Jewish Achievement
Jewish Achievement is a work focusing on contributions in art, science, literature and actions by Jewish men. Abraham Rosenthal wrote the introduction, stating that Silber "was concious that there is no distinction of race or faith in letters, science, art or action. All belong to humanity at large. Yet each people prides itself upon its own, and to remember them, or to know of them, is not only a privilege and a duty, but a benefit- a heritage to be transmitted and increased. Such knowledge raises regard for one's people." The book is both a celebration of assimilation and a recognition of the pride in one's being Jewish. Rosenthal adds, "More and more of the work of the Jew is today accepted, both as Jewish, but thanks to progress and civilization, also of men, brother of his brother man. Of this we rejoice."
Silber devotes a chapter to Jewish authors, stating, "As one is, so he writes." Silber notes the importance of the Bible, Talmud, and Zohar (ancient Jewish writings) and their influence on future writers. He celebrates Theodore Herzl for his capability of discussing Jewish anguish and oppression so efficiently in "Der Judenstaat (The Jewish State)."
Important to note that even in 1910, Silber understood that Jews did not only write in somber tones. He writes, "On the contrary, strange as it may seem, humor in all its forms, has found its real representatives among the Jews." He never mentions the pieces being written, just the authors (and in this book, he only cites men-not just with literature, but in every contribution), highlighting the creator by seeing the light in their creation. There were Jewish women writing and getting published at the time, including Rebecca Gratz, Penina Moise (the first published Jewish female poet), and Emma Lazarus ('The New Colossus").