Yiddish literature

Yiddish literature is the literature created by speakers of the Yiddish language, a Jewish language. It is thus a subset of Jewish literature.

Early History

The three great founders of modern Yiddish literature were Mendele Mocher Sforim, Sholom Aleichem, and I.L. Peretz. Solomon Rabinowitz, better known as Sholom Aleichem (1859–1916), is known as one of the greatest Yiddish authors and humorists, the Yiddish equivalent of Mark Twain. A collection of his stories about Tevye the Milkman was later the basis of the Broadway musical and film Fiddler on the Roof.

Related Topics:
Mendele Mocher Sforim - Sholom Aleichem - I.L. Peretz - 1859 - 1916 - Mark Twain - Fiddler on the Roof

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The 20th century

At the start of the 20th century, Yiddish was emerging as a major Eastern European language. A rich literature was being published, Yiddish theater and film were booming, and it had even achieved status as one of the official languages of the Belorussian SSR. Educational autonomy for Jews in several countries (notably Poland) after World War I led to an increase in formal Yiddish-language education, standardized pronunciation and spelling, and to the 1925 founding of the Yiddish Scientific Institute, later YIVO Institute for Jewish Research.

Related Topics:
20th century - Yiddish theater - Film - Belorussian SSR - World War I - 1925 - YIVO Institute for Jewish Research

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