Abraham Sutzkever, one of the most significant Yiddish poets of the 20th century, made an impact on the world of literature with his poignant verse. His life was marked by a remarkable journey through the tumultuous periods of war and peace. Sutzkever’s poetry, deeply influenced by his experiences during World War II, hauntingly reflects the horrors of the Holocaust, while also demonstrating the resilience of the human spirit.
Born on this day July 15, 1913 in modern-day Belarus, Sutzkever’s early life was marred by tragedy and conflict. His family was uprooted during World War I and forced to seek refuge in Siberia. However, amidst this turmoil, Sutzkever found solace in literature and began penning his own poetry. Upon returning to Poland in the interwar period, he emerged as a leading figure in the Yiddish literary scene and his works were celebrated for their imaginative expressions and lyrical quality.
However, the outbreak of World War II brought unprecedented suffering upon Sutzkever. He was confined to the Vilna Ghetto and witnessed the loss of his family members to Nazi atrocities. Yet, even in these dire circumstances, Sutzkever continued to write poetry, chronicling the stark realities of war and genocide. His verses from this period serve as a powerful testament to the human capacity for hope and resistance in the face of extreme adversity.
In the aftermath of the war, Sutzkever immigrated to Israel where he played a pivotal role in preserving Yiddish culture. He founded and edited the prestigious Yiddish literary journal, Di Goldene Keyt (The Golden Chain), contributing significantly to promoting and sustaining Yiddish literature in a new homeland.
The life and legacy of Abraham Sutzkever is a testament to the transformative power of poetry. Through his verse, he illuminated the darkest corners of human history while simultaneously asserting an unshakeable faith in humanity’s capacity for regeneration. His works continue to resonate deeply with readers worldwide, illuminating not just his personal journey through war and peace, but also providing profound insights into the human condition.
A Remarkable Friendship Exists
A remarkable friendship exists, when both friends
inhabit different centuries, different countries.
People meet like wandering roots beneath
tree trunks split in two: Are you that friend? –Yes, I am she.
There is a friendship akin to biblical scrolls, which you find
in caves and which joy and tenderness can unwind.
Unfurl it—Then it will narrate our saga too. Otherwise,
it will flake away and fall to pieces in your fingers.
There is a friendship stronger than love, than hate,
twinned by fate, they must accompany each other:
When trained hounds sniff out a hiding place
and one friend could escape, yet he remains with the other.
Creator, you have gifted me friends of all sorts,
and among them a special one, who remains most devoted:
At dawn, he will rise early to water my garden
so I may distribute his grapes to the spirits.
-Abraham Sutzkever
Curated by Jennifer
