Boris Royzan
Moldova- Berl Royzn, a Renowned Jewish Literary Scholar and Educator
- Literary Beginnings
- Soviet Era
- Post-War Years
- Later Career
- Legacy
Berl Royzn, a Renowned Jewish Literary Scholar and Educator
Early Life and EducationBerl Royzn was born in Aтаки, Transnistria (now Moldova) in 1913. He came from a humble background, with his father working as a butcher. Royzn attended the teacher's seminary in Chernivtsi, which was a hub for Jewish literary talents.
Literary Beginnings
Royzn's literary journey began in 1936 when he published his first literary criticism in the Warsaw journal "Idish Far Alemn." He also contributed to Jewish philological publications in Chernivtsi.
Soviet Era
With the Soviet takeover of Chernivtsi in 1940, Royzn became a founding member of the Yiddish section of the Union of Writers of Ukraine. Throughout the Great Patriotic War, he served in the Soviet army.
Post-War Years
After the war, Royzn returned to Chernivtsi and taught Jewish language and literature in the city's only Jewish school. In 1948, the school closed, leaving Royzn as the "last teacher of Yiddish in the last Jewish school."
Later Career
Royzn continued his literary work, publishing in various Yiddish and Russian periodicals. He also translated works from Russian, Ukrainian, English, and German into Yiddish.
Legacy
Berl Royzn remained in Chernivtsi until his unfortunate demise in 1988. His collected philological works were posthumously published in Tel Aviv and later translated into Hebrew. Royzn's contributions to Jewish literary scholarship remain a valuable legacy.
