Uriel Weinreich Summer Program Testimonial: Xuye Song, ‘24

Sunrise

by Xuye Song, Summer Program ‘24

It’s not often that I stay up until sunrise, but that’s what happened throughout July. I remember once singing a Yiddish song with a lark standing on the window lattice at dawn. She and I “bask in the first warm glow” of sunshine, just as Nathan Birnbaum dreamed at the opening of the Czernowitz Conference. Each sunrise symbolized a step forward in my Yiddish journey.

Learning Yiddish at the YIVO-Bard Summer Program virtually in China has been a memorable experience. The time difference changed my daily routine, but I have no regrets. I appreciated Vera Szabó’s openness in Literature, Nina Warnke’s patience in Grammar, and Tal Hever-Chybowski’s humor in Shmues (conversation), alongside their skillful pedagogy and thorough preparation. Szabó taught us about the poets and singers, which helped me better understand their works. Warnke explained grammar by creating interesting sentences about the students in class. Hever-Chybowski paid attention to every detail in pronunciation and sentence structure. They are teachers of keen intellect who point out mistakes in an encouraging way.

In addition to the excellent faculty, I appreciated the effort and kindness of my classmates. Together, we created a vigorous atmosphere that allowed us to study efficiently and praise each other’s progress. Beyond the Yiddish language, the Program also encourages students to engage in Yiddish-related research and activities. I wrote my first Yiddish poem Mayn Heym (My home) and presented my project From Czernowitz to Beijing: The Influence of Yiddish on the Development of Bai’hua. I won’t forget Ben Kaplan’s care throughout the program and Dovid Braun’s advice for my future career. I hope to experience the same happiness, gratitude, and achievement again next summer.

The lark didn’t stop by my window again, but the melody of the Yiddish song lingers. Perhaps she will bring this beautiful language to every home at sunrise.

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