Seymour Levine & Goldie Birnbaum by Rare 1 USA, LLC

June 2011 ‫סיון תשע”א‬

In celebration of the 90th birthday of our dear father

Seymour Jacob (‫ )שמואל יעקב‬Levine ‫עד מאה ועשרים‬ This book is a compilation of letters and pictures that document the life events and convey the deep love and sentiments of our parents. It is our hope that the present and future generations will read and learn from our father’s words, as we have from his actions. With all our love, Dad. Thank you for sharing your remarkable philosophy of life and teaching us through your shining example.

In loving memory of our dear mother Goldie ‫( ז”ל‬yahrzeit - ‫)כ’ טבת‬ whose energy, spirit, devotion and fierce determination continue to guide us throughout our lives Helen, Rebecca & Danny

ks to Special than ina Robin and N e for their tim in rt and effo the transcribing ers! diary and lett

‫מעשה אבות‬ ‫סימן לבנים‬

‫ חז”ל‬tell us that the deeds of our ancestors are a model for future generations. Of course, we learn so many amazing ‫ מדות‬from all our ‫אבות‬, for example ‫הכנסת‬ ‫ אורחים‬from ‫אברהם אבינו‬. All the ancestors of the Levine Family can look back at the previous generations and see the seeds of ‫ קדושה‬that have been planted. Zeidy Rabba’s grandfather was a ‫ סופר סתם‬who wrote Torahs while Bubby Rabba’s ‫ ע”ה‬father was a ‫חזן‬, ‫שוחט‬, and ‫מוהל‬. Zeidy has spent his life selling Yiddishkeit and doing mitzvot. Bubby spent her life hosting guests, thirsting for Torah and going to as many Shiurim as possible. This book contains many precious and meaningful words and lessons written by our dear father. For those who are fortunate to have known him for all of his life, our Dad is most well known for his deeds, rather than his words. He has always been a man of few words and many actions. His happiest moments are when he is helping others. The best example of this is the indescribable way that he cared for our dear mother – for over 12 years. He did it with such love and devotion that anyone who witnessed their relationship until her passing learned a lesson of true love. As we look back at the past, we look to the future and pray that, G-d willing, all the following generations will follow in this path of righteousness that has been passed ‫מדור לדור‬.

Mazal tov Zeidy Rabba on reaching this milestone 90th Birthday

Thank you an d love to Epi La ylo, who cares fo r our father as if h e were his ow n

Helen & Jackie and Family Rebecca & Charlie and Family Roz & Danny and Family

‫!ב”ה‬

Contents

1. Biographical Summaries..................................... 04 2. Purim Poem........................................................ 08 3. Summer In The Catskills..................................... 09 4. Zeidy’s Diary From The Neptunia Ship.............. 13 5. Additional Letters From Zeidy’s Trip.................. 37 6. Zeidy’s Letters From Israel................................. 40 7. To My Dear Seymour.......................................... 55 8. Letters To Millers & Children.............................. 56 9. Family Trees........................................................ 58 10. Family Pictures.................................................... 61

Seymour Jacob Levine

cal Biographi s Summarie

eymour was born on June 4, 1921 in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York. His father, Joseph Levine, went into his father-in-law’s (Hirsh Landy) embroidery business. This business was the start of J. Levine Company. Seymour’s mother, Helen Landy, died in 1942 when Seymour was 21 years old. His father later made Aliyah to Israel and remarried Miriam, an Israeli widow, in 1950. Seymour was the “golden child” of the family – the middle son (Harold the oldest and Melvin the youngest) and 1 sister – Charlotte. He was very caring, goodnatured, helpful, smart and the eternal peacemaker.

Joseph & Helen Levine

High School Diploma

Miriam & Joseph Levine

High School Award

Seymour went to Seward Park High School in NY City and was awarded a certificate of excellence in Mathematics. He was the only child from the Levine Family to attend College - City College - and graduated with a degree in aeronautic engineering. He enlisted in the US Army (Air force) in 1945 and served as an engineering aide (mechanical engineering 170 and marksman M-1 rifle) in the army. He was honorably discharged at the end of 1946 as a corporal with a World War II victory medal.

Seymour in uniform

When Seymour completed his army service, his father pressured him to join the family business (J. Levine Co.) and being the obedient son, he acquiesced. He found his niche in J. Levine in the public relations and sales aspects of the business. He attended conventions throughout the USA and personally delivered local (NY - NJ) orders to the shuls, thereby developing close relationships with the Rabbis and cantors and principals of the many Talmud Torahs. To this day, his ‫ שם טוב‬is legendary. Honorable Discharge – US Army

Harold & Joseph (Pop) Levine, J. Levine Co., 73 Norfolk Street, Lower East Side, Manhattan

Melvin

Seymour & Charlotte 5

Goldie Bir nbaum

oldie was born on April 15, 1921 in a small farming town in Czechoslovakia – Svaljva. Sometime around the year 1930, Goldie moved with her family (parents: Feige and Meir Ber, Siblings: Chana, Jack, Malka and Benzy) to live in Berlin where her father was able to find work as a ‫חזן‬, ‫ שוחט‬and ‫מוהל‬.

Relatives from America sent papers to support the Birnbaum Family immigration to the USA, and in 1938 Meir Ber made arrangements for his family to leave Berlin. Goldie, her 2 brothers and parents left for the USA. Chana was already married to Moritz, a Polish Jew, and therefore they were unable to get a visa to enter the USA. Instead, they went to live in Palestine. Malka also moved to Palestine via Prague. The immediate family of Meir Ber was thereby saved the tragic fate of the other Birnbaums.

While in Berlin, Meir Ber witnessed firsthand the deterioration of life for the Jews and the rise of Hitler. He realized the need to leave, and tried to warn the other members of his family who were still living in Svaljva. Unfortunately, they did not listen, and most perished in the Holocaust.

Goldie and her family had to move around often in the USA, since the union of kosher slaughterhouses was difficult to penetrate. Their first stop was the Bronx, New York. Then they moved to Madison, Wisconsin; Grand Rapids, Michigan; Chicago, Illinois; Scranton, Pennsylvania and finally to Paterson, New Jersey where they eventually settled and remained for many years.

Feige & Meir Ber Birnbaum

Goldela (‘Gizala’) with her class, Berlin, 1934 (center front row)

Goldie in Wisconsin,1940

Rhoda, Jack, Malka, Imre, Feige Birnbaum

Chana & Moritz, 1937

Benzy

Seymour & Goldie Together

n 1948 Goldie attended a singles weekend at the Pineview Hotel in the Catskill Mountains. It was sponsored by Hapoel Mizrachi. As fate would have it, so did Seymour. Six weeks later, they were engaged and were married on April 4, 1948 in NYC. Their anniversary was always celebrated in conjunction with Israel’s ‫!יום העצמאות‬

Seymour & Goldie’s wedding, New York

In 1951 Seymour and Goldie moved with their 2 daughters to Monsey, NY – to a small house at 21 Lenore Avenue. After Danny was born, they all moved to their new home at 2 Locust Hollow Drive. Seymour and Goldie remained in that house until 1995, when Seymour was finally able to fulfill his lifelong dream of moving to Israel. They made Aliyah to the 22 Pinsker Building in Jerusalem. And the rest is history…

2 Locust Hollow Drive, Monsey, New York, USA

22 Pinsker, Jerusalem, Israel

To my Goldie,

2 Purim Poem 25 Mar ch 1

948 ‫ב”ה‬ A Happy Purim to you, my love May you be blessed with good things from above As ‫ אסתר המלכה‬was rewarded for her goodness I will try to see that you get no less As these nylon hose will to your legs be near I, to your heart want to be dear. Seymour

To My Dearest Goldie,

Summer I The Catsk n ills

t was very common (as is also today) for the “city folk” to get away for a break during the summer months. Goldie and her mother Feige spent summers in the Catskill Mountains. Seymour would join them on weekends. Here are 2 letters written from the “newlywed Seymour” to his “Goldela”:

2 August 1

948

Well I want to tell you that everyone is fine, T.G. I saw Bentsi, last night and this morning and he looks fine and had a nice weekend. I saw Melvin and Harold also, also Sylvia who came down just before 6 PM. They’re all looking well and asked about you and send their love to you. Pop is still in Spring Valley and most likely will be in tomorrow. Henry is taking this week off and I didn’t see him either. However I hear that they and the rest of the family are all well. As for real news, I haven’t been informed of any pending “Brithen” but they may be forthcoming soon because we already received our Blue Cross insurance policies. Goldie if we were still without an apartment we could have had one in Harold’s house. He got the tenant out and now he plans on renting it out as two furnished apartments. It would have been nice to live there but

‫ב”ה‬

halom! It’s really something new in our lives, this being apart, and having to communicate with each other by letter. First I want to communicate to you that I miss you, darling, and that I’d much rather see you and talk to you than just write. This is one letter which doesn’t take much time to think up as things come naturally. I hope P.G. that you and dear Mother are well and that you are enjoying yourselves. I imagine that if you only feel well that will help you to enjoy your stay. I hope you miss me though it’s really just a short time that we’re apart. I want you to know that I love you dear and want you to be well and happy. Of course sometimes you think I’m not doing my best to make you happy but I want you to try to learn that my way is a little different but will give you sincere happiness in the end, believe me dear. I want you to understand that I think of you more then I think of myself. That’s a good motto in married life. Well Goldie dear, I suppose you want to know what’s new here. Right now I am here in the store on E. B’way. I just came back from supper and I must finish this letter and send it off to you before I can do anything else. 9

I’m just as satisfied as we are now. Remember the time you were worrying that we’ll never have a place to live in?

place. I was there for about 2 minutes this morning. (How do you like my handwriting dear? It’s getting worse and worse.)

As for other news things are quiet. It was sunny but warm today. Aunt Fanny and Uncle Henry are in the mountains (I think in Evans Kiamisha Hotel) Try to call them on phone (person to person).

As for plans for the rest of the week I really was rushed with invites. Aunt Lena wanted me to come over tomorrow for supper but I kind of made up with Imre to go out together for a Fleishig supper here in N.Y. Melvin and Sylvia want me over Wednesday and Harold wants me Thursday. But that wouldn’t leave much place for overtime and a chance to expend a little of my ambitions. That also doesn’t give me much time to look up my old girlfriends.

As for our trip back it was very nice though we got back kind of late. We stopped at the Pioneer for about 20 minutes and got to see I started to tell you on quite a number of people the phone just before I knew in that short time. We had a longer trip than we were rudely we expected in getting interrupted by the to Monticello and we got operator that our set there about 8:30. Imre of silverware is about wasn’t angry though he here. That leaves us a had to wait over 2 hours.

As for this weekend I still haven’t decided what to do. There’s a very slight chance I may come out to the mountains but I won’t count on it as you may be disappointed. Harold is insisting that I spend it with him so you see I’ve got no worries about existing. Of course it will be just existing without having you here but since it’s only about 144 hours more to wait I’ll be brave.

dinner set, spare bed, There wasn’t much traffic spare chair bridge and we made the trip in about 3 hours. We stopped set and lamp yet to off along the way for fruit, complete our home.

