Yiddish Thrives at the Klezshtetl Family Camp

Svetlana, 13, began studying at Jewish day school in St. Petersburg two years ago, inspired by hearing about Jewish traditions from her grandmother. Svetlana's parents, Lev and Julya, university graduates with engineering degrees who own a small wholesale trading business, greatly support her choice. "During Soviet times we could not get any Jewish education – it was all prohibited," says Lev, who himself is interested in Yiddish culture and language because he grew up hearing his parents and grandparents communicating in Yiddish. "I feel the heritage and roots of my family in the Yiddish language, and am proud that Svetlana wants to feel them too," he says.

Together with her parents, Svetlana participates in the JDC-sponsored "Klezshtetl", a weeklong camp during school vacations where children and parents learn Yiddish language, music and dance and take part in classes on Jewish traditions. At a final concert marking the conclusion of the camp, each participant sings a song, dances, or gives another type of theatrical performance in Yiddish. "It is a chance to sing and perform together with our daughter," says Julya.

Svetlana particularly enjoys singing, and dreams of doing it professionally. She is a member of her school choir, and recently a fellow member suggested that Svetlana join the JDC-supported Jewish Community Center (JCC) choir as well, where they perform many Yiddish songs. "I love my teacher at the JCC and hope one day to sing as well as she does!" she says. Svetlana's favorite song is "Meidele", a lyrical piece about a girl who would follow her love wherever he goes.