What is Yiddish?
Yiddish is the language spoken by most European Jews for
over 900
years until 1945. It is about 80% Germanic, and the rest is a mix
of Hebrew, Slavic and other international words. It is written in
Hebrew
letters, but is also transliterated in Latin letters. Yiddish has
a large spoken and written heritage deeply integrated into Ashenazi
Jewish
culture and experience.
Who speaks Yiddish?
Today, Yiddish is spoken almost wherever Jewish communities
exist. Perhaps more than 500,000 people can speak Yiddish today
-- down from about 10 million in 1939.
Where in Minnesota can I use the Yiddish
I know?
Both the St. Paul and Minneapolis JCC's offer programs for
Yiddish
speakers. Some in the Russian-Jewish immigrant community and in
the
Khasidic community use Yiddish in every day life. A relatively
small
number of others attend classes and klemzer music concerts to hear
Yiddish.
A number of national Yiddish periodicals are available by subscription
and on-line.
Where can I take lessons?
Yiddish lessons are occasionally offered by adult education
programs
of the St. Paul and Minneapolis JCC's. Additionally, small groups
of individuals are gathering
to mutually teach and learn in private homes.
Who is "yerushe-mn
"?
We are a small number who seek to build Yiddish
resources in Minnesota. We are not incorporated, but operate on
a not-for-profit basis.