I started to tell you on the phone just before we were rudely interrupted by the operator that our set of silverware is about here. This A. Cohen is giving 3 sets as promised. That leaves us a dinner set, spare bed, spare chair bridge set and lamp yet to complete our home. I’ll take care of the Quakerbush Bill tonight when I get home.

hot corn, candy and ice cream which served as our supper for the day. (Some difference from the one you had). On getting into Paterson I realized that I didn’t have the key for 440 and being sure that the doors were well locked I decided to sleep over in Godion Ave and not to disturb the Tennenbaums. This Well Goldie dear I don’t want to keep you from your morning about 7:45 I woke up Charlie and before he “boy-friends”. So I’ll cut this letter short and put in a could haul me out I gave him the $55 which made him little work in the place. I want to close with love and forget all about the intrusion and he seemed glad to kisses and the wish that you will be well and come see me. I glanced upstairs in our rooms and everything back to me full of vim and vigor and in high spirits. I seemed the same as we left it. We had a thank you also want you to rest assured that I really want you to stay there and that it’s not card from Pearl and Harold being just tolerated. and some mail from the Hapoel. No answer from the How is the new crowd? Did Jewish Agency. you sell any talesim? How’s the weather? Stop? I really As for the condition of Godwin don’t want to keep you from Ave I can reassure Mother your date. that it’s in pretty good shape. There was some food in the So goodbye dear, be well. fridgidare and the house is Give my love to Mother and clean. Norman slept over tell her I want her to be well also. and to take good care of you and you of her. As for me I’m feeling fine, T.G. I feel very rested and full of All send their regards ambition. It’s not really very busy yet but there‘s plenty of Love, work for me. I wanted to work late tonight but I think I won’t Your husband who misses you be able to do much after I so. finish this letter because I want to go home to 36th St. tonight and straighten out the Seymour. Ã Seymour in a visit to the mountains

Dear Wife and Mother-in-law,

4 August 19

and nice. I’m sure they’re sorry for what they said that night. They made me sit down in their living room and tell them all about the vacation. They’re going to Connecticut this weekend to visit their sister in law who gave birth to a girl (I think) Mazal Tov IY”H by you.

‫ב”ה‬

’m taking a few minutes off from work to write you these few words. I’m fine and hope to hear the same from you. (I imagine your first letter should come tomorrow)

I got a check for $30 from the Cenivel Realty Corp, which I hope is the first of a lot of earnings. We’re thinking of buying another house, also in the neighborhood.

How are you feeling dear? I hope all’s well. The weather here in N.Y.

I had eaten supper in N.Y. and had a drink and some fruit salad for a nash. Yetta gave me a bottle of milk which she says is in exchange for the one you gave her before we left. Everything was in order. The fridgidaire seemed to have been on all the time although one of the tomatoes rotted away. The rest of the stuff is good.

As for news from here there’s not so much. Tonight I’m eating supper together with Bummie, most likely at Bernsteins. After supper I may go to visit Aunt Lena. Tomorrow Pop and I are going to Harold’s for supper and Thursday I either will be at Melvin’s or else I’ll eat in N.Y. and pay a visit to Paterson. I haven’t decided definitely yet about this weekend. What’s your plans? I got a check for $30 from the Cenivel Realty Corp, which I hope is the first of a lot of earnings. We’re thinking of buying another house, also in the neighborhood. I’m trying to get the money back from Shlabotka Yeshiva who was supposed to send the money to Chana. I hope we don’t have to have any trouble. Well I hope you’re taking care of yourselves and that you are enjoying your stays. I’ll have to sign off now dear because I’ve got to go back to work. Be well dear and don’t worry about me.

was “Rain all day”. It wasn’t so bad to work, but I hope you had better luck in the mountains.

Love and Kisses from all, Your loving husband and son-in-law

I was home (440 E 36th) last night and spent a quiet evening straightening things out. The Tennenbaums gave me a very warm welcome and were very friendly

Seymour. Ã

4 August 19

2 Minutes Later

‫ב”ה‬

earest Darling, Honey, Sweetheart, Beloved Wife,

This is a dummy letter. Just scribbled to make you have an extra letter. Love Seymour

Zeidy’s Diary

oseph Levine made Aliyah (the first ‫עולה‬ from the Levine Family) in the summer of 1949. In order to strengthen ties and make business contacts for J. Levine, Seymour made a business trip to Israel for 2 months in July 1949. He was there to pick up his father at the port when he arrived in August. Seymour made the journey on the T.S.S. Neptunia, a Greek ship. This diary was written to Goldie and their 3 month old baby daughter Helen.

The Neptu nia Ship 1949

The Ship: Neptunia

J. Levine Co. convention

Inside J. Levine Co., Lower East Side, Manhattan

Seymour & Rabbi Kastel

T uesday, Ju

ne 28, 1949

“D” Day

“‫להתראות‬-‫”שלום‬

American Line; New Amsterdam pulled in alongside us about 8 PM. Those of us who had an idea that this was a nice, big ship, quickly changed our mind when we saw the New Amsterdam. It was at least twice our size and you could see that the inside was so much more luxurious.

said goodbye to you dear and I felt that I wanted to get off the boat and go home with you. Parting was “such sweet sorrow” but I was brave. I just prayed that when, God willing, we are reunited again, we will be happy that we sacrificed these 2 months of our second summer together. It was a good move that you left when you did for half an hour later they closed all the gates and sent all the visitors away. I hope you got home well and that Hinde Chava was well taken care of. It would have been a good scene to have you waving to me as the boat pulled away from the dock, but you would have had to wait another 8½ hours and then we’d have to have some floodlights. They got finished boarding the ship at about 5 PM and then it just stood still. Three tugs pulled alongside at around 7:30 and they waited too. Finally after most people were reconciled to remaining in Hoboken at least until the morning, the tugboats tied themselves to our ship and pulled and pushed us to Hudson and started us on our way. This was at 10:30 PM (only 11 hours late).

Well so we finally got on our way. I took some movies of us pulling away from the pier and passing by the ferry terminal I used every morning and then past the Statue of Liberty. These scenes may come out and it sure is worth the try.

These Greeks aren’t too good business people. Instead of seeing to it that we sailed on time, she had waited until the beautiful Holland-

After we passes the Statue of Liberty and I saw Brooklyn and the left with Coney Island all lighted up, I returned to my room for the night.

I said goodbye to you dear and I felt that I wanted to get off the boat and go home with you. Parting was “such sweet sorrow” but I was brave. I just prayed that when, God willing, we are reunited again, we will be happy that we sacrificed these 2 months of our second summer together.

Now for a summary of my thoughts about the boat and my feelings in general about the future. The boat itself is very nice, nicer than I had planned. Only the management and the service is pretty bad. The poor management you saw for yourself in the confusion and the lack of order. This is especially true in the dining room. So far I haven’t eaten any meals served by the Greek Line. They haven’t served any kosher meals although they put a difference in the dining room. The people that cared just had some bread and butter and some olives for lunch. The others had spaghetti and some meat that looked like lamb or goulash. For supper they served some herring on eggs but I didn’t wait to get that either. In the tourist class we have to wait long to get to the table. There are about three shifts and the service is very bad. It may be temporary but I know it’s better in 1st class. The sandwiches Muti made came in very handy. They kept me going for these two meals. However, I feel fine and am not hungry. That’s enough about food for the while. As for my luxurious room, you saw it. But believe it or not, it is very comfortable. It’s not too hot or too cold and there’s plenty of fresh air. All my roommates are Jewish and heading for Israel. Well, I’m on my way and I’m very optimistic about the future. I know the trip will do me good. I’ll see a lot of the world and prepare myself for Israel. Layla tov. Ã

Wednesday, Ju

Day II of Voyage “Smooth Sailing”

ood morning! Although it is 8 o’clock it looks like midnight in my room. As you remember there are no windows in the room. But I can honestly say that I had a good night’s sleep. I feel fine and rested. I must have been pretty tired and that helped. I went to sleep at around midnight. Although (as I heard later) there was a little commotion during the night: the boat stopping (to let off the pilot) and a man coming in late to the room and insisting that another man was in his bed. I slept through. I then went to daven and they had a large minyan, maybe around 30. They have minyan for mincha, maariv too. I really will be able to remember to daven without any trouble.

ne 29, 1949

of cheese and some of Muti’s cake. I wonder how long this supplementary food can last. For lunch I came prepared with a piece of salami. But they were serving milchiga. I had some cooked vegetables, peas, carrots and baked potatoes. They started to serve paper plates and it is starting to appear that they’re m a k i n g efforts to serve kosher.

After breakfast I found a line waiting to get beach chairs and heeding Imre’s advice, I immediately got on line. I was not far back but the system was so inefficient that it took over an hour to hand out about 15 chairs. They had one Greek trying to write English and it took him about 5 minutes to write out a card. While I waited on line I was able to do a couple of good turns. Two old ladies tried to book the line but the unsympathetic people wouldn’t let them. In respect for their age they should have been allowed to get their chair immediately. So I told them to give me their names and told them to sit down and that I’d get them chairs. So it was, and I had a couple of mitzvahs without much trouble. Talking about mitzvahs, I got another one later when I gave my seat at the table to an old lady while I waited for the next serving.

After lunch I went back to my beach chair and tried to study some Hebrew from the book I took along. “Ani b’derech l’yisrael.” There is a nice crowd on this boat though you have nothing to worry about. There is no one as nice as you, dear. In my room I have a son of Rabbi Hoffman from Frankfurt-On-Main. He’s a bit of an idealist and is going to Haifa to his brother. There are a couple of other young fellows, friends of this Ben Hoffman. One of them knows Bumi well. He used to be a diamond cutter. I bet they also sent along some Chrysler 7 passenger cars.

I spent the morning on my beach chair and top deck getting in some sun and writing some of these memoirs. I miss you already very much, dear. It’s a day less until we are reunited, God willing. As I started to say, I was sunning on the top deck and I picked up a conversation with one of the crew who was painting the railing. It was a lot of fun to try to convey my remarks to him with the limited number of English words which he understood. I had to use some sign language to get some of my remarks across. Later I spoke to Abraham Burstein’s cousin who happened to set her chair near me. She has a little sabre who really didn’t have any chance to learn any English in America. He was here about 2 months but most of the people he was with spoke Hebrew to him. It was a lot of fun trying to use my limited vocabulary to carry on a conversation with him. He had a couple of children’s books with him and that helped me. I already started my attempt to learn some Hebrew on this trip. There are many Hebrew speaking people aboard but I can see how far behind I am when I attempt to speak to them. However, I have some confidence that at least by the time I am, God willing, ready to return to America I will have control of the language.

