Feb 21, 2021
INTRODUCTION
While Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene’s conspiracy theory that the 2018 California wildfires were ignited by a space leyzer controlled by wealthy Jews may be more alarming than funny, all this new attention on Jewish space leyzers made us realize we had previously neglected this important topic. So, this Purim we’re taking the opportunity to share with you some of our favorite space Leyzers of the Jewish persuasion.
Ophthalmologist, linguist, and inventor of Esperanto, Zamenhof hoped to unite the peoples of the world through shared language.
Famous quote: “Why stop at a world without linguistic or religious barriers, when you can aim for a whole universal universe?”
Poet, literary critic, and translator Leyzer Grinberg collaborated with Irving Howe on A Treasury of Yiddish Poetry and A Treasury of Yiddish Stories.
Famous Quote: “The reader who is to find pleasure in Yiddish literature needs a good deal of imaginative curiosity; he must be willing to enter an unfamiliar world and adjust himself to literary modes and expectations that differ from those of his own culture. The same can be said for the explorer traveling into space.”
3. Leyzer Volf
A flamboyant and prolific poet, known for his energetic performances and parodies, associated with Yung Vilne.
Famous quote: “Phew! My head has started spinning / Like the earth in solar orbit!”
4. Leyzer Burko
Historian of Yiddish linguistics and Yiddish actor, teacher, and cultural activist, Leyzer Burko is out of this world!
Famous Quote: “I study linguists who wanted to create a total Yiddish space in which Yiddish-speakers can engage in all meaningful life activities on this planet in Yiddish. I have taken their ideal of Yiddish space literally in my quest to extend their work to other planets as well.”
5. Leyzer Wolf
Famed wealthy butcher who wants to marry Tsaytl in Tevye the Dairyman.
Famous Quote: “A milk cow so I won’t be lonely? I’ll need more than bovine companionship if I’m going to make it out here in space.”
Leyzerus was an American Jewish poet and advocate for East European Jewish refugees.
Famous Quote: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free in a space vacuum.”