klezmer derives its name from two Hebrew Words, "kli", meaning instrument or tool, and "zemer", meaning dance. This is ironic because klezmer derives all of its traditions from the Ashkenazic Jewish traditions of Eastern Europe. The language of this culture is primarily Yiddish, not Hebrew.
This website will examine the way in which klezmer "revived" itself after laying dormant in America for decades. After the Holocaust, many Jewish survivors did not return to their homes in Eastern Europe, but instead traveled to America. As a result their Yiddish language and culture traveled with them. klezmer, Yiddish Theater and the Yiddish language thrived in the United States until in eventually lost all social coherence by the 1960's. This made it possible for young, second generation Jews to rediscover their heritage and their klezmer roots. Shortly after, klezmer found itself back into the music halls of America and the world.
This website will examine the way in which klezmer "revived" itself after laying dormant in America for decades. After the Holocaust, many Jewish survivors did not return to their homes in Eastern Europe, but instead traveled to America. As a result their Yiddish language and culture traveled with them. klezmer, Yiddish Theater and the Yiddish language thrived in the United States until in eventually lost all social coherence by the 1960's. This made it possible for young, second generation Jews to rediscover their heritage and their klezmer roots. Shortly after, klezmer found itself back into the music halls of America and the world.