1 month ago
Aaron Bendich, Klezmer enthusiast and radio DJ.
In a small Brooklyn apartment, surrounded by shelves stacked with tapes and records, a lifelong passion for music and culture comes alive over the airwaves. For Aaron Bendich, radio is more than sound; it is a bridge to the past, a celebration of heritage, and a way to connect with audiences across generations. Each broadcast is a journey into the music of his people, the Yiddish songs and klezmer melodies that shaped his childhood and continue to define his life.
Bendich, 31, a lifelong New Yorker, grew up singing Yiddish songs with his grandfather. “It was a tradition every time a child was born, and those songs became the soundtrack of my childhood. I’ve always associated that music with love and family,” he recalls. Those early experiences would lay the foundation for a lifelong dedication to Jewish music and culture.
His passion for Jewish music deepened in college. While experimenting with radio, he discovered Yiddish music and started a Jewish song program. “I was just fascinated by the sound and the history behind it. I was buying tapes and records constantly. I think I was born a collector. There is a treasure hunt in finding new music, and I loved every second of it.”
Influenced by experimental radio host Joe Frank, Bendich initially planned to broadcast remotely from his college station. However, he quickly realized he could reach a wider audience. “I reached out to Cape May’s WCFA 101.5 FM and pitched the idea of a localized version of their station. They said yes, and for the past five years, I’ve been on the air.”
For Bendich, radio is more than playing music. “Being on the air allows me to share my personal collection with listeners. Every record has a story, and I get to bring that to life. It’s both a joy and a way to connect education and community.” His program features not only Yiddish and klezmer but also Ladino and Hebrew music, reflecting the richness of Jewish culture.
Recognizing the cultural importance of this work, Jewish Federation of Atlantic & Cape May Counties has pledged to underwrite the program, ensuring that the distinctive Jewish music and storytelling broadcasting from Cape May can continue to reach listeners locally and beyond. “This radio show is a true cultural gem,” said Rachel Waldman, Executive Director of Jewish Federation of Atlantic & Cape May Counties. “We are incredibly excited to help sustain these broadcasts and make sure the airwaves continue to carry the sounds and stories of Jewish heritage. Supporting projects like this allows us to preserve tradition while inspiring new generations, and we look forward to welcoming Aaron to our community for a live presentation in the future.”
Beyond the microphone, Bendich co-founded Borscht Beat, a record label that has become a leading force in the klezmer and Yiddish music world. “We put out 13 records last year. The label is about supporting artists and keeping this culture alive. It’s exciting to see the community growing.” He curates concerts for a New York City festival each December, gives lectures on Jewish music topics, and promotes performances across the city. “I probably have seen more klezmer concerts than anyone else in the world,” he says, adding, “It’s important to experience it live. That energy can’t be replicated online.”
Reflecting on the cultural significance of his work, Bendich says, “Klezmer and Yiddish music are about survival, history, and identity. The Holocaust tried to erase it, but the culture lives on. People are finding ways to make it relevant, to explore their identity in creative ways. That’s a really positive thing.”
Bendich also highlights the role of small independent stations like WCFA. “Analog radio is special. It’s tangible, immediate, and community-driven. It reaches Jewish audiences and also people who don’t know much about our culture. It’s a place for education, for sharing, and for connecting people to music they might never hear otherwise.”
Every record, broadcast, and concert is part of Bendich’s personal mission. “My personal project is simple. I want to support and experience Yiddish culture in every way I can and share it with as many people as possible.” Through his work, the music of his childhood continues to inspire, educate, and bring joy to new generations.
Local listeners in Cape May County can tune in live on WCFA 101.5 FM or listeners nationwide can stream Bendich’s “Laughing with Lizards” (named after a Yiddish phrase meaning “laughter through tears”) program online every Sunday from 11AM-noon at: capemayradio.org/
Nice to see @AaronBendich getting some props for his radio show, music label, other Jewish music activism: www.jewishvoicesnj.org/articles/the-music-of-hi... #yiddishmusic #yiddishradio #klezmer
0
0
0
0
