Hester Street Film Screening (Yiddish Book Center 2026: Between Two Worlds)

During 2026, Richmond Public Library will be hosting programs as part of Between Two Worlds: Exploring Jewish Culture and Religion Through Yiddish Literature, a partnership with the Yiddish Book Center.

This screening of Hester Street (1975, 89 mins) is part of our exploration of Yiddish language and culture. Gitl (Carol Kane in her Acadamy Award nominated role) and her son arrive on the lower East side of New York in 1896 to join her husband Jake (Steven Keats), as they struggle to assimilate while remaining true to their old country ways. The screening will be followed by a discussion and supplemented with Yiddish language learning materials.

Please note that participation in any Between Two Worlds programs is open to all. People wishing to learn more about Yiddish literature and culture are encouraged to register, regardless of your level of previous knowledge. Through reading high quality translations and participating in facilitated discussions, these stories and histories will be made available to as many people as possible. Participation in other Between Two Worlds programs encouraged but not required.

The Yiddish Book Center’s Public Libraries Program brings Yiddish literature in translation to libraries nationwide, encouraging connections and sparking cross-cultural dialogue. This event is presented as part of the Yiddish Book Center’s Public Libraries Program, a partnership with the American Library Association. Made possible by the Lilly Endowment, Inc.