Sample Sources
The sources below are those contained in our three curated collections—covering themes of Passover, Gender Roles, and Holocaust Resistance. They represent a fraction of the thousands of sources that will be available when the full site launches in 2024.
A Jewish Worker’s May Day Speech
Gentlemen! Although I do not for a minute doubt that the majority of those present here know of the great worldwide workers’ holiday of “May 1st,” I nevertheless do not consider it redundant to remind…
A Proposal to Make Salonica an International City
To the Committee of the Zionist Organization in Berlin
Salonica, January 3, 1913
Mr. President,
The question of Macedonia was addressed in London and will soon be resolved. What will be done with…
Children, Onward! (Yeladim, lekhu!)
Children, onward. Children, onward!
Through this gate.
Every boy shall pass.
Whoever has a white flag,
Go to the right:
Whoever has a blue flag,
Go to the left.
Children, onward. Children, onward!
On…
Sermon on the Melting Pot
There is no denying that under the influence of this enthusiasm for America, the disintegrating process of the Melting Pot is taking place in large measure. That it is not, fortunately, taking place…
A Voice from Balta
I will speak with my heart while my soul is faint, when the spirit of my understanding wanders through the recesses of my worries. My thoughts surely ask me: What is this? And why is this? What is…
The Essence of Baseball Explained for Non-Sportsmen
Uptown, at 9th Avenue and 155th St., stands the famous field—the Polo Grounds. Every afternoon, 20,000–35,000 people gather there. The entrance fee is from $0.50–1.50. Thousands of poor boys and older…
Condemnation of Women Singing in Cafés on the Sabbath
Along the quay, near the White Tower, there is a café where two young Jewish girls from Salonica sing every day, including Shabbat. In truth we do not find their behavior as low as that of other young…
Discussion of the Founding of the Demievka School
Despite all the great difficulties and obstacles, the school in Demievka soon attracted the attention of the Kiev Jewish public. The remote muddy little street in Demievka became a central location…
The Jews and the Fatherland
Dear colleague:
I received your letter asking me to send you clear information about the political situation, notably in regard to the Jewish national movement.
Do you not believe that it is still…
Lamentation for Those Who Perished in the Abriyah Earthquake
The Kinah [Lament] in Honor of Those Who Died in the Earthquake
Wail O [professional female] mourners for the suffering of our death.
The earth trembled with the earthquakes. We lost young and old…
The Library, Center of Social and Cultural Life
In this city there are, in effect, for an approximate total of 60,000 Jews, about thirty Israelite culture groups, which are developing with relative prosperity and an excellent measure of success…
Elijah and the Fisher Boy
One day, Elijah the Prophet was walking down the road. It was a bright, sunny day. Tree branches blew softly in the wind, and small birds chirped around his head. As he walked, he began to think about…