Events for September 2021 › Event

A lecture presented by Avi Hoffman as part of YI Love Yiddishfest 2021At Columbia University, Professor Miriam Hoffman spent decades researching the folklore and legends of the ancient Hebrew alphabet. Utilizing the original 1919 artistic serigraphs of master artist Ben-Tsiyon Zuckerman as well as the colorful Alefbet of master artist Michoel Muchnik, each letter is also examined through its history and the literary and artistic depictions that surround it.A proud program of YI Love Yiddishfest 2021!To view this free event LIVE and via replay, please go to the following links:https://www.facebook.com/YILoveJewishhttps://www.youtube.com/c/YiddishkaytInitiative/videosFor assistance:info@whyilovejewish.org888-YILOVEJ. 888-945-6835With the support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural [...]

“Lessons” is a touching, funny & poignant drama that asks the question: Can we find healing and forgiveness when our beliefs are questioned?Playwright: Wendy Graf Directed by: Tara WeidenfellerStarring: Avi Hoffman and Julie Kleiner Director of Photography: Mark AhrensWhen Ben finally decides to have a Bar Mitzvah (at his age!) he hires Ruth, a Rabbi who’s lost her faith, to tutor him. The two characters forge a friendship as they each search for healing and forgiveness while wrestling with their own deep-rooted problems. “Lessons” is a touching, funny and poignant drama that asks the question: Can we find healing and forgiveness [...]

A free preview of our Yiddish Fun 01 class as part of YI Love Yiddishfest 2021Come try a free class on YI Love Jewish!This is a free sample of the 6-week conversational Yiddish online course utilizing the curricula and materials developed by Columbia University Professor Miriam Hoffman and under the guidance and direction of her son, renowned actor and course professor Avi Hoffman, connecting the academic roots of the Yiddish language with its incredible contributions to mainstream modern culture.This hands-on course emphasizes the humor and depth of the Yiddish Culture and encourages the course participants to personally engage in the material."My [...]

The Yiddish Shakespeares - The depth and beauty of the great Yiddish writers is part of YI Love Yiddishfest 2021The Yiddish ShakespearesRenowned entertainer and Jewish cultural activist Avi Hoffman, presents an entertaining and educational evening introducing the depth and beauty of the great Yiddish writers. Lecture written by his mother, retired Columbia University professor, author, journalist and playwright, Miriam Hoffman. Through both Yiddish and English poetry and prose, we rediscover the lost treasures of Yiddish culture. A proud program of Yiddishfest 2021!To view this free event LIVE and via replay, please go to the following links:https://www.facebook.com/YILoveJewishhttps://www.youtube.com/c/YiddishkaytInitiative/videosFor assistance:info@whyilovejewish.org888-YILOVEJ. 888-945-6835With the support of [...]

Shmoozing with Avi Hoffman featuring Jewish Ventriloquist Jonathan Geffner as part of YI Love Yiddishfest 2021Jonathan Geffner is the writer, creator, executive producer and star of the multi-award-winning Trillo & Suede web series. This film noir parody featuring a Jewish ventriloquist detective and his Jewish wooden partner has won a staggering 39 awards for Best Web Series, Best Comedy and more in international film contests since its debut in January 2020.Jonathan is a real life ventriloquist who is widely known as one of the most highly skilled ventriloquists in the world. Fluent in Yiddish, he is also a Yiddish teacher and [...]

World-renowned Klezmer scholar Aaron Kula with his Klezmer Company Jazz Orchestra and award-winning actor Avi Hoffman perform LIVE!Your tax deductible donation in any amount qualifies you to receive a private YouTube link in order for you to join us for a LIVE virtual concert of Yiddish Tango performances by world-renowned Klezmer scholar Aaron Kula and award-winning actor Avi Hoffman from South Florida MARJCC in North Miami Beach as part of YI Love Yiddishfest 2021.Fusing Yiddish melodies with tango rhythms produces a distinct and sensuous sound embracing two distinct cultures. During World War II tango was the rave on both sides of [...]

