פון לובלין ביז ניו יארק: טאג-בוך פון רבקה זילבערג

by Kadya Molodowsky, קאדיע מאלאדאווסקי (Author's Yiddish Name)

Steven Spielberg digital Yiddish library No. 00150
National Yiddish book center, Amherst Massachusetts.
Digitized and added to the library in January 2009.

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Judaism, Jewish, Literary Fiction, Book Club, Diary

280 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1942

About the author

Kadya Molodowsky (Yiddish: קאדיע מאלאדאווסקי; Hebrew: קדיה מולודובסקי also: Kadya Molodovsky|18406220]; May 10, 1894, in Bereza Kartuska, now Byaroza, Belarus – March 23, 1975, in Philadelphia) was a Polish-American poet and writer in the Yiddish language, and a teacher of Yiddish and Hebrew.

Reviews

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this novel, the fictional diary of an 18-year-old woman from Poland, who flees to New York in 1939. Molodovsky does a great job of creating the milieu of the Lower East Side, of the scramble for jobs, of dealing with schools and learning English and the refugee aid societies and letters from her father, who didn't make it out of Lublin. The last third of the book, though, really slowed down for me, as Rivke must decide which of three young men who are madly in love with her to marry.
Excellent translation and introduction by Anita Norich (who is my cousin, just saying).

[Cindy Stein · Rating 5 out of 5]

This translated novel, originally written in Yiddish, is the story of a recent Jewish refugee to NYC in 1940, told through journal entries over the course of the year. Rivke grew up in Lublin, Poland with her family. After her mother was killed in the Nazi bombing in September 1939, Rivke comes to the US and lives with her mother's sister (her aunt). The journal entries catalogue Rivke's efforts to learn English, to get a job, and to decide about whether she will travel to Palestine to join her fiance or seek a husband in NYC. Two young men pursue her, but one is the boyfriend of her cousin.

The novel, written by another Jewish refugee, was able to get across the confusion of the immigrant experience and the inability to stop focusing on the family members left behind as the Holocaust begins to impact their lives. The author successfully shows how different Rivke is from her American relatives, even those who came from Poland in earlier years and still speak Yiddish, in addition to English.

Despite her confusing, Rivke is incredibly resourceful and independent in her own way.

The book makes it very clear how different immigrants and refugees who arrived a different times experienced their new lives.

Highly recommended.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rivke Zilberg, a 20-year refugee from Poland has had to leave her family behind and move in with an aunt in New York. As a young, single woman is haunted by the fate of her family: her mother has died, her father is hiding in a horse stall in Lublin, her brother's daughter is going blind, she knows they are suffering immensely. She has to somehow make her own life in New York as she has no money and no home, knows no English when she first arrives and is dependent on the Aunt's family home where there is a lot of hostility aimed at her by her cousin Selma, the one person who is her age, her gender and could potentially be her friend. And yet she stands up for herself -- rebuffs her cousin's boyfriend's persistent advances, finds rent money for her teacher, moves into her own cupboard of a room, makes up a resume to get a job, and constantly ponders how she can help her family back home. She doesn't always make the wisest choices, but she is forced to make them on her own, as she carves out a life with some respite and some future.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I arrived on a beautiful day. Perhaps this was a sign that things would go well for me in America.” (Molodovsky 1)

A Jewish Refugee in New York, by Kadya Molodovsky, follows Rivke Zilberg, a 20-year-old refugee from Poland, who comes to New York to escape the Nazi invasion from her home. It is a journal where she documents her challenges as a refugee in the United States. She lives with her aunt and uncle who speak Yiddish with her, but struggles with the fact that most people only speak English. We read her trying to understand the English words coming from her family and other people in her new setting, "we need to buy her a dres and a het" (1). This is how she hears "dress" and "hat", without being able to know those English words.

I enjoyed reading this book because it showed the perspective of a refugee in America, which is not portrayed as often as a Jewish girl in books. I really liked reading this style with the letters and being able to understand when everything was happening and how she felt in the moment and after the moment, instead of reading it through her perspective as she goes through this new chapter in her life. She describes how when she meets new people, they all ask the same question in Yiddish, “how do you like America?” (3) because they only know a few words whereas, she knows close to none in English.

