You will explore how Yiddish developed in the Germanic countries during the Middle Ages and how it spread to Eastern Europe, the USA, and many other countries.

Unlike Hebrew, which was used by the Jewish intellectual elite, Yiddish was spoken by all social classes. You will read texts written by men, women, and children.

The course covers the rich culture and literature in Yiddish from its beginnings to today. You will study important literary works, cultural traditions, and historical events to understand the unique world that Yiddish represents. We also focus on the challenges and conflicts brought by modernity, as well as discussions about collective identity within the Jewish community.

We will also highlight the tragic fate of Yiddish speakers during the Holocaust and how this has been expressed in literature. The course concludes with an analysis of the current status and future of Yiddish culture in society. This course is suitable for those who want to understand the history of Yiddish culture and its significance today. Feel free to combine this course with language courses, for example "Yiddish: Beginner's Course I" (YIDD10).