Mischa Elman

By , December 10, 2010 5:31 pm
Photo of Mischa Elman

The world of music has been enriched beyond measure by the efforts of Jewish performers, conductors and composers.  Today we highlight the talents of one of the great violinists of the 20th century, Mischa Elman.

Famed for his passionate style and beautiful tone, this world-famous virtuoso was the grandson of a violin-playing klezmer performer.  By the age of six he was already understood to be a prodigy and when he was 11 he was admitted to the St. Petersburg Conservatory for further training. Read More About This…

In memoriam: Mort Malavsky

By , December 6, 2010 12:13 pm
Album cover of The Malavsky Family
Album cover of The Malavsky Family

Mort Malavsky, one of the last surviving members of the Malavsky Family Choir, passed away Nov. 24, 2010. He is survived by his wife Rhoda of 50 years, children Andy, Jeffrey and Jodi, daughter-in-laws Ellen and Kelli, son-in-law Lonnie,  his sisters Ruthie  and Minnie, and his six grandchildren Samuel, Matthew, Jake, Max, Melanie and Eric.

You can enjoy the music of Cantor Samuel Malavsky and his Malavasky Family Choir by visiting the JSA website.

Chanukah music for everyone

By , November 15, 2010 2:43 pm
Album Cover of JSA Chanukah Music Mix
Album Cover of JSA Chanukah Music Mix

Chanukah celebrations are joyous occasions, with lots of holiday gifts, decorations and parties.

The eight-day festival of Chanukah retells a story that teaches about hope, the importance of maintaining Jewish traditions, and the symbolic power of light. Read More About This…

What will happen to the JSA?

By , October 11, 2010 10:32 am
Photo of Nathan Tinanoff in Chicago
Photo of Nathan Tinanoff in Chicago

The question that everyone has been asking me since Nathan Tinanoff retired from his position as Director of the JSA on September 30th  is,”What will happen to the Judaica Sound Archives?

The JSA will continue to thrive…but, there will be changes. Read More About This…

“You ain’t heard nothin’ yet”: Al Jolson sings

By , October 4, 2010 9:35 am
Movie Poster of AL Jolson The Jazz Singer
Movie Poster of AL Jolson The Jazz Singer

“The Jazz Singer,” released in 1927, was the first commercially successful “talking motion picture.” One of the most iconic moments in movie history occurs in this film when Al Jolson on stage, turns to his enthusiastic audience and says, “Wait a minute! You ain’t heard nothin’ yet!”  This promise of even more exciting entertainment to come is fulfilled as he sings “Toot-toot-tootsie” using moves that could have made Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson jealous. The effect is electrifying.

Known as “The World’s Greatest Entertainer” during his lifetime, Al Jolson’s life story (on which the movie was based) tells of a young Jewish boy who is driven to become a Pop singer despite the fact that his Orthodox father wants him to be a Cantor. Read More About This…