Hebrew Language: stories and learning
Language Mini-Workshop
Aug 8 – 12, 9 – 10:30 a.m.@OMA
With Sonya Yampolskaya

For the first time in Yiddish Summer, we offer a Mini-Workshop dedicated to the Hebrew language! Taught with verve and panache by Sonya Yampolskaya, this workshop combines tales about the Hebrew language with basic Hebrew learning, following the history of the Holy Tongue from Biblical times through the Middle Ages and the European Renaissance up to Modern times, acquiring basic grammar and vocabulary along the way. This workshop is open to everyone with a thirst for knowledge and an appetite for fun, and no prior knowledge of Hebrew is necessary.

Free admission

Lomir tantsn! (Let’s dance!)
Yiddish Dance Mini-Workshop
August 8 – 12, 9:45 – 10:30 a.m. @OMA
With Sayumi Yoshida (dance) and Szilvia Csaranko (music)

Nothing expresses the spirit of Yiddish culture quite like Yiddish dance! A true folk dance tradition that evolved over centuries in Eastern Europe, it's very different from the choreographed corpus of Balkan and Israeli dance.

Yiddish Dance is easy to learn for people of any age. It creates a strong feeling of connection and community but at the same time leaves a lot of room for individuality. Each day, dance teacher Sayumi Yoshida will teach different Yiddish dances accompanied by live klezmer music.

If you already know some other folk dances, or you're just looking for a fun way to get the day started, nothing can beat this introduction to Yiddish folk dance with live klezmer music! Perfect for families.

 

Free admission

Lomir zingen! (Let’s sing!)
Yiddish Song Mini-Workshop
Aug 8 – 12, 10:45 a.m. – 11:45 p.m. @OMA
With Deborah Strauss

Have you ever sat in a concert of Yiddish song and felt like singing along? If so, then this workshop is for you! For anyone who already loves to sing or who is just curious, the Yiddish Song Mini-Workshop is a relaxed, informal, and fun event.

You don't have to know anything about Yiddish or about singing; just come along with an open mind and you'll soon find yourself in the middle of a heartfelt, warm atmosphere.

 Free admission

Lomir shpiln! (Let’s play!)
Klezmer Music Mini-Workshop
Aug 8 – 12, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. @OMA
With Deborah Strauss

You play klezmer music and you're feeling inspired by the festival atmosphere? Well, this mini-workshop is for you! Bring your clarinet, violin, trumpet, accordion or whatever and join in!
Accordionist Sanne Möricke, an internationally renowned expert in klezmer music, will lead this Mini-Workshop. It’s a perfect introduction to the special repertoire and style of klezmer music, using both written music and playing by ear. She’ll introduce both well-known and less familiar tunes, and everyone is invited to contribute. To join this workshop, you should have at least have a basic understanding of your instrument and an appetite for klezmer music.  

Free admission

Lomir redn! (Let’s talk!)
Yiddish Language Mini-Workshop
Aug 8 – 12, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.@OMA
With Diana Matut

Do you want to have a simple conversation in Yiddish? Are those “everything I always wanted to know about Yiddish” questions giving you no peace? Or do you simply want to get a first taste of Yiddish literature and culture? Then this small, five-day taster course, held during the Festival Week, is just for you!

Free admission