World-renowned Klezmer scholar Aaron Kula with his Klezmer Company Jazz Orchestra and award-winning actor Avi Hoffman perform LIVE! Join us for a LIVE in-person concert of Yiddish Tango performances by world-renowned Klezmer scholar Aaron Kula and award-winning actor Avi Hoffman LIVE from South Florida MARJCC in North Miami Beach as part of YI Love Yiddishfest 2021.Fusing Yiddish melodies with tango rhythms produces a distinct and sensuous sound embracing two distinct cultures. During World War II tango was the rave on both sides of the Atlantic, and Jewish composers added their voice to this popular genre. World-renowned Klezmer scholar Aaron Kula has [...]

Tevye-Maurice Schwartz's adaptation of the classic Sholem Aleichem play 1936 in Yiddish with English subtitles.Presented by The National Center for Jewish Film as part of YI Love Yiddishfest 2021https://jewishfilm.org/Tevye- Maurice Schwartz's adaptation of the classic Sholem Aleichem play centers on Khave, Tevye the Dairyman's daughter, who falls in love with Fedye, the son of a Ukrainian peasant. Her courtship and marriage pit Tevye's love for his daughter against his deep-seated faith and loyalty to tradition. The clash between tradition and modernity, parental authority and love, customs and enlightenment are foreshadowed by the antisemitism of the rural community. Tevye's world is a [...]

Columbia University Professor Miriam Hoffman's son, Avi, shares her popular book, "Curious Rabbinic Tales: The Shortest Tall Stories."As part of YI Love Yiddishfest 2021Columbia University Professor Miriam Hoffman's son, Avi Hoffman, shares tales and legends from her popular book, "Curious Rabbinic Tales: The Shortest Tall Stories." These tales talk about miracles, heroism and cowardice, but above all, the poor folk and the wealthy. In short, anything we wouldn’t say openly, we would disguise it in a parable or a folktale. Don't miss this live exciting lecture!To view this free event LIVE and via replay, please go to the following links:https://www.facebook.com/YILoveJewishhttps://www.youtube.com/c/YiddishkaytInitiative/videosFor assistance:info@whyilovejewish.org888-YILOVEJ. [...]

Yiddish troubadour Daniel Kahn welcomes the world into his Berlin apartment for an intimate set of new and used songsAs part of YI Love Yiddishfest 2021"Daniel Kahn: Yiddish Song Smuggler" Yiddish troubadour Daniel Kahn welcomes the world into his Berlin apartment for an intimate set of new and used songs, smuggled over the borders of language, culture, history, and belief. Joined by his family, as well as special surprise guest singers and instrumentalists, help Kahn celebrate his birthday with song, spirit, and sufficient social distance.A proud program of Yiddishfest 2021!To view this free event LIVE and via replay, please go to [...]

Shmoozing with Avi Hoffman features Daniel Kahn the "Yiddish Song Smuggler" as part of YI Love Yiddishfest 2021"Daniel Kahn: Yiddish Song Smuggler" Avi Hoffman interviews Yiddish troubadour Daniel Kahn welcomes the world into his Berlin apartment for an intimate set of new and used songs, smuggled over the borders of language, culture, history, and belief. Joined by his family, as well as special surprise guest singers and instrumentalists, help Kahn celebrate his birthday with song, spirit, and sufficient social distance. A proud program of Yiddishfest 2021!To view this free event LIVE and via replay, please go to the following links:https://www.youtube.com/c/YiddishkaytInitiative/featuredhttps://www.facebook.com/YILoveJewish/videosFor assistance:info@whyilovejewish.org888-YILOVEJ. [...]

A virtual film screening: "The Imported Bridegroom" A Jewish Romantic Film as part of YI Love Yiddishfest 2021National Center for Jewish Film- A Jewish romance begins when Asriel, a turn-of-the-century, rich Boston widower returns from a visit to the old country with a man he believes is the perfect man for his daughter. But when the two meet, his thoroughly modern daughter is appalled by this pious scholar, or is she?https://jewishfilm.org/A proud program of Yiddishfest 2021!To view this free event LIVE and via replay, please go to the following links:https://www.youtube.com/c/YiddishkaytInitiative/featuredhttps://www.facebook.com/YILoveJewish/videosFor assistance:info@whyilovejewish.org888-YILOVEJ. 888-945-6835With the support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural […]

