Zingt un tantst (sing and dance) at our second annual summer celebration of Yiddish songs and klezmer music. The brand new indoor Gonda Auditorium will provide a meaningful atmosphere to celebrate klezmer and Yiddish music, an important part of Jewish life that flourished both before and after the Holocaust. 

Lider Fun Der Heym translates to "songs from the Old Country" or just "songs from home," as the emphasis of this program will be on familiar songs that would be easily recognizable in Yiddish speaking homes.

Klezmer is a traditional folk music rooted in Central and Eastern European Ashkenazi Jewish communities. The word klezmer is a Yiddish combination of the Hebrew words for instrument (kley) and song (zemer). Over generations, klezmer has adopted and drawn influence from many diverse cultures including Roma, Slavic, Ottoman and German. It was usually considered party music, as it was a common feature of weddings and other festive events. In addition to this music, we will feature several Yiddish songs that have filled Jewish homes for generations. 

This program will feature remarks by Miri Koral, founder and CEO of California Institute for Yiddish Culture & Language (CIYCL), and musical acts by Gustavo Bulgach, Nicholas Hylander, and renowned actors Bernard Hiller and Mike Burstyn. 

This program is in community partnership with CIYCL, Kultur Mercado, Der Nister, and the So Cal Arbeter Ring.