An exploration of Yiddish Literature in Translation and the many cultural worlds of Easthampton
In partnership with the Yiddish Book Center’s Public Libraries Program, the Easthampton Public Library presents Between Two Worlds, an exploration of memory, belonging, language, and storytelling through the lens of Yiddish culture and the many worlds of Easthampton.
The Book Discussions
Tevye the Dairyman by Sholem Aleichem
“Sholem Aleichem, the pseudonym of Sholem Rabinovitch (1859-1916), was one of the greatest Jewish writers of modern times, a pioneer of literary fiction in Yiddish who transformed the folk materials and experiences of Eastern European Jews into classics of world literature. His most beloved character, Tevye the Dairyman, became the protagonist of stage and film adaptations, including the Broadway musical and film Fiddler on the Roof, securing his place in popular culture worldwide; even before that, though, Sholem Aleichem’s stories featuring Tevye were appreciated as brilliant comic distillations of modern Jewish experience.”
Discussion: Wed, May 20th, 6:30-7:30 pm
the Zelmenyaners by Moyshe Kulbak, trans. Hillel Halkin
“Moyshe Kulbak’s The Zelmenyaners is many things: a family saga; a sometimes-earnest, sometimes-ironic portrait of the formative years of the Soviet Union and the Soviet pioneers; and a chronicle of modernity’s uneven arrival in Eastern Europe. For the first time, tramlines, movie theaters, and heavy industry begin to appear in the lives of Kulbak’s Jews—but many customs and patterns of Jewish life also begin to disappear. Kulbak, known primarily as a poet, is a brilliant storyteller, and the book manages the delicate act of being both serious and funny.”
Discussion: Wed, June 17th, 6:30-7:30 pm
A Jewish Refugee in New York by Kadya Molodovsky Trans. Anita Norwich
“Rivke Zilberg, a 20-year-old Jewish woman, arrives in New York shortly after the Nazi invasion of Poland, her home country. Struggling to learn a new language and cope with a different way of life in the United States, Rivke finds herself keeping a journal about the challenges and opportunities of this new land. In her attempt to find a new life as a Jewish immigrant in the US, Rivke shares the stories of losing her mother to a bombing in Lublin, jilting a fiancé who has made his way to Palestine, and a flirtatious relationship with an American “allrightnik.”
In this fictionalized journal originally published in Yiddish, and translated here by Anita Norich, author Kadya Molodovsy provides keen insight into the day-to-day activities of the large immigrant Jewish community of New York. By depicting one woman’s struggles as a Jewish refugee in the US during WWII, Molodovsky points readers to the social, political, and cultural tensions of that time and place.”
Discussion: Wed, July 22nd, 6:30-7:30 pm
Thistlefoot by GennaRose Nethercott
“The Yaga siblings—Bellatine, a young woodworker, and Isaac, a wayfaring street performer and con artist—have been estranged since childhood, separated both by resentment and by wide miles of American highway. But when they learn that they are to receive an inheritance, the siblings agree to meet—only to discover that their bequest isn’t land or money, but something far stranger: a sentient house on chicken legs.
Thistlefoot, as the house is called, has arrived from the Yagas’ ancestral home outside Kyiv—but not alone. A sinister figure known only as the Longshadow Man has tracked it to American shores, bearing with him violent secrets from the past: fiery memories that have hidden in Isaac and Bellatine’s blood for generations
An enchanted adventure illuminated by Jewish myth and adorned with lyrical prose as tantalizing and sweet as briar berries, Thistlefoot is a sweeping epic rich in Eastern European folklore: a powerful and poignant exploration of healing from multi-generational trauma told by a bold new talent.”
Discussion (with author GennaRose Nethercott): Wed, August 19th, 6:30-7:30 pm
Related Programming!
Yiddish on One Foot with Seb Schulman from the Yiddish Book Center
Wednesday, May 13th, 6-7:30pm, Library Annex
Yiddish has been one of the most widely spoken Jewish languages in history. Yet it is often misunderstood, maligned, or reductively imagined as a jargon of jokes or a mongrel tongue. In this presentation, we’ll go beyond the stereotypes to explore the origins and evolution of this global language, with an emphasis on its vast literature and vibrant culture. And why on one foot? You’ll just have to hop on in to find out!
Film Screening – Fiddler: A Miracle of Miracles
Thursday, May 21st, 6-8pm, Library Annex
Join us after our discussion of Tevye the Dairyman for a screening of Fiddler: A Miracle of Miracles
“Fiddler: A Miracle of Miracles is the first documentary to chronicle the complete story of the international Broadway blockbuster musical “Fiddler on the Roof” by exploring the unexpected richness of its themes as well as its extensive reach across time and cultures. “Fiddler on the Roof” is the tale of Jewish immigrants coming to America, of immigrants and refugees trying to escape persecution in their homeland, of the fraying of tradition, generational tension and the loss of roots. Featuring rare archival footage, the documentary also includes personal experiences and insights into the show’s timeless impact from “Fiddler on the Roof” composer and lyricist Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick as well commentary from former cast and creative members along with famous fans impacted by the musical, including Joel Grey, Topol, Harvey Fierstein, Harold Prince, Itzhak Perlman, Stephen Sondheim, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and many others.”
Tours of the Yiddish Book Center, dates and times coming soon!
Learn about the Yiddish Book Center and the rich history of Yiddish literature and publishing.
Climbing Your Family Tree: An Introduction to Genealogy
Wednesday, May 27th, 5:30-7:30pm, Library Annex
Start climbing your family tree, whatever your background! An introduction to genealogical research presented by the Western Massachusetts Jewish Genealogy Society. Registration preferred.
Gamelan Performance and Workshop
Workshop: Wednesday, July 15th, 5:30-7:30 pm, Library Annex
Performance: Thursday, July 16th, 6-8pm, Library Annex
Experience this Indonesian percussion based ensemble music and learn some yourself! More details coming soon.
Community Stories, Community Food – A Picnic!
Saturday, July 25th, 4:30-6:30 pm, Library Annex
Experience the many worlds and stories of Easthampton through food! Bring your grandma’s famous pasta salad, a dish from the old country, or something that otherwise tells your story through taste.
Klezmer Music Performance
Details TBD
check back soon!
This series is made possible by the Yiddish Book Center’s Public Libraries Program, which brings Yiddish literature in translation to public libraries nationwide, encouraging connections and sparking cross-cultural dialogue.
The program is in partnership with the American Library Association and is make possible thanks to a generous grant from the Lilly Endowment, Inc.
