The Workers Circle Opens Registration for Spring Yiddish Classes as Enrollment Continues to Rise

Contact: Karin Vanegas, karin@anatgerstein.com, 347-361-7049

February 11, 2022

(New York, N.Y.) – The Workers Circle, a 122-year-old Jewish nonprofit headquartered in New York City and the world’s preeminent provider of Yiddish language instruction, has opened registration for its Spring Semester following another year of record enrollment.

Courses spanning March through May of 2022 will be offered at the Beginners, Intermediate, and Advanced levels, with additional Klezmer/Yiddish Song courses for all.

With a total of 59 course offerings, students can explore dynamic subject matter ranging from Yiddish Scandals to Modern Yiddish Prose or hone their basic language skills in Conversation courses for new learners.

All classes will be taught virtually via Zoom, ensuring the semester is COVID-safe and accessible to students throughout the United States and across the globe.

The Workers Circle (or Der Arbeter Ring, as it is fondly known among Yiddishists), was founded over a century ago by Yiddish-speaking immigrants to New York and has been at the forefront of the contemporary Yiddish renaissance, teaching the language for the last 30 years and presiding over its recent surge in popularity.

“We are so excited by our program’s steady growth over the last decade, and in particular throughout the pandemic,” says Ann Toback, CEO of The Workers Circle. “As new and returning learners have sought out safe activities and a sense of community during this extended period of isolation and hardship, our program offered a deeply meaningful opportunity to reconnect with our personal histories and shared heritage. We saw a 60% increase in total registrations from 2019 to 2021.”

“Our program is exceptional because our instructors are exceptional,” says Kolya Borodulin, Yiddish Program Director at the Workers Circle. “We attract the most reputable scholars and teachers from around the world. We had 25 instructors across eight different countries last semester. To meet demand, our roster has grown to 31 this term.”

Member rates: $295 per class or song course, $590 for intensive courses, $120 for mini courses

Non-member rates: $340 per class or song course, $680 for intensive courses, $150 for mini courses

For full-time students and Yiddish teachers: The Workers Circle offers a 50% discount

To learn more or register, visit https://www.circle.org/yiddish or email yiddish@circle.org

About the Workers Circle

Founded 122 years ago, the Workers Circle (formerly known as the Workmen’s Circle) is a social justice organization that powers progressive Jewish identity through Jewish cultural engagement, Yiddish language learning, multigenerational education, and social justice activism. For over a century we have provided this 360-degree approach to Jewish identity-building. Through contemporary cultural programs, strategic social justice campaigns, vibrant Yiddish language classes, interactive educational experiences and more, we connect Jewish adults, kids and families of all affiliations with their cultural heritage, working to build a better and more beautiful world for all. Learn more at www.circle.org.

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