"Jacob Dinezon’s newly translated masterpiece belongs next to Sholem Aleichem’s works." —Jewish Daily Forward "With Dinezon’s Memories and Scenes, we happily encounter a master writer who deserves to be ranked with Sholom Aleichem and I. L. Peretz." " —Hadassah Magazine "The beloved uncle of modern Yiddish literature." —Foreword Reviews "Highly recommended." —Association of Jewish Libraries Reviews Memories and Scenes: Shtetl, Childhood, Writers is the first English translation of eleven autobiographical short stories by the successful and beloved 19th century Eastern European Yiddish writer, Jacob Dinezon (1851?-1919). Friend and mentor to almost every major Jewish literary figure of his day, including Sholem Abramovitsh (Mendele Moykher Sforim), I. L. Peretz, Sholem Aleichem, S. An-ski, and Abraham Goldfaden, Dinezon played a central role in the development of Yiddish as a modern literary language. A successful novelist in his own right, Jacob Dinezon, like Charles Dickens, championed the poor, downtrodden, and oppressed, especially children. He used his pen to expose the hypocrisy and injustice in shtetl society, and his stories reveal a deep love and commitment to uplifting and enlightening the common Jewish people. In this collection of eleven autobiographical short stories, Dinezon recalls his childhood years in the shtetl, the unusual and memorable characters he encountered along the way, and the events that led to his passion for becoming a writer. Contained within these stories is a treasure trove of Yiddish history, culture, and values. Now, for the first time in English, Yiddish translator Tina Lunson places Jacob Dinezon’s stories beside the works of his contemporaries. If, as scholars suggest, Sholem Abramovitsh, I. L. Peretz, and Sholem Aleichem, are the grandfather, father, and grandson of modern Yiddish literature, then surely Jacob Dinezon is the beloved uncle, writing stories filled with Jewish humor, compassion, and love.

Memories and Scenes: Shtetl, Childhood, Writers

Literature & Fiction

Dinezon, Jacob

Literary

Jewish Storyteller Press

YOSELE, Jacob Dinezon’s short novel published in 1899, exposed in stark detail the outmoded and cruel teaching methods prevelent in the traditional cheders (Jewish elementary schools) of the late 1800s. Writing in Yiddish to reach the broadest Jewish audience, Dinezon described with all the pathos of Charles Dickens, the sad, poverty-stricken life of a bright and gentle school boy whose violent treatment at the hands of his teacher, parents, and society is shocking and painfully heartrending. The outrage that resulted from the story’s initial publication produced an urgent call for reform and set the stage for the beginning of a secular school movement that transformed Jewish elementary education. This first-time English translation by Jane Peppler presents a rare and vivid picture of Jewish life in Eastern Europe at the turn of the twentieth century. An excellent resource for classes in Jewish Studies, Yiddish literature, and Eastern European History.

Yosele: A Story from Jewish Life

World Literature

Jacob Dinezon's novella Falik and His House, originally published in Yiddish in 1904 and translated into English for the first time by Mindy Liberman, tells the story of an elderly tailor who has fallen on hard times. His house, which he talks to like a brother, was once young and sturdy. Now in old age, it leans precariously, and the roof is leaking so badly it threatens to drown Falik, his wife, and their belligerent tenants. To make matters worse, the richest man in town has purchased the property next door and is building a grand mansion that is blocking Falik's light. His greedy new neighbor has now turned his eye on Falik's house and has offered a significant sum to take it off his hands. When Falik writes to his sons in America for financial help, they refuse and encourage him to take the rich man's offer and come live with them in their new home. What will Falik do? Sell and sail away to America or stay and save his beloved house by binding himself to the town's ruthless loan shark? Jacob Dinezon's Falik and His House offers a masterful tale of one man's stubborn determination to preserve his Jewish way of life in the Russian Empire at the turn of the twentieth century. A poignant, humorous, and life-affirming story of loyalty, love, and faith.

Falik and His House

Genre Fiction

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Books by Dinezon, Jacob

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Dinezon, Jacob. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Memories and Scenes: Shtetl, Childhood, Writers

Yosele: A Story from Jewish Life

Falik and His House