A Jewish Book in Every Jewish Home: The Argentine Cultural Project of the Spanish Language “Israel” Publishing House

ALEJANDRO DUJOVNE

Universidad de Denver, Colorado, EEUU

Congreso; WJSA/MJSA 2009 Conference; 2009

Western Jewish Studies Association/ Midwestern Jewish Studies Association

The progressive shift from Yiddish to Spanish as the day-to-day language of the new generations of Jews born in Argentina was repeatedly applauded by many as a sign of succesful integration into Argentina´s national life. However, others, mainly intellectuals and community activists, saw the loss of this language as a serious problem for the reproduction of Jewish identity. Against this, and considering the centrality give to the printed word, the translation of books from different languages into Spanish became one of the most decisive tasks undertaken by these agents.  "Israel Publishing House" was, in this sense, one of the most important Jewish Spanish publishing projects in Latin America. The convergence of philanthropist Jose Mirelman and intellectual Maximo Yagupsky generated the conditions for the development and success of this cultural enterprise, but also gave to "Israel Publishing House" a unique profile, distinct from the rest of the publishing ventures. Indeed, the authors and titles of its catalog, as well as the prefaces added to the translations and the exchange of letters between Maximo Yagupsky and authors and translators, show us the specific nuances of the idea of "Jewishness" developed by this publishing house along its existence. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the kind of political-gamble expressed by this book publishing enterprise.