FILM: Welcome to Yiddishland

This film offers an upbeat, witty and timely exploration of this international community of artists, who are rediscovering and revitalising Yiddish culture.

Welcome to Yiddishland offers an upbeat, witty and timely exploration of this international community of artists, who are rediscovering and revitalising Yiddish culture. Whilst being a highly entertaining Arts film, full of joyous music, and performances; it also reframes our understanding of Jewish culture and identity.

The film is timely in that it breaks down the current reductionist stereotyping of Jews that allow anti-Semitic hate to fester and constructive discourse to suffocate. It probes the nuanced aspects of Jewish culture and identity to reveal the multi-layered aspects of what it means to identify as Jewish and engage in Jewish culture.

Through intimate interviews and rare behind-the-scenes access to some of the world's top musicians and performers working in Yiddish, we showcase the innovative works of artists who use this ancient language as a vehicle for addressing contemporary issues such as Queer identity, the refugee crisis, war and authoritarianism.

Join us before the screening to enjoy some Yiddish tunes performed live by Spokane’s own klezmer band, Meshugga Daddies! The music starts at 1pm.

This event is presented as part of the Yiddish Book Center's Public Libraries Program, a partnership with the American Library Association. Made possible by the Lilly Endowment, Inc.

We strive to make events welcoming for people of all abilities. To request accommodations (i.e. hearing assistance, ASL requests, or other ADA inquiries), email sday@spokanelibrary.org.

For all event information inquiries, email telref@spokanelibrary.org or call 509-444-5300.

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