David Ignatoff facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
David Ignatoff
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| Born | David Ignatovski 15 October 1885 Brusilov, Russian Empire |
| Died | 26 February 1954 (aged 68) New York, United States of America |
| Resting place | Mount Carmel Cemetery |
| Language | Yiddish |
| Literary movement | Di Yunge |
| Spouse | Malka "Minnie" Ignatoff (1889–1971) |
| Children | Daniel Ignatoff |
David Ignatoff (born David Ignatovski; October 15, 1885 – February 26, 1954) was an author and playwright. He was born in the Russian Empire and later became an American writer. He wrote in Yiddish, a language spoken by many Jewish people.
Ignatoff was a member of a special group of writers called Di Yunge. He wrote many different kinds of stories. These included short stories, novels, plays, and even children's stories.
About David Ignatoff
David Ignatoff was born on October 15, 1885. His hometown was Brusilov, which was then part of the Russian Empire. His family was Hasidic, meaning they followed a traditional form of Judaism. He received a religious education when he was young.
In 1903, when he was 18, Ignatoff moved to Kiev. There, he became involved in political activities. He was even arrested for his part in a movement that wanted big changes in Russia.
In 1906, he decided to move to New York City in the United States. He found work in factories. He also became a leader in workers' unions, helping to improve conditions for people who worked in factories.
His Writing Career
Ignatoff started his writing career very early. His first story, "Ervachung," was published in 1907. His novel Tsvey kreftn came out the next year, in 1908.
He was a very important person in starting the literary group Di Yunge. This group of Yiddish writers wanted to create new and modern Yiddish literature. In 1910, he worked with another writer, I. J. Schwartz, to edit and publish a yearly book called Literatur.
In 1912, Ignatoff started his own literary magazine called Shriftn. This magazine was known for being avant-garde, which means it featured new and experimental ideas. He was the editor of Shriftn until 1926. He also edited another yearly publication, Velt-ayn, Velt-oys, in 1916.
Notable Works
David Ignatoff wrote many important works. One of his early stories was "Der giber" ('The Hero'). This story was based on the biblical legend of Yiftaḥ.
In 1918, he released Dos Farborgene Likht ('The Hidden Light'). This was a collection of tales inspired by the stories of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov.
Some of his other major works include:
- In keslgrub ('In the Crucible', 1918)
- Vundermayses fun Altn Prag ('Wondertales of Old Prague', 1920)
- A trilogy of novels called Af vayte vegn ('On Distant Roads', 1932)
- Dos vos kumt for (1932)
- Far a nayer velt (1939)
Later in his life, he also wrote biblical plays. These included Yiftokh ('Jephthah', 1939) and Gideon (1953).
For the last forty years of his life, David Ignatoff worked for the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society. This organization helps immigrants. He passed away in New York on February 26, 1954. Many Jewish cultural organizations helped arrange his funeral.