For supper they served corned beef (Hebrew National) with some vegetables. I went to bed at around 10 PM There is a nice crowd after doing a little walking on this boat though you around the decks. I was have nothing to worry the first one in my room about. There is no one in bed. I guess the others were busy with girlfriends. as nice as you, dear. They next morning I learnt that they had a dance in the 1st class lounge and movies on the tourist top deck. However, I was glad I went to sleep early as I got a real good sleep. Layla tov... Ã

Getting back to eating, I had some juice, cornflakes and 2 boiled eggs for breakfast. Back in the room, I had a piece

June 30, 1 Thursday,

949

Day III of Voyage to Israel “Sailing, Sailing”

ood morning, dear. I woke up a bit late and when I went to the place where they usually daven, I found no one so I assumed I had missed the minyan. Actually, they had moved to a new place on top deck. I davened for myself and when I got to the dining room they said I was too late. But I managed to get some juice and milk. I also went back to the room and nashed on some of the stuff I had.

quite a few young kids between 3-8 and others of all ages. I think I saw a little baby about Hinde Chava’s age, but I don’t know how they manage. As for the Jews aboard, there are many types. There are a couple of families, mostly from Latin American countries who are going to Israel to settle. There are a couple of American families going to Israel for a visit. Then there are some married men who are going for a visit, most likely to see about business. Then there are many people, mostly women with kids, who are Israeli and who are returning to Israel after a visit in the U.S.A. There are a few single boys (some I already told you about) and some single girls (those you don’t have to worry about). I try to keep friends with all and am trying to meet as many as I can. It’s very interesting to see the different types of Jews going to Israel and their reasons for doing so. One of the men in my room is going to Israel to remain. He’s married and his wife is in Los Angeles. He’s originally from Mexico and felt insecure there even though he had a good business. He didn’t like the U.S. either and felt he’d just lose his money there so he is going to Israel to start gesheft there. He has no children (he’s about 50) and if he has to lose his money, let it be among his own people. By the way, he likes to play fiddle and I’m letting him use the one Morris Gershbaum gave me. I guess he’ll be my buddy on this trip.

I then went to the 1st class lounge and took to writing this memoir. I’ll try to make it a regular routine so I will be sure to give you a complete account of my days away from you. I wonder if you’re keeping one also. I miss you a lot, dear. I hope you do too. After about an hour of writing (you’d be surprised how fast I can write these pages. The words just flow out of my pen.) I went back to the peasants, to my beach chair on the top deck to try to learn some more Hebrew. Every time I think of an important word in conversation, I ask someone what it is in Hebrew and I write it in my notebook. I am also going through the lessons in my grammar. It looks like a tough job and that to really learn I try to keep friends with the language I’d have all and am trying to meet spend at least a year in Israel. I signed up for as many as I can. It’s very an intermediate class interesting to see the in Hebrew and sessions are supposed to start different types of Jews tomorrow. going to Israel and their

For supper we had a soup (vegetable) and some corned beef and vegetables. Before the meal started, Rabbi Hollander gave a speech and told the people that the food is kosher and that they can eat. He said it would be on a meal to meal basis. The pots used were new and marked “kosher”. However, he didn’t give any hechsher for the whole trip. We are served in paper plates but there is still the question of the silverware. I believe it is extremely difficult to keep kashrut here and that those who are extremely particular can’t eat anything. However, I hope conditions will improve.

reasons for doing so.

Besides getting in a bit of the Hebrew language, I also get in a bit of sun. I hope not too much. I’ll see already tonight. After a little walk around the decks, I got ready for lunch. For lunch they served spaghetti and some good herring with vegetables. All the rabbis ate and I think all was made under supervision. The people who get regular meals seem to be getting pretty nice food with fancy trimmings. Many Jews who are just on the border of kashrut changed over to the trefa meals. This was also due to the fact that the kosher dining room was more crowded and a few had to wait for a third sitting. However, you don’t have to worry about me. After about 2 days on the ocean I can say that thank God so far all is well with me. There were many people who were seasick although the seas have been pretty calm so far. I have a good appetite and feel pretty good. I’m resting and have peace of mind. I still hope that we were landing in Israel tomorrow. You know that after Greece we will have just Jews on board. Right now, I’d say there are about 35% Jews on board. The rest are Portuguese, Italians and Greek. There is also an American group on board, about 50-100, who are together on a tour and are getting off at Lisbon. They consist mostly of young shiksehs and shegatzim from California (about 17-19 years old). They give the tourist class a real nice look. There are

I went to bed early after trying to sit through a movie “Holiday in Mexico”. We saw that picture together in Paterson. I miss you very much and wish you were here with me to make it a real happy voyage. Layal tov, yekira. Ã

Friday, July 1 ,

Day IV of Voyage to Israel “ !‫”בֹקר טוב‬

ot up bright and early, well rested and eager to go. I davened with minyan and was in plenty of time for breakfast. For breakfast we get juice, dry cereal with milk, eggs and coffee. It’s not so bad but nothing to compare with what you get in the country (although it’s more than I usually eat at home). You really get up an appetite even though I do very little exercise. The sea air does the trick. The weather has really been wonderful so far. We had a little fog for a while and a few clouds, but they didn’t last long and most of the time it’s clear and sunny.

1949

to get ready for shabbat. I took a nice, warm bath and a close shave. (By the way, my shaver works on the boat as it is 220V.) I got dressed up real nice with a white shirt and tie and my winter suit and with my Panama. All that was missing was my “malka” and I could see you bentching licht and thinking of me. I want you to know that hardly an hour can go by that I don’t think of you and wish you were here.

I got dressed up real nice with a white shirt and tie and my winter suit and with my Panama. All that was missing was my “malka” and I could see you bentching licht and thinking of me. I want you to know that hardly an hour can go by that I don’t think of you and wish you were here.

I went to my writing room and made my contribution to this work and then proceeded to my Hebrew lesson. We have a distinguished looking teacher who is a professor in a university. He’s returning to Israel where he lived most of his life after teaching a while in a Pennsylvania college. I am in the intermediate class. The teacher is telling us the story of the Jewish people in Hebrew. He tries to use more common expressions and hopes his audience can follow. He then asks for questions. I find it pretty hard so far. I wonder if it will be any easier when we, God willing, reach Israel.

We had a very large minyan for mincha, maariv. Everyone was dressed up shabbosdik. We then went to the dining room and there was a shabbosdik spread there too. Someone made kiddush on kosher wine and we started our first shabbat meal. We had soup and corned beef and vegetables. But we did a lot of singing. Of course, I was one of the leaders. Many people who were not so close to religion got a real kick out of it. Actually, I sat through 2 sittings. The first sitting I didn’t get enough to eat so I stayed for another. After supper I went on deck and then formed different groups of singers. I joined most of them. Then I watched some real good Palestinian dancing on the top deck. There are a few sabres aboard and they showed their stuff. I really never saw such dancing and spirit. It was nicer to watch than any other dancers, including the Radio City Rockettes. I didn’t stay up so late as I felt tired. The other young people must have stayed up to late in the morning. But I didn’t envy them. I was happier in knowing I had a wife and child. Layla tov. Ã

After school I went back to my beach chair. Then I have some private teachers. This little boy (about 4), his mother and another female. For lunch we had some rice and then some salmon and vegetables. If I forgot to fill in some piece of the day don’t worry, dear, it’s not that I did something that I don’t want you to know about, but rather it’s just that I did nothing or rather nothing different. Being erev shabbat I knew I had

uly 2, 194 Satur day, J

Day V of Voyage to Israel “ !‫”שבת שלום‬

magine waking up a shabbat without hearing davening downstairs. I quickly realized that I wasn’t by the Tennenbaums and that I’d have to go upstairs for davening. I came early, before they started, and still couldn’t get near the umid. It’s not like the Israel Center. Everybody wants to be the chazzan. But you know I wasn’t disappointed. They had a torah to lain and all the rabbis got aliyahs. We got through just around 9 o’clock and when I got to the dining room then waiter said I was late for breakfast. But since so many people came at that time we managed to squeeze out a meal.

(the same things). After lunch I spent the afternoon on top deck in several interesting conversations. One was about the status of Jewish I was at ease and education in America, past and present. contented in the fact that Another was a discussion I had the most beautiful of religion, its meaning of all. And a darling baby and its need in Israel. I’m always meeting more besides. It’s a wonderful and more people and feeling to know that it’s interesting to hear you don’t have to look their stories. During the for a mate and that you afternoon we saw some already have such a porpoises following the good one at home. ship. It was a pleasant sight. I haven’t seen anything on the water, that is no boats since about a day after we left N.Y. We saw some swordfish jumping through the air after we were about a day out. Today was a beautiful day. The water was very calm, like a lake. The sky is blue with some beautiful cloud formations. I haven’t watched a sunset yet and I hope to remember to watch it. We daven mincha and then went to supper. We had sardines and vegetables and some cottage cheese. Some people are really complaining. They said we were promised kosher food. I must now take to writing with pencil because I lost my pen. (It cost only $.20 but it was very handy.) We had a Perek class and then davened maariv. Shavua tov. You should see how everybody got dressed up, including the crew. Of course to me it was just another day. What I want to say is that I wasn’t excited. I wasn’t eager to meet the nicest girl. I was at ease and contented in the fact that I had the most beautiful of all. And a darling baby besides. It’s a wonderful feeling to know that you don’t have to look for a mate and that you already have such a good one at home. “Saturday night is the loneliest night of the week.” That’s true not only of Saturday night but all of Shabbat. I miss you, dear. On Shabbat when we spend such wonderful days together it is especially difficult. However, I managed to forget it was Saturday night. I went to see a movie in which, believe it or not, I didn’t fall asleep in. We thought it was boring. It was “Adventures in Baltimore” with Shirley Temple. After the movie I found a group of Jews singing Israeli songs, and this girl played the piano and I loaned the fiddle to my roommate who played along. Ã

We had a lesson t h i s morning even though it was shabbat. We are now learning about the story of Moshe and Egypt. Next back to the same routine except I didn’t do any writing. I sat on deck (only with married people), then went to eat

Sunday, Ju

ly 3, 1949

Day VI of Voyage to Israel “Good mor ning, dear”

he weather is keeping up nicely. We have blue skies and smooth sailing all the while. I got up on time for minyan. Had a regular breakfast and wrote some memoirs. By the way, as you note, I found my pen. It’s much more convenient to write with than the pencil. I also found the yarmulka I lost.

Little by little, we’re getting to be able to speak to our waiter in a language they can understand. For instance if we want hard boiled eggs, we show a clenched fist and say strong. Water is “agua freo”. It really is a strange type of service, but it’s all for an attempt to keep kosher.

I wanted to take a swim this afternoon but the pool was very crowded. Instead, I took a nice shower and got dressed for supper.

I attended class at 10 and now the instructor is talking about life in Israel. I’m picking up words but it’s a slow process.

