Philosophers, Fiddlers & Fools 2002

In honor of Chanukah, KCRW presents General Manager Ruth Seymour's perennially popular annual salute to Yiddish. Music, stories and memories from a world now vanished.

Philosophers, Fiddlers and Fools: Chanukah 2002

Yiddish Recordings

l. The Yiddish Dream - Vanguard Classics (going out of print)

2. Talila: Her records are numerous and varied.

Titles used this year are Yiddish; Ensemble Kol Aviv & Papirossn. French imports.

3. A Jewish Odyssey - Puntaymayo World Music

4. Mir Trogn a Gezang: Jewish Book Ctr. - Workmen's Circle

5. In Love and In Struggle - YIVO Institute for Jewish Research

6. Songs of Mordechai Gebirtig - Israel Music

7. Martha Schlamme:

Title used this year are Raisins & Almonds; The Legendary Martha Schlamme. Vanguard Classics.

8. Voices of the Ghetto - 7 Productions (French Import)

9. Simcha Time - Mickey Katz - World Pacific

10. The Barry Sisters: Many recordings.

Titles used are Their Greatest Hits - Legacy; Selection of the Barry Sisters - Gold Sound

11. Connie Francis Sings Jewish Favorites - PolyGram

12. Elisheva Edelson - Yiddish Songs - Hataklit Jewish Music

13. From Ave. A To The Great White Way - Columbia Legacy

14. Zero Mostel - Fiddler on the Roof - RCA

15. Jewish Songs - Michael Touretsky & Moscow Jewish Choir

(Some recordings are no longer available.)

The place to buy Yiddish music is Hatikvah Music International, 436 N. Fairfax Ave., L.A. 90036 -- across the street from Cantor's Deli. Speak with SIMON (323) 655-7083. Fax: (323) 938-0577

On the web www.hatikvahmusic.com Email: Klezcorner@aol.com

Resources in Los Angeles that reflect an ongoing concern for Yiddish and its traditions:

1. If you are new to Yiddishkayt, then Yiddishkayt LA is a good starting point. It's a non-profit cultural organization promoting Yiddish language and culture in Southern California, featuring a Yiddishkayt Festival and other ongoing events throughout the year. Visit Yiddishkaytla.org or call 323/692-8151.

2. The California Institute for Yiddish Language and Culture in collaboration with The UCLA Center for Jewish Studies. www.yiddishinstitute.org

3. The WORKMEN'S CIRCLE/ARBETER RING is the chief - the preeminent - advocate of Yiddish cultural activity. Founded in 1900, it provides ongoing language classes, cultural events, programming as well as benefits and services to the Jewish Community, and fosters a progressive liberal agenda. Workmens Circle is located at 1525 South Robertson Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90035. For info call (310) 552-2007 phone or visit www.circle.org online.