Lodz, Rosh Hashona Eve, 9 September 1936 To my dear and devoted brother, as well as nephew, It is the eve of Rosh Hashona today. In another two hours' time, everything will close. Everyone will go to synagogue and render a legal accounting for the year of 5696. I myself have also finished my balance sheet; I have a very bad and tearful balance sheet to present for the year which is ending. It seems to me, Sol, that it is unnecessary to set out here all the details of everything that I went through this year. I will be brief. I wish you, my dear brother, for the new year that all the curses will pass with the old year and that the new year coming will bring for all of us a happy, healthy year and a year with good income. I write you, dear Sol, that a letter of mine to you is on its way as to which I am waiting for an answer from you. Ah, how happy I would be if today, the eve of Rosh Hashona, I had the opportunity to extend my wish to you in person. I would feel somewhat easier at heart. I received $10 from you during recent days. I am awestruck by you and your kosher heart, at how sensible you are. Instead of (sending) a greeting card to your uncle for Rosh Hashona, you sent $10. Also, your dear sister, Ruchele, as well as Ruth had an opportunity to send me $5. Yes, Sol, no matter how depressed I am, when I look about and see that, somewhere in the world, I have people - friends - a brother - a sister who are concerned about the fate of their uncle, it encourages me and it awakens me to life, and I only pray to Almighty G-d that I should once again have the honor to see all of you before my eyes in order to extend to you heartfelt thanks for your kosher hearts and for your love which you demonstrate towards me. When the family gets together, we often speak of you and of my dear sister, may she rest in peace, who has made herself unforgettable to us through you children. I am awestruck, Sol, by your precision, by your quality of being a mensch, by your thinking ahead. Something binds us together so that our love becomes stronger. Believe me, Sol, if I weren't so shattered, if I were more confident of my position, I would break down walls and would see you again in my lifetime because I don't have another such friend and brother in the whole world as I have in you. Don't think that I'm extending a compliment to you here. I say it to you quite openly and forthrightly. The fact is, I am a person who is played out, without a trace of hope for better times because old age is approaching. I am already past fifty and here in Poland we don't live long because the Endikys shorten our life expectancies. However, when I look about and see that I have so many friends about me, it serves as a sort of encouragement for me. Dear Sol, it's unnecessary to write what's new with me because nothing at all has changed. Aunt Malke is sick again. She doesn't feel any better. Recently, she has had a kidney ailment, is in bed more than she is up. She can't get around. My strength is exhausted due to her illness. We are very miserable. There isn't anyone to help her get around this time because Joseph and I rush off to work; Rivkele becomes tired. For years at a time, I hear nothing from my brothers-in-law in Canada. My mother-in-law used to write about herself. Recently, she has written nothing, and we don't know what has happened there, whether (Malke's) mother is ill or, chas v'cholilah... At one time, Berish wrote to you from Welland. Perhaps you can ask him what has happened there, but do it in an intelligent and careful way... So, nothing more of significance to relate. I ask you, Sol, to write me a long letter about what's going on with you respecting health and making a living. How is your dear Esther and your darling Leonard. Is he an accomplished youngster? Is he a good student? Let him add regards in his own handwriting sometime. Also write to me about how your sisters are doing, whether they are well and whether they visit you frequently in your home, whether your father visits you and how he's doing. Give him regards from me and from the whole family. I also thank you for sending me the newspapers regularly. I read them and have spiritual pleasure from them. Well, no more important news. Aunt Malke and I, my daughter, Rivkele, and son, Joseph, send you heartfelt regards and wishes that you will be finally sealed for a good year. Further, the whole family sends regards to you, such as Uncle Emanuel Lewin, Poria Lewin and Pinya Lewin. Aunt Estherl and Uncle Lazer and children send regards to all; she asks for a letter from you. Everyone sends regards and wishes that you will be finally sealed for a good year. Please answer promptly. With respect, Your uncle, Wolf Lewkowicz Lipowa 44 Lodz, Poland All material Copyright 1995 by Marshall L. Zissman and Sol J. Zissman.