Yiddish On One Foot

Yiddish: An Introduction to Language & Culture (On One Foot!)

Yiddish has been one of the most widely spoken Jewish languages in history. Yet it is often misunderstood, maligned, or reductively imagined as a jargon of jokes or a mongrel tongue. In this presentation, we'll go beyond the stereotypes to explore the origins and evolution of this global language, with an emphasis on its vast literature and vibrant culture. And why on one foot? You'll just have to hop on in to find out!

Sebastian Schulman, director of special projects and partnerships with the Yiddish Book Center. Prior to joining the Center in his current role, Sebastian served as the executive director of KlezKanada, a leading organization in Yiddish arts and culture located in Montréal, Québec. An alum of the Center’s Summer Internship Program, he has previously worked at the Center as the director of the translation fellowship program and as a development officer. Sebastian is also a writer, editor, and literary translator from Yiddish and other languages, with work appearing with independent presses and literary journals throughout North America. He holds degrees in Jewish Studies and History from McGill University and Indiana University, Bloomington.

Presented as part of the Yiddish Book Center's Public Libraries Program, in partnership with the ALA and funded by the Lilly Endowment, Inc. Made possible by the Friends of the Santa Fe Public Library.

The Yiddish Book Center’s Public Libraries Program brings Yiddish literature in translation to public libraries across the United States to deepen their engagement with Yiddish literature and Jewish life, religion, and culture, and to foster vibrant cross-cultural dialogue and discussion in their communities.   

Each year, the Center works with 40 libraries in communities across the United States. The current theme is Between Two Worlds: Exploring Jewish Culture and Religion through Yiddish Literature. Visit yiddishbookcenter.org.

The Friends of the Santa Fe Public Library is an independent non-profit organization whose mission is to support the public library by providing funding, advocacy, programming, services, and materials that enrich the diverse community it serves. Visit santafelibraryfriends.org.

For accommodations such as translations, ASL interpreters, or disability needs, please email library@santafenm.gov or call 505-955-6786.