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Art Center Sarasota will host programs on April 3 and 10 focusing on the history of Yiddish communities and their language, organizers have announced. Shtetls, small impoverished towns in Eastern Europe, shaped the lives of millions of Jewish people over centuries, a news release explains. For example, it says, "In spite of their privations, Jews living in Tsarist Russia developed a system of compassionate wel- fare, promoted educational institutions" and produced world-class literature and theater and musical pieces. Their language was Yiddish, the release con- tinues, but it reflected a fusion of German dialects, Slavic and Romance influences, Hebrew and Aramaic. This Jewish world was almost annihilated by the Nazi regime, the release adds. "Today, Yiddish as a language and culture is experi- encing a Global renaissance," it says. The programs will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on the two Thursdays, the release continues. The cost is $8 to Art Center Sarasota mem- bers and $10 to non-members. The gallery is located at 707 N. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota. YIDDISH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE TO BE FOCUS OF PROGRAMS A synagogue is shown in a Polish shtetl in 1895. Photo by Mathias Bersohn via Wikimedia Commons Sarasota News Leader March 28, 2014 Page 114