#YiddishHistory
LightNews LightNews
workerscircle.bsky.social
As this advertisement from the September 1956 edition of the Call reminds us, each of our votes matter. History is made by those who show up!
#GOTV #Vote #GetOutTheVote #YiddishHistory #WorkersCircle
October 28, 2026 at 6:03 PM
klezmershack.bsky.social
UK Yiddish Summer School, 17-21 Aug 2026 N. London #yiddish #klezmer #yiddishhistory #yiddishsong #yiddishliterature tinyurl.com/yiddishsummer
Summer Yiddish Festival - ZumerFest - London 2026
Dive into the rich world of Yiddish culture with fun language classes, klezmer workshops, Yiddish song, films, dance, literature and more.
tinyurl.com
April 28, 2026 at 4:16 PM
weaverarachne.bsky.social
This looks really cool:https://www.circle.org/events/living-history-voices-from-the-call-archive?blm_aid=793902900 #JewishHistory #YiddishHistory #SocialJustice #Activism #Yidishkeit #History #VoicesOfOurAncestors
November 3, 2025 at 3:28 PM
ari.mastodon.well.com.ap.brid.gy
UK Yiddish Summer School, 17-21 Aug 2026 N. London #yiddish #klezmer #yiddishhistory #yiddishsong #yiddishliterature https://tinyurl.com/yiddishsummer
Summer Yiddish Festival - ZumerFest - London 2026
Dive into the rich world of Yiddish culture with fun language classes, klezmer workshops, Yiddish song, films, dance, literature and more.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
April 28, 2026 at 4:17 PM
workerscircle.bsky.social
On August 12, 1952, a firing squad in Moscow’s infamous Lubyanka prison executed 13 renowned Jewish figures including 5 prominent Yiddish writers after years of confining and torturing them to extract false confessions of treason and espionage.
#Yiddish #YiddishCulture #YiddishHistory #JewishHistory
August 12, 2026 at 8:42 PM
workerscircle.bsky.social
The article, Our Literature of Social Protest: 1900-1940, from the August 1940 edition of the Call is 86 years old. What contemporary books or authors would you classify as social protest literature?
#WorkersCircle #TheCall #YiddishHistory #YiddishCulture
https://www.archive.thecall.org/?a=d&d=WCC194008-01.2.9&e=-------en-20--1--txt-txIN------- https://www.archive.thecall.org/?a=d&d=WCC194008-01.2.9&e=-------en-20--1--txt-txIN------- https://www.archive.thecall.org/?a=d&d=WCC194008-01.2.9&e=-------en-20--1--txt-txIN-------
August 12, 2026 at 3:19 PM
workerscircle.bsky.social
You know the Jewish Left of 2026. But who were the radicals, poets and troublemakers who laid the foundation for our collective work over 100 years ago? And why are so many buried in the same place?
#WorkersCircle #Yiddish #YiddishHistory #YiddishCulture
July 24, 2026 at 5:35 PM
workerscircle.bsky.social
Learn more about how the Workers Circle treated sickness and disability at thecall.org.
#WorkersCircle #Yiddish #JewishHistory #YiddishHistory #DisabilityPrideMonth
The Call Archive
thecall.org
July 13, 2026 at 3:53 PM
workerscircle.bsky.social
This November 1937 edition of the Call from nearly 90 years ago feels, in some ways, like it was just written.

Learn more about political parties and elections during the 1900s at www.thecall.org.
#YiddishCulture #YiddishHistory #Vote #Elections #WorkersCircle
1. Toward a Political Realignment Current political discussions indicate a growing conviction that we are moving toward a new political alignment. This development can hardly be of surprise to those who have closely observed recent events. Profound economic and social changes evolving out of the depression have already seriously undermined old party allegiances and compelled new, albeit temporary, alliances based on program rather than party label. Both major parties are today honeycombed with intrigue and, more important, widely divergent economic interests. That they, and with them our traditional two party system, will survive intact the present period of ferment and conflict becomes increasingly doubtful. A definitive split in the Democratic Party is imminent. And in the Republican Party it is patent that fundamental and unbridgeable differences exist between progressives such as Norris, and incorrigible reactionaries of the Vandenberg type. With Democrats who formerly supported Roosevelt deserting to reaction, and insurgent Republicans giving vigorous support to New Deal legislation, drastic and far-reaching changes in party lineups and composition appear inevitable. Certainly each day brings new evidence of the incongruity of the present combinations. In labor circles, since the advent of Roosevelt, there has been an acute realization of the increased need for political action. The intervention of government agencies in labor disputes through the NRA and other measures, and the enactment of legislation which directly affected labor's most vital interests, necessitated a closer watch over what was being transacted in the legislative halls. It was obvious, too, that Roosevelt's progressive program could be advanced only if large numbers were mobilized in the fight against his reactionary opponents. In short, labor saw that further progress both on the industrial front and in the sphere of social legislation was largely conting- ent upon its own aggressive and … year developed a powerful political organization in which are united the progressive and labor forces in the State of New York. And we are confident that when the 1937 mayoralty election is over the American Labor Party will emerge as the decisive political force in New York politics. The division of forces in New York . politics foreshadows, we believe, a lineup that may extend from coast to coast by 1940. Regardless of the forms 01 party labels used, it will probably be a clear division between those who stand for corrupt government in the interests of small privileged cliques and those who hold that government should be administered in the interests of all the people; between those who would permit government policy to be dictated from Wall Street and those who insist that government be guided by popular mandate. As the old parties divide in conflict, reactionaries in both will coalesce and the progressive ele- ments will find a common ground for unity in a new party of which labor will be the backbone, just as today in New York it is the central and integrating force among all forwardlooking citizens. 