Workshop attendees will learn selected songs representing themes of social justice, hope, resilience, and the struggle against tyranny and oppression. Ami will include information on their historical context and composers. Participants will be invited to share their thoughts and reflections, and, of course, everyone will sing the songs. Handouts will be provided with full lyrics.
The workshop is for everyone, especially beginners! No prep is necessary. Attendees can bring acoustic instruments to join along in the singing. All materials are in English transliteration with translation, so no knowledge of Yiddish or other languages is necessary. The workshop is both educational and participatory.
Ami is a member of the San Francisco Jewish Folk Chorus, now in its 100th year, which primarily sings songs in Yiddish, Ladino (English verses interspersed), Ukrainian, Russian, and full English. Its repertoire includes secular songs of social justice, labor rights, women’s rights, songs of struggle and resistance, as well as of hope, joy, and love. These are timeless songs, written as far back as 100 years ago and still being composed today.