Central Queens Y to Host Discussion on Sholem Aleichem

The Central Queens Y will host an Oct. 14 discussion by a professor and author about his new book on writer Sholem Aleichem, whose work inspired “Fiddler on the Roof.”

Author Jeremy Dauber, who is also a professor of literature at Columbia University, will talk about his new biography of Aleichem, an Ukrainian-born Yiddish playwright and author, at 1:30 p.m.

The author will divulge how Aleichem’s work helped to form common views on Eastern European Jewish life.

Aleichem’s own story was as compelling as those of his fictional characters. The writer grew up impoverished, married into wealth and then lost his fortune through bad business sense. In between, he became a renowned author and friend of novelist Mark Twain.

Aleichem’s works included novels, such as “Mottor the Cantor’s Son” and “Wandering Stars,” and plays - “Yaknez” and “The Doctor.”

His stories on Tevye the Dairyman inspired the musical and film “Fiddler on the Roof.”

A $7 donation is suggested for the event, which is presented by the Hevesi Jewish Heritage Library.

The Central Queens Y is located at 67-09 108th St. in Forest Hills.