A virtual film screening of Hyam Plutzik: American Poet; A Documentary Film as part of YI Love Yiddishfest 2021This captivating film traces Hyam Plutzik’s growth as a poet from his youthful days on a Connecticut farm as the son of Russian Jewish emigrants, through his education at Trinity College and Yale, and finally as the first Jewish professor at the University of Rochester and a recipient of the Pulitzer Prize nomination. HYAM PLUTZIK: AMERICAN POET revives the work of this forgotten Jewish writer who still remains a mystery, juxtaposing memory, interviews, literature, and home movies to lead viewers on a journey […]

Shmoozing with Avi Hoffman features Edward Moran as part of YI Love Yiddishfest 2021Shmoozing with Avi, our interview program, will feature Edward Moran, a historian and literary advisor to the Estate of Hyam Plutzik and the film Hyam Plutzik: American Poet. The captivating film traces Hyam Plutzik’s growth as a poet from his youthful days on a Connecticut farm as the son of Russian Jewish emigrants, through his education at Trinity College and Yale, and finally as the first Jewish professor at the University of Rochester and a recipient of the Pulitzer Prize nomination. HYAM PLUTZIK: AMERICAN POET revives the work […]

Shmoozing with Avi Hoffman featuring Phillip Namanworth the Boogie Woogie Mystic as part of YI Love Yiddishfest 2021Shmoozing with Avi, our interview program, will feature Phillip Namanworth whose music career has been highlighted by his funky signature vocals, bluesy piano playing and his world class band, Always Somethin', backing him up. Phillip has intertwined 25 years of studies and teaching of Jewish mysticism and Chassidus as a long time Talmud of R. Simon Jacobson student, imbuing the wisdom of the sages with the rockin' rhythm and blues of the soul, bringing the material and the spiritual worlds together in a fusion [...]

Aelita remains true to her roots and takes us on a family journey spanning three continents, intertwining timeless Yiddish songs.As part of YI Love Yiddishfest 2021Aelita, is a world-renowned recording star. Called by the international press "chanteuse extraordinaire," "masterful artist," and "skillful entertainer,” she began singing at the age of five and began her professional stage life at 15! Aelita is an international singing star and recording artist with 8 albums who has graced stages around the world singing in 16 languages. Aelita is recognized among the “100 golden voices of History” by EuroNews. Born in Riga, Latvia, she remains true […]

Shehita: Award-winning short film screening as part of YI Love Yiddishfest 2021Shehita: Award-winning short film Awards and Nominations:HollyShorts International Film Festival 2019: Best ThrillerRhode Island International Film Festival 2019: Hearts, Minds, and Souls AwardStockholm Independent Film Festival 2019: Best Dramatic Short AwardToronto Short Film Festival 2019: Best Short Film | Audience Choice AwardRUFF 2018: Best leading actor, best leading actress, best director, best editor, and audience choice award.DC Shorts Film Festival 2019 Official SelectionToronto Jewish Film Festival 2018 Official SelectionYiddishFest Miami Beach 2018 Official SelectionASHKENAZ Festival 2018: Official SelectionMiami Jewish Film Festival 2018 Official SelectionSynopsis: Moshe is an eighteen year old […]

Shmoozing with Avi Hoffman -Q & A with the director of the award-winning short film "Shehita" Dean Gold as part of YI Love Yiddishfest 2021.Q&A after the award-winning short film screening of Shehita with director Dean Gold.Dean Gold is a Toronto-based filmmaker. A proud program of Yiddishfest 2021!To view this free event LIVE and via replay, please go to the following links:https://www.youtube.com/c/YiddishkaytInitiative/featuredhttps://www.facebook.com/YILoveJewish/videosFor assistance:info@whyilovejewish.org888-YILOVEJ. 888-945-6835With the support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners.Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural […]

A virtual musical performance of Avi Hoffman in Reflections of a Lost Poet: The Life and Works of Itzik Manger By Miriam HoffmanAs part of YI Love Yiddishfest 2021Musical Direction and Arrangements: Binyumen SchaechterThis serio/comic monologue (Yiddish with English Subtitles) follows the life and times of the poet Itzik Manger, considered one of the greatest Yiddish poets. Through his songs and poems, we discover the joy and anguish of a Yiddish poet, who lives through the best and worst of times.Reviews:Hoffman shines - N.Y. PostIntegrity... Laughter... Passion... Oy, Bravo! - The Village VoiceA masterful performance - A tour de force... - […]

