Academics, Kvetchers And Laugh-Lovers Unite - Avi Hoffman To Lead A Joyful, Fun-Filled Lecture Series On The Culture, History, And Poetry Of Yiddish

Jewish Connection News

Oct 23, 2025

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.

This isn’t just another online class, oy vey. This is a Yiddish adventure, using the world-renowned curricula created by Columbia’s own Professor Miriam Hoffman. Taught by her son, the one, the only, your beloved professor, Avi Hoffman.

They’ll connect the ancient wisdom and deliciously dramatic roots of Yiddish with all the mishigas of modern culture—think Netflix with subtitles like your bubbe used to do, but with more gefilte fish jokes.

“My friends and I who signed up for your class are really enjoying it. It brings back a LOT of memories.” – A. Lewin

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.”

Avi Hoffman’s Yiddish Fun01 is based upon material by Miriam Hoffman and led by Avi Hoffman.

The event will take place Tuesday, October 21st, 2025, Tuesday, October 28th, 2025, Tuesday, November 4th, 2025 - Wednesday, November 12th, 2025 - 1:00 p.m. Tickets are $18 per class and $48 for the series. For reservations call: (561) 638-0020. All classes will be held at: The Movies of Delray 7421 West Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach, Florida 33446.

For more information, visit: https://yilovejewish.org/events/