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I. L. Peretz

20quotes

I. L. Peretz: A Life of Literary Excellence


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Full Name and Common Aliases


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Israel Leib Perlstein, better known as I.L. Peretz (1852-1915), was a renowned Jewish poet, playwright, and prose writer from Poland.

Birth and Death Dates


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Born on April 18, 1852, in Otwock, Russian Empire (now Poland), Peretz passed away on May 3, 1915, in Krakow, Austro-Hungarian Empire (now Poland).

Nationality and Profession(s)


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Peretz was a Polish Jew by birth, but his work spans multiple nationalities due to the changing borders of Eastern Europe during his lifetime. His profession as a writer allowed him to transcend geographical boundaries.

Early Life and Background


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Growing up in a traditional Jewish family, Peretz's early life was marked by a strong connection to his faith. He studied at a yeshiva (Talmudic academy) but eventually turned away from religious pursuits due to the strictness of its environment. This move led him to explore secular education and literature.

Peretz's experiences as an outsider within both Jewish and non-Jewish communities influenced much of his writing, which often explores themes of identity, belonging, and social justice. His early exposure to Jewish folklore and mythology also played a significant role in shaping his literary style.

Major Accomplishments


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I.L. Peretz is celebrated for numerous literary achievements:

Founding member: He was one of the founding members of the Yiddish Language and Literature organization, which aimed at promoting the use of Yiddish as a literary language.
 Playwright: His plays often tackled social issues and were performed in both Polish and Yiddish. Notable examples include _The Golem_ and _Toyt fun Yankev-Yosef._
Prose writer: Peretz wrote many short stories, some of which are considered classics of Jewish literature, such as _Bontshe Shvayg._

Notable Works or Actions


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Peretz's notable works include:

_The Golem_ (1905): A play that delves into the themes of identity and social justice.
_Toyt fun Yankev-Yosef_ (1911): Another play that explores the complexities of human relationships and societal norms.
 _Bontshe Shvayg_: A short story about a man who, despite being poor and powerless, finds solace in his faith.

Impact and Legacy


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Peretz's work had significant impact on Jewish literature:

Promotion of Yiddish: He played a crucial role in promoting the use of Yiddish as a literary language.
 Social commentary: His writing addressed social issues, such as poverty and inequality, which resonated with readers.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


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Peretz's quotes are often cited due to their thought-provoking nature:

Insights into human nature: His words offer profound insights into the complexities of human relationships.
 Social commentary: His writing continues to resonate with readers, offering commentary on pressing social issues.

I.L. Peretz's legacy as a literary figure is built upon his unique blend of cultural influences and his dedication to promoting Yiddish literature.

Quotes by I. L. Peretz

At the Throne of Glory it is not the nobly-born that are beloved, but the nobly-risen.
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At the Throne of Glory it is not the nobly-born that are beloved, but the nobly-risen.
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It is not only individuals peoples too cannot live merely for themselves. The whole world must be redeemed.
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It is not only individuals peoples too cannot live merely for themselves. The whole world must be redeemed.
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In the second and third exiles we have served as a living protest against greed and hate, against physical force, against “might makes right”!
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In the second and third exiles we have served as a living protest against greed and hate, against physical force, against “might makes right”!
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Prosperity may be found in small as in big business.
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Prosperity may be found in small as in big business.
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Many refined people will not kill a fly, but eat an ox.
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Many refined people will not kill a fly, but eat an ox.
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Purim is the birthday of the first Schutz-Jude, the first Jewish toady to foreign royalty.
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Purim is the birthday of the first Schutz-Jude, the first Jewish toady to foreign royalty.
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Prayer sometimes dulls the hunger of the pauper, like a mother’s finger thrust into the mouth of her starving baby.
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Prayer sometimes dulls the hunger of the pauper, like a mother’s finger thrust into the mouth of her starving baby.
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Don’t look up to heaven, for what will you see in the sky, except stars, luminous but cold, wholly insensitive to pity?
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Don’t look up to heaven, for what will you see in the sky, except stars, luminous but cold, wholly insensitive to pity?
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Youth is fair, a graceful stag, Leaping, playing in a park. Age is gray, a toothless hag, Stumbling in the dark.
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Youth is fair, a graceful stag, Leaping, playing in a park. Age is gray, a toothless hag, Stumbling in the dark.
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If the husband sits on a chair in the Garden of Eden, his wife is his footstool.
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If the husband sits on a chair in the Garden of Eden, his wife is his footstool.
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