mentalblog.com comments:
notes:
"Chassidically inclined Russian community". It is a mistake to view that community as Russian. The description, the culture are distinctly Ukrainian. Your should know better than to pile all jews into Russia. I don't want to go into details, they are numerous.
I don't agree with the emphasis of the review on Der Nister versus establishment. It seem to me that was only a subplot on the canvas of human character.
"ascetic" Luzi? I don't like the use of this word. It is often incorrectly applied to pious Jews (as in this review). Don't forget Luzi was a great dancer in his youth, a dashing playboy perhaps who channeled his energy into Breslev (as many Breslevers today incidentally). "ascetic" my tochas...
There was no union between Maskilim and Breslovers. Individuals from these groups emerge as the only ones who cared to treat human beings morally with Hesed. As you know Der Nister wrote that only maskilim actively thought abut the material betterment of the Jews. When Yossel approached Luzi for partnership in this regard it lead nowhere. And don't forget what Sruli thought of Luzis influence on his students.
Why can't you understand the "another brother" Alter Mashber? Der Nister paints a canvas of characters. Here is the one who despite his mad screams has lucid moments when he is poetic as none of his brothers. He is romantic that was deprived of this world. His poems are of biblical proportions.
"themes played heavily by socialist and communist thinkers; no doubt Der Nister's sentiments were with them."
Since Der Nister is not here to defend himself, I have to speak on his behalf. I have no doubt that if he heard this he would jump to his feet in protest. A sacrilege to speak this way about a genius who perished in Gulag. Der Nister's sentiments are with struggles and distinct characters of Yiddin. He is not on the side of a movement that negates and persecutes the richness of human emotion.
I don't view Luzi's walking off as a triumph. It is an exodus from the destroyed world. From the mob, from injustice.
A) Sheesh, lighten up a little. Yes, there is a difference between Russian/Ukrainian, and Ukrainian would be correct, but for many of us who grew up when I did Russia ruled the Ukraine and so the name Russia is used loosely. I meant it as opposed to Hungary / Romania/ Poland... My apologies
B) Ascetic:
1: practicing strict self-denial as a measure of personal and especially spiritual discipline
2: austere in appearance, manner, or attitude
So, yes, I really do think that Luzi is as I said: "somewhat of an ascetic and a mystic" -- I don't know what your problem here is.
C) In fact, historically, there was an unusual relationship between Breslovers and Maskilim. I am not sure of the exact extent and specifics, but this is something you can find documented. And I think I disagree with your take on the legitimacy of efforts by Maskilim vs Breslovers.
D) Most Yiddish writers have a madman in their stories. I image that they were common in the shtetl. I suspect Alter may represent the voices of madness in our heads, but I don’t know. I still am not sure what Alter is supposed to be communicating, but your take is as good as anyone’s.
Cont'
E) Do you mean to assert that Der Nister wasn’t a socialist or communist? I don’t think there is anything wrong with it if he was, and your assertion otherwise does not convince me.
F) As to the general message, in this world books are written and each reader takes it as it hits him. There’s nothing wrong with us seeing it differently; to each our own.
I agree with most of your points. My questions are to polish certain aspects. Of course Der Nister is explaining the rise of communists and of course he unmistakeably on their side. Yet commies see a black and white world and Der Nister would never have it that way.
"Here is the one who despite his mad screams has lucid moments when he is poetic as none of his brothers. He is romantic that was deprived of this world." (Alter)
And that's what I think "he's representing" there: the soul of the poet, with all its vertiginous heights and depths. (And divine intuition...)
Commenting by HaloScan
