U Maryland Yiddish Program Stays Alive, Thanks to Cash Infusion
After fears that the school would have to cancel its classes in Yiddish after this spring’s semester, the University of Maryland has managed to raise enough money to keep the program going at least through 2013.
Maryland offers several courses in Yiddish through the school’s Meyerhoff Center for Jewish Studies, but last year it announced that it may have to cancel the classes due to lack of funding, the University of Maryland Diamondback reported.
The announcement led to a flood of letters from Maryland supporters and alunni, and the center was able to gain permission to seek money from outside donors to keep the program alive.
After raising some $120,000, Maryland will now be able to offer Yiddish classes through the next two years, and could actually grow the program.
Work is now underway to secure funding for the program long-term and is now searching for a professor to take over the classes next year, after the professor who now teaches Yiddish retires.
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