I dressed up in my blue swim trunks. These look like regular play shorts. I took in a little sun on my body. My face is beginning to peel and you haven’t got the job of skinning me this year. The sun is strong but you don’t feel it. The ocean breezes and the low humidity make it very comfortable. I haven’t sweated since I left N.Y. Neither in the room or in the sun. I see by the news bulletins which are posted daily that you haven’t had any rain yet in N.Y. although it has been cooler. It has been a very pleasant trip so far. I’m taking a good rest and am having a good time acting the way I want. I hope all is well with you. I know that today is moving day for you and that you and Hinde Chava are about to go to cooler surroundings. I hope everything goes well and that you will like your place. I would have liked to be with you and help you but I guess that’s one of the sacrifices. I hope you are all well and that Bumi and Rhoda are okay.

For supper we had something new, a piece of cake for dessert. Little by little, we’re getting to be able to speak to our waiter in a language they can understand. For instance if we want hard boiled eggs, we show a clenched fist and say strong. Water is “agua freo”. It really is a strange type of service, but it’s all for an attempt to keep kosher. For corned beef etc. we have no knives, only paper forks. We eat from paper plates which we throw out the porthole when we’re finished. After supper I did some strolling and schmoozing (with fellows, of course). Then I watched a little dancing and retired for the night. Layla tov. Ã

We are now about halfway across the Atlantic. There is a map posted with the position of the ship shown. We had a regular lunch, nothing different but it doesn’t bother me. I’m preparing myself for Israel and I still have some of my supplementary food to make it better.

ly 4, 194 Monday, Ju

Day VII of Voyage to Israel “ ‫ חג שמח‬,‫”בֹקר טוב‬

sunrise. This will follow in sequence to the night pictures I took of the Statue of Liberty. After a stroll on the decks and

hope you’re well set in your new surroundings and that Hinde Chava likes the change and doesn’t give any trouble. I overslept a little and came towards the end of the minyan. But I was in plenty of time for breakfast. The minyan starts at 7:30 sharp and breakfast is until 9. Sometimes we get mixed up with the time. Each day we’re supposed to move the watch ahead 30 minutes, to keep ship time. We must be about 3 hours ahead of you.

a discussion on religion with

After lunch I went a racial atheist, I went to bed to top deck for before 10:30 with the idea of some sunshine but stopped off a getting up before sunrise. minute to see a beauty contest for Miss Neptunia and for ladies in waiting. A girl from this Cita group who some say is Jewish won the crown. The others were shikses and not so nice.

After a regular breakfast I went through the usual routine except that instead of the class I went to purser’s office to get passes for getting off in Lisbon and Naples. It seems we will stop off enough time at these places and also at Athens to go ashore. It should make some good movie subjects. I haven’t taken any movies since we left N.Y. I don’t want to waste any film. I’m planning to get up early some morning perhaps tomorrow and see and film a

Before supper I played some pingpong I hadn’t played for a few years but I did quite well. I won about 5 games in a row from pretty good competition. For supper we had some corned beef (the first meat in 3 days). After a stroll on the decks and a discussion on religion with a racial atheist, I went to bed before 10:30 with the idea of getting up before sunrise. Layla tov. Ã

Baby Hele

n, Feige &

Goldie

T uesday, Ju

ly 5, 1949

Day VIII of VTI

“Early Bird Catches the Sunrise”

ell, believe it or not, I got up around 3 AM, got good thing I got up early to get in the sun. Most people dressed and went up on deck. It was still very stayed indoors after lunch. But I and Binyamin took to the dark and I thought it wouldn’t get light for a top deck and did some calisthenics. We did it conscientiously couple of hours. So I went for about an hour. Then back to bed with my clothes on. But I we had a song was soon awakened by my chaver who session. We sang also wanted to see the sunrise. It was all the Hebrew about 3:30 and he said it was beginning songs and then to get light. So I jumped out of bed and I proceeded rushed up on deck with my camera. to present my True, it was getting a little light. You repertoire of could see day was about to break. Well, English songs. I to make a long story short, we stood concentrated at the front of the boat (wrapped in a on the romantic blanket) and watched the sun rise for ones and dear 2 hours. It was a beautiful experience. they had so much There was water and sky all around more meaning to (just like it was in the Haiden me, more than Planetarium). Little by little the sky they ever had grew lighter and more and more before. My being details came into sight. There were apart from you, a few clouds in the sky, a heavy one each word seemed was in the horizon just where the to be my own. I sun was going up. We didn’t see the only wished I could sun itself until it was a little above reach you and the horizon and cleared this heavy perhaps have you cloud. There were so many things in my arms again. happening. Every second some other change. The beautiful clouds We had something took shape and started reflecting new for supper. We rays of sunshine. More distant had tongue and clouds appeared and changed for dessert some color momentarily. All this while watermelon. They’re the entire world grew brighter beginning to give and brighter, as if someone had decent meals. By the an accurate rheostat such as time we get to Haifa, they use in theaters to dim the everyone may be lights. The birth of a new day was content with them. so beautiful and dramatic that the couple of hours in the cool winds went It’s a week since we left N.Y. I never realized there could be minutes. so much ocean. I wish I were in Israel already when I think of All this while the entire world like Soon the sun the 11 days of sailing still ahead. Thursday we’re supposed grew brighter and brighter, started to appear. to reach Lisbon. They say we’ll be there about 6 to 9 hours. as if someone had an accurate That’s when I Of course I’ll go ashore, maybe take a tour of the city. started taking rheostat such as they use in my pictures. Of After supper I listened to the ship band play in the 1st class theaters to dim the lights. course they may lounge. It’s a very good band and pieces; piano, bass, fiddle, capture some of violin and accordion. Afterwards, I went to see a movie the beauty of the experience, but I hope that God willing “Melody Time” by Walt Disney. It was entertaining but I got sleepy near the end. I retired at 10:30, the first in bed. someday we will experience it together. Layla tov. It’s only 7 weeks when God willing we’ll be together. Ã

I went back to sleep at 5 and slept until 7:30 when I got up again and davened and had “aruchat boker”. Of course after breakfast I took to writing and then attended my Hebrew class. It got cloudy towards noon and kind of chilly. It’s a

,J Wednesday

uly 6, 1949

Day IX of Voyage to Israel “Stor my Weather”

the ship. I lay on the top deck The ship did some most of the afternoon, did a funny dives and little calisthenics and had a wonderful appetite you thought it was for supper. We had falling apart. Many delicatessen again. people stayed on I haven’t taken deck all night. I any pills. I’ll try to guess I have to weather it without get my share of any. All activities were suspended rough sailing for for the evening. the ocean wants to More people were make itself felt. missing for supper and still more threw up. T.G. I felt fine and didn’t feel like throwing up. I watched the waves for about an hour then did some walking and went to bed at about 10. I didn’t sleep well at all. I fell asleep many times only to wake up. The ship did some funny dives and you thought it was falling apart. Many people stayed on deck all night. I guess I have to get my share of rough sailing for the ocean wants to make itself felt.

ell, I woke up several times last night and realized we were having a bit of rough weather and seas. The ship really was tossing back and forth but I fell back to sleep. At 7:30 I got up and the ship was still tossing up and down. I saw it was an overcast sky and the waves were pretty big, at least bigger than we have had till now. We had a small minyan and for breakfast there were very few. But I really feel fine, T.G. It’s a lot of fun watching the waves. Well all of today had to do with the weather. The sea is very rough and the boat is tossing around. Everybody is talking about the weather, the waves and seasickness. Many people were missing for lunch. A lot of people threw up after lunch. So far all I feel is a slight dizziness from the shaking of

Thursday,

July 7, 1949

Layla tov. Ã

Day X of Voyage to Israel “Up and Down We Go”

ell good morning dear. I hope you slept better than I. It was very rough all night. A lot of people spent the whole night on deck. I got up for minyan and breakfast and I felt okay. We were supposed to come into Lisbon today but the rumors were now that we couldn’t get in into late tonight or tomorrow. It’s a good feeling to know that we will be over with the rocking by then. Imagine if we had to think of another week of such weather. T.G. I made out very well and am almost normal. After breakfast we had a lesson and it turned into a song fest. It helped keep mind off the rocking of the boat.

always many different rumors. However, after supper we saw we were really approaching land. I could see lights. In about an hour we saw we were right near land and we could see a city with many lights. Now we heard that we’d dock in about 2 hours. (It was then about 9 o’clock.) It was a pleasant sight to see land again after 9 days at sea. The waters were very calm again and it felt great. Soon we were about 800 yards from shore and a boat came out to us to put a pilot aboard. Then another small boat came out with a lot of people standing and waving to us – a welcoming committee. We were off the coast of Portugal. To get to Lisbon we had to go up a river for a mile or so. We sailed up that river and it was getting nicer – nicer having land on both sides. I really wished you were with me to share this good feeling. Imagine how I’ll feel when I’ll God willing reach Israel. But I have the hope that God willing we with Hinde Chava will make this trip together soon. Soon we were off the pier. Some Lisbon police came aboard with customs authorities and some Greek Line officials. Then 2 tugs pulled us into shore. They didn’t have piers sticking out into the water but the boat pulled in parallel to shore.

After lunch I sat around a while and talked and read a bit. At 4 I went for tea and then I decided that I may want to be up late tonight to see the boat approach land, so I went to bed. The sea clamed down a bit and I slept very well. I was very tired. I got up after 3 full hours of good sleep and I had a light supper. Just before supper we saw in the horizon a shadowy outline. Some said it was a cloud formation, but I thought it was land. There was no official information system on board and rumors always spread and there were

At last we were tied to shore. We have reached Europe. We soon heard the bad news that we wouldn’t be able to get off in Lisbon as we were behind schedule and that we were sailing in 3 hours. There were about 120 passengers getting off at Lisbon. Included with them was the Cita group of young people. There was a lot of excitement on board ship. The people who were getting off were running around like mad getting their things together, paying off the tips, and saying goodbye. This was another example of the inefficiency of the management of the boat. An hour before embarking they knew for sure that they were getting off. There were many rumors circulating that no one would get off until the morning.

