Through a historical catastrophe - the destruction of Jerusalem by the emperor of Rome - I was born in one of the cities in the diaspora. But I always deemed myself a child of Jerusalem, one who is in reality… — Shmuel Yosef Agnon Copy Share Image
It is not enough for a man to dwell in the Land of Israel, he must also pray to be free. — Shmuel Yosef Agnon Copy Share Image
Our sages of blessed memory have said that we must not enjoy any pleasure in this world without reciting a blessing. If we eat… — Shmuel Yosef Agnon Copy Share Image
Who were my mentors in poetry and literature? This is a matter of opinion. Some see in my books the influences of authors whose… — Shmuel Yosef Agnon Copy Share Image
I am generally ashamed to walk out in new clothes. And why am I ashamed? Is it because I don't want to embarrass the… — Shmuel Yosef Agnon Copy Share Image
If I am proud of anything, it is that I have been granted the privilege of living in the land which God promised our… — Shmuel Yosef Agnon Copy Share Image
Our days on earth are like a shadow, and the time of our affliction is the length of our days. — Shmuel Yosef Agnon Copy Share Image
When I first began to combine letters other than Hebrew, I read every book in German that came my way, and from these I… — Shmuel Yosef Agnon Copy Share Image
The fate of the singers who, like my songs, went up in flame was also the fate of the books which I later wrote.… — Shmuel Yosef Agnon Copy Share Image
Not every man remembers the name of the cow which supplied him with each drop of milk he has drunk. — Shmuel Yosef Agnon Copy Share Image
But perhaps the truth newly discovered is itself only temporary and when new discoveries are made these truths too will be abandoned. But one… — Shmuel Yosef Agnon Copy Share Image
I have also written a book about the Giving of the Torah, and a book on the Days of Awe, and a book on… — Shmuel Yosef Agnon Copy Share Image
God in heaven sits on high and plays games with us. He has plenty to do up there, what with building worlds and then… — Shmuel Yosef Agnon Copy Share Image
I was five years old when I wrote my first song. It was out of longing for my father that I wrote it. — Shmuel Yosef Agnon Copy Share Image
