Introduction to Yiddish: Winter 2026
By popular demand, the Museum of Jewish Montreal is excited to announce another round of Yiddish classes! Led by instructor Zoë Belk with support from Eli Benedict, this introductory course will teach students how to hold simple conversations, read and write simple sentences in the Yiddish alef-beys, and gain familiarity with traditional and contemporary Yiddish culture. It’s the perfect opportunity to ease your way into Yiddish culture and learning. Click here to view the complete syllabus with a week-by-week list of learning objectives.
Participants of all ages and levels of experience are welcome. The class has limited capacity, so be sure to sign up quickly! Click Here to enroll.
Classes will take place at the Museum of Jewish Montreal’s location at H. Fisher & Fils (4129 St. Laurent Boulevard) on Wednesday evenings from 5:45pm to 7:15pm and will run for 12 weeks from January 14 through March 31.* The total cost per student is $260.
* The final class will exceptionally take place on Tuesday, March 31, as Passover Eve falls on April 1.
About Our Teachers:
Zoë Belk is a researcher, editor and translator living on the South Shore of Montreal. She has taught Yiddish at McGill University and a number of summer schools. Her research focuses on Contemporary Hasidic Yiddish and developments in Yiddish in the last 70 years. A linguist by training and an expert in plain language communication, she is passionate about bringing Yiddish to a wider audience.
Eli Benedict is a scholar, artist, and activist for Yiddish. He grew up in a Hasidic community in Israel and studied in yeshivas and kollels. Today, Eli serves as the CEO of “Yung Yidish,” the Yiddish Museum in Tel Aviv. He also serves as the program director and recruitment at the League for Yiddish. He is part of a research team at UCL (university College London) that studies Hasidic Yiddish and Ashkenazi Hebrew. Eli’s research interests include Ashkenazi culture, Hasidic culture, Yiddish, and Jewish dance. He is a folklore stage artist, a singer, dancer, and teacher of traditional performing arts.
Accessibility: Please note that our building is not currently accessible to visitors with limited mobility. Classes will take place on the second floor, which is only accessible by stairs.
Presented in partnership with the Jewish Public Library of Montreal.