ABSTRACT
Like many western intellectuals, Joseph Opatoshu became attracted to the Soviet Union, particularly to the Jewish cultural life, which found an unprecedented support and encouragement of the communist state. The attitude to Opatoshu became radically different following Peretz Markish's repatriation to the Soviet Union. An important role in shaping Markish's literary reputation was played by Nusinov, who always remained in the forefront of mainstream ideological debates, but found time for activities in the field of Yiddish literature. On 5 April 1927, Markish informed Opatoshu that the Soviet Yiddish establishment would like to invite him to visit the country. During his 1928 Soviet sojourn, Opatoshu was elated to see the unprecedented amount of money and energy that the communist state had been investing in Yiddish culture. During his trip, Opatoshu was particularly taken by the number of young Soviet readers of Yiddish literature. Berdichev, which Opatoshu described as the 'most Jewish town', generally made strong impression on him.