Sefardic Jews who have been living there for centuries. Of the thousands of Jews that lived there during the way when they were escaping Hitler, very few have remained. This was mostly due to the fact that the government wouldn’t let them remain. But actually I was told that there is no real anti-Semitism there. The Jews are pretty well off except for the Morano Jews who live in Porto and are being assimilated. The Jewish religious and social like is very similar to ours in America. Most of the Jews, especially the younger generation, are not so Orthodox. There are about 1200 Jews in Portugal and 3 shuls and 1 rabbi and 1 shochet. They have a Mizrachi and an irreligious Zionist organization and most of the community of Zionistic. Of the young fellows I spoke to (By the way, Yiddish seems to be the international Oh yes, dear, I should language. Although they speak Portuguese, mostly have told you of the they know Yiddish.) As I great event in my life. I was saying, of the boys set foot on foreign soil I spoke to one spoke a for the first time in my pretty good English. He life. I got off the ship was about 21 and was a real ardent Zionist. He for a few minutes and was getting ready to go touched European soil. to Eretz. He spoke a good Hebrew also. He was graduating as chemical engineer and planned to leave next year for Israel. Another fellow who entertained us looked just like Danny Kaye and he said he got a lot of publicity because of it. It was an interesting experience meeting these people and I guess I’ll get some more information about Jewish life in Portugal from the 7 who were going to Israel with us. Oh yes, dear, I should have told you of the great event in my life. I set foot on foreign soil for the first time in my life. I got off the ship for a few minutes and touched European soil. I was one of a very few who were allowed to get off the ship to buy some refreshments at a stand near the ship. I bought some Portuguese chocolate and sardines. On ship there were people selling different types of merchandise made of straw like hats, baskets and bags. I waited to the end and got a bargain. For a $1.00 hat I paid $.60. There were dozens of people selling stamps and food cards. I bought stamps for the 2 letters I had written. I really didn’t finish Pop’s letter yet, but I took a few minutes to finish it so I could send it away form Portugal. I had wanted to send a cable also from Lisbon, but that wasn’t possible. I’ll send one from the ship. I also bought some fresh fruit from a peddler on the ship. I had about a dozen small, sweet pears and 6 plums for $.25.

Well first the people from Lisbon who wanted to come aboard come on ship. These were relatives and friends of people getting off at Lisbon and others. Among these others were about 25 members of the Jewish community of Lisbon, including the rabbi and the rebbetzin. There were 7 Lisbon Jews joining us on our trip to Israel and they were a farewell committee and also a welcoming committee for us Jews. They had prepared a big reception for us in their synagogue because they thought we’d be able to come ashore. They don’t often get a chance to greet fellow Jews in such quantities. Well, it was very interesting meeting them. They were mostly of Poland and Russia extraction and have been living in Portugal many years, most of them being born there. There are also many

Well, at about 2 AM we left Lisbon. I watched from the top of the ship how we pulled out of Lisbon and headed out to the ocean again. I went to sleep about 3:30 that night. Shalom. Ã

Friday, July

8, 1949

Day XI of Voyage to Israel “Leaving Lisbon on Way to Mediter ranean”

what I’d be doing if I were home. I could see you getting ready to light the candles and I know you would be thinking of me thousands of miles away. Before supper Rabbi Hollander gave me a job to be the mashgeach for a while in the kitchen. I watched them cut some tongues. I then went to shul. In honor of the fact that I reached Europe, I decided to take out my 2 cans of gefilte fish and serve it to my table. Were they surprised and delighted! I was equally surprised and honored when they asked me to make kiddush for the whole dining room. Ã

ood morning, dear. It was about 10:30 that I opened my eyes. We had an exciting night and had to miss breakfast because of it. We were on the high seas again, though not far from Portugal coast. As a matter of fact, when I went up on deck after davening, we were passing some land and you could see like a monastery on it. It was a beautiful sight. This was the first day I had seen land and water. The day was bright and I took some movies of the land I took a shower and shave and of some and got really putsed up seagulls flying “l’chvod shabbat.” I always the ship. I took think of you and what I’d be it easy. I wrote doing if I were home. I could some of these memoirs and see you getting ready to waited for light the candles and I know lunch.

you would be thinking of me thousands of miles away.

After lunch I got into my bathing suit. In time, I got some swell swimming and a good sunbath. It was soon time to get ready for shabbat. I took a shower and shave and got really putsed up “l’chvod shabbat.” I always think of you and

Par t II of Voyage to Israel

e had a real Oneg Shabbat at the table. We sang all the ‫ זמירות‬and other lively tunes. It filled the dining room and the goyim were impressed with our spirit. For that matter, the gentiles must be very impressed by our conduct on the whole. They see how we get together for davening, for singing, for lessons, etc. They see that we don’t waste time, and spend our time on worthwhile things. Getting back to our shabbas. After going through a large repertoire of songs, we benched together and went outside. There we found assembled the irreligious element and they were singing. Many of their songs were of a religious nature. We joined in and the goyim looked on. The irreligious element went to the top deck for dancing and I, and other of the more religious, ones went to the First Class lounge and heard a speech by Rabbi Borach. He gave a fiery talk in Hebrew and Yiddish about the role of religion.

right side was Africa and on the other side Europe (Spain). We could see lights and sometimes make out a city. Soon I

We could see land on both sides. On the right side was Africa and on the other side Europe (Spain). We could see lights and sometimes make out a city. Soon I saw the Rock of Gibraltar.

After the speech I went to the front of the boat to see what could be seen. We were supposed to pass Gibraltar and from what I heard and read in school it should be an impressive sight. But as our luck should have it, we were going to pass it at night and there wasn’t going to be much to see. Well I waited more than an hour. We could see land on both sides. On the

saw the Rock of Gibraltar. There were lights on top and at the foot there was a city. It wasn’t so impressive as I had imagined. That was because of the darkness. But I was surprised of the width of the Straits of Gibraltar. It must have been a couple of miles wide. After we passed out again into open water without any land in sight, I retired for the night. Layla tov. Shabbat shalom. Ã

uly 9, 194 Satur day, J

Day XII of Voyage to Israel “Shabbat Shalom”

speeches and then a lot of singing. They served cake and drinks for the kids. Again, the goyim were impressed by the organization.

habbat Shalom, Good morning. I got up in time for services. We had a nice crowd and with the long sedra we finished mussaf after nine. I thought we wouldn’t be able to get breakfast. But the waiters were very nice and we got a complete breakfast.

After supper, which consisted of the same menu as on other days, I went to see a movie “The Magic Bow” which was about Paganini the violinist. I liked it very much and decided to go see it again tomorrow night. It had a lot of good music in it played by Yehuda Menaim and it was played for a lovely love story.

I took it easy all morning. I attended class and studied some Hebrew and just waited for lunch. The weather is really beautiful. There is not a cloud in the sky and the water is so blue. You can feel the difference in the climate. They say it’s similar to the climate in Israel. If that is so, it’ll be okay.

After the movie I went and spent about 2 hours just looking at the moon and thinking of you and singing to you. I wonder if you heard me. I do it After the movie I went every once in a while and get very emotional. and spent about 2 hours

After lunch I took a walk on deck and got into some conversations. From these talks you get a good idea of the people’s characters. We davened mincha and mayriv. But before that we had an oneg shabbat for everybody. It was sponsored by the religious and irreligious elements. They had a couple of

I went to bed because of you around 12 o’clock. Layla tov. Ã

just looking at the moon and thinking of you and singing to you. I wonder if you heard me. I do it every once in a while and get very emotional.

Sunday, Ju

ly 10, 1949

Day XIII of V.T.I.

got up a little late this morning and missed the minyan. However, I got breakfast and my share of morning sunshine. Although today is Sunday and in NY it’s some kind of a holiday, I dressed and felt just as if it were another day for in Israel it’s just another working day. Most of the other people dressed up, though. The weather is beautiful. They say you don’t even think of rain here. One thing which is also very different in this climate is the heavy dew we find in the morning. I guess that’s what makes things grow. It’s much warmer here now. There are nice breezes most of the time and I never sweat. I’m taking in plenty of sun and my hands have a very nice tan. My face and body are still reddish.

Today was really a very ordinary day. Nothing special took place. After supper I went to see “The Magic Bow” again and enjoyed it even more. While waiting for the picture to start, I learned the words to some new Hebrew songs. I went to sleep right after the show because I was a little tired and tomorrow we were supposed to arrive in Naples and I may be up late. Good night, dear. I miss you so much. L’hitraot. Ã

I went swimming in the morning and worked up a good appetite for lunch. Today I did my writing after lunch While waiting because I got for the picture to up late. In start, I learned the the afternoon words to some new I did a little walking and Hebrew songs. then returned to a beach chair. By now, I’ve lost track of my chair and most people sit in any chair they find near. The place where I hang out now has a powerful portable radio and we get some entertaining music and programs.

Monday, Ju

ly 11, 1949

Day XIV of Voyage to Israel “Two Weeks Worth of Water”

ood morning, dearest wife and daughter. I got up feeling so fine today, T.G. Here I was more than 2/3 of the way to Israel and I’d soon see a dream come true and would at least see the land I’ve been thinking so much about. I just am so anxious to see the part of your dear family who I already know so well, though I haven’t even seen them. The financial part of the trip doesn’t even worry me.

high elevation. The city is spread around the bay. The first part we passed was the real exclusive places: beautiful villas and residences of the millionaires. But when we came in the port we saw a large city of old houses. It looked not so much antique as dirty and decrepit. Of course there were a few No sooner was I new buildings which stood down from the ship out as a sore thumb.

I spent the morning taking it easy and going for a swim during my schmoozing on the deck. I feel very honored from the reputation I had by the passengers. They said I was about the only married man who was true to his wife and that I, on the contrary, showed off my wife and daughter by showing everybody the pictures. It’s true that most of the other married men, young or old, and for that matter the married women on ship aren’t acting very decently. What I know about them is bad enough and what I don’t know may be even worse. However, I am happy in the thought that I love my wife and child enough to be true and be contented in the fact that they wait for me.

Well after a quick supper, I get exciting. Most saw we were really going to people getting off get off. I got dressed and took about 4 packs of cigarettes. the boat went on taxi tours of the city. But They said that for American cigarettes you can get a lot. my adventurous soul In order to get off, we had to said that I should get our passport back which rather walk around. we had left 2 days ago to be stamped. There was a pandemonium in the distribution of these passports. It was really terrible and it took about an hour and a half. I got mine at about 9:30 and immediately took off not waiting for anyone, just waiting to get on land. There was a sign on board saying that the ship was sailing at 2 AM.

did things begin to

Well, after lunch and a walk I went back to my chair and all kinds of rumors were going around about our stop at Naples. There were so many different times for our arrival and differences of opinion as to our going ashore. I personally was of the opinion that even though we came into Naples tonight, they wouldn’t let us ashore. I reasoned that we were behind schedule and that if we were to stop anywhere, it would be in Greece where the captain lives and which is the home port of the ship which would like to have some tourist dollars. The passengers even got together a petition to the captain that we be allowed to go ashore.

No sooner was I down from the ship did things begin to get exciting. Most people getting off the boat went on taxi tours of the city. But my adventurous soul said that I should rather walk around. I waited for some of my friends to come off. Meanwhile, 2 boys came over to me speaking a pretty good English and start asking me if I’ve got some cigarettes for sale. They wanted to give me 1500 lire which is about $2.50. The cigarettes cost $1.50. I didn’t tell them that I had or that I hadn’t a carton. They started to give me a good sales talk about what I could get for a carton. Some of the offers would have been very fine for the right fellow but not for me. But I told them I’d let them show me around, but that I wanted a couple of people too. It seems that most of the people had left already and those that I asked wanted to go by taxi.

