The Yiddish Hour with Cantor Figa

Join Cantor Figa for a monthly appreciation of Yiddish song, Yiddish theater, and Yiddish wit, wisdom and humor.

December 18, 6:30pm

Join Cantor Figa, on Zoom only, when he will share the music, lore, and the legacy of Yiddish comedic superstar, Aaron Lebedeff (1873-1960). Lebedeff’s career spanned from Russia to Warsaw to the pinnacle of the Yiddish Theatre, on 2nd Avenue in New York City.

This legendary performer even charmed Chicagoans during the 1929-1930 season at the Lawndale Theater, not too far from our synagogue.

Most famous for his signature song, the enduring hit song “Rumania, Rumania”, he was a hero and mentor to Danny Kaye, who copied the style of Lebedeff for the English speaking world, and in turn, Danny Kaye became the inspiration for the likes of Jim Carrey and Martin Short.

Translations and deep dive analysis of Lebedeff’s Yiddish wordplay will be provided; you don’t need to know Yiddish to enjoy! …A Channukah treat or two are sure to be included!

Zoom only; click here or use ID# 886 1553 5154 and the Har Zion password.

Usually repeats on the 3rd Thursday of the month.