The Lithuanian Jew (or Litvak) was known for his
love of education. In the 18th century, The Great Gaon
of Vilnius, Elijah ben Shlomo Zalman, attained guru
status, esteemed as one of the world's greatest thinkers
and authorities on Torah and Talmud. Jews were very much
part of Lithuanian society and contributed strongly to
the Lithuanian independence movement and, in the 1920s
and 1930s, the building of an independent Lithuania. For
them Lithuanian independence meant a renaissance, the
chance to live as equal citizens in the newly founded
country, an end to the stigmatization and anti-Semitism
of the tsarist period. Without question, Vilnius was the
axis of the Lithuanian Jewish world. Renowned
scientists, teachers, writers, sculptors, and musicians
made their homes here. Jewish secular and religious
institutions flourished, including Der Yiddisher
Visenshaftlicher Institut (YIVO). Albert Einstein and
Sigmund Freud were honorary members of its board.