I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the story of a Jewish refugee and likes the format of letters telling the storyline.

[Lada Moskalets · Rating 4 out of 5]

Книжка єврейської письменниці Каді Молодовської про дівчину Ривке, яка приїжджає з Любліна на початку Другої Світової війни. Вона живе у родичів, але частина її родини залишилася у Любліні без надії виїхати і вона відчуває з одного боку складнощі адаптації, а з іншого - біль за батьком, який живе у стайні в Любліні.
Повість написана у вигляді щоденника дівчини, яка пише їдишем, але для нових термінів вживає англійські слова. Їй складно прижитися в родині тітки, яка вже є заможнішою і життя якої сповнене чаювань та розваг.
Ривці вдається знаходити роботи і житло завдяки контактам з вихідцями з Любліна. Вона сприймає їх трохи іронічно, бо в основному вони збираються на чай і обговорюють хто пектиме тістечка, але все ж відчуває цей зв’язок з попередньою Батьківщиною.
Місцями щоденник дещо одноманітний - Ривка обирає поміж різними кавалерами, включно з люблінським хлопцем Лейзером, який кличе її в Палестину, працює в пральні і на фабриці і спілкується з люблінською діаспорою. Але завершення робить цю повість дуже вартісною і відкриває нові можливості для дискусії.

[Stuart Gavurin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the English version and the Yiddish version concurrently. The English translation is very close to the Yiddish, although things are lost in translation. An easy read in which the author paints a wonderful landscape on the struggles and enjoyment that come with being a refugee.

A great book for those who are trying to understand (depending on age) their great-grandparents, grandparents, or parents experience. Molodowsky is famously a poet and an educator (younger children). Thus, the story is easily laid out for ease of understanding to the point that she will even transliterate how people spoke and the translation of words.

It takes place in 1939 as WWII breaks out and the true horrors of what is going on in Europe is not fully understood, but for her she has an inkling having lived through some of the beginnings. In this way, the reader starts to understand how the lack of information felt to those who lived during these times.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fascinating record of a refugee's (Rivka) first year in New York. I couldn't put it down even tho I did not like the refugee--an immature girl who came to stay with her aunt's family who seem almost 100% oblivious to what was going on in Europe, and oblivious to the feelings of this poor young girl, who is a refugee, who just lost her mother (the aunt's sister) and dooesn't know how her father is doing, or her brother and his family.
Rivka is honest and hard-working, but seemingly not in touch with her own feelings and not very good at reading the feelings and intent of others. To make matters worse, she doesn't use the few people around her to talk things out, which I found frustrating. Consequently, I didn't see her developing emotionally or learning how to navigate in a new culture.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a fictional journal of a Jewish Polish refugee and her life immediately after arriving in New York City. It is a sweet and innocent tale as she is young and pretty... and though some things seem to come easily to her (young men and jobs) she alternatively is worried about her family back in Poland and her boyfriend in Palestine. It's a lot for her to digest and in that sense it portrays the life of a refugee well.
The aunt she is staying with has a family that she can't communicate with since some of them do not speak Yiddish. The book is sprinkled with her Yiddish versions of English which feels very nostalgic to those of us who have relatives who spoke the language.
It's a slice of life kind of book, translated from the original Yiddish version. It's a good addition to this genre.

[Izzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is remarkable how much Katya knew at the time she wrote this diary of what was actually going on in occupied Poland. Listening to the translator read the book in the original language goes more slowly, but gives a better sense of how the language is constructed….and is a different experience than the translation… but it is hard to keep all of these characters in mind when one is working hard to understand the language usages…next to Rivke, of course Red or Larry or Leyzer Yosl is my favorite…but the different perspectives on America of the different generations is also interesting. I particularly liked reading about Brntsy (Ben Tsiyon Shore?) Mrs Shore’s grandson’s knowing only zeyde and bubbe although he can “parrot” mayn shtetele Belts.”

