In the shadows of the Russian ghetto a young poet, Hayyim Nahman Bialik, appeared, who was destined to become the lyrical voice of his people. He led the Hebrew literary renaissance, bringing vigor and modernity to the ancient language and reasserting its continuity throughout the ages. His epic poem, "The City of Slaughter" has poignant relevancy to the unforgettable catastrophe that overwhelmed our people, and his "Talmud-Student" symbolize the age long devotion of Jews to learning and tradition. His lyrics of hope take on added meaning when read in the light of the establishment of the state of Israel.