Yiddish for Everyone
Yiddish is the foundation of all we do at the Kadimah. Our literature, history and culture are all intertwined with the richness of the spoken and written Yiddish word, and we strive to make Yiddish accessible to everyone. Our Yiddish classes cater to all levels and interests – from those who heard Yiddish at home to those who are brand new to it, and everyone in between.
Term 2, 2024 registrations are now open
Term 2, 2024 dates: Monday 15 April – Thursday 27 June (no classes during Peysakh 22-29 April)
Our new timetable offers both online and in person classes
Contact Esther Singer, coordinator of Yiddish learning, to discuss which class would be suitable for you.
Scholarships available, learn more on our Scholarships page.
New Classes
NEW! Yiddish Conversation
with Katerina Kuznetsova
Thursday 7:00-8:00pm starting 9 May
This new 6 week conversation course for beginners and intermediate students is the perfect opportunity to speak more in Yiddish. Speaking in pairs and small groups you will learn how to engage in a small talk, discuss your work, family and hobbies.
Learn more about Katerina Kuznetzova
Beginner / אָנהײבערס
Yiddish Alef L4
with Katerina Kuznetsova
Monday 7:00-8:30pm
This course covers chapters 3 and 4 in the the 'In eynem' book. Plus, we will discuss Jewish holidays and traditions: Pesakh is coming soon! This course is for you if you are comfortable reading and writing simple sentences in Yiddish, can introduce yourself and speak about weather. We will speak a lot and read simple literary texts.
Learn more about Katerina Kuznetzova
NEW! Yiddish Alef L2
with Esther Singer
Thursday 6:00-7:30pm
This beginners' class started in Term 1, and will continue with basic Yiddish conversation, listening and reading. You can join this class if you are still getting started on your Yiddish learning journey. Students should be familiar with the Alef-Beys, though fluency is not yet expected.
Learn more about Esther Singer
Continuing / װײַטערדיקע
Yiddish Giml with Esther Singer
Monday 6:30-8:00pm
Conversation, reading and language activities. A continuing intermediate level class for those who have good comprehension and can read, write and speak Yiddish.
Learn more about Esther Singer
Yiddish Beys with Esther Singer
Tuesday 6:00-7:30pm
Continuing beginners' class for 2nd year learners. This class focuses on developing competence in speaking, exploring Yiddish texts and expanding your understanding of aspects of the language.
Learn more about Esther Singer
Fluent / פֿליסיק
Yiddish Amol un Haynt
Monday 10:00am-12:00pm
An advanced study group – reading and discussing articles and contemporary happenings in Yiddish. Interested new students, please get in touch to discuss joining this group.
Learn more about Alex Dafner
Other
Yugnt-Trupe
Monday 4:15-5:45pm
Term 2, 6 May - 24 June (no class Monday 10 June)
Lomir shpiln teater! Calling all aspiring Yiddish performers aged 8-12. Get ready to tap into your creativity as a part of the Kadimah Yugnt-Trupe, the Kadimah Youth Troupe! Sessions are structured around children’s abilities and interests, creating an inclusive and engaging theatre space that connects with their Jewish identity. No prior knowledge of Yiddish required.
Shmues & Leyen Krayzn / ייִדיִש שמועס און לײען קרײַזן
The cost is $100 per year & they are meant to be only for people who have signed up as Friends of Kadimah.
If you're not sure which group is right for you, please contact our Yiddish Language coordinator, Esther Singer.
Yiddish Shmues Krayz with Dina Shonberg
Monday 1:30-3:00pm
A structured conversation group wholly in Yiddish. This group is currently FULL.
Re-enrolments only please.
Learn more about Diane Shonberg
Yiddish Literature
with Beni Gothajner
Tuesday 10:00am-12:00pm
Yiddish literature reading and discussion group. For fluent readers and speakers.
Learn more about Beni Gothajner
Yiddish Shmues Krayz
with Dina Shonberg
Wednesday 8:00-9:30pm
A structured conversation group wholly in Yiddish. This group is currently FULL.
Learn more about Diane Shonberg
Yiddish Shmues Krayz
with Helen Mizrachi
Thursday 2:00-3:30pm
A structured conversation group wholly in Yiddish. Good comprehension essential, speaking skill levels can develop.
This group is currently FULL. Re-enrolments only please.
Learn more about Helen Mizrachi
Get Connected
Make sure you keep connected with the Kadimah.
מיר אָנערקענען די עלטסטע געזעסענע אָפּהיטער פֿון דעם לאַנד וואוּ מיר טרעפֿן זיך, דאָס בּון וועראַנג פֿאָלק פֿון דער קולין נאַציע און מיר גיבן אָפּ כּבֿוד זייערע פֿאַרגאַנגענע, איצטיקע און קומענדיקע אמהות און אבות
We acknowledge the longest standing custodians of the land where we meet, the Boon Wurrun folk of the Kulin nation, and we pay respect to their elders (matriachs and patriachs), past, present and future.