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


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.

Undzer Yidish Folk

Leigh Nudelman

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