December 2025 / Kislev 5786
Dear good friends,
I am always energized and inspired by Yiddish optimism. In 1979, my father, Mordkhe Schaechter—then executive secretary of the League for Yiddish—wrote in a letter to the executive committee, when organizational changes were being considered:
As things are going now, however, we will not merely exist,
but will truly flourish (you will remember my words!),
even in the twenty-first century.
Here we are, a full 46 years later, just as he foresaw, and the League for Yiddish continues to flourish, while many other Yiddish organizations have long since disappeared. Your generous support over the years has enabled us to continue creating Yiddish programs, projects, and educational materials that meet your needs, as well as those of our times.
We continue to flourish by…
Providing a forum for Yiddish writers — In 2026 we will celebrate our 85th year. No small achievement for a print journal—especially considering the dramatic changes in how we read and consume literature and information.
Producing Yiddish videos — The (to date) 74 Yiddish video interviews on our YouTube channel, featuring unique and fascinating individuals from around the world, have already been viewed 143,000 times and watched for 17,000 hours. Programs of quality. Some viewers have even told us that their Yiddish has improved by listening!
Publishing new learning materials — We are meeting the demand for Yiddish learning materials for intermediate and advanced levels.
Our newest student reader, Peretz stories adapted by Moshele Alfonso—with more than 125 copies sold in the first two months—is truly a bestseller!
Next year we will publish, with Sheva Zucker, a new advanced-level textbook based on autobiographies, with grammatical exercises and audio recordings.
Social media and online access — We are becoming increasingly visible on social media by presenting information in ways that resonate with our audience.
Our “Words of the Week,” featuring thematic vocabulary and grammatical tips, are distributed to Yiddishists around the world and help them improve their spoken Yiddish.
Your questions and suggestions submitted through the online dictionary help us update and expand the lexicon.
Our new website, scheduled to debut in 2026, will be a valuable resource for Yiddish students and enthusiasts.
New interactive programs — At the request of our members, we are in the process of introducing a regular video conversation circle. More details coming soon!
Please lend a strong shoulder in support of the League for Yiddish (leagueforyiddish.org). Your support allows us to continue providing innovative Yiddish programs and educational resources that sustain the Yiddish word—and continue to flourish!
Warm Yiddish greetings,
Gittel Schaechter-Vishwanath
Chairwoman
