Shmues: Practicing Yiddish Conversation
Build your confidence in the art of shmusen in Yiddish in four friendly, multi-level classes
Program Description
Looking to practice your Yiddish conversation skills, in a fun, inclusive and supportive environment? In this 4 session course we will get to know each other in Yiddish, speak about our daily lives, interests and hobbies, and talk about past experience and future plans! Each session will be dedicated to a different theme, with specific conversation models and vocabulary provided to help us build our confidence in the art of shmusen in Yiddish! The course is meant for a variety of levels, from beginners who have completed at least one introductory course, to those with speaking knowledge who want to practice and enjoy speaking the language. For more information please contact: imanoff@peretz-centre.org ***Schedule & Fees*** Tuesdays, 5:30pm-7:30pm at the Kirman Library (Peretz Centre, 6184 Ash St.), from April 14 to May 5, 2026 (4 sessions). The standard fee for this course is $90. ***Instructor Bio*** Itamar Manoff (he/him) is co-executive director of the Peretz Centre. Itamar holds a PhD from the Department of Educational Studies at the University of British Columbia, where he conducted research focused on language education. Itamar has over 15 years of experience in language teaching for adults, including Hebrew, English and Yiddish, and is currently a Yiddish Pedagogy Practicum Fellow at the Yiddish Book Center in Amherst, MA. In his teaching, Itamar focuses on conversational, communicative, and theme-based approaches to the teaching of Yiddish language and culture, all the while emphasizing the importance of grammar and vocabulary acquisition.
4 spots left
Program Schedule
Registration Policies
ENROLLMENT: Classes in the Kirman Library are limited to 11 students. A minimum enrollment of 6 students is required. If that minimum is not reached, the Peretz Centre reserves the right to reduce the length of the program or cancel the class. Every attempt will be made to notify you before your first class. SCHEDULING CHANGES: We reserve the right to move classes online, postpone them, or make other necessary adjustments to ensure the health and safety of staff and participants. We make every effort to notify students (via email) of any course changes at the earliest opportunity and consult with students about scheduling changes. REGISTRATION & PAYMENT: Registration fees cover the costs of the course, including learning materials and instructor compensation. Full payment is required before the first day of class. Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis (returning students may be granted early access to course registration). HEALTH & SAFETY: To mitigate the spread of communicable diseases and support the needs of immuno-compromised students and staff, please stay home if you don't feel well. We will make our best effort to provide online participation options when possible/given sufficient notice, and/or make-up materials. WITHDRAWAL: Refund requests must be submitted to admin@peretz-centre.org at least 7 days prior to the course start date. This amount can be refunded back to your original payment method or kept on file as future credit (with no expiry date). Course withdrawals within the first week will receive a prorated refund with the consent of the instructor. A $25 cancellation fee will be applied to all cancellations involving refunds.
Contact Details
Peretz Centre, 6184 Ash St., Vancouver
6184 Ash Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada
dbecker@peretz-centre.org