TORIA, B.C.
The Only Jewish Weekly West of Winnipeg
55
yOL. v., No. 15
VANOOUViEOR, B.C., THBBSDAY, JULY 12, 1934
$1.00 Per Year
BIALIK DEAD
CHAirM NAOHMim BIALIK died in Vienna at the age of Gl. Death canie
suddenly while he was recuperating from an operation last week. The body will be brought to Palestine.
Bialik was born in ii873 In Rady, Russia; his father died when Chayim was three, he lived in great poverty and under a very strictly pious discipline, read voraciously as a child in classical Hebrew and Chassidic studies, Maimonides, Yehudah. Halevy, etc. Went to Yeshlva, studying Zionism and modern Hebrew secretly.
. Because one of the most deeply learned Jews of his time.
Ai one time he was engaged in the lumber business and at other times he taught.
His period of greatness came with his first poem "El Hatzipor (To the Bird)," a fresh and beautifully touching work where the poet asks the bird which has returned from southern lands about life in Palestine, and tells it of his own life in the exile. It is one of the finest expressions of the yearning spirit of Zion. He immediately won a very enviable reputation. He became associated with the Odessa thinkers, and soon became
head of the Odessa group which made Jewish history. The group
ineluded Achad Ha'am, Bavnitxky, Klausher, Usshishkin, etc. .
He founded a publishing house that played a considerable part in the history of the Jewish intellect. The modern continuation of that publishing house Is Dvir, in Palestine, which also belongs to Bialik. In 1903 Bialik began his great poems
which made history in their powerful expression of the new era in the life of the Jew, of his old <humiliatlon and of his new-found strength in his national and human consciousness.
After the horrible pogrom in Kishinev in 1903 he visited that city and wrote the Miltonic "The City. of Slaughter," one of the greatest creations in Hebrew.
In the war-years he suffered much, even of privation, and was almost killed in Odessa, by the Denikinites, pogrom-makera of Ukraine. . .
In .1921, he obtained permission from Lunaoharsky to leave Russisf^or Palestine. He also obtained similar permissions for 12 other Hebrew writers.
It is interesting to note that this was allowed him hy Lunacharsky^ ttussian eomissar despite the demands to the contrary made by the Anti-Zionist and Anti-Hebraic Jew-^ish ""ICon&intihBtS. Iri^^^'ffi^^^ work, Bialik was aided by Maxim Gorky. Leaving Russia he spent some three years In Europe, organizing "Buir
In 1924 he settled in Palestine in Tel Aviv, in a house given him by the municipality of Tel Aviv as a mark of recognition, on Bialik Street. He has lived there ever since, with one trip to America, and several trips to Europe, an Integral part of the new-Jewish community there, respected by all classes of Jews, a particular object of deification for the children who used to come to him on Hanukah, on Shev-uoth, and on Pesach, on their own childish holidays, and whenever they wished the aid or sympathy of one of the greatest Jews of all time.
He lived a very happy life, taking his public appearance very Informally, conversing with every Jew he ever met in the heartiest and most familiar manner, with the door of his house open to every comer. It was a common sight to see him walk on the street, eating an apple, or nibbling at sun-flower seeds.
In recent years his poetic creation was put into the background, and he devoted most of his time to scientific research. His ambition in that direction being the establishment of a corpus of Jewish study in the modem manner. Part of this he accomplished in his "Sefer Ha'agadah (the Book of Tales)" which he compiled with his inseparable friend, Ravnitzky. This is a collection of the tales that appear in the Talmud and related literature, and was constantly being widened and increased. The last edition ran into six volumes.
Another aspect of this work was his reworking of the Spanish Hebrew poets, such as Yehudah Halevi, whom he brought up to date and published definitively.
He was engaged on a commentary to the Talmud, on which he had consulted the greatest rabbis of the day. In this connection it is interesting to note that he recently visited the Roga-chover Rov, acknowledged the greatest mind in Jewish orthodoxy, a rabbi after the old tradition, with the subtlety of mind of a genius. This Rov was very much impressed with Blank's thorough knowledge.
Bialik had also translated Cervantes' Don Quixote into Hebrew.
Bialik had written much Yiddish, too, and had translated some of Ye-hudah's Halevi from the Hebrew.
But the greatest of Bialik's work is in Hebrew, short stories and poe-
try. His poems range in tone from the comic to the epic, but in every one of them there is felt the miatur-ity and pathos of the great Bialik. In many of these the power rises to Biblical heights, and it is no exaggeration to say that his works are not inferior to that Book in many respects.
