ABOUT US
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Yiddishkayt Initiative (YI) is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization that celebrates and promotes Jewish history, life, and culture and their positive and far-reaching impact on the world. From performing arts, publishing, and education to language, philosophy, and literature, YI offers a global clearinghouse of Jewish culture and entertainment. We work with a wide range of organizations, including Federations, JCCs, synagogues, Hadassah chapters, Hillel chapters, men’s groups, women’s guilds, special interest clubs, youth groups, summer camp programs, and educational institutions.
Avi Hoffman
CEO of Yiddishkayt Initiative
CEO Avi Hoffman is a world-famous actor, who specializes in Jewish culture and Yiddish theater. His long-running “Too Jewish” trilogy has been seen by millions on PBS and in venues around the world. He has produced and presented shows throughout North America, Europe and Israel. International Festivals include Romania, Poland, New York, Toronto, Montreal, Tel-Aviv and other European cities and countries. His connections in the theater, entertainment and film communities are extensive. He has received a Congressional Award and was named a “Sage” by The New York Times. Both he and his mother were recently inducted into the Bronx Hall of Fame.
Miriam Hoffman
Founder/Professor of Yiddishkayt Initiative
Founder Professor Miriam Hoffman is a world-renowned scholar of Jewish and Yiddish culture, with a 60-year academic career that includes 25 years as professor of Yiddish language and Jewish culture at Columbia University. Her 700-page “Key to Yiddish” textbook is a standard for Yiddish educators worldwide. She is an award-winning playwright, author, and columnist for The Forward, having published thousands of articles over 35 years. Her collaboration with the late Broadway impresario Joseph Papp allowed for the creation of a Yiddish Theater bearing his name.