Lexicon of the Yiddish Theatre
Volume 8

SHORT BIOGRAPHIES OF THOSE ONCE INVOLVED IN THE Yiddish THEATRE
THE LATEST VOLUME OF INDIVIDUAL BIOGRAPHIES AND GROUP HISTORIES
COMPILED AND EDITED BY DR. STEVEN LASKY
FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR, MUSEUM OF FAMILY HISTORY

2112
 

The Yiddish Artists and Friends
honored four who reached at least their ninetieth birthday
on 15 October 2012, New York, New York

Honorees: Charlotte Goldstein (100 years old as of August 2012), Fyvush Finkel, Nina Rogov and Max Weintraub.

Charlotte, who lives in Southern California, could not attend the testimonial event, but she did send along
a speech that was to be read during the event in absentia, in her name. The Museum of Family History is pleased to present it to you here in full, courtesy of our dear Charlotte Goldstein, Yiddish actress supreme.

 


Charlotte Goldstein in "Shylock and his Daughter".

 

My dear fellow Yiddish artists and friends!

How much I regret the "distance" that separates us, hen measured in "miles" that in the end, prevented me from being here with you this evening, to personally share with you just how privileged I feel! Not only to have reach this special milestone in my life -- my 100th birthday!

But, moreover, that you, my colleagues -- Yiddish actors -- along with our friends have seen fit to celebrate the occasion! For in essence -- if I am not from my very roots first and foremost a "Yiddish actress", then pray do tell -- who then am I? And I might add that I am a third-generation Yiddish actress, since my father Jacob Goldstein, along with my grandfather and grandmother on my mother's side, Charles and Anna Shapiro, were all Yiddish actors, and among the first members of the Hebrew Actors Union!

Most of my theatrical life was spent as a very prominent member of the "Yiddish Art Theatre", a badge of honor that I wore with pride!

photo: Charlotte Goldstein, as Shylock's daughter Jessica, in "Shylock and his Daughter".

Since the year 1943 when still a very young actress, I was recruited into the Yiddish Art Theatre in the very important role of "Malkele" in the eminent Maurice Schwartz's unforgettable production of I. J. Singer's "Yoshe Kalb" -- a production that went on to make theatrical history and lifted the heretofore concept of Yiddish theatre out from the confines of Second Avenue, into recognition in the arena of world theatre -- glorious years, filled with priceless, unforgettable memories! But enough reminiscing!

I would like to close with a special thank you to Corey Brier for his leadership and tireless efforts as President of the "Yiddish Artists and Friends", in preserving and perpetuating the history of Yiddish theatre and song. So dear to all of us. Thank you, Corey!

And finally, with a word of congratulations from me, this ancient one hundred year old celebrant to those three youngsters, my fellow honorees. The three young kids celebrated their mere ninety years! Fyvush and Nina and Max -- a happy birthday to you!

And now with love to each and every one of you out there, from me, your colleague,

 

Charlotte Goldstein Chafran


 

 

 

 


 

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