His work shows a tremendously prominent Hebraic influence in idiom, in content, in approach and in appeal. His education was largely Jewish, and his work showa the fullest flowering of the Jewish spirit, unaffected by aping or posing, natural, free, deep.
In his poems he emphasises the essential Importance of Jewish studies and of the traditional sources of Jewish life, and one of his best works "If Your Heart Seeks to Know," answers the question "Where do the Jews find the power to survive all the persecu-, tions" heaiped upbii^^^^^^ "If you would know the answer to this question go to the old synagogue, look at the poor, stricken Jews there bent over their Talmud folios, see their respect and love for these old pages—and there you will have seen the secret of the Jewish tenacity and vitality."
Bialik was on of the pioneers of the Zionist movement, and his poem "Indeed, the People are as Grass" was a powerful condemnation of the Jewish people for their neglect of Zionism. He has never for one minute wavered from the Zionist ideal, and Zionist leaders have always respected him, came to him for advice and encouragement, and made him one ot the pillars of Zionism. But it was not only Zionism. Every activity that the Palestine Jewish Community undertook found in him an active and intelligent helper, an inspired worker and a careful critic.
Last year, the entire Jewish world celebrated his 60th birthday in an unprecedented manner. From Vancouver to Tel Aviv folk celebrations took place, and tribute was paid him. The news of his demise is a horribly painful anti-climax to these popular festivities.
Chayim Naciman BiaEik
Tlhis week we are preud to We as conMbutor, BEr. H. M. Ca^isennaii, secretary of tlie Cai^dian Jjewish Congress, noted Zionist, labour leader, expert on Flalestine banking, leader of the Canadian Poalei Zeirie Zion, experl on Yiddish poetry, contributor to the Jewish tand Anglo-Jewish press, and acltive in hundreds of other communal ^undertakings. VTs hope to have more articles by Mr. iCaisiemiaia in the future.—Editor.
It was the eleventh Zionist World Congress In Carlsbadd, year 1921. The Congress when De Leon and Simon assailed Usishkin for overpaymg the Valley of Israel, the Congress when Jabotinsky was still a member of the administration, the Congress of long passionate speeches and of Dr. Chaim Weitzman's so-called "dictatorship"— when suddenly someone announced the arrival of Bialik (he had just arrived from Russia). In a second, as if animated by hidden electric vibrations, the hundreds of delegates and the thousands of visitors burst into frenzied jubilation, pathetic, emotional, sweeping — The benediction of "long live Bialik" was the stormy sing-song-slogan of thousands of overjoyed enthusiastic men and women, young and old, a most extraordinary manifestation of love and devotion of a people for its national bard,.a mani-. festatlon which lasted the eternity: of a quarter hour. I remember how he mounted the platform, and a deep silence followed. In measured, prophetic words, he spoke of the "Gal-. uth" in the various countries of Europe, particularly Russia, and of the -preponderating, role that ErezJsraeli is called upon to play to heal the wounds of Jewry. When I think of this message of our national Mrd, Blallk, In relation to the German Jew-
ish Tragedy uttered eleven years be-fpre the catastrophe I realize why â– world Jewry holds him in such reverence.
I During the few weeks that followed Zalman Soheyer the noted Hebrew ^oet remained in Carlsbadd. Schney-an athletic Grecian personality of Arresting appearance. Is known for the impetuosity of his character, for his burning temperament, and Independent nature. Each day about 4 i.ra. It was his habit to go to the ^ark surrounding the Kuhr-Saal and meet Bialik. I accompanied him a lew times and was amazed at his ^neekness, humility as he faced Bialik. So much devotion, such marvelling admiration which bordered on deification by the "enfant terrible" of the Hebrew family of poets I
i The passing away of Bialik is a great blow to the Jews of the world, to the creative force? of the Jewish spirit. The conscience of our generation bowed its head. But for Erez-israel the loss is irreparable. In
iioments of achievements, in mo-.|ients of crisis and despair, Bialik's voice led, criticized, Inspired, and disciplined. Always a message of hope, of moral obligation, of ethical living. His name will always live.
REVIEW OF EVENTS
GREETINGS
Rabbi Samuel Cass, of the Congregation Beth Israel, now on vacation In the East, writes to the Jewish Western Bulletin. From his letter wc see that he follows Vancouver activities very carefully. He requests us to give his best wishes and regards to all Vancouvwites through the medium of our columns. We wish him well, and a speedy return.
The Montreal Jewish Chronicle published an editorial, very angry that Montreal Jews should allow Rabbi J. L. Zlotnick to resign from his position.
