Zeydl Shmuel-Yehuda Helman

Romanian-Jewish journalist and playwright

Zeydl Shmuel-Yehuda Helman was a multifaceted Romanian-Jewish figure, active in various fields including theatre, music, and journalism. Under the pen name Hazman, he made significant contributions to the Yiddish theatre scene, both in his native Romania and in the United States. As an actor, he performed on stages in both countries, showcasing his talent and dedication to the craft.

In addition to his work as an actor, Helman was a prolific songwriter, penning a large number of Yiddish theatre songs that gained widespread popularity in the late 19th century. His compositions were widely performed, earning him recognition as one of the earliest popular songwriters in the Yiddish theatre genre. Through his creative output and educational endeavors, Helman left a lasting impact on the world of Yiddish theatre and culture.