Ruth R. Wisse
Ruth R. Wisse is a professor emerita at Harvard University, where she taught Yiddish and comparative literature. Born in Czernowitz, Romania (now Chernivtsi, Ukraine) and raised in Montreal, Canada, Wisse has been a prominent scholar in Jewish studies and a well-known public intellectual. She has written extensively on Jewish literature, culture, and politics, and her works often explore themes of Jewish identity, humor, and the challenges faced by Jews throughout history.
Wisse's academic career is distinguished by her contributions to the study of Yiddish literature and her advocacy for Jewish causes. She has been a vocal critic of anti-Semitism and has written about the intellectual and cultural environments that shape Jewish life in the Diaspora. Her scholarly work includes several important books on Yiddish writers and the Jewish experience in the modern world, making significant contributions to the understanding of Jewish literary culture.
Beyond her academic pursuits, Ruth R. Wisse has been involved in public discourse, contributing regularly to major publications and speaking on issues of Jewish interest and contemporary politics. Her writings not only reflect her deep scholarly knowledge but also her commitment to addressing contemporary issues facing the Jewish community. Her book 'Free as a Jew: A Personal Memoir of National Self-Liberation' reflects her personal experiences and broader historical insights into the nature of Jewish liberation and identity.