The lively Jewish East End community of the 1930s and 1940s is brought to life in a new book edited and translated by Yiddish scholar, musician and JEECS stalwart Vivi Lachs, with translations of stories and sketches by Katie Brown, A. M. Kaizer, and I. A. Lisky.

As well as the translations, Vivi also provides an expert introduction and commentary.

The intriguing and entertaining tales in London Yiddishtown build a picture of a community struggling with political, religious, and community concerns. Lisky’s impassioned stories concern the East End’s clashing ideologies of communism, Zionism, fascism, and Jewish class difference. Kaizer’s witty and satirical tales explore philanthropy, upward mobility, synagogue politics, and competition between Zionist organisations. Brown’s often hilarious sketches address episodes of daily life, which highlight family shenanigans and generational misunderstandings.

LondonYiddishtown is £23.50 in paperbook, but available at a 20 per cent discount from www.eurospanbookstore.com by using the voucher code VIVI20. 

Vivi is giving a talk about the book on Thursday February10 at 12.30 at the Hampstead Garden Suburb Synagogue, Norrice Lea, London, N2 0RE. The talk is free to synagogue members, £8 to non-members, with tickets available from  https://hgss.org.uk/product/literary-lunch/  You can buy the book direct from Vivi at £15.

This not a JEECS event.