It is with great pleasure that the Museum of Family History presents to you a feature that represents the very best in Yiddish poetry.

It is hoped that, given the proper attention by you, the reader (and listener), will more greatly appreciate the fruit of the creative  and imaginative Jewish mind; that the  sounds and overall beauty of the Yiddish language will be impactful and meaningful to you.

Imagine that within this virtual (Internet only) museum of Jewish family history, there is a Yiddish bookstore (located next to an adjoining, small cafe) where poetry is recited during some day or evening on a periodic basis to a small , attentive crowd of forty or so museum visitors. The poet, or someone representing the poet's works, stands before you and recites a poem in Yiddish. He or she then recites it once again in English, for those attendees who don't speak Yiddish, in the hopes that all will gain insight or some understanding about the work and perhaps the life of the artist.

After the reading, a discussion ensues. What does the poet wish to say? What events might have occurred in the poet's life or in the society or time in which he lived, that may have influenced his sentiments?  Perhaps too, the one who recites the poem will hand out a piece of paper containing the written Yiddish, the transliteration, and the English version, to each one who attends the reading. Each person is encouraged to read the poem to themselves in the privacy of their own home, to themselves or aloud, to further appreciate the poet's work.

Here at least, in this virtual world of the Internet, one can at least this to some extent. Below you will see  two Yiddish poets featured. One recites his own poetry, the other recited by one who is an admirer of the poem.  Hear the poems spoken by clicking on the appropriate links. Read more about the poets themselves by clicking on the link indicated.

It is the hope of this Museum that this interaction will bolster your love of Yiddish, and will further your interest in the Yiddish language and culture. The Yiddish language is alive and well and only awaits your attention and appreciation. If you have any questions, please contact the Museum of Family History at yiddishvinkl@museumoffamilyhistory.com .