Nahum Waiman is a well-known journalist, translator, writer and poet, author of the multi-volume epic "Canaanite Chronicles", also a researcher of O. Mandelstam's work, author of the acclaimed book about the poet "Tents of Fear", bold and original studies of his work, such as" Black Sun of Mandelstam "and"Love Lyrics I Never Knew". The new book examines the poet's work and fate in the context of comparing the foundations of Russian and Jewish culture and against the broad philosophical and historical background of the acute conflict between them, which has dramatically influenced and continues to influence the destinies of both peoples. The book is made up of articles united by a common idea and became chapters. They were published in different journals and at different times, and therefore there are repetitions of some ideas and quotes.