[Hollie Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I usually don't love fictionalized journals but this one was pretty well done. It's filled with all the repetitions, digressions, and unanswered questions of a real journal. I kept hoping Rivke would make a different choice than the trajectory of what is increasingly obvious but really, she can't. She doesn't have the luxuries that future generations of women will have. As a refugee, when everyone around her tells her that she must get married as soon as she can because she's practically an old maid at 20 and the men will stop looking at her and then what will she do? She can't do much else besides accept a proposal.

[Beatrice]

Norich is a smart, smart translator. And Molodovsky writes to break the heart. It has what you'd expect of a journal -- digressions, omissions, repetitions, and all done with a light hand. It's honestly like a horror novel, dragging to its foregone conclusion.


I wear the engagement ring, and I think that Rivke Zilberg no longer exists. In New York, someone named Ray Levitt will soon be walking around. Rivke Zilberg remained in Lublin. Someone in Palestine is waiting for Rivke Zilberg. And Ray Levitt lives in New York.
Can it be that everyone in the world lives like this? Who knows?

[Reilly W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel is above all about the unfortunate cycle of inevitable Americanization. It's sad that so many refugees and immigrants had to abandon their identities as a means of survival. I also hate Red. Rivke deserves so much more than that manipulative insecure asshole.

"Once, I saw a fire in Lublin. A house was burning, and the fire made it so transparent that through the burning walls you could see a tree that was growing behind the house. That’s exactly how transparent everything seems to me now. What was once, and all that happened to me in New York this past year, and my destroyed home—all these things stand before me as transparent as if I were seeing them through the fire"

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most immigrant stories are about the journey to the new destination. This one is about what happens once you’re there - the process and settling in and assimilation. I found it fascinating. It’s such a great little snapshot of a long-gone world. The characters aren’t great - the interest lies in the details of her observations, or the conversations she doesn’t understand (in English) and is forced to interpret through facial expressions and what is not said.

[Zosia Lemaitre · Rating 4 out of 5]

my girl Kadya ate this up with the last passage. love her poetry and had to read this for a class - did not disappoint. yet again yiddish writers slaying the game. although i'm not 100% confident in this translation given that i feel like the title misrepresents the original meaning - original title in yiddish was just "from lublin to new york" but then it became "a jewish refugee in new york" in this english translation like okay i see u adding pizzazz.

[D Levine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book and couldn’t put it down till I finished it. The translation of journal entries published in the Forward in Yiddish are engaging and heart felt. You feel the confusion and pain of new resident of New York City. The grief for the way of life and the loved ones left behind felt similar to our current grief. Similar to the Bread Givers but several generations apart.

[Zach Popkin-Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so glad I picked this book up from the library. What a rare gift to be able to get a glimpse of the Yiddish world that assimilation and genocide killed off, and a very engaging story to boot. Rivke deserves better than any of these fuckboys though.

[Lorri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading the perspective of Rivke Zilberg's immigrant experience, and how she tried to assimilate into her surroundings, and forge a new life and self-identity.

[Diana Eberhardt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Touching and sometimes very funny.

[CW Howell · Rating 4 out of 5]

VERY dated but probably a good YA appropriate read. Central character is a very young 20-year-old.

[D Palmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging, thought-provoking, made me laugh and cry! Very happy to have this on my shelf.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simultaneously reading in Yiddish which certainly impacted my rating

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Chasm between Them and Us

Kadya Molodovsky, A Jewish Refugee in New York: Rivke Zilberg’s Journal
Translated by Anita Norich

The accomplished Yiddish writer Molodovsky wrote this novel in serialized form in 1940-41, knowing obviously what was happening at the time to her friends and family in Europe. But it was impossible for her to imagine the eventual enactment of a “Final Solution.” We readers in 2019 know what was to happen in the years following Rivke’s arrival and year of adjustments in the U.S. This makes the author’s portrayal of American superficiality even more piercing and jarring. Yet this theme of clueless nonchalance also interrogates also our present: Besides the consistently awful headlines each day, what unimaginable catastrophe is looming around the corner?



