Yiddish theater began in 19th-century Eastern Europe, where traveling troupes brought music, satire, and storytelling to Jewish audiences. In 1876, Abraham Goldfaden launched the first professional Yiddish theater troupe in Romania, laying the foundation for a tradition that would soon cross oceans.
As waves of Jewish immigrants fled persecution and upheaval, they brought their language and cultural expression to the United States. New York City quickly became the heart of Yiddish theater in America, particularly on the Lower East Side, where performers found work in the booming vaudeville scene. These stages became a haven — a space where stories of the “old country,” Biblical tales, and immigrant struggles could be shared through laughter and song.
Yiddish musical comedies and dramas struck a deep chord with audiences longing for the familiar. Between 1894 and 1942, their popularity soared — spawning radio programs and more than 50,000 commercial recordings.
Among the earliest stars of this golden age were performers whose humor and humanity lit up the Yiddish stage. Clara Gold and Gus Goldstein became audience favorites through their comedic portrayals of married life, appearing together in countless sketches and radio shows. Anna Hoffman brought rich vocals and warmth to these routines, while Jacob Jacobs, both a lyricist and performer, contributed clever dialogue and musical flair.
Together, they shaped the spirit of early Yiddish vaudeville — blending music, satire, and storytelling into performances that reflected and uplifted everyday Jewish life in America.
This collection features rare recordings from 1901 to 1922, digitized from 78 rpm discs, capturing the voices of this beloved ensemble and preserving the sound of a culture in motion.
To discover more artists within Yiddish Theater, visit Stars and Voices of Yiddish Theater.
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