A Yiddish Renaissance: Language, Memory, and Modern Jewish Life — with Rukhl Schaechter (Re-run)

A Yiddish Renaissance: Language, Memory, and Modern Jewish Life — with Rukhl Schaechter (Re-run)

August 4, 2026 · 45 min

About this episode

The episode explores the renaissance of the Yiddish language and its cultural significance in modern Jewish life.

Did Yiddish ever really die? On this re-release of Identity/Crisis, Yehuda Kurtzer sits down with Rukhl Schaechter, editor of the Yiddish Forverts, to explore the surprising renaissance of the Yiddish language—from new dictionaries and online media to Duolingo learners and Hasidic vernacular. Together they discuss what is drawing people back to the language, how Yiddish carries culture across generations, and why so many Jews are using it to seek connections to their roots in a moment of renewed searching. You can now sponsor an episode of Identity/Crisis. Click HERE to learn more.  JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEAS 

People in this episode

Host: Yehuda Kurtzer

Guest: Rukhl Schaechter

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Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Yiddish Forverts

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