Opoczno, 16 November 1929

Dear and devoted brother, as well as nephew, Sol,

I have been in Opoczno for a week's time already.  On arriving
here, I found a letter of yours to me.  I wrote you a letter
from Lodz; this was between Rosh Hashona and Yom Kippur.  In
that letter, devoted brother, you will find everything that
recently has taken place with me.  I write you that my daughter,
Balcia, was in the hospital for a month.  When she came home, I
thought that she was already completely better.  It turns out
that apparently this is not an illness that lasts for a day or
two...but (only) G-d knows.  So, for example, I have been in
Opoczno for only eight days and have already received a letter
in which it is written that I should try to come home because
Balcia is sick again.  Her principal problem is that she cannot
eat, and if she does eat, she vomits.  

I am quite confused, dear brother.  Just imagine, such a young
child, on whom I placed so many high hopes.  She was to be my
co-worker in making a living.  She was supposed to leave for
Canada and to rescue us from the quicksand in which we find
ourselves, and now all the paths are already blocked and cut
off.  I am so distraught about my child that, quite simply, the
world is closing in on me.  I can't find a way out for myself. 
I left Lodz for a short while especially in order to get this
off my mind because I am really concerned that I not have a
nervous breakdown and go mad.  It's no minor matter.  So
insignificant a person, so weak an individual, is selected, and
such a mass of troubles, adversity  and misfortune is stuffed
into him...

With respect to the letter that you wrote to me and to Uncle
Lazer, I have much to write to you, but for now I will not
embark on a discussion with you.  You were not able to write any
differently because you are not here on the spot.  You have not
become convinced as to the purpose to which the money will be
put.  You ponder there, "How long can this giving continue, and
on top of it they dictate there in Poland and underline the sum
of $500, just as if $500 were wandering around in the street in
America."  

Don't think, devoted brother, that I am irritated by what you
wrote.  In the final analysis, it's possible that Uncle Lazer is
irritated.  He may think that you don't want to be involved in
both of our business problems, in his case in which he will have
to abandon his business since he is unable to accomplish the
necessary remodeling and remain a baker, and in my case where I
would be able to make a living, not have to emigrate elsewhere
in the world to seek  bread and butter at a time when I could
find bread here.  It's simply, Sol, that I understand the reason
for your refusing us your help.  You have in mind my wife's
brothers and think to yourself:  "Are they not in a position to
do something for their only sister?  Even if they have to be
pressured, they should do it."  However, you have known for a
long time the sort of significance I give to their "good deeds."
 They have no significance, and their words have no
significance.  As far as I am concerned, they don't exist; I
don't write to them, and I don't want their answers...

Further, dear Sol, I beg you and I ask you to swear not to use
my letter (as an excuse) for sending me something.  For the time
being, I require nothing of you and ask nothing of you.  With
respect to the loan that Uncle Lazer asks of you, there will be
an opportunity for us to come back to it.  

For now, be well.  I will return home to Lodz this week.  May
the Holy One help so that I will be able to give you good news. 
Write what is doing with your back, whether it is better. 
Heartfelt regards from Uncle and Aunt and cousins for you and
your wife and dear son, family, sisters, et al.

		From me, your uncle, 

		Wolf Lewkowicz

Please send your reply to Opoczno because I plan to remain here
all winter.


All material Copyright 1995 by Marshall L. Zissman and Sol J. Zissman.