At around 3 o’clock, I was one of the first to sight the shores of Italy. For the past 2 days we’ve seen less water. Last night we passed by Scandinavia but we saw just a couple of lights. Well, this sight of land was a pleasant sight. Actually, it was an island off the coast of Italy. It took almost 2 hours until we got close to this island (which, by the way, is on the map, its name being Itahi). It was inhabited and consisted mostly of rocky mountains. By this time we already could see the mainland. The general opinion was that we were going ashore. There was no official information. Everyone got dressed up but I. I took some movies of Mt. Veruvius which is overlooking Bay of Naples. It was near sunset when we entered Bay of Naples. The pilot and 2 tugs brought the boat to shore. Naples from a distance looked beautiful. There are mountains all around and parts of the city are on

So I started out alone with my 2 guides. Before I got very far I was besieged by kids and a mother with little baby in arms asking for charity. I didn’t know if they really needed the money so badly, but I didn’t turn them down. They just all ran after you. The kids got me through the MP without having their search me. Here I was free in a strange city. We didn’t go much further when I was besieged by salesmen selling all kinds of things form jewelry to postcards, etc. However, I wasn’t in the market to buy anything right now. I’ll wait until I’m ready to go back on ship and then I wouldn’t have to carry things around and get better bargains besides. Well I learned that we were near the center of town and I asked the boys to take me to the post office. There I mailed a letter to you, dear, and one to Israel. There I met a lot of chaverim and I got one of them to make the tour together 28

with me. There were some girls who wanted to come along with us, but we weren’t so keen about it nor were the 2 kids either. This chaver wanted to buy a certain kind of cheese and so we started out in search of a store that was open. As we walked around the town the kids (Frankie & Tony) showed us the points of interest and some information about the city and life there. It was then about 10:30 and most of the stored were closed. The only places open were the eating places: bars, cafes, etc. We couldn’t find the cheese but we managed to see quite a bit of the town while looking for it. These kids really knew the town inside out. They make a few dollars when boats come in. Well, we saw the poor part of town and the better part and were very impressed. My first impressions of the city were upheld when I examined it from close range. It was old and dreary, dirty and buildings looked like they were falling apart. Of course that was not true for all buildings and all streets. In this downtown section there were also some new, modern buildings. The post office, some office buildings and some hotels were really nice looking. I saw the royal palace which was an important place during the war. By the way, there were many signs of the war here. Although the parts of Naples that were bombed are mostly industrial sights, there were many buildings bombed in residential sections. Many have been rebuilt but there are still some ruins visible.

Before I go further, I want to give you my impression of the city life there and its people. I realize I can’t have an accurate picture of everything because I was there just at night. The only business people we met were peddlers and people to take care of tourists. Well, I saw some extreme poverty. The poor people running half-naked and barefoot begging for money or even a piece of bread. I saw whole families that had no homes and they had to sleep in streets. The government didn’t seem to care for its poor. They just had to suffer. I saw mother and father and 3 kids lying on pavement and sleeping. From our guides we learnt that conditions were pretty bad in Naples. There was a lot of unemployment and prices were high. To me it seemed that the people were really for Communism. For I saw how the richer people lived, and it seemed it’s a much greater contrast than in America even though a lot of rich Americans have much more than what I saw. I saw a little of the workings of a black market and the value of American dollars and cigarettes. A pack of cigarettes is worth $.50 (cost $.15) and you can get about $1.40 for $1.00. There were a lot of bargains to be bought in souvenirs. Most of them were too bulky for me and I first bought a mother of pearl necklace and a bracelet, besides some pictures. Well, it sure made me see how much better it was in the USA. All Italy would like to move there. I hope Israel won’t give me any such impression.

After seeing some of the poorer sections, we went to visit the civic center. There I saw the government buildings. There was a huge square where the crowds gathered to listen to Mussilini and there was the balcony from where he spoke. There was a huge church opposite this balcony where the king would pray. Most of the buildings were of beautiful and intricate work. After seeing the many buildings and points of interest in the heart of the city, we went by a peculiar looking subway to the top of the hill overlooking the city. This train was built on an angle of about 45 degrees and was run on a cable. There were about 4 stations until the top. When we reached the top, we saw we were in a better part of the city. The buildings were much nicer and the streets cleaner. There were a lot of little cafes all around the station and people were sitting in the street at tables and chairs and making merry. It was a picturesque scene. We passed by some stores which had Well, it sure made me prices posted and they were moderate. They had some see how much better American foods as pineapple, it was in the USA. All prunes, milk and they sold at about 50% higher prices Italy would like to as NY. We then walked move there. I hope through the more exclusive Israel won’t give me neighborhood and we saw any such impression. some real nice homes with nice surroundings. We soon reached the point where you could look out and see a beautiful panoramic view of the city. All the little lights and the outline of the streets and the water added together to make a beautiful scene. (I’ve got some postcards which show this view.)

Well, dear, I returned to the ship at 1:30 and most of the people were back. The word started going around that we wouldn’t sail until 4 or 5 AM, so after a little rest, I started out again. This time I went with Rabbi Hollander and a kibbutznik on a genosh (a horse-drawn carriage) and went around town for an hour. It was a beautiful evening and the city was all asleep. Well, I was soon back at the boat and I met one of my guides still hanging around. It seems he doesn’t want to go home. When he gets real tired, he’ll go to sleep in street. My other guide, Tony, was sleeping. There was a whole gang of kids still roaming around at 3:30. Some begged me to get them something to eat so I went to the ship, got some bread and stinky salami. You should see how they grabbed it. I had enough of Naples so I went to ship and it was getting light already. I decided to wait up for sunrise. The ship stood still. There were still a few people up. At around 5, the tugs got ready to take us out into the sea and just then I saw a beautiful sunrise. Mt. Vesuvius and the hills of Naples came to life. There were beautiful colors in sky. At 6 we sailed and I decided to wait for breakfast before going asleep. (It was really 6:30 because they moved the clock ahead 30 minutes.) So I davened and ate breakfast and went to sleep. Layla tov, Golda dear. Ã

I must have been walking around about 3½ hours and I wasn’t even tired. We felt that we should be getting back to ship so we returned by streetcar.

ly 12, 19 T uesday, Ju

Day XV of VTI “Recuperating from Naples”

ood afternoon, Goldie dear. This morning is included with July 11. I woke up at 12:30 just in time for lunch. After lunch I wrote a little and fell asleep in my beach chair.

After supper I was in for another interesting experience. We passed through the Strait of Messina which separates Italy from Sicily. It was quite narrow and there were beautiful hills and villages on both sides.

There was also Mt. Aetna a little in the distance which was smoking. It is a volcano. During the afternoon We passed through we had passed much the Strait of Messina closer to another smoking volcano. It which separates Italy was Stromboli. from Sicily. It was quite

narrow and there were

Well I went to sleep beautiful hills and early so I could be villages on both sides. back to normal tomorrow. Good night, sweetheart. Until tomorrow, layla tov. Ã

Wednesday ,J

Day XVI of VTI “Day of Relaxation”

ood morning, dear. I got up on time, davened and had breakfast. I feel fine, though I wish I were in Israel already. Looking back at the more than 2 weeks away from you and not being in Israel, I felt they were wasted time, but I was glad they were past and that I didn’t have them before me. But “es vel alles zen gut!”

Well at Naples we received about 50 more Jews. They were all from S.A. Most of them had come on one ship from Argentina. Most were families going to Israel to settle and farm (that’s what they did in Argentina). There were also some business people, but they were going just as tourists. They said things weren’t so bad in S.A., but of course they couldn’t be sure of the future. The percentage of Jews on board now is really big. There are only some Greeks left, and they’ll be getting I feel fine, though I wish off tomorrow. We’re I were in Israel already. due in Pireaus early Looking back at the more tomorrow morning and they say we’ll be than 2 weeks away from there all day.

you and not being in Israel, I felt they were wasted time, but I was glad they were past and that I didn’t have them before me. But “es vel alles zen gut!”

Before lunch I went for a swim. The water is from ocean, but the pool is small. It’s good exercise and appetite builder.

We sailed almost all day on open water. Towards evening, we started passing some Greek islands. I guess tomorrow will be a busy day compared to today. I went swimming after lunch and wrote a couple of letters after supper and went to bed. Layla tov. Ã

uly 13, 194

July 14, 19 Thursday,

Day XVII of VTI “Day in Greece”

ood morning, dear. I woke up before sunrise and I was happy. I wanted to see the boat come into Pireaus and watch the sun rise on Greece. There were few people up. They didn’t all go to bed early like I. Well, the sky was beginning to get light and I could see we were near our objective. About 15 minutes later, we stopped and waited for the pilot. Meanwhile, the sun started rising over the hills of Athens. It was a beautiful sight. As we came closer to the city we started seeing the extensive destruction of the war. There were many devastated areas. You could see many homes with just walls. The port you could see patched up. There were many sunken ships and other war equipment lying around. There was a new large warehouse and other buildings. Though I saw

300 a carton. I had seen in Italy that they offer more for Pall Mall so I had 3 of those with me and sure enough, he said that they were worth We then went to visit 3.70 a carton. I didn’t tell him I had anything though the Acropolis hills of he may have suspected Athens, the Acropolis I had something in my and the Parthenon and valise. But after talking to all the other places him and asking him about things in Greece, decided I read about in the to ask him to be our guide books. It was a very for the day. Soon I had my interesting experience. party together (5) with George as our guide. We It was a good feeling to walk over those rocks first were going to go to Athens by subway. To get which were so many to the subway we took thousands of years old. a streetcar for $.03. We already saw the houses and people and life in Greece. There was a lot of war damage prevalent. The cars were very crowded and a couple of kids begged for gum from the street. We then took the subway which was quite modern. It was really a surface railway until it reached Athens. On

some war damage in Naples, it wasn’t anything to compare with Pireaus. Soon we were tied to shore. They didn’t have such nice port facilities here as they had in Naples or in Lisbon. I davened and ate breakfast and got on line to get my passport stamped. It was a much better system than they had in Naples. In about 15 minutes I had everything taken care of, including the exchange of $1.00 into 10,000. They asked how much money I was taking into Greece and that I could just exchange it at Bank of Greece. But I didn’t declare all and besides took along 3 cartons of cigarettes and 1 pair nylons and went off the boat into Greece to see what I can do. Well I thought I might have some trouble getting through the customs house, but they didn’t even look at me and soon I was out, free and clear. Later on I heard that some people even with 1 carton, were sent back to boat. Well here I was in Greece with a day ahead of me. I told the Stavsky girl I’d wait around for her, and I figured I may just as well go with a group. But before I met them, a Greek who could speak English started speaking to me and asked me if I had something to sell. He said he’d give me

the way, we passed through a seashore resort, some poorer sections of town, some small farms. Then we passed by the Acropolis Hills and for the first time I saw the famous old city of Athens. The real city of Athens is spread out all over the feet of these famous hills.

