Avi Hoffman’s YIDDISH FUN01: Academics, Kvetchers, and Laugh Lovers Unite – Yiddish is Back in Session!

18 Thursday Sep 2025

Posted by Carol Kassie in Yiddishkayt Initiative

Tags

Avi Hoffman, Classes in Delray Beach, Miriam Hoffman, Movies of Delray, Yiddish, Yiddishkayt Initiative

Academics, Kvetchers, and Laugh-Lovers Unite
Yiddish Is Back In Session!

Avi Hoffman to lead a joyful fun-filled lecture series on the culture, history, and poetry of Yiddish:
Avi Hoffman’s Yiddish Fun01

For Immediate Release
Contact: Carol Kassie
carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244

September 18, 2025

DELRAY BEACH, FL — Feeling farklempt about the state of modern language? Longing for a class that is equal parts brainy, bouncy, and a bisl nostalgic? Look no further—Movies of Delray is proud to announce the return of Avi Hoffman’s Yiddish Fun01, a hands-on participatory 3-week series using the original curricula crafted by Columbia University Professor Miriam Hoffman, while her son, the renowned actor and Professor of freylakh, Avi Hoffman, will lead the learning—and the kvelling.

Rooted in the rich academic tradition of Yiddish studies, this course isn’t just about language; it’s about culture, history, music, poetry, and chutzpah. NO prior knowledge of Yiddish required—just an open mind and a curiosity for the mishigas that makes Yiddish tick.

Yiddish may be an ancient language, but around here, it’s always in session—and always a little bit funny. Mazel tov to that!

Participants will:

Engage with the same material taught at Columbia University (minus the tuition bill)
Experience music, poetry, comedy, art, and plenty of “oy vey” moments
Walk away with new words, lots of laughs, and an appreciation of how Yiddish shaped mainstream culture

Whether you are a curious academic or just curious about what your grandparents were muttering when they didn’t want you to understand, this course promises knowledge, nostalgia, and nakhes in equal measure. As one student raved, “Not only is it fun, but the inclusion of history and culture provides a richness that is astounding.” Others just call it “the highlight of my week.”

For more information Avi Hoffman’s Yiddish Fun01, to speak with Avi Hoffman, or to arrange to attend a session, please contact Carol Kassie at carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244.

In the attached photo: Avi & Miriam Hoffman
Photo credit: Unknown

Avi Hoffman’s Yiddish Fun01
Based upon material by Miriam Hoffman
Led by Avi Hoffman
Tuesdays: October 21, October 28, November 4
12 – 1 pm
Tickets: $18 per class / $48 for the series
For reservations: 561-638-0020
All classes will be held at
The Movies of Delray
7421 West Atlantic Avenue
Delray Beach, FL

Watch a testimonial video:

YI Love JewishTo Host SUNDAY SCHMOOZE SERIES at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts

26 Thursday Sep 2024

Posted by Carol Kassie in Clients, Yiddishkayt Initiative

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Aaron Kula, Anne Being Frank, Avi Hoffman, Chanukah, coral springs center for the arts, Igor Shteyrenberg, israel, Miriam Hoffman, Music, Singalong, YI Love Jewish, YI Love Jewish/Yiddishkayt Initiative, Yiddish, Yiddish Culture

YILove Jewish
To Host a
Sunday Schmooze Series
at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts
Beginning in October

For Immediate Release
Contact: Carol Kassie
carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244

September 26, 2024

CORAL SPRINGS, FL: YILove Jewish (a division of the Yiddishkayt Initiative) will host a Sunday Schmooze series beginning October 13^th at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts. Each event will begin with coffee, bagels, and ‘schmoozing’ (‘talking with someone in a friendly and engaging way!’), followed by lively, educational, and entertaining programming.

YI Love Jewish, founded by actor/producer/Jewish cultural activist Avi Hoffman and his mother, Miriam Hoffman, world-renowned scholar and professor of Yiddish language at Columbia University, is not-for-profit organization that celebrates and promotes Jewish history, life, and culture and their positive and far-reaching impact on the world. From performing arts, publishing, and education to language, philosophy and literature, YI offers a global clearinghouse of Jewish learning, culture and entertainment.

The Sunday Schmooze Series will offer a wide variety of programming and discussion opportunities and fits neatly into the YILove Jewish goal to utilize the arts to promote Jewish culture and identity both within and outside the Jewish community.

The first four programs to be offered are:

October 13^th: Anne Frank: A discussion centering on how Anne Frank’s Diary influenced people’s perception of the Holocaust. There will be a video interview with playwright Ron Elisha and star Alexis Fishman introducing their play Anne Being Frank, which will be presented at various venues in South Florida in November.

November 17: How are Jews portrayed in the media? Igor Shteyrenberg, founder of the Miami Jewish Film Festival will discuss how Jewish culture has made its way into mainstream cinema.

