Uriel Weinreich Summer Program Testimonial: Tamara Helfer, '20, '21, &‘22

A Pandemic Whim Turned Lifelong Passion

by TAMARA HELFER, Summer Program ‘20, ‘21, & ‘22

I began learning Yiddish in Summer 2020 as a fun pandemic hobby, and what began as a pandemic whim has turned into a lifelong passion for me. I had no idea then that I was about to encounter the most evocative language, literature, and culture I could imagine. I’ve now completed two YIVO Summer Programs online by Zoom and one in person in New York City, and all three have been amazing, immersive experiences.

Being in person in New York with its rich history of immigrant Yiddish experience was especially meaningful to me. Having just completed my third YIVO Summer Program, I’m comfortable expressing myself, and I’ve done some of my own writing in Yiddish and translating into English. It seems strange, but in some ways, I feel like I can express some of my deepest thoughts better in Yiddish than I can in English.

I really appreciate how YIVO emphasizes learning language, literature, and culture together, since the three are so incredibly interwoven in Yiddish in ways that I did not expect when I began. My teachers at YIVO have been the most amazing crew — patient and kind people who are very student-focused and who regularly go above and beyond to help us learn. They are experts in their own fields and dedicated to making the Summer Program as smooth and efficient for learning as possible.

As a near-retiree, I was wondering what it would be like to learn together with very young students and some very old ones — and it’s been a rich experience all around. Class sizes are small so that the experience is intimate, and I’ve made close friends among my fellow students, who come from all backgrounds and ages. The students are musicians and academics and heritage learners and the just plain curious — fascinating people who are united in their desire to learn Yiddish and who contribute their own expertise to the experience. I can’t imagine a better way to learn a language and culture, and I would heartily recommend the immersive YIVO Summer Program to anyone who wants to learn Yiddish.

Learn more about the Uriel Weinreich Summer Program in Yiddish Language, Literature, and Culture.