Shmoozing with Avi Hoffman featuring Tovah Feldshuh as part of YI Love Yiddishfest 2021Terri Sue "Tovah" Feldshuh (born December 27, 1952) is an American actress, singer, and playwright. She has been a Broadway star for more than four decades, earning four Tony Award nominations. She has also received two Emmy Award nominations for Holocaust and Law & Order, and appeared in such films as A Walk on the Moon, She's Funny That Way, and Kissing Jessica Stein. In 2015–2016, she played the role of Deanna Monroe on AMC's television adaptation of The Walking Dead.A proud program of Yiddishfest 2021!To view this […]

Join Clarinetist Michael Winograd for a variety hour of Live & in-studio film clips featuring the Honorable Mentshn & special guests.As part of YI Love Yiddishfest 2021Join Clarinetist Michael Winograd for a variety hour of Live and in-studio film clips featuring the Honorable Mentshn and special guests.Clarinetist Michael Winograd lives in Brooklyn. He performs with his Klezmer band the Honorable Mentshn, and in 2019 his newest full length album Kosher Style was released. When not stuck at home due to an international pandemic and health crises, he travels the world playing and teaching Klezmer music. He co-leads Sandaraa with Pakistani vocalist […]

Shmoozing with Avi Hoffman featuring Michael Winograd as part of YI Love Yiddishfest 2021​Clarinetist Michael Winograd is one of the most respected and versatile working musicians in klezmer music today. Based in Brooklyn, New York, Michael spends much of his time in transit, performing and teaching throughout the world. He is one third of the transatlantic klezmer/cabaret collective Yiddish Art Trio, clarinetist of Tarras Band, a classic 1950’s Jewish American tribute group, and the co-founder and director of the ground breaking, borderless world fusion band Sandaraa. Michael also collaborates with Cantor Yaakov ‘Yanky’ Lemmer and Klezmatics trumpeter Frank London in Ahava […]

A virtual lecture with David Mazower - The Cartoons of Sholem Asch as part of YI Love Yiddishfest 2021Boxing, Wrestling, and Tilting At Windmills: Cartoons of Sholem Asch in the Yiddish PressEver since a young Sholem Asch burst onto the Yiddish literary scene with his 'brothel play' God of Vengeance, he was a favourite subject for the irreverent cartoonists of the Yiddish press. They found ever more inventive ways to caricature his celebrity and outspoken personality, depicting him wrestling with rival Yiddish writers, or lifting weights to develop Popeye muscles. In another glorious image, his campaign for a Yiddish art theater […]

A virtual concert with Joshua "SoCalled" Dolgin as part of YI Love Yiddishfest 202160 minutes of Josh “Socalled” Dolgin performing solo from the quarantine childhood bedroom. Yiddish songs, his unique blend of hip hop and Klezmer, some Kurt Weill and maybe a magic trick.A proud program of Yiddishfest 2021!To view this free event LIVE and via replay, please go to the following links:https://www.youtube.com/c/YiddishkaytInitiative/featuredhttps://www.facebook.com/YILoveJewish/videosFor assistance:info@whyilovejewish.org888-YILOVEJ. 888-945-6835With the support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners.Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of […]

A virtual performance of - Still Jewish After All These Years starring Avi Hoffman as part of YI Love Yiddishfest 2021.Avi Hoffman was recently awarded Congressional recognition, was invited to the Vatican to meet Pope Francis and was inducted into the Bronx Jewish Hall of Fame for his lifetime work advancing Jewish culture, Yiddishkayt and Holocaust awareness through the charity he founded the Yiddishkayt Initiative, Inc. (YILoveJewish.org). As an actor, he was nominated for a NY Drama Desk Award for his Yiddish language portrayal of Willy Loman in Death of a Salesman. He is best known for his Too Jewish Trilogy: […]

Shmoozing with Avi Hoffman featuring Larry Gartel, "Father" of Digital Art as part of YI Love Yiddishfest 2021 A proud program of Yiddishfest 2021!Larry Gartel is known to the world as the “FATHER” of Digital Art for over 40-years. His career started working side by side with video guru Nam June Paik at Media Study/Buffalo in upstate New York. He taught Andy Warhol how to use the Amiga Computer in order to produce the album cover for Debbie Harry (Blondie). Growing up in New York City during the Punk Rock era he was friends with Stiv Bators, Sid Vicious, Joey Ramone, […]

