To mark the 150th anniversary of Hayim Nahman Bialik's birth, Agnon House pays tribute to the poet and his confidant, fellow writer Shai Agnon
Shai Agnon and Hayim Nahman Bialik are the two Ukrainian heavyweights of modern Hebrew literature, the former in prose – in fact Agnon remains the only Hebrew author to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature – and the latter in poetry. Far from being in competition, they embraced each other's work. Indeed they were life-long friends and, although they had disagreements, they remained focused on their shared goal of creating Hebrew literature that, while based on the existing tradition, could be applied to any contemporary situation. It is not that they laid out an academic programme, but rather, through their creative work, were able to show how such an ancient language was still relevant.
Left: Bialik’s letter to Agnon after Agnon’s house burned down in 1924; Right: Dedication from Bialik to Agnon on Bialik’s Mishna Commentary
An exhibition is now on show at Beit Agnon (Agnon House) in Jerusalem's Talpiot district, showing letters these writers exchanged, books with dedications to each other, plus artefacts such as pens and eye glasses. My Master Bialik – My Dear Agnon is being held on the 150th anniversary of Bialik's birth. One of the curators, Jeffrey Saks, who has overseen many translations of Agnon into English, claims that one of the author's most popular stories, In the Heart of the Seas, is actually a paean in praise of Bialik, who appears as a magical presence, establishing himself in the Land of Israel. This bears out the claim of both the poet and the writer – that a nation must encompass both spiritual and cultural attributes, as well as practical skills, if it is to develop fully.
Bialik’s eyeglasses and pen
The exhibit is modest, but the house – which Agnon built in the 1930s – is worth a visit in itself, with an unmissable guided tour around his fabulous library. Bialik's house in Tel Aviv (on 22 Bialik Street, no less) is an architectural gem. Built in 1924, it combines different styles, both modern and historic.
In addition to his potent poetry, Bialik was a multi-talented spokesman for the renaissance of Hebrew, writing children's books, anthologies, speeches and translations of foreign literature, including Cervantes' Don Quixote and Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. He also created the Oneg Shabbat, a public event that showed how even secular Israelis could create something special on the sabbath, and which met with resounding success throughout the fledgling state.
Curator Jeffrey Saks and author Haim Beer explore the exhibit
The contributions Agnon and Bialik made to the world – not just the world of literature – are innumerous and My Master Bialik – My Dear Agnon provides the perfect opportunity to discover more about these two prolific and vital wordsmiths.
By Mordechai Beck
Photos © Agnon House
My Master Bialik – My Dear Agnon runs until Wednesday 31 May. Agnon House, Jerusalem, 9338814. agnonhouse.org.il