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FAQ: 2024 Winter Yiddish Seminars
This is the Frequently Asked Questions page for YIVO’s winter Yiddish seminars. To register for a winter Yiddish seminar, please go to yivo.org/Winter-Yiddish.
Are these classes completely online?
Yes. YIVO’s winter Yiddish seminars will be conducted entirely online, live over Zoom. All course details (including the Zoom link, syllabus, handouts, instructions for accessing Zoom recordings, etc.) are available on Canvas, a learning management system. You will be granted access to the class on Canvas after registering for the class on the YIVO website.
What’s the difference between YIVO’s winter Yiddish seminars and the Shine Online Educational Series, such as A Seat at the Table: A Journey into Jewish Food?
The winter Yiddish seminars are conducted live over Zoom at particular times. Students must register in advance, purchase any required course materials, and attend all live Zoom sessions. These classes are capped at about 25 students. To register for a winter Yiddish seminar, please go to yivo.org/Winter-Yiddish.
There are four classes in YIVO’s Shine Online Educational Series (A Seat at the Table: A Journey into Jewish Food; Oh Mama, I’m in Love! The Story of the Yiddish Stage; Discovering Ashkenaz: Jewish Life in Eastern Europe; and Folksong, Demons, and the Evil Eye: Folklore of Ashkenaz). Each of these courses is free of charge and completely self-paced. Anyone may register for and begin a class at any time. There is no limit to the number of people who may register. After registering for a class, you have access to view it indefinitely. To register for a Shine Online class, please go to yivo.org/Online-Classes.
What’s the difference between YIVO’s winter Yiddish seminars and the YIVO-Bard Winter Program on Ashkenazi Civilization?
The YIVO-Bard Winter Program on Ashkenazi Civilization is held annually in January. The courses in this program are conducted in English, and focus on history, politics, art, culture, literature, etc. All Winter Program courses are held live over Zoom. To learn more about and register for a course in the 2024 Winter Program, click here.
YIVO’s winter Yiddish seminars cover special topics in Yiddish language, literature, and culture. These courses are either conducted in English or in Yiddish. The level of Yiddish proficiency required for each class is specified on each class’s registration page. To learn more about and register for a winter Yiddish seminar, click here.
Do I need to know how to use Zoom?
Yes. YIVO’s winter Yiddish seminars will be conducted entirely online over Zoom. You should familiarize yourself with Zoom before the class begins.
Are the winter Yiddish seminars self-paced?
No. YIVO’s winter Yiddish seminars will be live, using Zoom. If you are interested in taking a course on your own time, please register for a class in the Shine Online Educational Series.
Are classes capped at a certain number of students?
Yes. Classes will be capped at about 25 students to maintain an intimate online classroom.
Can I take these classes if I don’t live in New York or the United States? What if I live in a different time zone?
Yes! We welcome learners from all over the world for our online classes. However, please note that these classes will be conducted live. Before registering, please check to see at what time the class will meet in your time zone to see if the class time is appropriate and fits your schedule.
Is there a discount for registering early?
Yes, this year we are offering early bird tuition rates to students who register before December 5, 2023. Pricing is specified on each class’s registration page.
Can I drop a class and get a refund?
Refunds are only available for the winter Yiddish seminars before the first class session meets. Once the first class session begins, refunds are not available. Please email info@yivo.org with any questions.
What textbook will I need? How can I get it?
Course materials are listed on each class’s registration page. You should order any listed book(s) before class begins.
Do I need to be fluent in Yiddish?
Some of the winter Yiddish seminars are conducted in English, others in English and Yiddish, and some entirely in Yiddish. The level of Yiddish proficiency (if applicable) required for each class is specified on each class’s registration page.
Can I register for more than one winter Yiddish seminar?
You are welcome to register for more than one winter Yiddish seminar. You are welcome to also register for Winter Program classes.
Are classes recorded?
All winter Yiddish seminars are recorded, and the recordings are available to registered students through Canvas, a learning management system.
Is there a discount for students?
We do not offer a discount for students for the winter Yiddish seminars. We do offer a discounted member price for current YIVO members.
Is there a discount for seniors?
We do not offer a discount for seniors for the winter Yiddish seminars. We do offer a discounted member price for current YIVO members.
What if I have a question that isn’t on this list?
Please contact info@yivo.org with any questions.