Classic Yiddish Stories of S. Y. Abramovitsh, Sholem Aleichem, and I. L. Peretz

Two novellas by S. Y. Abramovitsh open this anthology, the first comprehensive overview of works by the three classic Yiddish authors. They describe Jewish life in Eastern Europe during the nineteenth century and introduce the reader to Abramovitsh's alter ago, Mendele the Book Peddler. Here he presents a diverse cast of characters including Isaac Abraham as tailor's apprentice, choirboy, and corrupt businessman, and Fishke traveling through the Ukraine with a caravan of beggars. Sholem Aleichem reintroduces us to Tevye the Dairyman's beloved daughters Hodel and Chava, known to everyone familiar with the musical or film fiddler on the Roof. Tevye is a gregarious storyteller who describes the pleasures of raising independent-minded daughters. We catch glimpses of inspirational rebbes and awe-inspiring rabbis. These translations breathe new life into the unforgettable worlds of Yiddish literature.

Showcases to superb effect the short fiction of Yiddish writing's three early masters. Frieden has done an excellent editing job, and the translators deserve applause for their meticulous work. Highly recommended for Jewish studies collections.--Library Journal, This is a book for every collection--university, synagogue, yeshiva, and public library--and is highly recommended for your personal library.--AJL Newsletter

Ken Frieden is B. G. Rudolph Professor of Judaic Studies and director of the Judaic Studies Program at Syracuse University. Ted Gorelick was a leading translator of Abramovitsh and Sholem . Michael Wex is the author of Shlepping the Exile and five plays. Recently, he translated S. Y. Abramovitsh's The Wishing Ring, also published by Syracuse University Press.