Join us on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 7:30 PM for an evening exploring The Bintel Brief, the iconic advice column of the Yiddish newspaper Forverts.
Founded in 1897 as a Yiddish-language daily socialist newspaper, Forverts became a lifeline for Jewish immigrants seeking guidance and connection in a new land. The Bintel Brief—“Bundle of Letters”—was launched in 1906 by editor Abraham Cahan and quickly became a trusted forum where readers shared personal stories, sought advice, and even reunited with lost relatives. It was a vital resource for shaping American Jewish identity.
This event sets the stage for the upcoming play Forward! by Ben Engel, to be performed at The Emanuel Synagogue on November 16. Tickets available HERE!
Dr. Ayelet Brinn, Assistant Professor of Judaic Studies and History at the University of Hartford and author of A Revolution in Type: Gender and the Making of the American Yiddish Press, will be in conversation with playwright Ben Engel. Dr. Brinn is currently a 2025–2026 fellow at the University of Michigan’s Frankel Institute for Advanced Judaic Studies, where she is researching the Espionage Act and censorship of the American Yiddish press during World War I.
Following the conversation, attendees will break into small groups to read and reflect on real letters and responses from The Bintel Brief. The evening will conclude with a discussion and period-appropriate snacks to enrich the immersive experience. Admission is free.