2. We're a Long Way from a Labor Party There is an erroneous impression abroad that a national Labor Party is brewing in the United States. This impression, spawned by wishful thinking and the sound and fury attendant to several municipal campaigns in which labor is an active participant, has little foundation in fact. Labor is as far if not further removed from an independent political party today than it was in 1932; and it is extremely doubtful that "a Labor Party by 1940" will ever be more than a deceptive slogan designed to win credulous left wing votes for astute "liberal" politicians and their labor cohorts. The reasons for this should be patent to everyone who knows the composition of the American labor movement and the psychology and objectives of its leadership. The first point that must be kept in mind in considering labor's new-born political aggress… Outlook Dim for a Labor Party (Continued from Page 4) h a vice prosecutor turned politician, to e the forefront. At best the American t Labor Party can be credited with an t attempt to unite those Democrats and \ Republicans who parade under the al- 1 most meanlingless slogan of "liberal- < ism." At worst, it is building a "per- 1 manent but not independent" labor ] political trading post. Paving the way 1 for a national labor party is the very < last thing of which it should be ac- I cused. It is true that we are moving toward a new political alignment. Growing division in both the Democratic and Republican parties presages a reshuffling of the present line-up. But a more liberal Democratic Party with increased labor support is the most likely of possibilities: a labor party is the least likely. For those "practical" people who want only to preserve "new dealism" and secure perhaps a greater emphasis of its pro-labor aspects, the future should be bright. But for those poor. benighted "idealists" who are convinced that "new dealism" will not stern the approaching economic debacle and that 40-hour laws will not avail much when average hours worked sink to half that figure, for these the future is dark indeed. The labor-liberal alliance that may shape itself in the near future is not the solution to the problem as they see it. A liberal Democratic party cannot be the instrument of thoroughgoing economic reform. The best bet of socialists who tired of the sectarian bickering in their own ranks and are turning to the will-of-the-wisp of a Labor Party for refuge is: Get back to your own last. Radicals would do better to concentrate on building an effective party of their own and not dissipate their energies by following a Labor Party dream which ir. all likelihood will not materialize; a Labor Party which even if it does take form, will need a powerful cathartic of socialist propaganda to make it something more than a political instrument for watered-down liberalism.
June 30, 2026 at 5:24 PM
workerscircle.bsky.social
What’s summer without summer camp? This edition of the Call from May 1949 features an article all about the summer programs the Workmen’s Circle had for both adults and children. Read more about summer, Yiddish camps, and more at www.thecall.org.
#Yiddish #YiddishCulture #YiddishHistory #Summer
THROUGHOUT the United States and in Canada, every summer, the activities of the Workmen's Circle are concentrated in the many adult and children's camps which are owned and operated by the various district committees and the national organization. Each one of our camps is an outstanding, up-to-date vacation resort and cultural center. The programs and accommodations for adults are comparable to that which is found in the highest-priced summer or winter vacationlands. And, we pride oursleves, especially, in the type of provision which has been made everywhere for children of our members and friends. For the kids, each camp provides a vacation life which remains vividly in their minds for the rest of their lives. Emphasis is placed on the social and cultural work for the children because of our organization's realization that the future of our world depends mainly upon the kind of life which we develop for our youth. There are camps in at least seven localities The largest is at Hopewell Junction, New York, on beautiful Sylvan Lake It is under the supervision of our National Executive Committee. The Massachusetts Branches carry on their summer activities at a natural wonderland near Framingham, some twenty miles from Boston. Our Ohio membership has been building and using Camp Vladeck for the past two years. The Chicago district has its camp at South Haven, Michigan, and it is also patronized by the members in Detroit. Outside of Philadelphia is comfortable Camp Hofnung. Canadian members have a camp near Toronto. The California Camp, at Carbon Canyon is the one year-round W.C. resort for adults. Their children's section, however, is open from June 26 to September 4. This is but a bare listing of the Camps. The story of their integrated activities, the services to guests, and the reasonable rates to members and non-members is a real indication of Workmen's Circle concern for the well-being and happiness of the people in our movement. The entertainment, social and educational programs for young and old are in the hands of trained, idealistic, and zealous experts in every field. In every camp the committees in charge are composed of loyal members who give freely of their time for a cause which is very dear to them. Together, all these camp groups perform a service which is a major factor in building the influence of our organization. Those who have developed the fine habit of using the facilities of our camps need not be urged to continue doing so. We know they will. But there are members who have for one reason or another not done so. To the latter we must say, "You are missing some of the finest experiences in your lives!" Now is the time for you to avail yourselves of the splendid vacation facilities which are open to you near the larger centers of population in the nation. • USE THE CAMPS THIS SUMMER! New York W.C. Camp Office, 175 East Broadway, New York 2 and Hopewell Junction, N. . California W.C. Camp, 206 So. Spring St., Los Angeles 12, or Box 586 — Route 3, Chino, California Massachusetts W.C Camp, R.F.D. No. 2, Framingham, Mass. Chicago W.C. Camp, 3200 Ogden Ave., Chicago 23, or South Haven, Michigan Camp Vladeck, W.C. Center, 3471 East 147th St., Cleveland Information on other camps — W. C. NATIONAL OFFICE, 175 East Broadway, N. Y. 2, N. Y.
