Mendele Mocher Sforim

Born Sholem Yankev Abramovich in Kopyl, Belarus, "Mendele Mocher Sforim" (Mendele the Book Peddler) was a pen name that became more famous than his given name. This literary persona allowed him to critique Jewish society and customs with a blend of satire and affection, often through the eyes of a humble, wandering Jew, a narrative device that proved remarkably effective and enduring. Talk about commitment to a bit. And a pseudonym. Both.