George said that it wouldn’t be in good money and that he’ll take better care of me. We then went to visit the Acropolis hills of Athens, the Acropolis and the Parthenon and all the other places I read about in the books. It was a very interesting experience. We took a taxi to the entrance. There we saw already many of our fellow passengers from the ship. It cost only about $.15 to go in, but it cost a lot of energy to climb around those hills. It was a good feeling to walk over those rocks which were so many thousands of years old. There was a guide who explained the different ruins. All in all, it was very interesting. I took a lot of pictures (about half a roll). We spent about 2 hours there. Then we returned by foot and trolley to Athens. After doing a little shopping, we went back to the boat. It was 7 PM, just the time they said we should be back. The I went to sleep soon guards said it was sailing after we started out on soon. So I straightened out our last lap to Israel. It with George and returned to the ship. Almost was nice to know that everybody was back, the next land we’d see and I was just in time for and that the next stop supper. After the meal I would be Haifa. straightened out with the rest of the group and I came out making a few dollars. The good time, a doll, a cap and some pictures didn’t cost me anything. I gave George the 3 cartons of cigarettes. It came out to about $13.00.

We got off at last stop and when I went to street, I was confronted by a hustling city of people, cars, buses. We were in the main square of Athens, Harmony Square. I don’t think there is anything to compare with it in NY. This was the center of all shopping. There were department stores there and smaller shops. Then there were stand all around selling fruit and other food, as well as general merchandise. The first place we headed for was the post office. It wasn’t such a new or impressive building as I saw in Naples, but it was very busy, especially with the throng of tourists from our ship. I bought some picture postcards and stationary. Then I mailed 2 cards and 2 letters, one each to you and Pop. By the way, George was my banker. By now I told him that I had 3 cartons of Pall Mall and that I’d straighten out with him at the end of the day. I kept track on a paper of the thousands of lirot I spent. After I finished mailing my correspondence, some of the group wanted to go to the bank to change some American money. It was quite a job, but we saw quite a bit of downtown Greece in the process.

We didn’t leave Greece until 10 PM. I went to sleep soon after we started out on our last lap to Israel. It was nice to know that the next land we’d see and that the next stop would be Haifa. Good night, dear. I’m always with you wherever I go. Ã

The rest of the trip I am writing from Tel Aviv. I was writing the previous part on Friday until it was time to get ready from shabbas. But I remember my last days on the Neptunia well enough to give you a good account. As for the remainder of my visit to Greece: After we changed a couple of dollars into thousands of the Greek currency, we went to eat. We had some delicious rolls and butter, some cheese, and then some milk and ice cream. It was all very delicious. It cost us only about $.60 each. From there we went for a little walk in town. I was apprehended by some fellows who wanted to buy cigarettes. They walked along with us and offered me as much as $5.00 a carton, but

Friday, July

15, 1949

Day XVIII of VTI “L Day Minus 2”

ood morning, dear. I woke up on time with a wonderful feeling that I would soon be in Israel. We were out in open water and you could smell the sweetness of the land. You could see that we were reaching our destination by the actions of the passengers. They were all gay and you found much more singing parties. The official word was that we would reach Haifa early Sunday morning. I just couldn’t wait this day and a half.

We had a real enjoyable shabbas meal with plenty of singing. After the meal, the singing really went into a big scale. The religious and irreligious combined and the air was filled with song. Then I attended a religious-sponsored program of speeches and songs. It was very interesting and moving. After this meeting, I attended some other singing groups.

I sat in a committee meeting who was planning the festivities for our final shabbas on board. There was the division between the religious and nonIt was very moving religious elements, but to see all the Jews of they compromised and different lands and planned a well-rounded statuses davening program.

together. We had a real enjoyable shabbas meal with plenty of singing.

At about 12, I felt sleepy enough to go to sleep. We were one day closer to Israel. Shabbat shalom, yakiri. Ã

I went swimming today and spent a few hours writing.

We had a very large crowd for davening. There came aboard at Athens about 30 Greek Jews. They were being sent by the J.D.C. to Israel. It was very moving to see all the Jews of different lands and statuses davening together.

Satur day, J

uly 16, 194

Day XIX of Voyage to Israel “Shabbat of Joy”

ood morning, dear. I wish you were near me when I woke up this morning. I quickly realized that tomorrow morning in this time I would see the shores of Israel. I felt that this day would be long because of the importance of the morrow.

They planned a big shindig for the evening. The captain made parties for the other groups’ landing at Naples and Athens, but the Jews took things in their own They then sold the honor hands and planned their of lifting the Israeli flag own landing party.

when we entered Israeli waters. That was to happen at about 5 AM tomorrow. It was sold for $175 which went to Jewish National Fund.

We had an extremely large minyan overflowing onto the decks. People were in gay spirits and had a really friendly spirit. I got “hagba” and that was an honor. They had plenty of chazzanim and rabbis.

It turned out to be real nice. They had it in the first class dining room and it was mobbed. The captain was there and others of the crew. They had a well-organized program with a good master of ceremonies. They had greetings from all of the countries represented and some c o n t r i b u t i o n s from them in form of speech or song.

We got finished with davening a little late and had some trouble getting breakfast, but I managed to get mine. After breakfast I lay down a while and just reminisced of you all in America and thought of what was ahead for me. The ship was going slowly because it didn’t want to get to Israel before it could enter the port. I would just have to sweat out these last 12 hours.

By the time the program ended, everyone was very lifted. They then sold the honor of lifting the Israeli flag when we entered Israeli waters. That was to happen at about 5 AM tomorrow. It was sold for $175 which went to Jewish National Fund.

After dinner they had a little singing and then at about 5 they had a cultural meeting, where a representative of each land gave a report of the Jewish situation in his land. It was most interesting and it helped make the day pass quicker.

Then they served refreshments and had some community singing. I soon left the party to go to sleep. I wanted to be well rested for tomorrow because I knew it would be a busy day. I had packed my things earlier and just had to pack in my suits to be ready.

For supper you could see we were so near our goal. People were paying the waiters tips. People were taking each other’s addresses. In general, it was an exciting evening ahead of us.

I didn’t know if I would be able to sleep this night. Many people stayed up all night to see us come into Haifa, but I told someone to wake me up early so that I might also see something.

After supper I took a shave and shower to be clean when I, God willing, meet the family. All the girls got dressed up in their evening gowns. A lot of them brought them along. They thought the Neptunia was a luxury liner and that they would wear them often.

Good night, dear. It’s been a long trip and a difficult one to be away from you, but tomorrow I will see the hills and houses of the land that has been in my mind so long. Ã

Sunday, Ju

ly 17, 1949

L Day of Voyage to Israel “Israel at Last”

t was about 5 that I opened my eyes and it took me about 10 seconds to realize I was in Israel waters. I had all sorts of thoughts and things going my mind when I went to sleep and I don’t know how I fell asleep. I guess I was very tired.

I managed to get a breakfast even though it was late. My waiter didn’t want to lose out on a tip. They started to give instructions on landing and promised it wouldn’t take long if they followed them. But I knew it would be a couple of hours before I’d set my foot on Israel soil. My hunch was true because I had 7 – 35 on my landing card and that was the 7th group and 35th in group of Yes, I could see land 10 groups and 50 in each. and it was Israel’s

Well, I just jumped out of bed and ran upstairs to the deck. Yes, I could see land and it was Israel’s shore. I really began to cry and it helped relieve the emotion in me. There I could see a beautiful city, much nicer than Naples or Athens. Haifa, with its white houses, shown in the sunlight and I felt proud that I was a Jew and this was a land of Jews. Everybody seems to be up and smiling. For some it meant the beginning of a new life, for others just a place where they were going to spend a few days and dollars. If you could record all the mixed emotions, it would make an interesting film. I took some films of our coming into Haifa with a beautiful sunrise. I saw the pilot boat with a Jewish flag and a Jewish pilot and crew come out to meet us. That all brought tears to my eyes. The people were all shouting “shalom” to the people in this and other small boats in the harbor. We saw Israel naval craft go out into the sea and that was very impressive. I took film until one of the police who came aboard said we shouldn’t take any pictures of the harbor installations. Well, I didn’t take any more after that. I was under Israel law and meant to keep it.

At around 10 AM I saw shore. I really began Moris (Chana’s husband). to cry and it helped He recognized me and I relieve the emotion in recognized him. He was just like in the picture with me. There I could see a ??? hat tilted on a side. I a beautiful city, much waved and shouted to him nicer than Naples or in joy. He told me everyone Athens. Haifa, with its was well. He had come to white houses, shown Haifa on Friday because in the sunlight and I they told the people that the boat was coming in felt proud that I was then. Chana was home with a Jew and this was a Sara and Micha and Freidie land of Jews. was in camp. He told me he has a letter from you and that you were all well. That was the first I’ve heard from you in almost 3 weeks. I was overwhelmed with joy. Well, I waited and waited. At about 12:30 I began to be processed and that took about 20 minutes. I was very nervous and excited. Soon, I was to be on Israel soil. I ran out

We soon were in the harbor and we got a closer look at the city, its houses and people. It was even more beautiful than the first impression. I could see the modern architecture and the many cars and even railroads. There were some people waiting at the pier. I wondered if the Finks were there. It was only about 6:30. I davened out on the deck and it had a new meaning. I felt thankful that I was privileged to be here. I hoped that all would go well.

of the processing room and got a porter to get my baggage off the boat. That took another 10 minutes. I ran to the gang plank, showed the police my papers and passport, and he gave me the okay. I went 2 steps at a time and it seemed like hundreds of steps. I was alone and when I touched the ground I just wept like a baby. I felt good I was at last in Israel. Goldie, dear, how I wished we descended that gang plank together. But, God willing, I hope we will do it together someday. Ã 36

Additiona l Letters Fr om Zeidyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tr ip

dditional Letters during Seymourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trip to Israel - Summer 1949. Apart from the diary he kept, Seymour posted additional letters to his dear Goldie.

1949

July 7, 1949 Lisbon, Portugal

July 14, 1949 Pireaus, Greese

July 11, 1949 Naples, Italy July 17, 1949 Haifa, Israel

July 8, 1949 Gibraltar July 12, 1949 Stromboli, Sicilia

Sunday Mo

rning

10 July 194

Somewhere in the Mediter ranean

‫ב”ה‬

My daily account of my trip is progressing nicely. I will try to mail the first installment from Naples where I hope to mail this letter. According to what I heard the Captain say yesterday we should be in Naples at 3 PM tomorrow and we are supposed to stay there 6 hours. This may give me a chance to take care of a couple of things.

earest beloved, How are you dear and our daughter Hinde Chava. I am well, T.G. and miss you very much. Last night I was looking at the moon and stars for about 2 hours straight just thinking of you and singing to you. I feel that perhaps you too, thousands of miles away were looking at the same moon and thinking of me too. It was a beautiful night and the It is 12 days words of the songs had so much since I left you meaning. I assure you that I am and it seems like true to you and give you the respect and honor you deserve. 12 weeks. But

our happy days together and the prospects for a happier future ahead makes me forget the lonesome present.

