As Part of Jewish Music Week 2025, CFY is Proud to Support a Musical Program with Yiddish Scholar and Entertainer JANIE RESPITZ
The Musical World of Sholem Aleichem
You know him as the man who introduced the world to Tevye the Milkman, but Sholem Aleichem is so much more! In this wonderful hour, Janie Respitz, with guitar in hand, gives us a musical look into the life and works of the greatest and most beloved Yiddish humorist. Through stories and songs of his life, we will learn why he was one of the most important figures in modern Jewish culture.
Date: Friday, May 23, 10:00-11:00 AM
Location: Heliconian Hall, 35 Hazelton Avenue
Free Admission; Tickets are Required
VISIT JEWISHMUSICWEEK.COM TO ORDER TICKETS
Janie Respitz is a Montreal-based Yiddish scholar and entertainer. For over thirty years she has performed in concerts throughout the world. She has taught courses relating to Yiddish language, folklore, literature and Eastern European Jewish history, at Queen’s University, McGill University, Cummings Jewish Centre for Seniors and a variety of other learning environments. Janie has delighted audiences with her vast repertoire of Yiddish songs and lecture topics, and in 2019, Janie won the international Yiddish Idol song competition in Mexico City.
janie@ben-shach.com
You may also be interested in the Closing Night Concert:
Mameh-Loshen! A Yiddish Love Story
Starring Cantor Arianne Brown
Date: Sunday, May 25, 7:30 pm
Location: Columbus Centre, Carrier Gallery, 901 Lawrence Ave East
Tickets: $18 / $36 / $75
VISIT JEWISHMUSICWEEK.COM TO ORDER TICKETS
If you love Yiddish, musical theater, family, romance, or heart-tugging nostalgia, this is the show for you! Journey in time through the lens of love in this musical celebration of Yiddish Theater, Yiddish film, and folk traditions. Share in the feelings of love pursued, love celebrated, love and loss, love of family and love of Yiddishkayt.
Enjoy classic beloved songs of the Yiddish Theater stage such as Rozhinkes Mit Mandlen and A Yidishe Mame, film hits such as Oy Mame Bin Ikh Farlibt and Molly Picon favorites, nostalgic shtetl songs, and sweet folk melodies. You’ll also be treated to some new Yiddish renditions of more modern songs, and of course, singalong moments!
Mark Camilieri – piano
Steve Heathcoate – drums
Sasha Boychouk – clarinet/flute
Rebekah Wolkstein – violin
Special Guest Simon Spiro
Cantor Arianne Brown is the dynamic Cantor at the famous Adas Israel in Washington, DC, where she has a large musical, educational, and pastoral portfolio. She is a renowned specialist in Yiddish music, having performed with the Folksbiene Yiddish Theatre, Warsaw’s Yiddish Theater, Carnegi Hall, and at numerous international festivals. Arianne has officiated at National Memorials, including Congress’ Holocaust Commemoration, and has song national anthems at stadiums across America. www.cantorari.com/
This event is made possible by the Toronto Workmen’s Circle Foundation and by Andrew and Sharon Himel and Family in memory of Ben and Edith Himel z”l.