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.
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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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