Leivick Halpern was born near Minsk in 1888. He was a member of the Labor Bund and arrested and sentenced to hard labor in Siberia for his political activity. This poem, Eybik (Eternity), which was published in The Call in the 1960s in both Yiddish and English, exemplifies how the arts, language, and political history are a source for continued resistance and resilience in our generations-long struggle to build “a better and more beautiful world for all.” Learn more about H. Leivick. 

Throughout the Workers Circle’s history, we have lifted up poetry, music, and the beautiful ability of the Yiddish language to capture human experience. From the earliest days of the Workers Circle, Yiddish language and its translation into English, were central to our efforts on education and full participation in American society. 

For a beautiful, new song with the lyrics of this stirring poem, listen to Eybik, by singer-songwriter Simon Starr.

To learn more about the Workers Circle’s long and nuanced history of education, participation, and assimilation, check out Daniel Katz’s book, All Together Different: Yiddish Socialists, Garment Workers, and the Labor Roots of Multiculturalism.