Ruth Rubin Recordings | Avrom & Feigl Yuhdin | 33. Adir bimlukho ( Koydenover Hasidic )

Ruth Rubin was a pioneering figure in the field of Yiddish folk music and culture preservation. Born in 1906 in Montreal, she dedicated her life to documenting the songs and stories of Ashkenazi Jewish communities, especially from Eastern European immigrants. She published extensively on the subject, with notable works like Voices of a People: The Story of Yiddish Folksong, which remains a key resource on Jewish folk music. Her online archive, hosted by the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research and from which this audio is taken, offers access to over 1,500 of her song recordings, complete with translations and historical notes, ensuring this heritage remains accessible worldwide.

Feigl Yudin moved to the United States at the age of 14 from Grodna (Grodno) Gubernia, now in Belarus. Her parents stayed behind in Europe, so upon arriving to New York City she was housed by landslayt (contacts from her hometown), who took care of her until she was able to support herself. A skilled seamstress, Feigl continued working in the needle trades in the US for most of her life and was an active participant in the progressive labor movement. A native Yiddish speaker, she loved singing and was one of those people who could hear a melody for the first time and commit it to memory almost instantly. She would say, “When I hear a melody it haunts me and I must get the words.” Feigl had a large repertoire of Yiddish songs which she learned both in Europe and in the US, and, as you will hear, was a beautiful singer.

Avrom Yuhdin was born in Baranovitsh, Belarus. His surname at birth: Yudelenovitsh. He was brought up in a Koydenover Hasidic home. He studied in religious primary school and yeshiva. In 1927 he moved to New York and worked there in various trades. He debuted in print with correspondence pieces in Haynt (Today) and Moment (Moment) in Warsaw. He wrote articles for Forverts (Forward), Tog (Day), and for several decades for Frayhayt (Freedom) and Morgn-frayhayt (Morning freedom); in the last of these, he had a weekly column entitled “Mit a nodl, on a nodl” (With a needle, without a needle) and was editor of the workers’ page.

The Koydenover Hasidic group, founded in the early 20th century by Rabbi Shmuel Shlomo Friedman in Koidanov, Belarus, emphasizes deep spiritual practices, Torah study, and acts of kindness. Before World War II, the Koydenover community thrived in Eastern Europe, attracting followers with its teachings and strong sense of community. After the war, many members relocated to the United States, establishing communities, particularly in Brooklyn, New York.

The family in the photo, the Bykman family, are not related to Avrom Yuhdin. However, they are from his hometown.

Recorded 1960