A Taste of Doikayt — Building Community and Exploring Diaspora through Yiddish Food, Song, and Tradition

Doikayt (pronounced do-i-kayt) will be an intergenerational, participatory cultural experience in San Francisco that embodies doikayt (here-ness, in Yiddish) through communal reflection and exploration of Yiddish song and dance, Ashkenazi Jewish food, and klezmer music. Prepare to cook, sing, dance, eat, and reflect as a community on what “here-ness” means for us.

In the early 1900s, the Jewish Labor Bund championed the concept of doikayt. Bundists emphasized engaging with immediate struggles in their local communities across Europe, and encouraged people to stay in their diasporic homes as opposed to moving to a new land. How can we learn lessons from our Yiddish-speaking ancestors on how to engage with immediate struggles in our local communities? We believe that people need community space to discuss urgent and timely issues through the lens of doikayt, which can be an interesting introduction to Yiddish history and culture.

The event, organized by Liza Gak and Justin Becker, will bring together fifteen people ages 0-120 in the San Francisco Bay Area who are searching for community and connection to Yiddish culture. It will be held in a San Francisco Rec&Park clubhouse accessible by public transit, location pending date chosen & availability (3/22, 3/23, 3/29, or 3/30).

The organizers will choose applicants based on availability and a diversity of experiences, ages, and backgrounds. To express interest in the event (and indicate for which of several dates you are available), complete the form linked to below.

Send questions to Liza Gak and Justin Becker at liza.a.gak@gmail.com.