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Iehuda Even-ShmuelJewish philosopher, lexicographer, Israeli cultural figure and writer.
Country:
 Israel |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Immigration and Academic Career
- Cultural and Literary Contributions
- Personal Tragedy and Retreat
- Later Work and Recognition
Early Life and Education
Joseph Even-Shmuel (1887-1976)was born in the town of Balta in the Podolsk region of Russia. As a young man, he traveled to Odessa to study at the yeshiva of Rabbi Chaim Chernowitz, known as the "Young Rabbi." However, he soon returned home and began preparing for university independently.
After passing his exams, he went to Paris, where he studied for two years. During this time, he became interested in socialism and pacifism.
Immigration and Academic Career
Upon returning to Russia, Even-Shmuel married and became a teacher. He later emigrated to Canada, where he completed his university education at Dropsy College in Philadelphia. There, he earned a doctorate with a dissertation on Rabbi Yom Tov Lipmann Milhausen.
Even-Shmuel was a founding member of the Poalei Zion party in the United States and organized and directed the "National Arbeiter Farband" seminary. He also contributed to the journals "Hatorn" and "Tsukunft."
Cultural and Literary Contributions
In 1926, at the invitation of Hayim Nahman Bialik, Even-Shmuel moved to Palestine to edit the Great English-Hebrew Dictionary. He played an active role in the country's cultural life and later headed the cultural department of the National Committee (Vaad Haleumi), the executive body of Jewish self-governance in pre-state Palestine.
Despite his public activities, Even-Shmuel continued his scholarly pursuits. He published annotated sections of Maimonides' "Guide for the Perplexed" ("Moreh Nevukhim") and compiled interpretations of the "Midrashei Geulah." He also served as the first editor of the Hebrew Encyclopedia.
Personal Tragedy and Retreat
In 1947, Even-Shmuel's son, Shmuel-Acher (Muli), was killed in a training accident during the Palmach underground. This tragedy devastated Even-Shmuel and led him to withdraw from public life.
For almost 30 years, he lived in seclusion, devoting himself to Torah study and scholarly work. He returned to a religious lifestyle, strictly observing Jewish precepts. His home in Jerusalem became a gathering place for the leading intellectuals of the time.
Later Work and Recognition
Even-Shmuel produced a new Hebrew translation of Judah Halevi's "Kuzari," which was recognized with the State of Israel Prize in 1973. He also published an annotated edition of Samuel Ibn Tibbon's Hebrew translation of Maimonides' "Guide for the Perplexed" (1953-60) and a one-volume edition with a condensed introduction in 1946. By 1987, four volumes of this work had been published.
