The Living Legacy of Yiddish

When the founders of Temple Beth Israel built our congregation, they brought with them more than tradition — they brought Yiddish, the language of their homes, their humor, and their hearts. Many were Holocaust survivors, carrying with them the richness of Yiddish culture: its music, theater, literature, poetry, and art.

Yiddish grew up in Central and Eastern Europe over the past thousand years, blending German, Hebrew, Aramaic, and Slavic influences. It was the everyday language of Ashkenazi Jews — spoken in homes, markets, theaters, and synagogues. Though the Holocaust nearly silenced it, Yiddish is making a remarkable comeback, embraced by new generations and celebrated around the world.

At the Temple Beth Israel Preservation Society, we’re keeping Yiddish alive in fun and meaningful ways — through music, storytelling, readings, and celebrations. It’s our way of honoring the voices of our founders, sharing their joy and creativity, and making sure the warmth, humor, and spirit of Yiddish continue to thrive in our community.