Committee for Yiddish, UJA Federation of Greater Toronto Who We Are & What We Do: Our Homepage 2010-07-19 12:44:48
Committee for Yiddish
קאָמיטעט פֿאַר ייִדיש
NEW! Yiddish Drama Workshop - "Yentl"
Well-known actress and singer Beth Anne Cole is heading up a Yiddish/
English drama workshop based on Isaac Bashevis Singer's "Yentl".
No experience is necessary to enroll in this part Yiddish, part English set of scenes from the play. Participants will rehearse a set of scenes, culminating in a dramatic
reading of the play. The cast will learn acting and voice techniques,
study characters and scenes, and experience being a part of an ensemble
under the guidance of a professional performer. Creativity is welcomed
and nurtured in the rehearsal process.
Thursdays, 7-9 PM
September 16 - December 16, 2010 (10 weeks)
Cost: $150
Origins and Evolution
The Committee for Yiddish was created in the early 1960’s under the auspices of the Canadian Jewish Congress to coordinate and foster Yiddish cultural activity in the city.
This volunteer group was made up of representatives from community organizations and individuals dedicated to the continuation and celebration of Ashkenazi culture and tradition. The Committee’s founding members (including J.B. Salsberg, Sam Lipshitz and Bess Shockett) were legendary lovers of Yiddish, known for their foresight and dedication to ensure that Jewish life in Toronto continue to be enriched by Yiddish language and culture. Although its membership has changed over the decades, the Committee for Yiddish continues to fulfill the mandate set out by its founders.
The Committee for Yiddish adheres to one core belief:
Yiddish Lives! ייִדיש לעבט
Mission
Through educational, cultural and engagement programs, the Committee for Yiddish fosters and promotes Yiddish language and culture – indeed the entire Ashkenaz tradition – as a vibrant part of contemporary Jewish life and as a vital link between the Jewish past and future.
דער קאָמיטעט פֿאַר ייִדיש שטיצט ייִדישע שפּראַך און קולטור און אשכּנזישע טראַדיציע, אַלס אַ לעבעדיקער טײל פֿון הײַנטיקן לעבן. עס בינדט די פֿאַרגאַנטענהײַט מיט דער צוקונפֿט.
Mandate
Promote a vision of Yiddish as integral to the Jewish community at large
Provide and facilitate Yiddish educational programs, research and cultural activities as a portal into the Jewish community
Foster the love of Yiddish through language, the arts and other avenues
Develop and foster partnerships with individuals and groups throughout the Greater Toronto area
What the Committee for Yiddish Does
The following is a sampling of initiatives of the Committee for Yiddish presented either on its own or in collaboration with other organizations:
Presents Yiddish language classes for children and adults
Produces an annual community Yiddish concert
Presents lectures in Yiddish at various community events including Holocaust Education Week and Jewish Book Fair and coordinates and facilitates the production of Yiddish-themed programs throughout the community
Raised funds to support the Yiddish Studies Program at the University of Toronto
Supports Yiddish classes at York University
Serves as a resource for community information for Yiddish-related educational, scholarly and cultural opportunities
For more information please contact Ester Klimitz at 416-635-2883 ext.5189 or by e-mail at eklimitz@ujafed.org
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