Lodz, 29 January 1926 Dear brother-in-law, Shia Smith, While two of my letters are on their way to you, to which I have not received an answer, nevertheless I am now writing you a third letter. Reading my letter, you there will think, "I don't know what they want from me. Hertzke and Wolf keep writing letters. They there must think that I'm a millionaire and a 'big shot' and that to take out a brother and a brother-in-law is just a minor matter." Ah no, dear Shia, whoever may think about you in this way, I, Wolf, do not. I know very well that you were a worker and that you remain a worker. I also know that you are far from being a millionaire; the best evidence is that, if you were really rich, you would first do everything possible for your parents, your brother, Hertzke, and then for your brother-in- law and sisters-in-law. But, my dear, there is a time when one has to act beyond one's strength. I will give you an analogy. Once upon a time, passengers were traveling on a ship. The ship began to capsize. A great tragedy was about to occur. Everything required assistance. All the passengers appealed to the captain of the ship to save them. And, really, the captain of the ship wanted to save them all, without exception. Even though the law requires that children are to be saved first, then women, then the elderly, the captain nevertheless did not follow the law but saved them all without exception, small and large, young and old, women and men, with all his strength...and beyond the limits of his strength...so that the name of the captain of the ship was memorialized and included in the history of love for mankind. We are in the same situation, my dear brother-in-law. I am not able to detail all the minutiae of how difficult and critical the times are, but I do write that we are, in fact, like those passengers who found themselves on the sinking ship (when I write "we" I mean your parents, Hertzke, me, and so on). We see that the danger is great, and it gets worse every day. We want to save ourselves as soon as possible. Let it not anger you that everyone is calling to you for help. It should not be a surprise. To whom then (shall we call)? You are, after all, in this critical moment, in this catastrophic situation, the only one who can rescue us, the only captain of the ship. But I am not capable of giving you directions in such a critical moment. For example, you dare not take into account the rules that, as a father or a brother, this one is closer. No, all who call to you must be saved, without exception. But the question is this: does your strength permit you to take everyone out to you at one time? And if I write you to take me out and to delay in taking out another, you there may say that every advocate argues on his own behalf. But, Shia, my eye sees far. I see so well that you and Berish want to do everything for us eventually. Why not now? The ship is sinking. The catastrophe is upon us. Well??? Of course, one can't completely blame you or your brother. It's possible that you cannot; it's possible that you are not prepared; it's possible that you want to take your parents out and also to establish a means for them to make a living; it's possible that you also want to do your best for your brother but, from a financial point of view, you are not in agreement. Yes, I figure everything out, I see everything here in Lodz that's happening there in Toronto. But, my dear brothers-in- law, do you see what is taking place in your sister's home? Do you see that I am going downhill? I want to save myself, to earn an existence for myself and my family. Yes, you have already heard something, seen something. For example, you have received a letter from my nephew. You know, Shia, that while I write "nephew," this is not a mere nephew. This is a person whom I consider to be my best friend in the world. This person has already done a great deal for me and my family. He has already saved me in many times of need, and I am convinced that this time he will do the best that it is possible to do. If you want to become well acquainted with him, establish a correspondence with him and you will discover what sort of person he is. He is not as rich as people think, but he is wealthy in humanity. Altogether, he is 23 years old. In fact, Berish also knows him and is aware of how he sacrificed (his own interests) for me. At present, he is making a final attempt to bring me to him in Chicago, but unfortunately the laws are so harsh that it is impossible to do anything... His father-in-law is currently vacationing in Europe; he visited me this week. He is prepared to spend up to $500 in order that I might be able to go with him to the United States. However, unfortunately, so far nothing has been able to be accomplished because the law is more powerful than our will. The only avenue is by way of Canada, with your sending me papers, i.e., affidavits, and he will provide the tickets for a ship and money. My nephew writes that he wrote you a letter in which he asked the extent to which you could assist him in this undertaking. I don't know whether he was joking or whether he was serious. In any event, he didn't receive an answer from you. So, dear brothers-in-law, Shia and Berish, my fate and the fate of your only sister and the fate of my three young children now lie in your hands. You must make the decision with respect to me and my family. You have to come to an understanding with each other. I believe that I will not require any money from you, Shia. For the time being, I need nothing other than papers from you. Hopefully, in time I will be able to pay for the papers and for your efforts. Read my letter carefully and take each word into consideration. My household is collapsing, and I want to save myself, and I have the wherewithal to save myself. You need only be helpful to me with advice and action. If you send papers, remember my age, that I was born in 1886 in Konskie. Currently, I live in Lodz, Lipova 44. You can take me out as a farmer or as a house servant, as the newspaper indicates. So, I send heartfelt regards to you and your family and to Berish. Your brother-in-law, Wolf Lewkowicz Dear brother Shia and dear brother Berish, I am adding a few words at which you will be amazed because I took time to write a few words. Time brings all things. I have no alternative, dear brothers; you can save me so that I will have a piece of bread. And I don't require that you help me with money but with citizenship papers, and Shloyme's father-in-law was here this week and said that even if it were to cost $500 he would give it to me for the trip as long as he (Wolf) would be able to leave immediately. I am really in agreement that my husband should leave as quickly as possible because I have tried a lot of things and none of them worked out. Now, Passover is approaching; I don't know how I'll manage. Everything in Lodz is at a standstill. Father has no work. Our brother, Hertzke, also has no work. And who has (money) to make payments to a customer peddler? A refined man doesn't buy on payments, only a swindler who has nothing with which to make payments. These are the kind of dealings I have. Can I live from this and support a household and educate children (and provide) clothing? So, dear brother Shia, do me this favor and send me the necessary papers so that Wolf can go. Better to get it over with at one time rather than constantly saying, "What can we do?" With this remark we lie down and we rise up. So, it's better that my husband should seek an existence for me and for the children. It won't be long and I'll need (money for a) dowry and, meanwhile, I don't have money for a dress. Nothing further to write. From me, your sister, Malke. Best regards to all. Regards for my sister-in-law and children. Best regards to all. Our dear parents send their best regards to all. They are well now. Our mother is well now. From your sister, Malke Lewkowicz Heartfelt regards to all. All material Copyright 1995 by Marshall L. Zissman and Sol J. Zissman.