Klezmer musician Christian Dawid explains why he likes klezmer music and what he finds appealing about folk music in general.

Yuri Vedenyapin describes the foundation and history of Sovetish Heymland, a Yiddish monthly magazine, which was produced from 1961 to 1991. It was filled with “shameless Soviet propaganda” and “anti-Jewish vitriol,” but also beautiful designs and illustrations.

Professor Samuel Kassow asserts that world literature translated into Yiddish demonstrates that Yiddish served as a link to the wider world. Yiddish was the medium that allowed popular world literature to be accessed by Yiddish speaking communities.

Professor Samuel Kassow reads the beginning of Genesis, the first of the five books of the bible.

Professor Samuel Kassow speaks about the power of Sutzkever’s poetry, which Sutzkever believed would outlive him and the destruction of World War II. Kassow sings one of Sutzkever’s most famous poems written in the Vilna ghetto, unter dayne vayse shtern (under your white stars) and was set to music by Avrom Brudno.

Professor Ruth Wisse reflects on the scope and ambition of Asch’s writing. Wisse asserts that Asch takes risks and is not afraid to “go large” by branching out beyond Jewish topics in his Yiddish works.

Professor Sam Kassow explains why over 17,000 Jews immigrated to Shanghai, China during World War II.

Professor Ruth Wisse discusses Isaac Bashevis Singer’s popularity, or lack thereof, amongst his readers and fellow writers. Ruth partially attributes I.B. Singer’s unpopularity amongst fellow writers to his anti-Communist political beliefs in a community that was predominantly leftist.