Khaplop: A special virtual morning show of Children's Stories in Yiddish as part of YI Love Yiddishfest 2021‘KhapLop’: Children’s Stories in Yiddish (and English) - Dr. Seuss and MoreTo view this free event LIVE and via replay, please go to the following links:https://www.youtube.com/c/YiddishkaytInitiative/featuredhttps://www.facebook.com/YILoveJewish/videosFor assistance:info@whyilovejewish.org888-YILOVEJ. 888-945-6835With the support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners.Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.Funding for this program was provided through a grant from the […]

Borscht to Broadway: The Legacy of 2nd Ave - a virtual concert as part of YI Love Yiddishfest 2021Maestro Aaron Kula, leading the Klezmer Company Jazz Orchestra, and world-renowned entertainer Avi Hoffman will perform a concert that takes the audience on a musical journey from the origins of the Yiddish Theater on Second Avenue to the masterful treasures of Broadway. They will be joined by a full Orchestra and some of the most beloved south Florida singers as they highlight the most famous songs ever written, utilizing the Klezmer, Swing and Jazz band arrangements of 1940, 50’s and beyond. Aaron Kula […]

“Lessons” is a touching, funny & poignant drama that asks the question: Can we find healing and forgiveness when our beliefs are questioned?Playwright: Wendy Graf Directed by: Tara WeidenfellerStarring: Avi Hoffman and Julie Kleiner Director of Photography: Mark AhrensWhen Ben finally decides to have a Bar Mitzvah (at his age!) he hires Ruth, a Rabbi who’s lost her faith, to tutor him. The two characters forge a friendship as they each search for healing and forgiveness while wrestling with their own deep-rooted problems. “Lessons” is a touching, funny and poignant drama that asks the question: Can we find healing and forgiveness […]

Learn Yiddish online in this 6-week conversational Yiddish class.The class meets every Wednesday starting September 8th, 2021 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM EST on Zoom for 6 weeks.This "nokh a bisl" advanced 60-minute fully interactive class entitled Yiddish Fun-03 utilizes the curricula and materials developed by Columbia University Professor Miriam Hoffman and under the guidance and direction of her son, renowned actor and course professor Avi Hoffman, connecting the academic roots of the Yiddish language with its incredible contributions to mainstream modern culture.Prior Knowledge of Yiddish or participation in Yiddish Fun-01 or 02 is not necessary.

A free preview of our Yiddish Fun 01 class as part of YI Love Yiddishfest 2021 (Rebroadcast from 8-30)Come try a free class on YI Love Jewish!This is a free sample of the 6-week conversational Yiddish online course utilizing the curricula and materials developed by Columbia University Professor Miriam Hoffman and under the guidance and direction of her son, renowned actor and course professor Avi Hoffman, connecting the academic roots of the Yiddish language with its incredible contributions to mainstream modern culture.This hands-on course emphasizes the humor and depth of the Yiddish Culture and encourages the course participants to personally engage […]

Learn Yiddish online in this 6-week conversational Yiddish class.The class meets every Sunday starting October 3rd, 2021 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM EST on Zoom for 6 weeks.A 6-week conversational Yiddish online course utilizing the curricula and materials developed by Columbia University Professor Miriam Hoffman and under the guidance and direction of her son, renowned actor and course professor Avi Hoffman, connecting the academic roots of the Yiddish language with its incredible contributions to mainstream modern culture.This hands-on course emphasizes the humor and depth of the Yiddish Culture and encourages the course participants to personally engage in the material."My friends […]

6-Week Advanced Conversational Yiddish Course.A 6-week conversational Yiddish course moderated by Avi Hoffman and Professor Miriam Hoffman starting October 3rd, 2021. The class meets on Zoom every Sunday from 2 - 3 PM EST for 6 weeks.This bisl intermediate 60 minute fully interactive class entitled Yiddish Fun-02 utilizes the curricula and materials developed by Columbia University Professor Miriam Hoffman and under the guidance and direction of her son, renowned actor and course professor Avi Hoffman, connecting the academic roots of the Yiddish language with its incredible contributions to mainstream modern culture.Prior Knowledge of Yiddish or participation in Yiddish Fun-01 is not […]