Outwitting History: The Amazing Adventures of a Man Who Rescued a Million Yiddish Books

A Moveable Feast

In reading Lansky's book, I experienced the similar thrill of an evening of going from one Jewish home to another eating the first superb meal followed by an extravaganza of delectable dishes in the next homes, and then mouth watering desserts at yet another home. These extraordinary feasts represent the outstanding features of Lansky's book. He examines the Yiddish language, culture and diversity, and all who have contributed to making these important aspects of Judaism persevere over centuries. He brought to life Jewish writers, scholars, philosophers, politicians, artists, philanthropists, comedians, artists, survivors of the Holocaust, ordinary Jews living decent lives, and decades of Jews lost in pogroms, ousted from almost every country in the world, despised, vilified, tortured and ultimately put to death. Lansky accomplished this with poignancy, intelligent writing, and humor. All of the idiosyncrasies and concerns of his characters, real people with names and places, made for fascinating reading. So much of Yiddish writing and literatures concerns itself with Yiddishkeit, what it means to be Jewish, and how it plays a role in the day to day lives of all Jews. The writings teach us about humanity, performance of mitzvahs, regard for one's fellow man, respect for education, and continuity of family and tradition. Lansky has helped many of us who fail to understand why we cling to our roots in this modern world; we go to shul maybe once or twice a year, have an occasional Passover dinner, or attend a children's Purim festival. His book has served as a wake up call. There is more to Yiddishkeit than marginal participation. He has opened my eyes to the extensive world of Yiddish literature. Even though my memory of the language is vague and I can only read a little in Yiddish, the fact that these books are now available in English translation is a phenomenal achievement. Up until now, I have read only books by Isaac Bashevis Singer and Malamud; available is a...