Book Collection & Library • ביכער־זאַמלונג
During its existence YUNG YiDiSH has collected and saved from destruction and oblivion over 50,000 books from private donors, estates, institutions, and libraries that closed down, as well as books found on the streets throughout Israel. The shelves of YUNG YiDiSH Jerusalem are home to some 6,000 books, catalogued and neatly organized according to theme and author (view the Jerusalem catalog here).
In Tel Aviv, at our New Central Bus Station center (opened in 2006), we have processed over 14,000 additional books through volunteer help, while much work still lies ahead. Some 2,500 books have been distributed to students, researchers, and interested readers, and more than 400 rare books were given to four libraries to complete their holdings. Over 20,000 books are still waiting in boxes for shelves and cataloging, and we do everything we can to make our collection accessible to the public.
Apart from establishing libraries in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, the Dimona Municipal Library, and Vilnius University in Lithuania, YUNG YiDiSH has curated Yiddish book exhibits at public spaces and academic institutions including Alma College, the Jerusalem Cinematheque, the Yiddish Writers Union in Israel (Beys Leivick), Tel Aviv University, and Vilnius University.
Gratitude to Our Book Donors & Volunteers
YUNG YiDiSH wishes to thank all book donors and all volunteers — shelvers, shleppers, builders, collectors, and sorters — who throughout the years have participated in developing and sustaining the book project through their invaluable contribution and work:
Rachel Corkhidi: Special mention for packing, unpacking, sorting, ordering, shelving, repairing, treating, and preserving tens of thousands of books, one by one, since 1996. Rachel has been essential for setting up the libraries in YUNG YiDiSH Jerusalem, Beys Leivick, Vilna, and YUNG YiDiSH Tel Aviv.
Meir Tshetshik: Yiddish book maven, volunteer librarian, and collector for YUNG YiDiSH since 1991. Tshetshik, who is also a composer and hazn, has provided continuous and generous help in cataloging, locating, and saving books, as well as performing as a hazn and storyteller.
Pinkhas Maurer: First library assistant, who shelved and created a handwritten card catalog of 2,500 books in the years 1992–1996 (now at the National Library of Israel).
Volunteer or Donate Books: If you wish to help with the books or donate Yiddish books, records, or archival materials, please contact us at yung@yiddish.co.il or call +972-3-6874433.
