Leibele Leon Blumenson - Kol Nidre Mit Hitlerin

Thanks to Mr. David Prager for the information below.

Leibele Leon Blumenson 1905-1990

MIRIAM KARALOVA wife of Leibele Blumenson

Born Russia, 1902. Died London, February 20, 1995 aged 92.

Miriam Karalova had an unusual entry into the Yiddish theatre, writes Bernard Mendelevitch, former manager of the London Yiddish Players.

Her family ran a travelling circus and she trained from childhood as a circus performer. But realising that a circus career would be short and that her soprano voice was strong, she transferred to the musical stage.

She played leading operetta roles in Europe. Later, she formed a partnership with the musical clown, Kambarov, and toured music halls internationally, playing the London Palladium in the 1920s.

From her unique background, she started a third career as leading lady in Yiddish theatre, touring the Continent and North America with many famous stage partners. Small but with great charm and versatility, she sang soprano roles and acted soubrette and male roles with equal facility and success.

While starring in the Yiddish theatre in Argentina, she formed a stage partnership with singer and actor Leon Blumenson, whom she married. He died five years ago.

The outbreak of the Second World War trapped them in Paris. When France was occupied in June, 1940, Blumenson was arrested and sent to Auschwitz. Fortunately, Miriam retained her Persian passport, which she had obtained in her early days of touring the Middle and Far East.

This saved her from deportation, but she had a hard time surviving in Nazi-occupied France on her dwindling savings and small stock of personal jewellery.

She lived in hope of seeing her husband return alive — which he ultimately did.

Within weeks of war’s end, they rallied the few remaining Yiddish actors in Paris and presented a Yiddish theatre show. They were invited as guest stars to London’s New Yiddish Theatre in Adler Street, where their admirers from their earlier London seasons in 1937 and 1938 flocked to greet them. They later appeared at the Alexandra and Grand Palais theatres.

With the passing of years, Karalova made a successful transition from leading lady to comedy roles. Her comedy technique and nimble dancing were useful assets.

She possessed a special charisma and had only to enter with her half-open mouth beaming a smile and her blue eyes sparkling to bring a round of applause before uttering a word.