The Workers Circle

Our Yiddish classes kick off this Sunday, February 23 — are you ready to dive into a rich world of language, culture, and community? Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned Yiddish speaker, we have a class for you! What You’ll Get: Engaging, expert-led instruction A welcoming, supportive learning environment The joy of connecting with Yiddish language and culture Don’t miss out — register now and be part of our vibrant learning community! Classes start soon, so secure your spot today. https://lnkd.in/ee2QgWFH

The start of 2025 marks the kick-off of the 125th anniversary of the Workers Circle’s founding. 2025 marks 125 years of the Workers Circle! For 125 years, we have been at the forefront of fighting for justice, equality, and democracy. Rooted in the traditions of Yiddishkayt, we've nurtured a love for Yiddish language, music, and stories, keeping our rich cultural heritage alive for new generations. To learn more about our exciting plans to celebrate this historic year, visit https://lnkd.in/eZz5xr-A.

What a remarkable year for Yiddish culture at the Workers Circle. We started the year by honoring our history through the 81st commemoration of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising and bringing Yiddish to new audiences at the Museum of Jewish Heritage Mishpachah Festival. Our Annual Trip to Yiddishland was enjoyed by four generations, including 30 students from the Workers Circle College Network. Our new 'Instant Yiddish' series delighted audiences with special sessions like our Khanike Edition, during which Yiddish fans mastered holiday greetings and vocabulary through games and songs. Our annual online Yiddish Khanike party and in-person Community Klezmer Day earlier this month brought together more than 400 people grams full of Klezmer music, dancing, and community. Thank you to our incredible community for keeping Yiddish culture alive and thriving! #WorkersCircle #YiddishCulture #YearInReview2024

2024 was a powerful year of activism and democratic engagement at the Workers Circle. From marching across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma to commemorate Bloody Sunday's 59th anniversary, to hosting crucial conversations about democracy with journalist Ari Berman and labor movement pioneer (and Workers Circle Board Member) Ellen Cassedy, we continued our legacy of fighting for social justice. We're grateful for our committed community of activists and are looking forward to continuing this vital work in 2025. Thank you to everyone who showed up, spoke up, and took action with us this year!

Big news! Tony Award winner Shaina Taub was honored at the Workers Circle's Annual Benefit! Shaina's incredible talent and dedication to social justice make her the perfect honoree for our community. ?? This unforgettable evening celebrated her artistry and highlighted the importance of building a better, fairer world together. Check out the full recap on BroadwayWorld to relive the magic:? https://lnkd.in/eUTpPd4b... Thank you to everyone who supported this inspiring night — it’s because of YOU that we can continue our vital work! Photo credit: Mark S. Kornbluth

Calling all parents and grandparents! Do you have a college student in your life who’s passionate about?Yiddish culture and making a difference? Encourage them to become a Workers Circle College Ambassador in Spring 2025! It’s a paid,?semester-long?opportunity — they’ll earn $500 while creating events that connect Yiddish culture and social justice. From klezmer workshops to text banking to radical song circles, they’ll have the chance to lead meaningful, engaging activities?on their college campus. Applications are due by December 15 — visit?https://lnkd.in/efgEns_c?(or find the link in our?Instagram bio @workerscirclecollege), or email?[email protected]?for details.

When Henry Winkler explained why he guided his daughter Zoe Winkler Reinis away from joining a reality show, he underscored the importance of?authenticity?and making choices that align with your values. This resonates deeply with us. Henry and Zoe were honored this past May with The Workers Circle?Generation to Generation Award?at our special event in Calabasas, California. Their commitment to family, community, and positive impact inspires us all. Zoe's image in this article was captured during the Workers Circle Generation to Generation event. https://lnkd.in/efp7gYnK Photo Credit: JOHN SCIULLI/GETTY

Los Angeles has long been more than Hollywood glitz; it’s been a unique hub for Yiddish culture! From a historical gathering of Yiddish poets and activists to today’s vibrant performances and festivals, LA’s Yiddish scene is back and thriving. The Workers Circle has been a cornerstone, connecting people to Jewish and labor traditions through Yiddish. Let’s celebrate this revival of language and culture! ? Read more in The Forward: https://lnkd.in/emiQsJyb

Do you want to do more to support democracy? Looking for opportunities to promote your business? We invite your business (large or small) to sponsor the Workers Circle’s 2024 Annual Benefit: Democracy Takes Center Stage on December 9, 2024, at the Prince George Ballroom in New York, NY. Sponsors will get reserved seating at the Benefit, access to the VIP reception, and various promotions to our large, diverse Workers Circle community — all while helping fund our work to demand democracy, fight fascism, and train new generations of activists! Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gn289XhQ

Upon the re-election of Donald J. Trump to the Presidency and a likely MAGA majority to Congress, Ann Toback, CEO of the Workers Circle released the following statement: November 7, 2024 This is not the first time in history that fascists have risen to power through democratic means. We have seen it, resisted it, and overcome it before. We know that when we stand together, we can forge a way forward for freedom, even in the darkest of times. The stakes couldn’t be higher for democratic governance and society with the anticipated return of Donald J. Trump to the office of president, wrapped in a cloak of immunity from prosecution for any acts he may undertake in his presidential capacity, and the, likely, MAGA control of all three branches of government. The ascent of America’s own fascist movement to unchecked federal power has been paved by anti-democratic state lawmakers who passed voter suppression laws and drew egregious Congressional maps to disenfranchise voters of color. It has been aided and abetted by a tsunami of dark money, disinformation, lying, vile hatred and threats from the president-elect, his enablers, and apologists be they clergy, lawmakers, publishers, broadcasters, or CEOs. This we know: these newly elected anti-democratic leaders will continue to work to divide us, to terrify us, to immobilize us. They disregard the Constitution and are willing to use violence and weaponize the Justice Department to persecute opponents, undermine our rights, and impose their agenda. To all this we cry, mir zaynen do, “we are here” with the same clarity and determination of our loved ones who defiantly shouted these words during the Warsaw Ghetto uprising. Mir zaynen do! We are here! We are here for democracy, for freedom, for equal rights. We are here for each other and especially for those who may be targeted for harm. We are here to demand democracy and fight fascism. And we will work shoulder-to-shoulder with people across this nation with intelligence, commitment, creativity, and resolve to bring forth from this terrible moment an America that is truly by, with, and for all the people. https://lnkd.in/ezTFURkR