Rivkin Borukh (1883-1945)

Rivkin (Rybkin) Borukh (real name Borukh-Avrom Vainrub) (1883, Jakobštadt, Courland Governorate — 1945, New York) — literary critic, publicist. Member of the Bund from 1903. In 1904, arrested, spent a year in prison. Fled to Switzerland; participated in the anarchist movement. Published his first pamphlet in Russian. In 1911, after arriving in London, began writing in Yiddish. Published in the London anarchist publications “Germinal” and “Arbeter Fraynd.” In 1912, moved to the USA; collaborated on the newspaper “Dos Naye Land.” Co-editor of the journal “Di Literarishe Velt.” In 1917–19 and 1940–45, collaborated on the New York Yiddish daily “Der Tog.” R. believed that since the purpose of religion and art are identical, and creativity is the source of divine truth, a Jewish writer can influence the spiritual state of his people and direct it toward messianic goals. Author of 6 books of essays, including “Religion for the Non-Religious” (New York, 1947), “American Poets Who Wrote in Yiddish” (New York-Buenos Aires, 1947), “Main Directions in American Yiddish Literature” (New York, 1948), “Our Prose Writers” (1951). Translated into Yiddish “Millions and Happiness” by M.P. Artsybashev, “Lives of Brave Ladies” by J. Kochanowski, “Yekaterina Andreyevna” by L.N. Andreyev, and others.

REE 2, 468
REE 2, 520