October 11: Boulder, Colorado: Rukhl Schaechter Discusses Yiddish In The Digital Era
Times have changed, and so has the Forward. Founded in 1897 as a Yiddish newspaper for Jewish immigrants, it has adapted over the years to appeal to its changing demographic.
Rukhl Schaechter, editor of the Yiddish Forward (still lovingly called Forverts), will visit the University of Colorado Boulder on October 11 to discuss how the Yiddish language and culture is thriving in the digital age.
Since Schaechter took the helm of the Forverts — becoming the first woman to hold the position — she and her staff have increased the publication’s online presence, with an active Facebook page and YouTube channel constantly updated with international podcasts, translated articles and subtitled videos. Hasidim, the largest Yiddish-speaking community today, notably read the Forverts on their smartphones for the latest Yiddish news, analyses, cooking shows and music videos.
Schaechter’s lecture is free and open to the public. It will begin at 7 p.m. on the CU Boulder campus in the Chancellor’s Silver & Gold Room, within the University Club. It’s part of the Program in Jewish Studies Community Talks Series, “Yiddishkvell: An Appreciation of All Things Yiddish.”
Reserve your spot here.
Earlier in the day, Schaechter will present, “The Powerful Role Women Played in the Yiddish-Speaking Shtetl.” She will explore how although women in Ashkenazi Jewish societies often played a subordinate role to their husbands in public, they were the leaders at home. They were the more vocal partner and often the breadwinners. They also typically determined their children’s religious affiliations and last name.
Expect many Yiddish phrases and proverbs at this lecture, which is open to CU students, faculty and friends of Community Talks. It will run from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., in a location disclosed upon RSVP.
To find out how to become a friend of the Forward and get notices of events like these, email Robbie Caplan.
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