Russian Revolution: First National Jewish Book Collection

MOSCOW -- "Until now, anyone doing scholarly Jewish research in Moscow had to leave Moscow to do it," declares Professor Kovelman.

Kovelman, Director of the Center for Jewish Studies and Jewish Civilization at Moscow State University, is out to establish the first serious, substantial academic library of Jewish books in modern Russian history. He is being supported in this book project by JDC (The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee) and the Russian Jewish Congress.

Just across the street from the Kremlin, in a cramped office, Professor Kovelman, a wiry man in his fifties, works surrounded by over 2,000 books. Still, he bemoans the shortage of books available for Jewish study.

"We are essentially 'bookless' in terms of serious study. The only existing Jewish research material was housed in the Lenin Library - Russia's national literary treasure." There, in the Baron Ginsberg collection, which was compiled before 1917, ancient Jewish manuscripts and scrolls have remained under lock and key for most of the twentieth century. No texts relating to Jewish history, culture or other cultural, religious or national themes have been collected since then. Assembling the collection is involved and riddled with challenges. Still, Kovelman takes great satisfaction knowing that this new collection will be housed in Russia's Lenin library, that country's pre-eminent literary institution.

To attract serious scholars of Judaism, Kovelman has combined the prestige of Moscow State University (The "Russian Harvard") and the knowledge of Hebrew University in Jerusalem, with which he partners.

Kovelman cites 70 years of Communism as the root cause for the continuity gap in academic Jewish texts. "Obviously, the political climate was not conducive to this area of study in this place. But today, we are answering a great cry for academic resource. We have many years to make up for, but we are unlimited in what we can achieve." How many books can Kovelman use? "How much time do you have?" smiles Kovelman.

The last time Russia's most elite university had such a department was in the late 1700's. Even though it is more than ten years since the fall of the Soviet Union, Professor Kovelman is surprised at the inclusion of his institute. "The mere establishment of this department in our country's most conservative academic institution was revolutionary. We are the de facto legitimization of Judaism. "

Kovelman has wasted no time in expanding the role and profile of his department on campus. Twenty-five doctoral candidates and 250 students at the graduate and undergraduate level now are currently majoring in Jewish studies through his Center. The Institute is divided into three divisions (or Cathedrals as they are known here); History, Economics and Literature/Language and was launched with help from the Newman family of New York. Today, the growing department is a joint venture between Moscow State University and Hebrew University in Jerusalem, with financial support from JDC (The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee) and the Russian Jewish Congress.

The cooperative effort includes faculty exchanges between Israel and Russia, teacher training throughout the former Soviet Union and the Garin Scholarship program for Jewish studies in Israel.

The Center's reach goes far beyond the university's hallowed halls. In an effort to cultivate future Jewish scholars, Kovelman has initiated a series of 'campuses' for high school students. Each 'campus' program consists of a series of intensive weekly day-long seminars on Jewish subjects. "These students have to be motivated and bright," notes Kovelman. From these groups we will select the best and the brightest for higher Jewish education."

Kovelman is determined to establish the greatest Jewish book collection housed in this part of the world.

"It's quite simple," Says Kovelman. "Without Jewish knowledge there can be no Jewish community. No Jewish future. And without Jewish books, there can be no Jewish knowledge."