Study with Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum
Three Wednesdays, May 20, 27 and June 3, 2026
10:30 - 11:45 AM (EDT) via Zoom

Yiddish is often seen as the language of protest and resistance in Jewish life. How did that come to be? What is Yiddish? When did Jewish political movements use Yiddish as the primary language and culture and WHY? What is the relationship of Yiddish and Hebrew? Why do so many Jewish left groups today in the United States use Yiddish?

All are welcome. No background in Yiddish necessary. English translations of Yiddish readings will be provided. Class recordings will be available to all who enroll.

Rabbi Kleinbaum is an "ardent Yiddishist." She served as assistant director of the National Yiddish Book Center in Amherst, Massachusetts.

Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum is founder and director of The Beacon. She has dedicated her life to promoting social justice, LGBTQ+ and human rights, and progressive values within Judaism. She served for 32 years as Senior Rabbi of Congregation Beit Simchat Torah in New York City, the largest LGBTQ+ synagogue in the world — for people of all sexual identities and genders — where she is now Senior Rabbi Emerita. The BBC named her one of its 100 Women of 2024; Newsweek named her one of the 50 most influential rabbis in America. President Biden appointed Rabbi Kleinbaum a Commissioner to the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom.

"Lessons for Our Time" are offered by The Beacon, an affiliated program of 501c3 Union Theological Seminary, with community partners, The Interfaith Center of NY, NY Jewish Agenda (NYJA), T'ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights, and a growing cadre of like-minded faith-based and justice driven organizations. In accordance with IRS regulations, your contribution may be considered tax deductible as no goods or services are provided in exchange for your gift.

Photo of Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum by Laurie Rhodes

Yiddish as Protest

LESSONS for OUR TIME