Have you ever wondered what the everyday conversations in a traditional East-European Shtetl sounded like? Join us for an insightful journey through the lens of Sholem Aleichem (Shalom Rabinovitz; 1859–1916), one of the pioneers of modern Yiddish literature, in our upcoming Zoom gatherings. Our focus will be on three captivating monologues that shed light on familial, communal, social, and financial aspects of Jewish life.  In their free style, commenting on familial and communal, social and financial affairs, the fictional women carrying out these monologues portray for us a picture of Jewish life in the East-European Shtetl.

These narratives, though seemingly straightforward, are rich in subtext and hidden meanings. As we delve into these monologues, we'll explore how they not only paint a vivid picture of the past but also how they resonate with us today, reflecting Temple Sholom’s values of education and our deep connection to our heritage.

In each session, we'll dissect a different monologue, discussing its context, language, and the underlying messages. The fictional women protagonists in these stories offer a unique perspective on their world, and through our interactive analysis, we will uncover the layers of meaning in their words. These gatherings are not just about listening; they're about engaging and connecting with the text and each other. 

2/4: White Bird (1904)

2/11: Holiday Tsimes (1904)

2/25: Gitl Purishkevitch (1911) * English translations will be circulated in advance; please come after reading.