Mini-Course: Why Yiddish Children’s Literature Matters Today (4 sessions)

Children’s literature offers a window onto a culture, a society, a historical moment. It reflects the values, hopes, and fears of the adults and communities that created it. In the 20th century, alongside the great works of modern literature for adults, Yiddish writers were also crafting a vibrant body of tales and poems for young readers. Nearly a thousand Yiddish children’s books appeared across four continents, filled with unforgettable characters—boys who don’t quite fit in, girls who aren’t where they are supposed to be, chickens who want to learn Yiddish, and an energetic mutt with an insatiable hunger for democracy.

Together we will explore how these creative and poignant works reflected and shaped the experiences of Ashkenazi Jews in a period of global Jewish diaspora. We’ll consider how Yiddish writers helped children imagine a world of joy and belonging in the face of upheaval. Along the way, participants will share in lively discussion, discovering how these stories still speak to questions of identity, community, and resilience today.

All sessions are held live via Zoom. Recordings will be available to all registrants.

COST

$100 for members; $125 for nonmembers. Join or renew your membership now to take advantage of the member discount. Then return here to continue the registration process. Registration closes October 22. This course is non-refundable.