Central Queens Y to Host Discussion on Pre-World War II Jewish Life in Europe

The Central Queens Y will host an upcoming discussion on Jewish life in small towns in Eastern Europe prior to World War II.

The program, known as “Myth and Reality of the Jewish Shtetl,” will take place at 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 11 at the Y, located at 67-09 108th St. in Forest Hills.

The discussion is part of a year-long series of programs at the Y held by YIVO, a New York-based organization that focuses on Yiddish culture.

David Fishman, a professor of modern Jewish history at the Jewish Theological Seminary, will lead the talk, which is open to the public. A $7 donation is suggested.

During the discussion, Fishman will talk about how nearly half of the Jews in Eastern Europe lived in small towns around the year 1912.

He will talk about the reality of life and culture in the Jewish shtetl, including political movements such as Zionism and the labor movement, the Bund, literature and theater.

Fishman will also discuss Jews’ relations with Russians, Poles and European Christians. The event will include some slides and recorded music.

For more information, call 718-268-5011, ext. 151.