June 23, 2026 at 3:44 PM
workerscircle.bsky.social
Tune into this dynamic discussion with Dr. Elissa Sampson, Jennifer Young, Felicia Bevel, and Kate Rosenblatt by registering here: yivo.org/Internationa... #WorkersCircle #YIVO #InternationalWorkersOrder #YiddishHistory
The Interracial Left and the International Workers Order, 1930–1954 | YIVO Institute for Jewish Research
Elissa Sampson, Jennifer Young, and Felicia Bevel, in a conversation led by Kate Rosenblatt, tell the story of the International Workers Order (IWO), an organization founded in 1930 to provide life, burial, and health insurance to its members.
yivo.org
May 28, 2026 at 8:12 PM
workerscircle.bsky.social
The 1945 edition of the Call included this beautiful letter from Pfc. Milton E. Gilbert to his parents from April 1945.

Learn more about how Workers Circle members were connected to America’s wars and pushed for peace by exploring www.thecall.org
#YiddishCulture #YiddishHistory #MemorialDay
May 27, 2026 at 3:53 PM
workerscircle.bsky.social
Preservation Week highlights the importance of preserving cultural heritage materials. Founded in 1900, here at the Workers Circle we embody this dedication to preservation as a way to learn and grow in the present and future.
#preservationweek #workerscircle #yiddishhistory #yiddishculture
April 27, 2026 at 3:01 PM
workerscircle.bsky.social
The pages of the Workers Circle's digitized archive, The Call, www.thecall.org, capture the memories of members and ghetto survivors, and record the commemorative programs we held each year.
#warsawghetto #jewishhistory #yiddishhistory
Salute to the Heroes of the Warsaw Ghetto Last month the English-Speaking Division of the Workmen's Circle marked the first anniversary of the uprising of the Jews in the Warsaw ghetto with a fitting memorial. To a responsive audience the young people of the Workmen's Circle presented a "Salute to the Heroes of the Warsaw Ghetto" in a pageant depicting the events that led up to the revolt. It was a dramatic and poignant reminder of what our brothers in Europe are suffering, and how oppression and suffering will not crush men who are free spirits — men who have no love of war and its evils, men who have been forever under the heel of oppression and who are forever rising from the depths to sing again the songs of, and to fight for, freedom and liberation. The pageant was written by Jacob Pat and beautifully directed by Jacob Rothbaum, of the Folksbine. It took us through the events leading up to the fighting against the Nazis, up to the barricades on which so many valiant Jews gave their lives so that the world might know of their plight. We had a glimpse of the feelings of Szmul Zygelboim before he took his life in protest against the indifference of the world, of the meeting of the Jewish Council at which it was decided not to give in to the Nazi decrees, and of the heart-rending situation of the Jews in the ghettos. Solomon Mendelson, representative of the Polish Labor Bund spoke movingly of the conditions in Europe, and we know he spoke for everyone present when he pledged that we would do all in our power to see that vengeance is wreaked upon the Nazis for everything they have done to the innocents of the world. Mark Starr, Educational Director of the I.L.G.W.U., reiterated in his talk the feelings of all Americans who have looked upon the horrors perpetrated by the Nazis. The earlier part of the program was devoted to a presentation by Corinne Chochem and her Rikkud Ami dance group, of Yitgadal Veyitgadash, the story of a refugee girl who relives in dreams the life she has had to leave in her flight from her home. An interesting dance presentation of El Maleh Rachmin closed this part of the program. The musical portion of the evening was ably filled by the Workmen's Circle chorus under the direction of Lazar Weiner, and several fine selections by Mishel Piastro, violinist. The chorus performed beautifully in its accustomed manner, a variety of numbers. The young people who took part in the presentation are to be lauded for their fine work and for the touching performance they gave. Israel Knox served as chairman for the evening.
April 9, 2026 at 3:44 PM
workerscircle.bsky.social
On April 19, the Workers Circle will pay tribute to the Jewish men and women of the Warsaw Ghetto who, with few weapons but with infinite resolve, fought back against the German forces who were intent on murdering them. #warsawghetto #jewishhistory #yiddishhistory
April 8, 2026 at 1:39 PM
workerscircle.bsky.social
On this day in 1859, the Yiddish author and playwright Solomon Naumovich Rabinovich, who wrote under the pen name Sholem Aleichem, was born.
#SholemAleichem #YiddishHistory
March 2, 2026 at 6:34 PM