MEDIA CONTACT: Terri Berns
561-297-1164, tberns@fau.edu
KULTUR in the 21st Century is the Theme of Series Exploring Yiddish Culture
BOCA RATON, FL (October 2, 2006) –‘The Friends of Yiddish’ at Florida Atlantic University Libraries is gearing up for the 2006-2007 KULTUR series.
“KULTUR in the 21st Century” is the theme of this year’s multifaceted program celebrating Yiddish culture and its evolution. Lectures, readings and musical presentations will be presented on Wednesday, October 25, 2006, and Wednesday, January 24 and Wednesday, February 21, 2007, at 3 p.m. in the Majestic Palm Room in the University Center on the Boca Raton campus. All programs are free and open to the public. Seating is limited.
Based at FAU Libraries, the ‘Friends of Yiddish’ organization sponsors the Kultur series to explore the dynamic world of Yiddish civilization through presentations and cultural events featuring local and national scholars and performers. The group is committed to developing the study of Yiddish language and culture at FAU, which upholds its mission to support the scholarly endeavors and provide information to local, regional, national and international communities.
The cultural evolution of Yiddish in the 21st century extends beyond the spoken language known as ‘mama loshen.’ Although it was a vibrant language for almost a thousand years, only a miniscule fraction of today’s younger Jewish population speaks Yiddish.
“In spite of the diminishing Yiddish speakers, there is a global interest in the creative expression of this culture,’’ said Aaron Kula, director of music collections at FAU Libraries and chairman of KULTUR. “Modern interpretations of Klezmer music, Jewish ideology within the context of the 21st century and even a resurgence of interest in learning Yiddish as a spoken language have all contributed to continuity and change as we explore this complex pluralistic heritage.”
The popular KULTUR series draws patrons from the university as well as surrounding
communities. Attendance has grown consistently since its inception in the fall of 2002, largely due to interest in the subject matter and creative programming.
“Aaron Kula once again brings his innovative style to an important subject matter, stretching its boundaries and offering entertainment as well as enlightenment,” said William Miller, director of FAU Libraries.
The KULTUR series has advanced Yiddish-related scholarship at FAU by attracting tens of thousands of dollars in donations for research, performance of Yiddish music and development of the Yiddish holdings in the Special Collections and Archives at FAU’s Wimberly Library on the Boca Raton campus.
A $10 membership/donation to ‘The Friends of Yiddish’ allows members advance notice of all events. Free parking passes are provided at the information booth at the main entrance on Glades Road.
For more information, call the FAU Libraries’ hotline at 561-297-2116, visit its Web site at www.library.fau.edu/news/news.htm or e-mail librariespr@fau.edu.
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