Is Yiddish trending?
We’re not sure if Yiddish is officially a 2021 trend, but we can’t deny we’re seeing it everywhere these days, from a boom in online classes to the Yiddish-tinged Netflix hit Shtisel. Here in the Twin Cities and beyond, creatives are reviving the language in their art and music. We’ve rounded up a few Yiddish-inspired events and resources—some of which are made possible through Federation (just call us trendsetters!)
First, a primer from Alma | A beginner’s guide to modern Yiddish music
Music inspired by Yiddish poetry | On May 13 at 7 pm, Rimon: The Minnesota Jewish Arts Council hosts its latest artist salon. I Once Was a Boy features the world premier of new music from acclaimed composer/performer Anat Spiegel, inspired by the poems of late Yiddish writer Anna Margolin. This event is free, but registration is required. Register today.
Yiddish folk songs reimagined for a modern audience | As if a world premier of new Yiddish-inspired music wasn’t cool enough, I Once Was a Boy also features local musician and YALA mini-grant recipient Sarah Larsson. Sarah is inspired by folk music from all over the world, but her group The Nightingale Trio celebrates Eastern European women’s vocals (that includes Yiddish songs—listen to the beautiful song In Droysn Iz Finster from the trio’s Love Songs album!) Thanks to a YALA mini-grant, Sarah launched the Folk Will Save Us podcast last fall.
Preserving Yiddish sheet music | After Masha Trius struggled to find and then afford a rare book of Yiddish sheet music, they saw an opportunity to help others and keep the music of their youth alive. Using their talents in web and app design, and with the help of a YALA mini grant, Masha created Liderbukh, a free collection of Yiddish sheet music.
Jewish Eastern European folk songs X African American spirituals | We’re inspired by this project from Anthony Mordechai Tzvi Russel. Read more about the genesis of the idea here!
Classics of Yiddish Cinema | We’re intrigued by this collection of newly translated Yiddish films. (Many thanks to the Rimon e-guide for bringing it to our attention!) Whether you’re in the mood for a bride possessed by the spirit of her dead husband’s soul, a tuberculosis sanitorium, the Yiddish Fred Astaire, or the Yiddish King Lear, you’ll find something to love.