Louis Lipsky on a Jewish
Problem
Mr. Louis Lipsky, National Chairman of the American Palestine Campaign, who returned from Palestine last week, emphasizes that Jews must rely on their own resources to aid German Jewish refugees.
•The German blow, struck at the freedom and equality of Jews, has effected a revolutionary change in the way of Jewish living in Germany, in their communal life. In their habits of sooloi Intercourse, In their cultural activities. In their general outlook on life. Wholesale evacuation being impossible, the large miajorlty must adjust themselves under the yoke of the oppressor. They have bent low before the storm, and are slowly constructing for thcanselves unobtrusive shelters and defenses in which they may continue to live. They are transforming and humbling their ambitions, and have ceased to struggle for place in the environment of hate which encircles them. They are pressed back Into their own culture and traditions, and seek consolation from their own gods. What they have to endure only those who recall the oppression of other lands, in other times, can understand and appreciate. In the obstinacy of endurance, there is also the quality of heroism. It was that form of heroism which, through the ages, distinguished and chastened Jewish life. And that persistence and otost/lnaoy, that clinging to a desperate situation, fraught with terrible dangers—to some a lost position, to others not altogether hopeless—-will be and must be supported by all Jews, for these are the Immediate victims oif a blow aimed and directed at the Jews of all lands. Completely to evacuate that position—even If that were possible—would have disastrous consequences upon the status of: Jews everywhere, and therefore their positions must be maintained as far as It Is humanly possible.
"The appointment of Mr. James G. McDonald by the League of Nations, as special guardian of the exiled refugees ,has served to reveal the futility of
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Jottings
By D.R.
I must confess a weakness for meeting "Leaders," prominent people, men who can give me an insight as to what Is going on behind the scenes In our communal life, especially 5n the more important and decisive centres. Vancouver Is so far from th beaten track of Jewish statesmanship and leadership that it is seldom one has an opportunity to learn the true nature of things.
Last week, however, we were recompensed with a vengeance for the aridity of many years. Prime factor in the new flood of celebrities was the B'nai B'rith Convention, which brought In its waggon hundreds of people of all degrees of prominence and leadership ranging from a small-own big-wig, a leader In his town lodge, to supreme court judges and makers of international B'nai B'rith policy.
Gutstadt
CANADA
In Winnipeg a third branch of the Poalel Zeirei Zion has been organized It is English-speaking, and has 25 members.
The French antl-semitic newspaper "Le Patrlote" threatens a student strike in the University of Monireal ip the fall, against the Jewish students there, as In the Notre Dame Jiospital case.
Thousands of Canadian Jews arc clothing workers, especially in the East. To these the Union questio/S le a very vital one. The Jewish uai-ins which control the industry, now ore threatened by the Catholic unions which compete with them. Jews in Montreal are now naturally very suspicious of Catholics. Jews fear the government will aid the opponents.
The Canadian Jewish Poetess, Yu-dica, previously from Lithuania, has published a book of poems called "Wandering Paths."
The Federation of Jewish Youth Organizations is going to conduct a census of Jewish occupations in Winnipeg. This will be the first of its kind in Canada.
Yosef Greenspan, radical poet of Winnipeg whose works had been published in New York newspapers, died.
UNITED STATES
The American Zionist Convention
listened to an attack on Revisionists and MIzrachI by Jacob Fishman, who pleaded for the support of labour.
The 30th anniversary of the death of Theodore Herzl occasioned the publishing of many memoirs on the Zionist leader, among others are Jacob de Haas, and the Chief rabbi of Turkey.
In 1853 a San Francisco Jew tried to corner all the rice on the Pacific coast, and almost succeeded when two shlpV 'Unexpectedly arrived 'full :-of rice. He was adversely affected In his mind by this failure and became a queerly respected figure on th*^ San Francisco streets until his death in 1860. He called himself Emperor of California and later of the U.S., refused to become emperor of Mexico because that was "an unsettled nation", dined free at all the best restaurants, rode on the best boats, attended all sessions of the legislature, passed worthless checks, which were honoured by the banks, and sold 7%
and was paid for by.the Pacific Coast. He was now reburied when the old cemetery was sold. At this second funeral hundreds of people came, the municipal band played a battalion of the U.S. Infantry fired a three-gun salute.
The American Zionist organization convened In Atlantic City. Resolved: to help Russian Jewish colonization, to help the Stavsky Fund, without committing Itself on the question of his guilt or innocence.
