January | Yiddish is more common than you might think. Schlep, nosh, and, of course, oy, among other words, have made their way into American English. But the language has been in a decline since its height less than a century ago, when it was spoken by an estimated 13 million Jews. Today, a resurgence is underway, not only of the language but also of Yiddish literature, theater, and music. This group, called Tuesday Schmooze-day, part of the International Association of Yiddish Clubs, meets every week for an opportunity to speak the language and keep it alive. | | This is Tuesday Schmooze-day.
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| The Tuesday Schmooze-day group is an offshoot of a larger Yiddish-vinkl that meets monthly at the Jewish Community Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The vinkl, with nearly a hundred members, has been meeting for 18 years in an effort to carry on the rich cultural heritage of Yiddish. Group members, many of whom recall hearing the Yiddish language spoken in their childhood homes, have amazing stories to share, and long-term friendships have formed as a result of their membership in the vinkl.
The resurgence in interest in Yiddish culture is worldwide. In addition to the 100-member International Association of Yiddish clubs, there are an estimated 200 additional clubs not part of the association. Over 50 colleges now teach Yiddish, once considered a "dead" language by many. You can learn more about the International Association of Yiddish clubs at www.derbay.org. |
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