Yidishe kinder: Jewish Children and their World before the Holocaust

Yidishe kinder! Jewish children! What was their world like before World War II? What did they read? How did they play? What did they draw? What were their favorite foods? What did they learn and how did they learn? What did they do when they skipped school? What sports and games did they play? Using our archival and library collections, YIVO presents Yidishe kinder, a look at the world of Jewish children when Yiddish predominated as a Jewish vernacular. From children’s storybooks to magazines, from school textbooks to limericks, come and see the artifacts of the life kids lived in Yiddish before World War II.

This exhibit, along with Through the Yiddish Looking Glass: The Art of Yiddish Children’s Literature, was also on view at the Yiddish Book Center (Massachusetts 2018).

Related Events

Co-sponsored by the Center for Jewish History

These programs are supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council.

Children’s Day

Sunday, April 30, 2017 | 11:00am-1:00pm

Children of all ages are invited for a morning of activities inspired by the lives of Jewish children before World War II. Join us for sing-alongs led by Eléonore Biezunski, storytelling by Shane Baker, and Yiddish puppet show “Lyzer the Miser” based on a story by Isaac Bashevis Singer by the same name, performed by Great Small Works members John Bell and Trudi Cohen. Liz Alpern of The Gelfilteria will provide authentic old-time Jewish snacks. 

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Leading Scholars from Around the World Discuss: Growing Up Jewish

Sunday, April 30, 2017 | 2:00pm-5:00pm
PANEL DISCUSSION

In the afternoon, we will host a panel of experts from around the world to discuss the lives of Jewish children growing up before World War II. During this time, Jewish culture blossomed throughout Eastern Europe and in the growing Ashkenazi diaspora. Scholars Samuel Kassow, Miriam Udel, Naomi Seidman, and Barbara Kirshenblatt-Gimblett will discuss the lives of children in this Jewish world. 

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