El Legado Sefardí de Ŝemaḥ Raḅiner

Abstract

In this article the reader is offered a study of the life and literary legacy of the Rabbi Dr. Ŝemaḥ Raḅiner, from Lithuania, as well as the transliteration of one of his works written in Judeo-Spanish entitled El símbol de la Sucá o la bandera del galut [The symbol of the Suca or The Flag of Galut]. His literary production expresses his constant concern to combine traditional Jewish values with other fairly modern and innovative elements with regard to the period in which he lived (end of 19th century- to the beginning of the 20th century). For Rabiner, the most important ideal for the Jewish people was to preserve its roots, its unique religious and family traditions, language and culture, and also to be deeply involved with the Zionist ideals necessary for the establishment of a homeland or a Jewish identity as a means to finally end the suffering of the diaspora.