December 22: Chanukah Around the World. How do Jews around the world celebrate? Explore the different customs and traditional foods associated with ‘The Festival of Lights’ while enjoying latkes and donuts, and perhaps even playing a round or two of a dreidel game.

January 19: Rhythm and Schmooze ‘Singalong’. Join Avi Hoffman and Aaron Kula for a celebration of Jewish music.

For more information about YI Love Jewish and the Sunday Schmooze Series, and/or to purchase tickets, visit the organization’s website at https://yilovejewish.org or contact Sheri Smith – sheris@whyilovejewish.org / 561-254-5494 or Carol Kassie – carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244.

Sunday Schmooze Series at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts
October 13/November 17/December 22/January 19
For tickets and Information: https://yilovejewish.org
Single Schmooze tickets are $18 per person/series tickets are $54
All Schmoozes will take place from
11:30 am (Schmooze) 12 pm – 1:30 pm program at
The Coral Springs Center for the Arts
2885 Coral Springs Drive
Coral Springs, Florida 33065

YI Love Jewish Purim Mini-Fest To Present Two Exciting Events

28 Wednesday Feb 2024

Posted by Carol Kassie in Clients, Yiddishkayt Initiative

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Broward Theatre, Esther in the Spotlight, Gimpel the Fool, Howard Rypp, Jewish Community, Jewish Culture, Jewish Herstory, Jewish History, Jewish Roots, Jewish Theatre, Miami Theatre, Miniaci, musical comedy, Nova University, Purim, Purim Mini Fest, South Florida Theatre, Yiddish, Yiddishkayt Initiative, Yiddishkeit

Esther in the Spotlight and Gimpel the Fool feature beloved characters from Jewish literature and history.

For Immediate Release
Contact: info@yilovejewish.org
sheris@yilovejewish.org
Contact: Carol Kassie
Carol@CarolKassie.com / 561-445-9244

February 28, 2024

MIAMI DADE and BROWARD COUNTIES, FL: A whirlwind of entertainment and cultural celebration awaits audiences in Miami Dade and Broward counties when YI Love Jewish presents two Purim Holiday Mini-Fest events in March. The festival promises to bring laughter, insight, and inspiration to audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

Esther in the Spotlight, by acclaimed playwright Rich Orloff, is an irreverent and hilarious retelling of the biblical story of Esther (the genesis of the Purim holiday). Described as “Mel Brooks meets The Bible,” this free concert version of Orloff’s comedic masterpiece offers more than just laughs; it delves into themes of identity, destiny, and the pursuit of meaning. With Orloff’s track record of theatrical excellence, including Critic’s Picks and international productions, audiences can expect an unforgettable evening of entertainment.

The ground-breaking one-person play and documentary film celebrating the character of Gimpel the Fool created by Nobel Laureate Isaac Bashevis Singer will star Howard Rypp of Israel’s acclaimed Nephesh Theatre Company. Featuring music by Ron Wiseman, and Singer’s text translated by Saul Bellow, the film, combined with Rypp’s live performance weaves klezmer music into a surrealistic theatrical presentation. Audiences will be captivated by Gimpel’s unwavering faith and his journey through betrayal and ridicule, inspiring reflection, and belief in human goodness. A video preview can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3TkVAFHMMA

YI Love Jewish is a division of The Yiddishkayt Initiative, Inc., a not-for-profit public charity dedicated to fighting antisemitism through the arts by preserving and presenting Jewish culture and its far-reaching impact on the world. Through theater, music, lectures, film, TV, and other media, the organization strives to make the world a more accepting place. For more information visit www.yilovejewish.org.

For event registration and tickets visit YILoveJewish.org/events. Tickets for Gimpel the Fool range in price from $18-$36-$54. Tickets for Esther in the Spotlight are free.

For more information, to speak with anyone involved in the festival, more photos and/or graphics, or to attend a performance, please contact Sheri Smith at sheris@yilovejewish.org.

Purim Mini-Fest Dates, Times and Locations:

Esther in the Spotlight
Tuesday March 19, 2024 – 7:30 PM
Miami Beach JCC
4221 Pine Tree Drive,
Miami Beach, FL 33140

Wednesday March 20, 2024 – 7:30 PM
Alper JCC
11155 SW 112^th Avenue
Miami, FL 33176

Thursday March 21, 2024 – 7:30 PM
Soref JCC
6501 West Sunrise Boulevard
Plantation, FL 33313

Gimpel the Fool
Friday, March 22, 2024 – 7:30 PM
The Rose and Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center
3100 Ray Ferrero Jr. Boulevard,
Davie, FL 33314

Saturday, March 23, 2024 – 7:30 PM
Coral Springs High School
7201 West Sample Road,
Coral Springs, FL 33065

Sunday, March 24, 2024 – 7:30 PM
Alper JCC
6501 West Sunrise Boulevard
Plantation, FL 33313