The cover of the Yiddish children’s book “The Torah Scholar and the Thief,” produced by the Swedish publishing house Olniansky Text Courtesy of Olniansky Text

By Forverts Staff May 12, 2025

Sweden is unique among European countries in not only recognizing Yiddish as a minority language but in providing long-term governmental support, making it the envy of Yiddish enthusiasts worldwide.

The publishing company, Olniansky Text, for example, has released dozens of Yiddish books for adults and children, including two translations of the Harry Potter series. A Yiddish seminar that takes place every summer brings Yiddish scholars and entertainers to Sweden from around the globe. And the television program “Woodskis värld” (Woodski’s World) features a Yiddishist traveling to different cities to speak with Yiddish speakers.

In an online lecture in Yiddish, Jan Schwarz, a Yiddish literature scholar at Lund University, will explain this development and demonstrate how Yiddish studies and culture have found a place in academia, entertainment, media and publishing in this Nordic country with some 20-25,000 Jews.

The talk, which will take place on Sunday, May 18 at 2 p.m. ET, is sponsored by the UJA Committee for Yiddish and the Israel and Golda Koschitzky Centre for Jewish Studies at York University.

Register

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.

That’s why I’m paying it Forward. I’ve offered a $36,000 matching gift as an investment in the Forward’s newsroom, and I hope you’ll take me up on my offer to double your gift.

Don't just read the Forward - invest in it. Will you support our work today?

— Joel Brown, Forward board chair

Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.

$120 $180 $360 OTHER AMOUNT