Kadar International Yiddish Summer Program at Tel Aviv University (Tel Aviv, Israel & Online)
https://en-humanities.tau.ac.il/naomiyiddish/
Dates: July 3 - July 28
Application deadline: May 15
Cost: 60 USD application fee, 1450 USD tuition (1314.6 EUR, 1841 CAD)
Description: The program will offer Yiddish instruction for current university students at 5 levels (including an advanced seminar for research students), taught by an international faculty of leading instructors and experts in Yiddish Studies, as well as a rich afternoon cultural program in an exciting urban center. The Naomi Prawer Kadar Yiddish program is one of the largest and most diverse in the world.
Levels: Elementary - Advanced
Housing: Housing details forthcoming here.
Program Layout: In person & online, however the program is not hybrid (simultaneous in-person and online attendance); instead, they will offer both online and in-person courses.
More information: Watch and learn more here: “The Naomi Prawer Kadar International Yiddish Summer Program at Tel Aviv University” Youtube (Oct 7, 2018)
YO - Yiddish Ort Summer Courses (Jerusalem, Israel)
Details: TBD
Canada
KlezKanada Summer Retreat (Montreal, TBD)
Dates: TBD, past programs have happened in August
Application Deadline: TBD
Cost: TBD. In past summers, Azrieli Scholarships are available for emerging artists and scholars ages 16-35, which will provide generously subsidised tuition for all successful applicants. A limited number of free or pay-what-you-can registrations will also be available, designated for those with financial hardship or who come from communities traditionally underrepresented at our programs.
Levels: Introductory, intermediate, advanced, as well as other classes, lectures, and other activities conducted in Yiddish.
Cultural Component: KlezKanada’s Summer Retreat is a week-long immersion in Yiddish culture, arts, and music attended by an international and intergenerational community every year. In addition to Yiddish language programming, KlezKanada is centered around intensive instrumental and vocal workshops in klezmer and Yiddish music, as well as classes in Yiddish dance, theater, and visual arts, and lectures and film screenings in topics related to Jewish history, literature, and culture. In the afternoons and evenings, there are concerts featuring some of the world’s best klezmer bands, and a late night cabaret.
Program Layout: TBD.
Music and Cultural Festivals
Yidstock (Amherst, Massachusetts)
Dates: July 7 - 10
Description: Talented artists from around the globe will gather for a concert and festival of various genres, from Klezmer to Americana, traditional Jewish music, and more. In past years, scheduled talks have been arranged along with the musical performances, and more information will be forthcoming on the Yidstock website, or sent out via email subscription found at the same link.
Jewish Festival in Kraków (Kraków, Poland)
https://www.jewishfestival.pl/en/jewish-culture-festival/
Dates: TBD
Description: Described as the “largest presentation of contemporary culture created by the Jews in Israel and the entire Diaspora,” the festival is a collection of more than 300 events scheduled over a period of 10 days ranging from performances, workshops, lectures, tours, discussions, and much more ranging a wide and international variety of Jewish culture.
