Monthly Archives: March 2012

Sholem Aleichem: Echoes of Yiddish Culture

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Last night, I had the opportunity to watch the captivating documentary ‘Sholem Aleichem: Laughing in the Darkness’ at Cinema du Parc. This recent biography offers a profound exploration of the life and legacy of Sholem Aleichem, a prolific writer whose works resonate deeply with the complexities of Jewish life in the Polish/Russian countryside during a tumultuous era.

A Language Shaped by History and Identity

Sholem Aleichem (1859-1916) documented the challenges faced by the Jewish community in the Polish/Russian countryside during a turbulent time. Having lived there for centuries, Jews navigated the influences of modernity, blending their cultural traditions with ideas from France (emancipation), America (liberty), socialism, and resistance against the Czar’s rule.

In that era, most European Jews spoke Yiddish, a language that evolved over a millennium from a fusion of Hebrew, German, and Slavic languages. Sholem Aleichem chose to write in Yiddish, though this coincided with a shift among Jews favouring the language of their host countries over their ancestral “mame loshen” or “mother tongue” at home.

The Shtetle and its Inhabitants

Aleichem’s works, centred around the Shtetle and its inhabitants, reflected his time and place, amplifying the voices of average Jews in the Polish and Russian countryside. Notably, characters like Tevye, the Milkman, and Motl, the Cantor’s son, populated his narratives, forming the basis for “Fiddler on the Roof.” “Die Kleine Menshelech,” a play based on these characters, catalyzed the revival of Yiddish in Israel during the 1970s, following its decline, particularly during the Holocaust, where six million Yiddish speakers were among the victims.

Preserving Yiddish Culture

Currently engrossed in a documentary about Yiddish culture, I ponder the fate of the Yiddish language three generations post-Holocaust. Does anyone still speak or remember Yiddish? The documentary ‘Yiddish: a Tale of Survival highlights the importance of preserving the language and the culture it represents.

Historical Turmoil

Amid the compelling portrayal of Sholem Aleichem’s ideas and accents in English, ‘Sholem Aleichem: Laughing in the Darkness’ reveals a troubling historical truth: the systematic attacks against Jews in Poland and Russia starting in 1881. Before this, Jews and others lived together relatively peacefully, but the sudden eruption of violence, notably the anti-Jewish pogroms following the Czar’s assassination in 1881 and recurring in 1905-06, disrupted this harmony.

Aleichem himself experienced the horrors of the 1905 Kyiv pogrom, hiding with his family in a hotel for three days during the event. The documentary aptly captures these tumultuous times and their impact on Jewish communities.

In hindsight, the insufficient reaction to violence against Jewish citizens in Poland and Russia foreshadowed later tragedies. The Nazi regime, observing the world’s indifference, adopted similar tactics, culminating in the orchestrated destruction of Jews during the Holocaust. Regrettably, echoes of this state-sponsored brutality persist today in places like Syria and have manifested throughout history in the Soviet Union, North Korea, and Iran.

Shaping Our Future

As the credits roll, I am left pondering the enduring legacy of Yiddish culture and the profound impact of historical events on its fate. This documentary reminds us of the rich tapestry of Jewish life and the sobering lessons history imparts about the consequences of indifference to injustice. ‘Laughing in the Darkness’ serves not only as a tribute to Sholem Aleichem but also as a solemn reminder of the enduring relevance of his works in understanding the past and shaping the future.

CIJR Colloquium: Iranian Question and Lessons of Purim

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The Canadian Institute for Jewish Research (CIJR) Colloquium brought together experts to discuss the pressing issue of Iran and its impact on Israel’s security. Distinguished professors Frederick Krantz, Harold Waller, Norrin Ripsman, and Rabbi Yonah Rosner’s introduction provided valuable insights into the current situation in the Middle East, particularly regarding Syria, Egypt, and the “Arab Spring.”

Iran has been a significant concern for Israel’s security for decades due to a multifaceted threat. The main issues at hand are Iran’s nuclear ambitions, support for militant groups, growing regional influence, missile development, hostile rhetoric, geopolitical dynamics, and diplomatic efforts to address them. These challenges highlight the importance of the situation and the need for ongoing efforts to address it.

Rabbi Rosner masterfully wove the Purim narrative into the discussion, which was timely as Jews worldwide observed Shabbat Zachor, a solemn Sabbath preceding Purim. The Rabbi emphasized the importance of remembering and not forgetting past attacks on innocents, drawing parallels to the looming threat posed by Iran, with its explicit calls for the annihilation of the Jewish people and the destruction of Israel. Rabbi Aigin, in my synagogue, also touched upon these themes, reminding us of the imperative to remain vigilant in the face of contemporary threats.

Prof. Krantz underscored the gravity of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s role in safeguarding the six million Jews in Israel and their global brethren. He also emphasized the importance of unity in the face of existential danger, similar to Queen Esther’s call in the Purim story. Drawing from the Purim narrative, the discussion emphasized the absence of explicit divine intervention, instead focusing on the actions and flaws of individuals in positions of power.

As President Obama addresses the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) tomorrow, the parallels to the vacillating King Ahashverosh from the Purim story will be evident, reminding us of the fallibility of leaders in the pursuit of power. Amidst the severe discourse, the Purim tradition emerged, with its lighthearted Megillah readings and satirical plays known as Purimshpiels. The Yiddish adage “man tracht und G-t lacht” encapsulates the dynamic of human effort and divine providence, resonating with the enduring message of the Purim story.

The imperative to remember and respond resonates deeply in the face of contemporary threats. Unity and vigilance remain paramount, as the article “Remember: The Answer to Terrorism” aptly conveys.

Wishing all a joyous Purim.