ENGLAND
The Palestine Histadrutto does so many things that It is impossible to devote full attention to all, but one of the least known is the "Ohel", a dramatic section, where after work, amateurs Dlay at playing. This year the "6hfel" fil^t left the country, and is now ih England playing Stephan Sweig's "Jeremiah." H. G. Wells,.was in the audience. The performance was a triumph. The Morning Post, and other newspapers commented most favourably.
The Poalel Zeirei Zion Convention discussed the establishment of an English department, heard that at present there are 90 branches of the group, besides the Pioneer Women, the Jewish National Worker's Alliance, the League for Labour Palestine, and the Geverkshafften Campaign committees.
PALESTINE
The Stavsky appeal will be heard In the itilddle of Jiily.
The Soviet government has bought trees from Palestine to be planted In Crimea.
The MIzrachI took another step In the disruption of Jewish unity by withdrawing from the Jewish parliament, the Va'ad L'uml, because of the fact that labour dominates In this parliament. .
Enemies of the Macabbee, Jewish international sport organization, have been spreading rumours to the effect that It will take part in the International Olympic games in Germany. The organization has issued a statement saying (1) that It will not, (2) that negotiations are proceeding for the recognition of the Macabbee by the World Olympic Organization.
POLAND
The government confiscated a print-
ing shop that had been Illegally es-imperial bond. His funeral cost $10,000 tabllshed to agitate against Jews.
Undoubtedly one of the best men here was Gutstadt of the head office anti-defamation bureau. Gutstadt is no mere district leader. He had the necessary qualifications for Constitution lodge leadership, and he executes his duties on the Anti-Defamation Bureau with an efficiency that has enhanced the prestige of the whole order. He is a very busy man, especially around convention time, but like all busy men he finds time to do everything he would like to do, and he did not hurry our chat. On the contrary, he was leisurely and easy, and gave himself time and effort to explain his activities with frankness and honesty. Gutstadt is not a typical B'nai B'rith man. He lacks the halo of good cheer, he is disillusioned, even brusque, but he has broad vision, an devoted and intelligent interest in our communal life, a careful knowledge, and he presents in his person a uefinitive refutation of many eharges new music of Palestine.
lodged against his order.
Gaiserman
As the B'nai B'rith are proud of their Gutstadt, so the Poalei Zeirei Zion can be proud of their Calserman and the position he holds as general secretjury of the Canadian Jewish Congress. At first sight Calserman seems to have all those virtues of the Poalel Zion that would incapacitate him for the responsible post of Congress leader,—frankness, sentimentality, European orientation, catholicity, and a frank disregard of certain
"essential" qualities that have made the P. Z. Z. notorious. But when Mr Calserman goes into action he becomes a different person. He becomes brusque, business-like, meticulous virtues that are rare for his position If one asks, "How did the Congress achieve as much as it did?" the answer can properly be, "H. M. Calserman,"
Nossowshy
For us in Vancouver, Nossowsky Is a new type. In Palestine there are many men who take as their pet hobby some particular aspect or Institution of the new culture that we have already formed there. But we here have never seen any of them. Nossowsky made the new Jewish music his game, and he has studied it, so that his work has won the rRcognltion oT the education department of the Jewish .National Fund. Vancouver is fortunate that Mr. Nossowsky is visiting it, and it is indeed a good idea that a concert is being arranged for him. It is also good that tickets are not being sold, for that will allow a larger number of people to hear him. Our young will benefit particularly from a more intimate familiarity with the
Boycotting the IN.F.
The world union of Zionists Revisionists has declared a boycott on the Tpwish National Fund. In the carrying out of this boycott disgraceful things have occurred, which we do not care to report at the present. In connection with this boycott, the central office of the Jewish National Fund of Jerusalem has issued a statement pointing out (i) that such action is contrary to Zionist principles, (2) that this boycott was declared against a body not guilty of any actions against Revisionists, (3) that the J.N.F. had given land to Revisionists and to Revisionist groups, (4) that the Revisionists had never been refused J.N.F. land, (5) that Jabotinsky had promised to retract a statement on the J.N.F. but had not done so, (6) that the more honest forces within Revisionism should oppose such a boycott.
Administrative Giuncil Meets
The regular monthly meeting of he Vancouver .Jewish Administrative Council was held on .Monday night, and regular business was attended to.
The special features of the evening were reports of the various committees, and the question of the absence of many committee members from sessions. Various means for the solution of this problem were sought.
The monthly and semi-annual reports of the Centre Committee Chairman, J. W. Herman, shov,red that the centre was holding its own and that losses were decreased from last year.
Dr, A. O. Klrschberg, president of the Council presided.