Yiddish Language Program
Nesiye נסיעה – A Journey through Ashkenazi Europe

July 13 - 26, 2026; unstructured (free) days: July 19 & 20 
Week One: July 13 - 18 | all levels
Week Two: July 21 - 26 | intermediate & advanced
10 a.m. - 1 p.m. & 3 - 6 p.m. 

with Kriszta Eszter Szendrői, Mendy Cahan , Eli Benedict & Eidel Malowicki

Jews have continuously lived in Europe since Roman times, yet Jews are almost invisible when it comes to common understanding of European history, which is perceived from a Christianity-centric perspective.

Ashkenazi (i.e. Central and Eastern European) Jews have shared, and to some extent still share, a religious and cultural identity while living transnationally across the whole continent, and beyond, for at least ten centuries. 

This year we are inviting you to come with us on a journey, a נסיעה (nesiye), witnessing various important moments in Ashkenazi Jewish cultural history and criss-crossing the territory of Yiddishland, or at least its European core. Yiddish was the main spoken language of Ashkenazi Jews for the better part of the last millennium. So, the best way to equip ourselves for this imaginary journey is to immerse ourselves in the language of this people. 

Like Jews, women have also been invisible throughout recorded history, so we will specifically highlight Jewish women's experiences. 

Our travel guides on this nesiye will be a teaching team of Yiddish native speakers: they will explain authentic texts as well as vocabulary and grammar, and provide historical, cultural and religious context. 

At the end of this journey, you will be more familiar with the story of this people, who for many centuries were outcasts in a Christian Europe, and who nevertheless represent a distinct and continuous current in the development of European cultural identity.

Formal language classes will take place in the mornings, with separate sections for beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes. Afternoons will be dedicated to more informal learning in an immersive Yiddish environment.

This workshop includes two unstructured (free) days for practicing alone or with others, reviewing materials, or just resting.

Whether you’re an absolute beginner, you’ve taken some Yiddish classes, or you’re a fluent Yiddish speaker, you’ll find this workshop fascinating, mind-opening, and it may even change your understanding of European identity.

Please note! You have the option to either attend the entire 2-week workshop or choose one of the two weeks.
However, it is not possible for absolute beginners to join the workshop only for the second week.

 

Workshop fees:
2 weeks: 855 € Standard / 675 € Reduced / 1215 € Sponsor / 255 € Under 18
1 week:   465 € Standard / 375 € Reduced / 645 € Sponsor / 165 € Under 18