Opoczno

The beginning of this letter is missing.  It appears to have
been written in August or September, 1926.  It is possible
that it is the end of Letter 60, with one or more intervening
pages missing.

...I myself am acquainted with many such people, both of the
first and second kinds.  But, dear Sol, both of us surely do
not belong to that category of people.  To the extent that
you have become convinced about your uncle, I have always
struggled in order not to be dependent upon another person's
help even though, right after my wedding, I was not a wealthy
person and worked with all my strength, as you are aware
respecting those times.  However, when a World War came and
ruined 90% of the people in Poland and dragged me along, I
I was totally ruined and destroyed, like broken clay.  My
good fortune completely disappeared.  If I dealt with gold,
it turned to...(while) someone else dealt in garbage, and it
turned to gold.  However, why should we talk about old times
now?  I leave it all for you, my devoted child, to learn of
in my autobiography.

The main thing is only to convince you that your uncle never
wrote to you for any money until the knife was at my throat.
We accustomed ourselves to hunger, to suffering, to freezing
in order not to ask anything of anyone, chas v'cholilah.  And
for the number of meals we didn't eat, may G-d send both of
us the same number of years of good health.  I became so
accustomed to the notion that this is the way it is supposed
to be, and this is the way it has to be, and this is the way
it must be.  But the worst part of it was the children.  One
can't do anything where a child is concerned.  An adult can
be hungry.  However, it's tragic if a child goes to school
without a biscuit...  Such was the winter we endured in Lodz
because the crisis was serious:  no earnings, no business, no
work.  What is one to do, lie down on a street car track?
What do you think, Sol, the results of my suffering and
starving were?  One of my children, Rifchele, twelve years
old, has a weakened heart and has a heart disorder and
weakened lungs.  I am enclosing a letter which my wife wrote
me concerning the condition of her health in Lodz.  May G-d
help me to cure her of her illness.  All of this should
convince you that your uncle could no longer bear the
suffering and deprivation of recent times...

"Be consoled, My people," said G-d to the Jews when the
Temple was destroyed.  We ourselves have to console each
other too.  The fact that I found favor in your eyes is in
itself a consolation for me.  And not only you, for my sister

and brother-in-law have recently demonstrated so much energy.
They exert all their strength in order to help me to make a
living; for example, I have been here in Opoczno for three
months, (and) it costs me nothing to eat or sleep.  Lazar put
himself in a tight spot, borrowed money at interest and
without interest, and made the deal not so much for himself
as for my benefit, so that I might make a living.  He doesn't
buy a pound of flour anywhere other than from us since he
wants to support the business.  He solicits other bakers and
convinces them to buy.  In short, he is a mensch in the full
meaning of the word.  He doesn't write you any letters
because he really has no time.  At night he works, and during
the day he sleeps.  You should forgive him for not
communicating.  If G-d helps and the business goes well,
you'll see the sort of joyous letter that you will receive
from him.

A letter from my sister is on the way to you.  She weeps
everytime she receives a letter from you.  She says that she
can't believe that her sister, and your sainted mother, is no
longer living.  We would like to have the honor from G-d
again to see you lonely children of our beloved sister before
our eyes.  Is this something that is possible, Sol???  Yes,
everything is possible for G-d...

So, I end my letter with my most heartfelt thanks for your
pure, refined heart that you have shown to your uncle.  I
send heartfelt regards to you and your wife, Esther.  Let me
know what she is doing, other than preparing for a
bris...also about your business, earnings, etc.  My brother-
in-law, my sister and their children send their heartfelt
regards to all.  My wife and children send you their
heartfelt regards.  Let me know if it would be worthwhile to
send you feathers and down; I will send you a collection of
samples.  I was told that people sell feathers to America and
do good business...and perhaps something else.  Please answer
promptly.  With respect,

                              Your uncle,

                              Wolf Lewkowicz

Heartfelt regards from all to your father-in-law, Mr. Anker,
and his family, et al.


All material Copyright 1995 by Marshall L. Zissman and Sol J. Zissman.