We came. We saw. We “Put A Yid On It!”

From June 7 to June 13, 2026, the Rady JCC came alive with music, film, food, dance, and unforgettable experiences as we celebrated the third annual Put a Yid On It! Festival of New Yiddish Culture.

This was a joyful, creative, and welcoming space where beloved traditions meet the modern world, and where everyone was invited in. 

Yiddish is a language of humour, resilience, poetry, and everyday life once spoken by millions. Today, it is being reimagined by a new generation of artists, musicians, and creators who are bringing fresh energy to a rich cultural legacy.

The week was full of song, dance, interactive workshops, and a sense of community coming together around a Yiddish tradition that is as full of fun as it is full of beauty and introspection.

Keep an eye out in 2027, as “Put A Yid On It!” is sure to return with even more exquisite events for everyone to enjoy.

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2026 Festival Highlights

knish
Freylekhs
Yiddish Tantshoyz
Enkin
Payadora Tango
Al Khet
Romeo & Juliet in Yiddish
klezmatics

Take a look at this lineup!

North End Knishery: The Art of Traditional Knish Making

Sunday, June 7

Knish making the way your baba does it.

Harriet Zaidman, the beloved voice behind the North End Nosh blog, led a hands on workshop rooted in tradition, memory, and community. Drawing on the rich culinary history of Winnipeg’s North End, Harriet shared techniques and stories shaped by generations of Jewish, Ukrainian, Polish, and immigrant kitchens.

In this workshop, participants learned the art of stretched dough, pulled slowly by hand until it becomes paper thin, transforming simple ingredients into something both humble and extraordinary.

Freylekhs: A Yiddish Family Dance Party

Sunday, June 7

This was a joyful, high energy dance party for all ages.

Avia Moore, Artistic Director of KlezKanada, created a room filled with music, movement, and connection, inviting the whole family join the dance circle. 

Live music by Winnipeg klezmer favourites Kinzey Posen and Shayla Fink brought the energy, and the space came to life with songs were perfect to dance to.

Take My Hand: A Yiddish Tantshoyz - Dance Workshop & Party

Sunday, June 7

Dance, music, and shared celebration.

Guided by internationally renowned instructor Avia Moore, participants were introduced to traditional Yiddish dances. Live klezmer music kept the energy flowing, performed by true gems of Winnipeg’s music scene: Myron Schultz, Myron Kurjewicz, and Daniel Koulack. As participants became comfortable with the moves, the evening switched gears and became a more social dance experience. 

Circles formed, rhythms built, and the room came alive! 

Yiddish Sing-Along! With Jane Enkin, accompanied by Dale Rogalsky

Monday, June 8

Singing together is a joy—and singing Yiddish songs together is a delight!

Our Monday morning social club transformed into a group sing-a-long as Jane Enkin, a passionate performer and educator of Yiddish song, taught everyone what they needed to know to join in the fun.

Jane is an expert in leading community singing programs in Winnipeg and has performed at major Jewish cultural festivals and centres across Canada.

Payadora Tango Ensemble: The Soul of Yiddish Tango

Tuesday, June 9

An unforgettable night of music, movement, and history.

Put a Yid On It! Festival of New Yiddish Culture was thrilled to present an evening exploring the deep historical connections between Yiddish culture and Argentine tango.

Featuring the acclaimed Toronto-based ensemble Payadora and the extraordinary dance partnership of Fabian and Roxana Belmonte, this unique performance brought together music, dance, and storytelling to uncover the often-overlooked role of Jewish immigrants and Yiddish culture in the development of tango in Argentina.

Through English, Spanish, Yiddish, and dance, audiences experienced stories of migration, identity, memory, and artistic exchange, discovering how these traditions helped shape one another and continue to resonate today.

I Have Sinned (Al Khet)

Wednesday, June 10

A rare and remarkable piece of Yiddish cinema returned to the screen.

Blending drama, comedy, and music, this newly restored 1936 film tells a sweeping story of love, loss, and survival across decades and continents. This special screening offered a fascinating glimpse into early Yiddish filmmaking and storytelling - a treat for film lovers and history enthusiasts alike. 

Romeo & Juliet in Yiddish

Thursday, June 11

A fresh and unexpected take on a classic story.

Set in contemporary Brooklyn, this clever and engaging film follows a group of young translators working to bring Romeo and Juliet into modern Yiddish. Along the way, language, identity, and lived experience shape the story in surprising ways.

Blending humour with heartfelt moments, this delightful film screening offered a unique perspective on tradition and change.

The Klezmatics: We Were Made for These Times (40th Anniversary Tour)

Saturday, June 13

A powerful and unforgettable closing night.

The Grammy Award-winning Klezmatics, celebrating 40 years of music that pushes boundaries and brings people together, took the stage at Crescent Arts Centre. As one of the most influential voices in the global klezmer revival, they have redefined what this music can be, blending tradition with bold, contemporary energy.

Their sound moves effortlessly between folk, jazz, and world music influences, creating something both deeply rooted and completely alive in the present moment.

Known for their electrifying live performances, The Klezmatics brought joyous and moving musical moments that filled the room.

With Thanks


The ‘Put a Yid On It!’ Festival of Yiddish Culture is made possible through the generous support of The Asper Foundation and its Cultural Enrichment Initiative, along with the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba.

At the Rady JCC, we believe arts and culture bring people together in meaningful ways. Through this support, including a Jewish Community Impact and Ongoing Grant, as well as the Laurie Mainster Community Visionary Fund, and the I.L. Peretz Folk School Endowment Trust, both held at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, we are able to create welcoming, accessible experiences where people can connect, celebrate, and feel part of something special.

This festival is a reflection of that shared commitment. We are deeply grateful to our supporters for helping bring these moments to life and for ensuring that Jewish culture continues to be vibrant, evolving, and open to all.

2026 Rady JCC Festival Staff


Laura Marjovsky
Director of Programming, Rady JCC

Natali Halberthal
Manager of Programming, Rady JCC 

Roberta Malam
Programming Assistant, Rady JCC 

Chris Allinotte
Communications & Digital Content Manager, Rady JCC 

Gwendolyn Penner
Coordinator of Graphic Design & Digital Content, Rady JCC