The Czech Memorial Torah Scrolls: 60 Years Later

with director Yale Strom and in association with the Upper Valley Jewish Community

January 30, 2024

This event occurred as part of the 23/24 Public Talk season. This is an archived view.

The scholar, musician and filmmaker discusses the project that led to his film, "Carpati: 50 Miles, 50 Years."

23/24 Public Talk

Strom explores the history of a last stronghold of Jewish life in the Carpathian Mountains in Ukraine, a region that once was a vibrant melting pot of cultures. In recognition of the 60th anniversary of the rescue of the Czech Memorial Torah Scrolls, and the Upper Valley's role in their safekeeping, he discusses the legacy of the Torah Scrolls.

In commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the rediscovery and safeguarding of the Czech Torah scrolls that survived the Holocaust. Programmed in conjunction with the Upper Valley Jewish Community and Dartmouth Hillel, which are co-trustees of one of the 1,600 rescued scrolls. Learn more https://memorialscrollstrust.org/.

Photo: courtesy of the artists

Yale Strom is one of the world's leading ethnographer-artists of klezmer and Roma music and history. He has conducted extensive ethnographic research throughout Eastern Europe and the Balkans since 1981. He has made ten documentary films, written 14 books, has had numerous photo-exhibitions throughout the world and, with his band Yale Strom & Hot Pstromi, has made 17 recordings. They run the gamut from traditional klezmer to "new" Jewish jazz. His band is on the ARC-UK label. Strom has also composed for theatre, film, radio, television, symphony orchestras and various artists such as Rachel Barton Pine, Sara Caswell, Salman Ahmad and many others. His latest documentary film is Recordially Yours, Lou Curtiss and his latest recording is The Wolf and The Lamb: Live at the Shakh, latest audio drama (audible.com) is Debs in Canton and his newest book is Shloyml Boyml and His Purim Adventure which takes place in Bessarabia. He is currently professor in the Music Department at San Diego State University. Prior to this Strom taught at New York University. www.yalestrom.com