B’nai Sholom Reform Congregation in Albany is offering two courses for those who want to learn about and speak Yiddish.

Classes in beginning and advanced Yiddish will be offered Wednesday evenings starting Oct. 16.  All sessions are held at B’nai Sholom Reform Congregation at 420 Whitehall Road in Albany.

The courses present the Yiddish language using both a textbook with accompanying instructional media and the teacher’s own experiences as a Yiddish speaker.  They are geared to two levels of Yiddish proficiency: the advanced class is for those who have learned to read and write some Yiddish and want to further their skills; for the beginning class, students should be able to read and write the Hebrew alphabet.

Both courses are taught by Rachel Weitz, an Israeli native speaker of Hebrew and Yiddish who teaches both languages in the Capital Region.  Weitz holds a master’s degree in Jewish education and a bachelor’s degree in modern Middle East history and Arabic language and literature.

Following is the schedule of the courses’ days and times:

— Advanced Yiddish starts Oct. 16 and runs for eight Wednesdays, from 6:30 until 7:30 p.m.; and

— Beginning Yiddish starts Oct. 16 and runs for eight Wednesdays from 7:30 until 8:30 p.m.

Both courses are open to the public.  The fee for each is $55 plus the cost of required textbook and CDs or tapes.  Registration is required.  The required textbook may be purchased after the first day of class.

For more information, or to register for a course, visit www.bnaisholomalbany.org or contact the B’nai Sholom office at office@bnaisholom.albany.ny.us or phone 482-5283.

Founded in 1971, B’nai Sholom Reform Congregation in Albany is a home for contemporary Reform Judaism in the Capital Region, creating a vibrant Jewish present that links ancient traditions with the promise of the future.  More than 160 diverse households from six counties seek religious, educational and social fulfillment at B’nai Sholom.