Anna Rachel Isaakovna Asimova, mother of Isaac Asimov, was born into a Jewish family in the village of Petrovichi, Smolensk province, Russia. She was a woman of strong character and deep family values, which had a significant influence on her son, who became one of the most famous science fiction writers of the 20th century.
Anna Rachel married Judah Aronovich Azimov. In 1919, Judah Aronovich Azimov married for love his beloved girl, Anna Rachel Berman. Her family consisted of mother Tamara (the girl's father died early) and four brothers. The source of income for the Berman family was a confectionery shop and subsidiary farming: a vegetable garden, livestock and poultry. According to the custom of that time, newlyweds could live in their parents’ house for only one year, during which they had to prepare for independent life - “get on their feet.” Isaac's parents followed the custom, left home and rented a small room, and a year later they moved to a more spacious apartment. According to some sources, they were millers, according to others, they owned a grain mill. In 1921, Azimov and 16 other children in Petrovichi fell ill with double pneumonia. Only Asimov survived. After this, he would also have a sister, Marcia (born Manya; June 17, 1922 - April 2, 2011) and a brother, Stanley (July 25, 1929 - August 16, 1995).
In 1923, the family emigrated to the United States to escape anti-Semitism and economic difficulties in Soviet Russia. They settled in Brooklyn, New York, where they opened a small candy store. Anna Rachel, like many Jewish mothers of that time, played a key role in maintaining the family business and raising children.
Anna Rachel was deeply attached to her children and strived to provide them with a better future. She encouraged Isaac to study and develop, despite the difficulties the family faced. Her support and faith in his abilities became the foundation for his future successes. Anna Rachel often read books and told stories to Isaac, which awakened his love for literature and science. From fiction in his early years, the future writer grew up mainly on the stories of Sholem Aleichem.
Isaac's mother enrolled him in the first grade of the Bedford Stuyvesant school in Brooklyn at the age of five, a year earlier than expected, stating that he was born on September 7, 1919. In the third grade, he learned of this “mistake” and insisted that the date be officially corrected to January 2, 1920.
Although the family adhered to Orthodox Jewish customs, Anna did not impose strict religious views on Isaac, allowing him to develop his own beliefs. The woman tried to preserve Jewish traditions and cultural heritage in the family. She spoke Yiddish and instilled in her children respect for Jewish culture and religion. Although Isaac Asimov was not a deeply religious man, Jewish identity and cultural heritage had a significant influence on his worldview and creativity.
Anna Rachel’s influence on her son can be seen in his writings. Many of his characters and plots reflect themes of family relationships, maternal love, and Jewish identity. Her resilience and ability to cope with difficulties became an example for Isaac, which he often used in his stories and novels.
Isaac Asimov often turned to his mother for advice and support, especially in moments of creative crisis. Anna Rachel always found words of consolation and inspiration, which helped him overcome difficulties and continue writing. Her care and attention to detail helped Isaac develop the discipline and diligence needed for a successful writing career.
Anna Rachel Isaakovna Asimova died in 1973, but her legacy continues to live on through the works of her son. Isaac Asimov always remembered his mother and her influence on his life. In one of the interviews, he mentioned his mother's care and support, which indicates deep affection and respect for her.
Thus, Anna Rachel Asimova was not just the mother of the great writer, but also an important figure in his life, who had a significant influence on his personality and work. Her care, support and love helped Isaac Asimov become the person he is today, and her role in his life deserves special attention and recognition.