Ensuring the legacy of Yiddish literature

February 1, 2021

The Yiddish Book Center was founded in 1980 by Aaron Lansky, then a twenty-four-year-old graduate student of Yiddish literature (and now the Center’s president).

During his studies, Lansky realized that untold numbers of irreplaceable Yiddish books—the primary, tangible legacy of a thousand years of Jewish life in Eastern Europe—were being discarded by American-born Jews unable to read the language of their Yiddish-speaking parents and grandparents. So, he organized a nationwide network of zamlers (volunteer book collectors) and launched a concerted campaign to save the world’s remaining Yiddish books before it was too late.

Watch A Bridge of Books, Sam Ball’s award-winning documentary about the Yiddish Book Center:

Local resident Eleanor Siegel, a member of Congregation Rodfei Sholom, has been a member since its inception. She has offered to be the local official zamler (collector) for our area. “I will be happy to pick up and ship to the center any Yiddish books you would like to donate so their legacy will not be lost.” All donations are tax-deductible.
Please call Eleanor at 210-269-6408 or email [email protected]
LEARN MORE ABOUT YIDDISH BOOK CENTER