The women talked a lot about themselves and didn’t give me the slightest opportunity to tell them how I came to be a refugee. 2

When he dances [like Benny Goodman] all I can think about is that my mother was killed by a bomb, and I don’t know what’s happening with my brothers, although I’m sure they’re not dancing now. I have no idea what’s become of my father either. I’d go to the ends of the earth to avoid Marvin’s dancing, but where can I go? 8

I thought they were getting ready for a Purim ball, but they explained that they were planning an event for war victims. I couldn’t believe how happy they were. They joked and talked and ate [cake]. No matter what’s going on, there’s always cake. If they’re having a card party—cake; a birthday—cake; collection for those suffering in the war—more cake. 12

And on top of everything else, I was upset with Red. When he came, I told him about my father’s letter. “You’re here, not there,” he answered. I could see in his face that he wasn’t the least bit concerned. Red saw that it upset me, and so he added, “What can you do?” I don’t know if Americans are heartless or they just pretend to be. I have no idea. They’re probably pretending. 50

“What are relatives nowadays. Once upon a time an aunt was an aunt, I brought everyone of my nieces and nephews to America. So now they make an appearance only if they need something.” 53

I’ve learned at least one thing in America. Whether things are good or bad, the first thing you have to do is smile. 65

She left to go get dressed. On Shabbos she always goes to the movies, and she didn’t want to be late. 91

Selma and Ruth wee completely absurd in showing one another their makeup cases. 93

My uncle calls the cost of Selma’s wedding a “conflagration.” 114

Selma was very unhappy because [Mendl] chose such a terribly hot day to go to the hospital. 139

She was wearing seven gold necklaces, one under the other, so that her whole chest was covered in gold. She wears even more makeup than Selma: on her cheeks, her lips, her eyebrows, even her nose. 154

“In these times, when Jews are suffering throughout the world, we’re happy to be in America, and we’re proud to have such personages as Mr. Shamut.” 163

Even when I don’t think about my mother, I never forget her. And I never forget that my father is in Lublin sleeping on the ground in a barn or that Janet is blind. How can anyone forget all these things? But I’ve learned to keep quiet about it, to cover it up with white shoes, with factory work, and with living on Grand Street. Sometimes, if I laugh too loudly, I hear my laughter and am amazed. And in an instant, I’m more in Lublin than in New York. 166



Below his breath, the Jew asks of his gentile neighbor: “If you had known, would you have cried in the face of God and man that this hideousness must stop? Would you have made some attempt to get my children out? Or planned a skiing party to Marmsich?”
— George Steiner, “A Kind of Survivor”

[Ptaylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rivke Zilberg has escaped from Lublin, Poland during World War II, and joined her mother's family in New York. Her mother is dead - killed by a bomb; her father is living in their cow's old stall; and, her brother has escaped with his family to Paris where his daughter loses her eyesight. As her family endures the war, Rivke finds herself trying to adjust to a different life in a new country, a new city, around people she doesn't understand and who don't understand her. Although she speaks no English, she must find a job, and, when her cousin's fiance becomes too interested in her, another place to live. Written in journal format, we follow Rivke through the many challenges she faces as she transitions from Rivke Zilberg to Ray Levitt.

[Leonard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fish out of water... or in

…Rivke Zilberg comes to New York alone from Poland in the late 1930s. A refugee , just 20 years old
, she tries to navigate the ways of the old world and the new, while confronting age old dilemmas facing young women: work, relationships, men, men. Infused with sadness and laughter, this book is a delight. It's short chapters reflect its origins as a serialized publication in a Yiddish journal. I thought they would b3 perfect bite size pieces to read before bed. But like a bowl of chocolates, I kept taking one after another.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm really looking forward to talking to people about this book with the Yiddish Book Center program I'm doing at work.

[Jean Roth · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I found it hard to get into the mindset of this woman, I found the book impossible to put down.