The Key

Music by Abraham Ellstein (1907 – 1963) 
Lyrics by Jacob Jacobs (1890 – 1977) 

“Our Jewish People” was first sung in 1941 by Miriam Kressyn (1910-1996), a formidable woman in the Yiddish cultural world of the US. Played during the darkest period for the Jews in modern history, it was recorded many times, yet the song seems to have been forgotten in recent years.  As such, it has been difficult to find an English translation. This one I have pieced together with the help of Cedric Ginsberg, Evelyn Green, Russel Lurie and Blima Nudelman 

Our Jewish people will live forever, 
and endure every hardship. 
The Jew survives, 
because of his strong faith and devotion. 
Nations have struck out against us with water and fire.  
But our passion still burns deep inside of us. 
Oh, our Jewish people will live forever,
And endure every hardship. 

Now a thousand years have passed,
since the Jew has existed in this world. 
Pogroms and trouble brought fear,
an attempt by man to oppress. 
From every corner you can hear the anguished cry of the Jewish people. 
Dear God, help your Jewish children,
and send them a blessing. 
Listen ‘o Israel, they shout out, G-d is one, 
God, we crawl to you.

A Bis'l Libe - A Bit of Love

Undzer Yidish Folk

Music by Abraham Ellstein (1907-1963) 
Lyrics by Molly Picon (1898-1992) 

In “Good Fortune” from the film Mamele, Khavshe sings this prior to her courtship with Mr Schlessinger, when it seems that everyone else is finding happiness and love, but her. This song became very popular and has been recorded by many Yiddish singers of the past, such as the Barry Sisters, Jan Peerce, Seymour Rechtzeit and more. Molly Picon, who wrote the lyrics for this and many of the songs in Mamele, also played the role of Khavshe in the film. 

Good fortune, sooner or later you shine
on everyone – 
On everyone, but not on me. 
Good fortune, you bring happiness to everyone.
Why do you bypass my door?
O, how I long for you every hour. 
Life passes by
and there is still no hope. 
O, good fortune, sooner or later you shine
on everyone – 
On everyone, but not on me. 

When the night arrives,
I remain awake, sitting and thinking:
Another day has already passed,
and the dream that I dreamt for myself
is gone with the wind once again.

Maz'l


Paul Robeson sings Hirsh Glik's Partisan Hymn, "Zog Nit Keynmol" at his 1949 concert in Moscow.

זאָג ניט קיינמאָל • Zog Nit Keynmol • Paul Robeson

I am multidisciplinary performance artist. Creating an album of Yiddish Songs has been my latest undertaking. I also sing in the Beit Emanuel choir in Johannesburg.

Maz'l

Leigh Nudelman

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