Yiddish Summer Weimar starts with a big concert and diversity!

Yiddish Summer Weimar starts with a big concert and diversity!

Today, July 12, 2025, the cultural heart beats faster in Weimar! The Yiddish Summer Weimar, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, has just started with a brilliant concert on Herderplatz. TheYAM Ensemble, which brings together 30 talented musicians from Turkey, Greece and Germany, brings to life the diversity of Judeo-Christian-Muslim musical traditions. The name “YAM,” which means “sea” in Yiddish and Hebrew, reflects the intercultural exchange that the ensemble celebrates. Under the direction of Ilya Shneyveys and Sarah Myerson, listeners can go on a musical journey around the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. If it rains, the concert will continue professionally in the Reithaus.

The festival extends until August 17, 2025 and offers a variety of workshops and events. Starting with the opening concert, Weimar becomes a center for Jewish music and culture. During the festival week from August 12th to 17th, a gala evening on August 17th will be the highlight of the event. The workshops are a diverse mix and include topics such as “The Other Europeans” and “New Yiddish Music”. They are aimed at everyone from beginners to advanced learners, and participants have the opportunity to explore various topics. More information can be found on the festival website.

A variety of activities for young and old

But Weimar's cultural offering goes far beyond the Yiddish Summer Festival. This will load on July 13th Museum of Prehistory and Early History of Thuringia for exciting guided tours. At 11 a.m., little explorers aged 5 and over can take part in a tour with the mascot Archie, while at 3 p.m. there is an adventure tour for older guests aged 10 and over.

There is also something to experience for lovers of old games: Andreas vom Rothenbarth will be on July 13th from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.mHohenfelden open-air museumpresent past games. The culture in the Paul Schneider community center is also not left out: under the topic “People who made a difference,” lecturer Deborah Poppowitsch will speak about Paul Schneider on July 13th at 9:30 a.m.

Local initiatives and interesting projects

Another highlight is the Monday concert in the clinic foyer, which will enchant visitors with music from the 16th century with “a midsummer night’s consort” on July 14th at 4:30 p.m. Also that oneRotary Club Weimar-Bauhaushas exciting plans under the new leadership of Michael Zapfe: With the “Rotary Knowledge Workshop” service project, they want to support children from difficult social backgrounds.

The city of Weimar is also looking for new arbitrators who would like to volunteer to mediate disputes. Those interested should be between 25 and 70 years old and live in Weimar. The sociable togetherness is achieved through theMaria Pavlovna Societywho has returned from her cultural journey along the adventure route. Historian Justyna Liguz was awarded the Maria Pavlovna Medal of Honor for this.

Finally, the exhibition by the artist Heidrun Paezelt should also be mentioned. Under the title “Between Dream and Reality” it can be found in the foyer of the Thuringia Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians until September 21st.

There's really a lot going on in Weimar, and the cultural diversity makes your heart beat faster! Whether you're a music lover or a history buff - there's something for everyone here.