On view at the Library through Fall 2026.
Developed by the HUC Jewish Language Project in collaboation with ANU: Museum of the Jewish People, Jewish Languages: A Cultural Dialogue is an exhibition about Jewish linguistic diversity.
Jews are a multi-ethnic people who have spoken many languages. Wherever Jews have lived, they have spoken and written similarly to their non-Jewish neighbors, but their languages have also been distinct. Some Jewish languages have differed by only a few embedded Hebrew words, but others have been so different in grammar and pronunciation that Jews and non-Jews could barely communicate.
This panel exhibit provides an overview of how Jewish languages developed, offers a closer look at six Jewish languages (Judeo-Arabic, Jewish Malayalam, Juhuri, Yiddish, Ladino and Jewish English), and concludes with examples of preservation efforts and vibrant contemporary language use. Throughout the exhibit, QR codes offer opportunities to listen to spoken language, hear music, and learn from native speakers and language activists.
In conjunction with the exhibit, the Library is hosting virtual and in-person programs related to Jewish languages throughout 2026. Click here for upcoming Library events.
