The University of Ottawa’s intensive Introduction to Yiddish Language and Culture course is underway, and includes a series of public events that celebrate a rich Jewish heritage. For cinema buffs there is a Yiddish film series (with English subtitles) on Tuesday afternoons at 2 p.m. in Lamoureux Hall, Room 219. The remaining films of the series include the 1938 classic Yiddish musical The Singing Blacksmith/ Yankl Der Schmid on May 27; and a program of new Yiddish films on June 3.
Two live performances spotlight Yiddish culture past and present. On Wednesday, June 4, at 7 p.m., Montreal performer Janie Respitz stars at a Yiddish salon at the Hillel House, 284 Laurier, where she will perform a selection of folk songs, ballads and songs from Yiddish theatre. On June 13 at 10 a.m., the Yiddish program wraps-up with a student performance and graduation at Simard Hall, Room 125. All events are open to the community free of charge, with no knowledge of Yiddish required. For additional information, please contact Rebecca Margolis at rmargoli@uOttawa.ca, or visit the Vered Jewish Canadian Studies.
