The Jewish Community Federation of Cleveland has published a Russian-language literary journal of poetry, prose, essays and social journalism written by immigrants from the former Soviet Union.

The 14 writers are all Jewish refugees, most of whom came to the United States in the past decade. Many of the writings deal with the totalitarianism and anti-Semitism they experienced under Soviet rule. The journal is called "Luch" in Russian – "Ray" in English – for the ray of light it sheds on years of oppression and their new ability to engage in literary creativity.

Also included is an article with photos about the cultural and entertainment resources of Greater Cleveland, and features on Russian artists living in Cleveland with photographs of their artwork. A forward explains the work of the Federation to the New American community.

"We thought this was a great way to make New Americans feel more at home in Cleveland, and also to enable them to share the tradition of Russian literature they brought with them from the former Soviet Union," said Robert Goldberg, a former Board Chair of the Federation who was involved in the project.

The 220-page softcover book is being distributed free to area libraries, social service agencies and other locations. It is also being sent to libraries in Russia, and is also posted below for downloading as a PDF file.

The project was funded by anonymous donors, and by the Refugee Resettlement Fund of the Jewish Community Federation of Cleveland.

Since the Soviet Union collapsed more than a decade ago, the Federation has helped more than 6,000 Jews from there settle in Cleveland – at one point averaging nearly 3 people a day each year. "They came seeking religious freedom after decades of oppression, and found in Cleveland a warm and vibrant Jewish community eager to embrace them," Goldberg said.

The authors are writers, journalists and scholars. Many have advanced degrees and have published books in Russian.

"We were unable to realize our potential in the Soviet Union because of restrictions on freedom of speech and the taboo concerning Jewish themes," explained Boris Kolker, one of the authors who proposed the project to the Federation. "In the United States we have gained the opportunity to openly discuss our people – its dramatic fate, its present and future."

The collection was compiled by Yuriy Gert, of blessed memory, and Yakov Lipkovich. Original artwork for the cover is by Aleksandra Brin. Most of the authors live in Cleveland, and there are a few guest authors who live elsewhere in the United States, Israel and Russia.

Two of the pieces appear in English translation alongside the Russian. "Insurance," by Tamara Mayskaja (translated by Edward Reznichenko), recounts the hard-life story of a woman who comes to the United States to be closer to family. After she is hit by a car, she learns that medical care and compensatory damages are far different here than in her former home. "Yom Kippur Eve" by Vladimir Yedidovich (translated by Thomas Watts) is a haunting story of survival during the 1940s war years as the narrator is flooded with memories during a Yom Kippur service.