– Yiddish language & conversation sessions. 3 levels
– Klezmer music & dance workshops
– Klezmer Youth programme, for under-18s
– Yiddish song course
– Talks on Yiddish history, music, literature and more
– Yiddish poetry readings
– Puppetry workshop
– Yiddish film

Sima Beeri, Osian Evans Sharma and Tamara Micner will lead the Yiddish language courses and renowned musicians Ilana Cravitz, John Macnaughton and Adina Presman will lead the klezmer music, youth, and dance courses. Polina Shepherd, Phil Tomlinson and Isadora Pulman will be our Yiddish song faculty. Our guest faculty includes Sonia Gollance, Vivi Lachs, Hannah Ochner, Izzy Posen, Oliver Presman, Merlin Shepherd, Francesca Ter-Berg and Beruriah Wiegand.

This exciting programme will celebrate the vibrant Yiddish cultural community in London. Participant-led workshops, with something for all ages, will highlight the talent and expertise within this community.

Language and youth classes will take place in the mornings, with instrumental music, singing and cultural programming in the afternoons and some evenings. You can mix and match classes as you wish. N.B. Friday’s schedule is different.

The programme will take place in an easily accessible part of London N2, close to East Finchley underground station.

This is a brand-new festival with no external support, so we really appreciate those able to give a donation as part of their booking, or even to choose the ‘Supporter’ rate.

We look forward to sharing the joy of Yiddish language and culture with you! If you have any questions, please email martingkaye@gmail.com.

Warm regards,
Martin Kaye, Tamara Micner, Ilana Cravitz & Adina Presman
Organisers, Yiddish Summer School | די זומער־שול

Schedule Monday to Thursday
AM1 10-11.20am
AM2 11.40am-1pm

Communal session 2-2.20

PM1 2.30-3.50pm
PM2 4.10-5.30pm

EVENING c7.30-10pm

Friday’s schedule (different as we need to finish by 3pm!):
AM1 10-11.20am
AM2 11.40am-1pm
PM1 1pm-2pm
Sharing 2.15-3pm

Classes
AM1, AM2 Yiddish Language. Beginners, intermediate, advanced

AM2 Klezmer Youth. Grades 1-3; Grade 4 and above

PM1 Yiddish conversation

PM1 Yiddish dance. See artist biogs for details

PM1, PM2 Klezmer Music. Monday – Setting the Scene/Learning by Ear; Tuesday –Klezmer Style (melody); Wednesday –Not the Tune; Thursday –Non-Metric Klezmer Tunes & Improvisation. Guest tutors Tues-Thurs

PM1, PM2 Yiddish Song. A choir and a themed session each day

PM1, PM2 Cultural sessions (talks, poetry, puppetry). See artist biogs for details

Evening programme

Monday – zingeray + jamaround (participants only, free)
Tuesday – film (participants only, donations requested)
Wednesday – Faculty concert + Grand Ball (public; ticketed with discounts for participants)
Thursday – Student Cabaret & Jam (participants only, free)

Your schedule
Please click here when you have booked to indicate the sessions you would like to attend (you can firm up your choices later).

Cancellation policy

Festival cancellation
If we do not receive sufficient registrations, we will either amend the programme or cancel the event. If this happens, we will provide refunds as necessary.

Participant cancellation
See the FAQ tab below for detailed information on our refund policy for participant cancellations.