Leo Rosten

Leo Rosten (1908-1997) was an American novelist, humorist, and scholar. Born in Lodz, Poland, he immigrated to the United States with his family at the age of three. Rosten pursued his studies in New York, attending Brooklyn College, and later earned a PhD in political science from the University of Chicago. He worked as a teacher, lecturer, and political analyst for the American government. Rosten gained recognition for his popular book “The Joys of Yiddish,” a lexicon of Yiddish terms and their humorous usage, which became a bestseller. He published several novels, including “Captain Newman, MD,” which was adapted into a successful film. Rosten’s works often reflected his Jewish heritage and showcased his talent for blending humor, satire, and social commentary. Throughout his career, he embraced writing in a variety of genres, leaving a lasting impact on American literature.