An archive regarding the Encyclopedia Hebraica, shedding light on state of Israel during War of Independence

I recently acquired a fascinating archive of correspondence relating to the publication of the Encyclopaedia Hebraica האנציקלופדיה העברית. These letters are a great window reflecting on the state of Israeli society during the tumultuous period of the founding of the Jewish State.

These approximately eighty five Hebrew letters were written during a period of two years, from the summer of 1947 to the summer of 1949, crucial years in the history of the Israel. These letters portray an intimate look into the reality of Israeli society of that era.

These letters – relating to the publication of the Encyclopedia Hebraica – were written by Mr. Meir Peli to his American agent, Mr. Sheinbaum, and they faithfully convey the excitement felt in Israel regarding the publication of the Encyclopedia.A few of the letters are by Alexander Peli and others.

There is also a list of American Jewish scholars suggested to partake in the encyclopedia etc., newspaper clippings, and a few telegrams etc. The letters contain much interesting information about the war of Israeli independence, and the mood in Jerusalem at the time.

"During the period of publication, a tremendous significance was associated with the encyclopedia. This was demonstrated by the fact there were people that felt a driving need to be included in the encyclopedia as a sort of stamp of approval of their importance and position. Bracha Peli, publisher of the encyclopedia, later told of an author who approached her one day and threatened to commit suicide if he was not included: "Even though his standing in the Hebrew literature was not of great importance, I did not take any chances and included him as an entry." At times, arguments arose over who would write a given article, arguments that stemmed from academic differences of opinion or from political or emotional factors. Such was the case with the articles on David Ben-Gurion and on Adolf Hitler."

There are many fascinating particulars in the letters; following are just a small number of excerpts from the letters in English translation.

"Here in the land the first volume made a powerful impression, without exaggeration like an “atomic explosion”. I am amazed at the tremendous reverence shown, here in the Yishuv, for this phenomenal project. (July 28, 1949)"

W"e here did not, G-d forbid, lose our hope. Not only are we continuing this project, but we are going forward with renewed energy and concentrated strength. We are keeping our souls as calm as possible, calming our nerves too, as best as we can.  The amazing thing is that between the gunshots during those short intervals, people enter the shop; they purchase some Hebrew book, as a gift or perhaps for personal use, as if the situation were normal and the area calm. (Jan. 8, 1947)"

"The editing is quite difficult, as the sending of packages from here to Jerusalem and back can take 5 to 6 days. (Jan. 8, 1947)"

It is already 75 days that we are under constant gunfire. Yet, In addition to our contributions towards the struggle, we do not for even one moment neglect our civic duties. … Alongside the funerals, weddings are held. The faith in victory is so deeply embedded … you bite your lips till blood flows and then return to the tasks at hand. This is the mood, this is our life, and this is the way it will be until the establishment of the State. (Feb. 15, 1948)"

"One small link in this great [National struggle], Encyclopedia Hebraica by name, is also continuing its pulsating life. The first volume can already be seen on the horizon. (Feb. 15, 1948)"

"Please visit the British Museum and purchase a full set of their periodical releases they number in the hundreds. In general your correspondence should be with Tel Aviv, since there is no security in correspondence to Jerusalem. Our “cousins” in the postal service there are “helpful” in having our letters misplaced. (March 24, 1948)"

Following are some excerpts in the original Hebrew:

1.8.47 "כל צרה וצרה מחשלת אותנו כפלדה ומקרבת אותנו למטרה"  "לא אבדנו חלילה את עשתונותינו פה ולא רק שאנו ממשיכים לעבוד כ"א ממשיכים במשנה מרץ, בכח מרוכז, בשקט נפשי עד כמה שאפשר, ובעצבים שקטים ג"כ עד כמה שאפשר. והפלא הוא שבין יריות ליריות, בהפסקה הקצרה, נכנסים אנשים לחנות, קונים ספר עברי מי למתנה מי לצרכיו הוא, כאילו הכל בסדר ושקט בסביבה."

 "ענין ההגהות מקשה במקצת- משלוח חבילה לירושלים וחזרה נמשך לפעמים 5-6 ימים"

2.15.48 "כפי הנראה שהפלדה מחשלת. למרות היותנו נמצאים זה 75 יום תחת אש צולבת בלתי פוסקת אין אנו שוכחים אף לרגע קט את תפקידנו החילוניים נוסף להשתתפנו במאבק... לצדן של הלווייות נערכות חתונות ... והאמונה בנצחון היא כל כך מושרשת ... נושכים את השפתים עד זוב דם וחוזרים לסדר היום. זהו מצב הרוח , אלה חיינו, וכאלה יהיו עד קום המדינה."

"החוליה הקטנה בשרשרת הארוכה ששמה אנצקלפידיה, גם היא ממשיכה בחייה האימפולסיבבים ביותר ובאופק נראה כבר הכרך הראשון."

3.24.48 "היכנס למוזיאן הבריטי וקנה סט שלם כמה מאות גליונות שהם הוציאו בכלל הקשר אתנו יסתדר דרך תל אביב כי אין כל בטחון בקשר בירושלים בני דודנו העובדים  בדואר "עוזרים" לפעמים שהמכתבים ילכו לאיבוד".

יולי 28. 1949

"הכרך עשה רושם בארץ כמו "פצצה אטומית", בלא גוזמא , קבלו אותו באהדה שכזו בהערכת עוצם המפעל שאני בעצמי נדהמתי מההד שקבל הספר בישוב שלנו"

hat-tip: Yitzchok Stroh