MY ROOTS

I come from a German-Jewish family. In 1937 my family fled from Nazi-Germany. My great grandfather worked in a Danish company that provided my family visa to go to Denmark. However, in 1943 they had to flee again when the deportations of jews started in Denmark. They were rescued by a fisherman, who sailed my family to Sweden. 

After the war my family settled in Denmark. I grew up as a third generation refugee. In my early teens I took interest in klezmer music. I was searching for my roots. I wanted to learn how European Jews has expressed themselves through culture, music, dance and art. My path into this was through music. 

Rooted in the cultural tapestry of Yiddish-speaking Ashkenazi Jews, klezmer music encompasses a rich blend of influences, including folk tunes, dance rhythms, and elements of Jewish liturgical music. The musicians, known as klezmorim, play a central role in weddings, celebrations, and other communal events within Jewish communities.

One of the defining features of klezmer is its ability to evoke a wide range of emotions. From joyous and celebratory tunes to soulful and introspective melodies, klezmer reflects the diverse experiences of the Jewish people. 

Klezmer experienced a revival in the late 20th century, gaining popularity beyond Jewish communities and finding a global audience. Beyond its musical significance, klezmer serves as a cultural bridge, connecting generations and preserving the heritage of Eastern European Jewry. 

Here I am playing two traditional klezmer tunes: