A Yiddish World Remembered looks back at the all but vanished Jewish way of life that existed in Eastern Europe before World War II. Through never before seen archival films, vintage photographs, traditional cantorial and Klezmer music, and personal recollections, once vibrant cities and small town (shtetls) come alive again. The few remaining eyewitnesses share their compelling stories about life in the poor but close knit communities where rabbis settled disputes, yentas gossiped, boys dedicated themselves to learning, and humor pervaded every aspect of life.
The film explores everything from the fascinating language of Yiddish, the style of dress, and the traditional foods to the vibrant cultural, religious, and political life that in Poland alone could support 24 Yiddish language dailies.
Bonus Extra created especially for this DVD: A 40-minute program of vintage home movies and period newsreels from the 1930s depicting intimate scenes of daily life in the small towns of Poland, Hungary, and Czechoslovakia, including vibrant color film of Warsaw's Jewish Quarter, a festive seven-day wedding celebration that drew over 20,000 people, street and marketplace scenes of book sellers, fruit vendors, cattle traders, and much more.
Seen nationally as a PBS special and winner of an Emmy Award for cultural programming.
Narrated by Elliot Gould.