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.