Outwitting History

1. The urgency of rescuing Yiddish books from oblivion

"If we don't save these books now they'll be lost forever! We as a people can't afford to lose our literature, our history, our culture. . . ."

A race against time. In 1980, Aaron Lansky, at the age of 24, embarked on a mission to save the world's Yiddish books. With the decline of Yiddish-speaking populations and the passing of older generations, countless volumes were being discarded or destroyed. Lansky recognized the immense cultural and historical value of these books and understood that immediate action was necessary to preserve them.

Unexpected treasures. As Lansky and his team began collecting books, they discovered:

• Rare volumes and manuscripts
• Personal libraries of renowned Yiddish writers
• Unique imprints from various countries
• Books that survived wars, pogroms, and the Holocaust

The urgency of their mission became increasingly clear as they raced to salvage these irreplaceable cultural artifacts before they were lost forever.

2. Yiddish as a living chronicle of Jewish historical experience

"Quite literally, Yiddish is a living chronicle of Jews' historical experience, proof of their peoplehood, and it therefore spills the beans on assimilationist aspirations."

A linguistic time capsule. Yiddish, more than just a language, encapsulates centuries of Jewish life, culture, and history. It evolved over a millennium, incorporating elements from:

• Hebrew and Aramaic (religious and scholarly traditions)
• German (medieval origins)
• Slavic languages (Eastern European influences)

Cultural preservation. The language preserves:

• Traditions and customs
• Folk wisdom and humor
• Historical events and experiences
• The daily life of Eastern European Jews

By saving Yiddish books, Lansky and his team were preserving not just literature, but a vital link to Jewish heritage and identity that might otherwise be lost to assimilation and cultural erosion.

3. The challenges of collecting and preserving Yiddish literature

"Stopping off in Stockholm in the winter of 1989 to plan our return to the Soviet Union, we were surprised by how helpful everyone was—so much so that I commented on it to our liaison, an official of the Swedish Parliament."

Logistical hurdles. Collecting Yiddish books presented numerous challenges:

• Locating scattered collections across continents
• Navigating bureaucratic obstacles, especially in the Soviet Union
• Transporting large quantities of books internationally
• Dealing with deteriorating physical conditions of many volumes

Cultural and political sensitivities. The team encountered:

• Resistance from some Jewish communities reluctant to part with their books
• Suspicion from authorities, particularly in Eastern Bloc countries
• The need to build trust with book donors and local contacts

Despite these obstacles, Lansky and his colleagues persevered, often relying on resourcefulness, diplomacy, and the goodwill of supporters worldwide to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges.

4. Yiddish as a counterculture and tool for social change

"Consider, for example, Abbie Hoffman's example of a more or less random Yiddish sentence: Di bobe est tsholent af Shabes —The grandmother eats warmed-over bean stew on the Sabbath."

A language of resistance. Yiddish served as:

• A means of preserving Jewish identity in the face of assimilation pressures
• A vehicle for social and political critique
• A way to express ideas and emotions unique to the Jewish experience

Cultural revival. The renewed interest in Yiddish among younger generations represented:

• A connection to roots and heritage
• A form of cultural rebellion against mainstream society
• A way to explore alternative perspectives on Jewish identity and history

Lansky's work in preserving Yiddish literature not only saved books but also helped fuel a broader cultural movement that saw Yiddish as a powerful tool for exploring Jewish identity and challenging societal norms.

5. The global effort to save Yiddish books and culture

"By that point our no-nonsense board chair, Joe Marcus, decided enough was enough. The dean of engineering at the University of Massachusetts, Joe prevailed on a former student to lease us two floors in a renovated nineteenth-century mill building in nearby Holyoke, at the rock-bottom price of one dollar per square foot per year, utilities included, with no increase for the next twenty-five years."

International network. The Yiddish Book Center's efforts expanded globally:

• Collecting books from North and South America, Europe, and beyond
• Establishing partnerships with institutions worldwide
• Mobilizing volunteers and supporters across continents

Innovative solutions. To overcome logistical and financial challenges, the team:

• Utilized creative storage solutions, like rented warehouses and donated spaces
• Developed a network of "zamlers" (volunteer book collectors) in various countries
• Leveraged technology for cataloging and preservation

The global nature of the project not only saved more books but also helped revitalize interest in Yiddish culture on an international scale, creating a worldwide community of supporters and enthusiasts.

6. Building a permanent home for Yiddish literature

"Within hours of the town's announcement I was already drafting a plan. As I saw it, all we needed were an architect, land, and money."

A visionary project. The creation of a permanent home for the Yiddish Book Center involved:

• Securing land on the Hampshire College campus
• Collaborating with architect Allen Moore to design a unique, culturally resonant building
• Raising $7 million through a grassroots fundraising campaign

More than a library. The new center became:

• A state-of-the-art facility for book preservation and research
• A cultural destination attracting thousands of visitors annually
• A hub for educational programs and events celebrating Yiddish culture

The establishment of this physical space represented not just a practical solution for housing books, but a symbolic affirmation of Yiddish culture's enduring importance and vitality.

7. The importance of cultural continuity and adaptation

"Well, I, too, am Amerikaner geboren, American born and raised. Like most of my generation, I didn't speak Yiddish at home, I didn't study Torah and Talmud in my youth, I didn't attend Yiddish schools or belong to a Jewish youth movement or grow up with a life-or-death awareness of Jewish identity, and as a result I will never m"

Bridging generations. Lansky's work highlighted the challenge of:

• Preserving cultural heritage in a rapidly changing world
• Engaging younger generations with their ancestral language and traditions
• Adapting Yiddish culture to contemporary contexts

Cultural evolution. The Yiddish Book Center's approach emphasized:

• Making Yiddish literature accessible through translation and digitization
• Developing educational programs to introduce Yiddish to new audiences
• Celebrating Yiddish culture while acknowledging its evolving nature

While recognizing the impossibility of fully replicating the Yiddish-speaking world of previous generations, Lansky's efforts demonstrated the potential for meaningful cultural continuity through creative adaptation and engagement with younger generations.

Last updated: January 24, 2025