Opoczno, 13 June 1926 To my devoted, most beloved nephew and his worthy wife, Esther Zissman, Last week, I received a letter from you that my wife sent to me here from Lodz in which there was enclosed a newspaper article of a mother complaining about her son and daughter... Devoted Sol, I read your letter very carefully, and every word is a pearl for me and a mirror for my wife. Even though we have much to discuss respecting this, nevertheless it seems to me that this is not the most favorable moment for it... First of all, you know very well that this is an illness of long duration and is not capable of being healed. Second, I must point out to you that we men are too logical in that we constantly have in mind the consequences that can flow from it (?)... Third, I am simply appreciative for your letter to your Aunt Malke that you enclosed with your letter to my sister. As I read through your letter, reacting to an illegal letter after twelve years (?), it really gave me pleasure, and I thought to myself that perhaps you have had the experience of tending an ill person, an extremely ill person...and how those nearby continually looked to see if the ill person would fall asleep and if the crisis would pass. And in the midst of all this, at the height of the crisis, a child suddenly enters with a hubbub, weeping, and makes noise, waking up the ill person, angering the person tending him and all those present. Well, is it a wonder that the attendant runs to the child in anger and chases him out of the room immediately! And I watch all of this and am really content even though it is my child, but it really doesn't bother me now when the child is punished by a person who understands more than the child does. Let him be smarter and not make noise near an ill person. It's the same with my wife, my devoted one. She made a complaint not understanding that you are truly my attendant and sustainer; no one understands except I. I thought of everything with exactitude as to how much of a sacrifice you made and wanted to have me close to you. Yes, my devoted child, you did everything, perhaps beyond your capability. You sent your father-in-law to do something and yourself went to Toronto to do something, tried to do something in Chicago, but everything, everything, was futile because we were both too weak to be able to break the iron law of the American Department (of Justice)! In your letter, you are sorry that I am among the 90% of the victims who are being tormented. Yes, my devoted one, for all seventeen years I have been faithful to my wife and suffer, accept, bite my tongue, forget...and she thinks only of my faithlessness to her. The best indication of that is that she blames me for having secrets with Mr. Anker. By all means, let him declare what sort of secrets. Because I thought that, if it were possible to go, the most appropriate and best way (would be for) me (to go) because I've wearied people enough. I simply wanted to follow the path of self- help. I am sure that if I had accomplished my goal and gone to America, it would certainly have been my responsibility as a "mensch" to provide for my wife and children. But if she carries around with her the fear of faithlessness...how can one turn around such thinking? By all means, Sol, you are not a fool. If I were wealthy, perhaps I could demonstrate my faithfulness to a wife. But since my mind is wearied from trying to earn enough to buy bread for my household, I don't have anything else on my mind except for one responsibility, that my children should not be hungry. I was ready to go anywhere in the world where it was possible to fulfill my fatherly responsibility, as a father and as a husband. Nothing else matters to me. Should it be said that I am a murderer? Should it be said that I am an evil person? You too, Sholyme, have the honor of already being a husband. You should always have my words in mind! I am happy that you repaid my wife a bit even though you are not a bad friend of hers for doing so. She is merely your uncle's wife. But if a child doesn't have any sense, you have to teach it to have respect...! Further, dear Sol, as to your writing that because of the unrest in the country the bank doesn't want to insure that the money (will arrive), so my devoted child when my letter arrives you will in any event be aware that everything is in good order. There was only a revolution from the 12th to the 15th of May, three days. About 250 soldiers were killed. (Joseph) Pilsudski took power, became Minister of War. We already have a new President, a well known person, (Ignaci) Moscicki. He appears to be a good man. The country is calm, and I am very little involved with politics. I showed your letter to my partners...the money will come. Willingly or unwillingly, they say that they will continue to wait until July 1. In case I don't complete (my obligation) by the 1st, they will deduct the interest, and I will be eliminated from the business. In my earlier letter, I have already made everything clear and to repeat it is unnecessary. My sister is writing you a letter today. I send heartfelt and loving regards for each of you and your worthy wife and parents. Regards to Mr. Anker and family. Heartfelt regards to Ruchele, Bryndl and Rifchele. Your uncle who impatiently awaits an answer. With respect, Wolf Lewkowicz All material Copyright 1995 by Marshall L. Zissman and Sol J. Zissman.