Jewish Languages

You may have heard of Yiddish and Ladino, but have you heard of Aramaic, Judeo-Persian, Judeo-Arabic, and dozens of other Jewish languages spoken throughout the Diaspora and Israel? While Jews may all share aspects of the same religion, culture, and history, they may not all share the same "Jewish" languages (we bet there are at least 5 Jewish languages you didn't know existed). 

Throughout time, Jews have spread across the globe, and the languages in which much of their communication is expressed has been influenced by the cultures around them. From Yiddish which originated in medieval Germany, to Ladino which was developed by Sephardic Jews after their expulsion from Spain, to the various Judeo-Arabic dialects, Jewish languages have been a key insight into a diverse linguistic heritage that spans across centuries.

Big Ideas

1. Jewish languages provide a window into Jewish life and customs from around the world.
2. Jewish languages have elements of commonality and diversity.
3. While many regional Jewish languages have become dormant, Hebrew has experienced a unique revival.

Essential Questions

1. What insights do Jewish languages bring to our understanding of Jewish culture, history, and religion?
2. How does language unify or divide people?
3. What attributes make Hebrew a universal Jewish language?