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Bialik
is considered the national Hebrew poet of the Jewish people. Born in the
Ukraine, he received a strict religious Jewish education, but was attracted
to the Enlightenment movement. At 18, Bialik left for Odessa, where he
was active in Jewish literary circles. He founded the Dvir publishing
house in Berlin (1921), and after settling in Tel Aviv (1924) he devoted
himself to cultural activities and public affairs.
Bialik wrote novels, humorous songs, national and nature poetry and sketches;
some of his work is in Yiddish, but his most important writings are in
Hebrew (most of his poetry was written in the Ashkenazi accent). Much
of his work been widely translated. He also translated into Hebrew classical
English literary works. His poems are still read in Israel today, and
some have been put to music.
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