History of Yiddish: “Mame-loshen” From Then To Now

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History of Yiddish:
“Mame-loshen” From Then To Now
presented by Jeff Newton

A brief history of the Yiddish language from its origins over a thousand years ago through its development into the culturally rich language of today.

Jeff Newton was born and raised in Brooklyn into a multigenerational, bilingual family that spoke Yiddish and English. He understood and could speak Yiddish, especially with his maternal grandparents who were native Yiddish speakers who emigrated from Poland in the early 20th century. However, he was essentially illiterate being unable to read or write Yiddish.

In his forties his interest in and need for Yiddish was rekindled with the arrival of many Soviet Jews- refuseniks- to the US. As a physician treating many of them he found that he was able to communicate with many of the older immigrants using Yiddish.

He enrolled in an intensive Yiddish course at the newly formed Yiddish Book Center in western Massachusetts followed by subsequent local courses taught by native Yiddish speakers and learned to read and write Yiddish. He has taught Yiddish to beginners in adult education courses sponsored by both public and religious organizations and will seek any opportunity to hear and speak “ dos mame-loshen”.

Jeff has been a key leader of the Yiddish Alive Affinity group, providing us with vocabulary and expressions associated with the bi-weekly theme.  He also has an uncanny understanding of the origin of many of the Yiddish Words which has been appreciated by those attending.