Leyb Rozental was one of the most prolific writers of revue theater in the Vilna ghetto. Many of his songs were written for and sung by his sister, Chayele. Rozental's songs were also sung and performed outside of the theater, particularly his revue song, 'Tsu eyns, tsvey, dray' (One, two three). Rozental's song 'Yisrolik,' about a tough but sentimental child entrepreneur, became widely popular in the ghetto. Like many of Rozental’s songs, it was first performed by Chayela (1924-1979), who later recorded the song in Paris ca. 1948. Leyb Rozental was drowned by the Germans in the Baltic Sea near Könisburg in January 1945.
Leyb Rozental
Leyb Rozental
Songwriter & playwright in the Vilna Ghetto
1916-1944
Biography at Music and the Holocaust website.
Listen to the song, "Yisrolik" (including English translation, and additional song information) with words by Leyb Rozental, performed by Chayele Rozental, at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum website.
