Opoczno, 12 September 1927 Devoted, esteemed brother, as well as nephew, and niece, S. and E. Zissman, First of all, I come to let you know that we are all, thank G-d, feeling well. I hope to hear the same from you there forever. Further, dear brother, I come to let you know that my sister and I have just returned from Kinsk where we were at the cemetery. You will think to yourself there that your uncle was premature in going there...he left all his business responsibilities in order to shed tears. So, my devoted one, I tell you that six whole years have passed since I was at my father's grave. You may wonder why...the press of business kept me away, chas v'cholilah? It's very simple; I didn't want to cause my father any pain. I know that he would help me in every possible way, if only he were able to... But during the last year, I simply became lonely. My sister and I had accumulated a great deal of material; our hearts were heavy. It becomes more difficult and more trying. There is no one to whom we can unburden ourselves. One wants to live; one wants to remain a mensch among menschen; one wants to achieve some small success on this globe. One struggles; one pushes forward to make a path. One encounters thorns and hurdles. One exerts his final strength; and when one sees that his life is in peril, if one looks about and sees that, after all his effort, he's back where he started, it is distressing. Then one feels a tug, a sense of missing his father, his mother. So, willingly or unwillingly, it draws you to your closest ones... Several hours ago, I, my sister, Uncle Yankel Lewin, Aunt Chaya Rifke and Aunt Breindel were standing at the cemetery in Kinsk with heads bowed before (the graves of) our late father, grandfather, and so on. A sea of tears poured from my eyes as I approached the grave of my late father although I am not so unmanly by nature that I cry right away. Nevertheless, in just a few moments I took an accounting of myself, how my years have disappeared without my being aware of where they have gone. I have not been able to accomplish anything during my life. Now, I would at least like to save a portion of my life. I don't know how long it will be granted me to live, ten, twenty, or perhaps even thirty years. I stand at my father's grave and pray to G-d, to the Almighty Creator of the world. Perhaps they have forgotten about us there, i.e., about our family. It's no wonder because, among hundreds of millions of people, it's possible to forget a family. I cry out, and I weep. I call the roll, from "A" to "Z," not failing to include anyone; I even remembered your little sister. I prayed for mercy. Perhaps the time has finally come for us so that our hearts will not be so plagued. If, chas v'cholilah, we have sinned against the Master of Heaven, may he also forgive us because we have suffered all our lives. Let's not kid ourselves, Sol. Whoever doesn't know doesn't understand. However, we certainly know that the world is a pretty fine place, and people enjoy it very much. But we can't win a place for ourselves. It is sad, stressful and difficult to live and to exist. I pray and weep and cry out to G-d, "Perhaps we have suffered enough, had enough humiliation, caused enough pain to ourselves and to others. It's time at last that our cries not be like a voice crying out in the wilderness. May our tears be changed to joy and celebrations so that we will be able to share good news with each other. May our hearts be cheered, and may we be entitled to receive help for ourselves and for all of you. May our hearts rejoice for ever and ever..." Now, having completed two pages with a tale of the dead, we will turn back to the living. Knowing that we have another two weeks to Rosh Hashana, and that this letter is calculated to be on its way for exactly that long, so my devoted one I extend to you my heartiest good wishes for the New Year for yourself and your beloved wife, sisters, father, in-laws, et al. Dear and devoted Sol, if you were here close to me, I would know what to wish you. However, am I capable, my most devoted brother, of sending you a wish of good luck on paper? Furthermore, we don't know each other for just a day or two. Your feelings are my feelings. We are standing now at the threshhold of a new year. The old year is passing away, and a new one is approaching. What does your devoted uncle pray for and request? That you and your wife and whole family may be inscribed in the book of life, in the book of health, in the book of sustenance, in the book of good fortune and contentment. I wish the same to your sisters, your father, your in-laws. I also pray to G-d that you be successful in all your undertakings; no one should ever be able to do harm to you. This is the sole New Year's wish that is wished for you from the bottom of the heart by your devoted and dearest uncle who hopes to see you happy. I wish for you and your relatives and friends that you be inscribed and sealed for good for the New Year. My wife and children, Balcia, Rifchele and Joseph wish you a hearty, happy year. May your prayers for many good things be granted. May you not lack anything which you may desire. Most importantly, may you have life, health and good fortune in every way! Further, the whole family, Uncle Lazer, Aunt Estherl and the children wish you a happy, healthy year. In addition, we wish all your sisters, Ruchele, Bryndl and her husband, and Rifchele a happy, healthy year! So, regards from all, from Uncle Yankel Lewin, Aunt Chaya Rifke, Aunt Dina Raisel and her children and grandchildren, Aunt Breindel and her children; they send their best regards and they all wish that you be inscribed and sealed for good for the New Year. From me, Your uncle, Wolf Lewkowicz All material Copyright 1995 by Marshall L. Zissman and Sol J. Zissman.