In 1919, when Lithuanian was proclaimed the state language and became a compulsory subject in non-Lithuanian schools, the need for textbooks arose. The first textbook of the Lithuanian language for the ethnic minorities (Jewish, Russian, and Polish) written by the schoolteacher Pranas Vikonis was published in 1921. His other textbook, published in 1928, was widely used in Jewish schools in 1929–30. These two were followed by other textbooks written with the contribution of Jewish authors Jokūbas Kaplanas, Jurgis Talmantas, Ignas Malinauskas, Simonas Vainbergas, Leonardas Dambrauskas, and others.
Avrom Shulman’s textbook published in 1923 was the first textbook of Lithuanian written in Yiddish. It was a systematic course that could also be used for independent studies. In addition to this textbook, some other textbooks (ABCs for Jewish schools), Yiddish-Lithuanian dictionaries, conversation and grammar books were published as well (e.g. the grammar by L. Harifas, the dictionary by the brothers Kolodnis, A. Kacergis and Ic. Jenkelevicius, A. Mertis and L. Graifas). Two textbooks of Lithuanian geography and history by A. Livsinas were published in Hebrew.
One of the most interesting textbooks titled The Artisan. Lithuanian Readings and Grammar Exercises was written by two authors – a Jew and a Lithuanian, J. Kaplanas and J. Talmantas. This textbook was aimed at the social group of artisans (tailors, joiners, glaziers, bookbinders, etc.), and had the purpose of teaching them Lithuanian words and conversations that would be useful in their trade. The textbook contained a glossary of terms grouped according to the crafts.
It should also be emphasized that some Jews – for instance, Chackelis Lemchenas, Izidorius Kisinas, Benjaminas Sereiskis and others – had perfect command of Lithuanian and were irreplaceable in teaching Lithuanian to Yiddish-speakers.
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