Italy is having a Yiddish moment. An unprecedented I.J. Singer translation is part of the boom.

Italy is experiencing a resurgence of interest in Yiddish literature, driven by the recent publication of an Italian translation of I.J. Singer’s Travels in America. This landmark release marks a pivotal moment in the cultural landscape of Italy, highlighting the enduring relevance of Yiddish language and literature beyond traditional centers of Jewish life such as Eastern Europe and the United States. I.J. Singer, born in Poland in 1893, was a prominent figure in the Yiddish literary world during the early 20th century. He was the older brother of the future Nobel Prize winner Isaac Bashevis Singer, though his own work initially overshadowed his sibling’s. However, over time, Isaac Bashevis gained greater recognition, while I.J. Singer’s contributions fell into relative obscurity. His writings, however, continue to resonate with contemporary audiences, particularly in Italy, where a growing appreciation for Yiddish literature has led to increased efforts to translate and publish his works. Travels in America, a collection of essays originally published in the Yiddish newspaper Forverts, offers a unique window into the early 20th-century American experience from the perspective of a European immigrant. In 1932, Singer embarked on a journey across the United States, documenting his observations of American society, its complexities, and the lives of Jewish communities within it. His writings reflect both admiration and bewilderment at the cultural contrasts he encountered, especially regarding the American tendency to reject European norms. The Italian edition of Travels in America, titled Viaggi in America, was translated by Enrico Benella and published by the historic Italian Jewish publishing house Giuntina. This translation represents a rare effort to bring Yiddish literature directly to Italian readers, bypassing the common practice of translating through English. The project aligns with broader trends in Italy, where there has been a notable increase in the number of Yiddish-related publications since the successful release of The Family Carnovsky in 2013. That book, translated by Anna Linda Callow, became a bestseller, selling over 120,000 copies and sparking a renewed interest in Yiddish literature. This surge in Yiddish literature in Italy is attributed to several factors, including the availability of digital archives containing previously inaccessible texts, the emergence of a new generation of translators, and a growing audience eager to explore the rich heritage of Jewish culture. The revival has also extended beyond books, encompassing a wider engagement with Yiddish traditions and practices. Despite the rising interest in Yiddish culture, it appears that this movement is not closely linked to political sentiments surrounding Israel. While some observers have noted a correlation between the growth of Yiddish studies and certain political currents, others argue that the interest in Yiddish literature stems primarily from a genuine desire to connect with historical and cultural roots. This distinction underscores the complexity of the phenomenon, as it reflects both personal and collective cultural aspirations. As the Italian publishing industry continues to embrace Yiddish literature, the legacy of figures like I.J. Singer is being reexamined and celebrated. With over 50 new editions of Yiddish books appearing in Italy since the success of The Family Carnovsky, the cultural impact of these translations is becoming increasingly evident. The ongoing efforts to preserve and promote Yiddish literature in Italy suggest that the language and its associated narratives remain relevant and valued in contemporary discourse.