Yip Harburg

Born Isidore Hochberg to Yiddish-speaking Orthodox Jewish immigrants from Russia, Edgar "Yip" Harburg was, by all accounts, thoroughly steeped in his Jewish heritage. While he moved away from religious observance, his upbringing undeniably shaped his worldview and the themes that permeated his work, particularly his strong sense of social justice.

Harburg's lyrical genius gave us "Over the Rainbow" and "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?", two songs that, despite their vastly different tones, both capture the American spirit – one of hope, the other of despair. He had a knack for making profound statements through deceptively simple words, often laced with a gentle, yet cutting, irony.

His Jewish roots not only provided him with a fertile ground for humor and a deep understanding of the human condition but also fueled his lifelong commitment to progressive causes. A true mensch of lyrics, he made the world sing, even when it was hurting.