Leon Gildin, 87, has had a passion for Yiddish language, culture and literacy for most of his life.
The author of three previous books, he has now published a book 40 years in the making. The Poems of H. Leivick and Others: Yiddish Poetry in Translation is a collection of 20th century poets.
Leon says he hopes, “People will read and enjoy the translations and get a feeling for the original beauty of Yiddish poetry.”
The book includes 13 poems by Leivick (the pen name of Leivick Halpern, 1888-1962) and 19 poems by 10 other poets. Leivick, who was born in Byelorussia, is perhaps best known for “Golem,” a dramatic poem that became a standard of Yiddish theater and was staged Off-Broadway in 2002.
“My translations are of some of his lesser, and not so lesser, known poems that deal with his childhood, his imprisonment, his life in America, his family, Jewish survival, etcetera,” says Leon. “One of the translated poems, which strangely enough, deals with the writing of poetry, is not in rhyme which is very unusual since most of his work is in rhyme.”
Leon and his earlier books were the subject of a February 2014 article in Arizona Jewish Life (azjewishlife.com/trusty-typewriter-keeps-retired-lawyer-busy).
“I have translated poetry for 40 years or more and have had some of the translations published over the years in various Anglo-Jewish publications,” says Leon. “I looked for a publisher for 10 or more years. I went to almost every college and university that had a Jewish studies program and a university press. Editors and professors complimented me on the translations and the choice of poems, but no one would ever undertake to publish the book.”
After hearing a variety of reasons why publishers would not print the book of poetry, he was referred to Finishing Line Press, an award-winning small press publisher that specializes in poetry. “When I gave them my proposal they accepted it at once and did a lovely job with the book,” says Leon, adding he was disappointed the publisher decided not to include the original Yiddish with the translations.
“I am thrilled that I finally accomplished what I set out to do,” says Leon. “The Yiddish Book Center in Amherst, MA, has ordered copies for their bookstore/gift shop, I have been asked to speak about the book and will lecture at ASU about translating in general and the background of the book, Yiddish, the poets, etcetera.”
To purchase the book for $14, shipping included, mail Leon H. Gildin, 3801 N Goldwater Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ 85251. The book is also available online at finishinglinepress.com.
