Lodz, 21 February 1925 Beloved and devoted Sol and also beloved and worthy Esther Mae Zissman, First of all, let me wish you a mazel tov!!! Further, I can inform you that I received your letter Saturday evening, February 14, along with a check for $20. I happened to be in Opoczno at the time. In accordance with your request, I was invited to Opoczno for Saturday the 14th and Sunday the 15th. I spent those two days there very happily. There were enough drinks for everyone to celebrate, but I was annoyed by one thing, Sol. That is, I had decided that, since I would not be able to be present personally at your marriage, I would send you a telegram on your wedding day; that had been my intention. But in Opoczno they showed me your letter in which you indicated that you really didn't want that to be done, and they talked me out of it; and I conceded. I had to be content with (sending) only a letter which I wrote on the spot in Opoczno on your wedding day. I hope, dear Sol, that you won't judge me harshly because it wasn't my fault. You know me longer than a day or two; I wanted to act as my understanding dictated. But what could the result be under the circumstances; I was not in a position to insist. It aggravated me a little, i.e., in my town, in my house, at my table, I'm the "boss; there I was only a guest. To state it simply, the opportunity was lost, and that's that. Further, dear Sol, I "heard" that you got married. Write and let me know whether it's really true. I also heard that you sent invitations to Kinsk, Opoczno and Lodz, and noone "found it necessary" to attend the wedding or even to send you a wedding gift. The invitations were wasted. Didn't you realize that you were dealing only with the indigent... poor devils. Obviously, no one could afford the price of a journey. In short, it's all over now. In spite of that, if you should receive invitations from us to weddings of our children, you'll conduct yourself in a more respectful manner ...and will come. Isn't that right, Sol? Further, I'm writing to let you know that I mailed you nineteen pounds of mushrooms yesterday. I looked for the best that were available; better ones couldn't be purchased. I could have bought mushrooms at 80 or 90 cents, but I thought it better to buy those that were over $1 a pound. Together with mailing charges and other incidentals, the cost of the mushrooms was 107 zlotys, i.e., approximately $21. I don't know whether it will be worthwhile from a business standpoint because mushrooms aren't in season now. The season begins around Rosh Hashana and lasts until after yearend. During this period, the supply and quality of the mushrooms are constantly on the decrease. It's possible to get a couple of kilograms a week for less than $1.20 a pound, i.e., $3 a kilo. There's no question about purchasing this quantity. In any event, you'll be able to see how this experiment works out. It seems to me unlikely that we'll meet with any great success; because of the small quantities and my not being able to send them every week, a meaningful profit won't be produced. As to the fact that you sent a check rather than dollars in actual currency, let me observe that you handled this like a businessman. It's fine for me because this sort of check from a well known bank can be exchanged (for local currency) anywhere. If it turns out that you send money (in the future), feel free to send it in the form of checks. Further, Sol, let me ask you a question. Would it make sense, from a business standpoint, to send feathers and down from here? A number of people here do business in this way. If you wish, I can send you a sample. On another score, in one of your letters you wrote that "things will be bad until the 15th of the month...and then they'll get worse." You were right, dear Sol. Things were bad until the 15th, and now it's getting worse from day to day... And how are things going with you "after the 15th" (of February)? How did everything look; how did your father conduct himself both as a father and an in-law; who attended your wedding and how did your uncles and aunts, et al, conduct themselves? Was your sister, Rose, at your wedding and how is she feeling? And Bernice, how is she doing? If they were able to write in Yiddish, I would ask them to write to me about everything that happened there...from A to Z. I'm anxious to know everything that took place at the wedding of my beloved and faithful nephew. I ask you, dear Sol, if you think that the mushrooms make sense from a business standpoint, let me know right away; and, if not, write and let me know immediately. And write to me how your business is going, whether you're taking in any money and making any profit. And how are conditions there in general with you? The situation is not good here in Poland. This is a wretched and depressing time. There is an emigration from Poland to Palestine, but not everyone is in a position to leave. Only the privileged, the capitalists, et al, are going. What else shall I write, my devoted one? (Short discussion of weather; part of page is missing.) Nothing more of importance to share with you. I close my letter with heartfelt regards. Warm and loving regards to you and your beloved wife. My wife sends her regards to you and to your dear wife. She would like to honor you with a handmade gift. Write and let us know what she should sew for you, perhaps a matzoh cover, or a blessing sewn on a wall hanging or something else. She will make it for you as a keepsake. My children also send their regards. Heartfelt regards to your sisters, Rose, Bernice and Ruth, et al. Heartfelt regards to your in-laws, your father, the family and so on. Your Uncle Lazer, Aunt Estherl and your loving grandmother send their heartfelt and loving regards. Please be prompt in your answer to all my letters which are on their way to you. Our best wishes for a joyous Purim, and let me know all about your first Purim. With respect, Your uncle, Wolf Lewkowicz My address remains: Wolf Lewkowicz Lipowa 44 Lodz, Poland Please answer quickly. All material Copyright 1995 by Marshall L. Zissman and Sol J. Zissman.