What’s new in America? We hear very little news of the outside world. I hope all is well especially in U.S. and Israel. So how does it feel to be without your husband?

I hope you received my letter from Portugal and my cable to N.Y. which I had to send from the ship. We weren’t allowed to get off at Portugal.

I know it’s pretty difficult being without your wife. But as far as my being at ease the fact that I’m married and do not have to look at any of the girls as if she might be my ideal since I’ve already found my one and only one. As for the future I’m optimistic though I know it won’t be easy. I hope that I will be able to get rid of the car soon after I land. Once I’ve made my trip then I would be assured that my trip will be successful financially.

It is 12 days since I left you and it seems like 12 weeks. But our happy days together and the prospects for a happier future ahead makes me forget the lonesome present. I hope you have some diversions and are managing well.

There are many more things which I could write about the trip but they are contained in my day to day account. But all in all so far my trip has been successful. I’m taking a good rest, am meeting a lot of people and am becoming a man of the world. There will be plenty to tell you about the trip when we IY’H will be together again. Of course I hope to experience even more in Eretz Yisrael. Well I’ll say goodbye for now, dear and I hope this letter finds you all well, you, Hinde Chava, Mother, Father and the rest of the Mishpacha. Give my love to all and be well Your loving husband, Seymour Ã

13 July 194

Dearest Beloved Goldie and Hinde Chava,

now near Greece and expect to come into Piraeus (Port of Athens) at about 4 AM tomorrow morning. We will be able to be in Athens almost all day tomorrow. It’s a Greek ship and they want the people to spend their money all in Greece. We’re supposed to leave Greece tomorrow night and hope IY”H to be in Haifa early Sunday morning. This letter I’ll mail in Athens. The next I hope IY”H to write from Israel. Until then shalom dear wife and daughter.

‫ב”ה‬ hope this letter finds you all well and in best of health. I hope you like your place in the country and are enjoying yourselves. Just be well and don’t worry about me.

T.G. all is well for me. I’m having a very good rest and seeing many interesting things.

I was in Naples Monday night from 10 PM to early in the morning. I mailed you a letter from there which I hope you received. I had a most interesting time there. I saw quite a bit of I hope you like the city and learnt a lot about the your place in people and life there. The details the country and I’ve written in my memoir book to you and consists are enjoying of over 15 yourselves. Just pages. So be well and don’t you see worry about me. there really was a lot to see. I bought you a mother of pearl necklace and a bracelet from there.

My love to all, Be well. Your loving husband and father, Seymour Ã

There were many beautiful sights in Naples including Mr. Vesuvius and the general view of the city. But there were also many moving sights mostly of the poverty I saw among the people. It would have been much better if we would have come into Naples during daytime. We would have been able to go through the stores there. Also I would have been able to visit Pompei, which is just outside Naples. We were supposed to leave Naples at 2 AM but we didn’t get away until about 5:30 AM. I was up until then and got in a beautiful sunrise. We are

Dearest Goldie,

tters Zeidy’s Le l e Fr om Isra 18 July 194

As for my prospects they look pretty good. I have a lot of confidence that my trip will be a success and that Israel will be helped. Tomorrow I’ve got an appointment with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and I’ll be more definite on certain ideas. There’s really so much to tell you that I don’t know what to do first. I’ll have to write you a more detailed letter in the evening.

‫ב”ה‬ ell T.G. I am here in Tel Aviv. I’ve met your sister and the children and Moritz and T.G. they are all well. It was a real pleasure to meet them though I felt I knew them all my life. I met Moritz yesterday in Haifa and we didn’t come to Tel Aviv until today because we had to take out the baggage. But T.G. all is well. I feel fine, T.G. and hope to hear the same from you, Hinde Chava and the rest of the family. I got your letter of June 30th and I hope that by now you got more used to my absence. I miss you a lot dear and hoped that you would have been with me when I arrived in Israel. The country is beautiful, that is as much as I’ve seen of it, so far Channa looks very well KY”H much younger than I imagined. The kids are wonderful, though I haven’t seen Freide

I just want you to know that everyone is well. That they aren’t so bad off here, that I feel fine, love you dearly and miss you very much. The account of my voyage I will try to mail today. It’s 2 books long. Everyone was thrilled with the gifts especially the kids. The duty wasn’t much. Well Goldie dear I’ll say goodbye for now. Though you’re thousands of miles away you’re always in my heart. Love to all. Regards from all Your loving husband Shmuel Yaakov Ã

As for my prospects they look pretty good. I have a lot of confidence that my trip will be a success and that Israel will be helped.

yet. He’s in camp and will be back Thursday. Moritz is fine though he still isn’t too well. His business is good. In general things here are much better than I imagined although a lot of people are complaining. Prices aren’t so high. They now have tried price control. A lot of things are cheaper here than in America like some foods and haircuts (48¢). Labor is also cheaper. Chana, Freidy, Sara, Moritz & Micha Fink

21 July 194

Dearest Goldie and Hinde Chava,

looks a lot like you dear but others think differently. Moritz is really so nice as you told me he would be. He’s a swell guy and he should only be well and everything would be okay. His business is going pretty good though with his expenses he’s not able to save much. They live nicely and the children are a big expense. But the kids are worth it. It’s really so nice to be with the kids. Of course Freddy is a big boy and is the “big brother”. He takes care of the kids and is a big help. But of course he also likes to be with his friends and sometimes Channa thinks he’s lazy But he’s a regular guy. As for Sarah she’s a lovely “meytechen” She is full of life and always on the go. She’s about Yoel’s size but more zaftig. She and all the children are KY”H well built and healthy looking. Sarah is still wearing the special glasses for her eyes but in a week or two they’ll change it for regular glasses which she’ll have to wear only a couple of years. One of her eyes is too strong. As for Michael he’s not at all a baby but a regular boy. He’s very lovable always with a smile. All in all they’re a lovely family and it’s a shame you and especially Mother and Father can’t be with them and have some nachas too.

‫ב”ה‬ received 2 letters from you today and it made my heart beat fast. It was good to hear that all is well with you and that you still love me even though I went thousands of miles away and left you alone. However I realize that IY’H when we are reunited our life together will be even more pleasant. I really miss you all and I’m always thinking of you and what you may be doing at the moment. But “though distance keep us apart we are still close to each others heart”.

Well dear I know you’ll be glad to hear that I’m well and that I’m not disappointed. I am delighted to have met the rest of your family and find it an honor to be related to them. They are treating me royally and I hope I don’t get spoiled. Today Freddy came home from camp so now I can report on the whole family. Well as I wrote to you about Channa, T.G. she looks very well. She hasn’t it so easy but she manages all right. I think she

You should have seen how much joy the presents which I brought gave to the family. The kids still haven’t got back to normal. Sarah is always with her Buba. Every girl in Tel Aviv must have seen it already and is talking about it. Even the older people marvel at it because the ones they make here haven’t got many of the features. As for Michael with his Rakevet he’s as well as his sister and older brother and his dad included all are having fun with it. Of course there’s this conflict between the boys and the girls as to which is “Yoter Yafeh” the doll or the train. I assure you we got more than our money’s worth already from the toys. The Viewmaster also made a big hit among young and old alike. Freddy is thrilled with his watch. Rhoda’s brother came just in time. He didn’t come to Channa’s until yesterday, Wednesday. This was his first time in Tel Aviv. He’s been staying in Jerusalem. He was with a nice girl from Chicago so maybe he heard your father’s requests. As for Channa and Moritz you know they are very thankful and pleased with everything. They still can’t believe that they will soon have a frigidaire. The Ship Haifa with the As for Channa and Moritz frigidaire and car you know they are very arrived in Port of Tel Aviv last night and we thankful and pleased with should have the things everything. They still can’t by Friday or Sunday. believe that they will soon As for the other things have a frigidaire. The Ship Channa is very thrilled that everything she Haifa with the frigidaire wanted she was able and car arrived in Port of to get. She would Tel Aviv last night and we still like 2 quilt covers should have the things by for the 2 blankets I brought. Send them Friday or Sunday. with Pop. Channa is especially thrilled with getting her sewing machine back. She complains about the missing pieces of silver. But everything we brought is good. As for the food the only thing they’re short is meat and butter. Everything else they got here. But I’m glad I brought what I did and that I went by boat.

in one and now want to start an embroidery factory there. They will give me sole distributorship. Price is no object. For them it doesn’t have to be a paying proposition right now because now it’s costing them thousands of pounds a month without seeing return. This is a great opportunity not only for making goods that I want to sell in the U.S.A but also to help Israel. Monday they’re taking me on a three day tour of the area to see where we can start work and also to see what else we can do to help. As for the other items I hope to export from here I think most of them will work out nicely. Prices aren’t high here and the difference in cost due to duty I’m sure we will be able to divide among lower profit and higher selling price. The government is very interested in helping me and that’s going to make my job much easier. They will protect me against competition and I won’t have any more difficulties as I had with the other things. I’ll get the import license for all the new goods in a couple of days. I had to swear that I won’t sell it in Israel. Well there’s really a lot more to write. Tell Imre and Malka I saw the Shkulniks and that they are well. We’ll go see the Citrons Saturday. She’s coming home tomorrow. I really hate to sign off now because I know I could write another 10 pages. There’s so much to write about Tel Aviv, its people and conditions here but I’ll leave that for my permanent running account. I sent out the first part today which is about half of my voyage only. I have to put some finishing touches on the second half of the voyage and I’ll send that out in a day or so. I made contact to loan a projector for Saturday night and then they’ll really be able to see you.

As for how things are going I’m very glad to report that things are going well. It’s turning out just like I planned. Tonight Moritz arranged a meeting for me with some big shots of the Jewish Agency. They are very interested in me, and my ideas. They have a lot of Kibbutzim in the Galilee near Safed which they have to keep colonized because of its strategic value and which they want to become self supporting or at least productive. They already started a taleisim factory

Well goodbye my dear. Give Hinde Chava some kisses for me. Be well and give my regards to all Your loving husband Shmuel Yaakov Ã

T uesday

Dearest Goldie,

You must have forgotten about me by now and must have someone new. Here I haven’t even any time to bother with any strange women. But I guess you too are busy. I’ve got to know life Hinde Chava must be a here and exactly what full time job. How is she might be before me if growing? Is she changing much? Does she eat any I came with my family. better? Has she any teeth I can tell you now I’m yet? I guess there must be not disappointed with a hundred questions to ask. the land and there But IY’H the time will come are a lot of things I’ve and soon when I’ll be back learned about it that I together with you and Hinde Chava. From then on I hope didn’t know. the IY’H we will experience everything together.

‫ב”ה‬ ow are you all in U.S.A? We haven’t had any mail from you for a week. We hope you are all well, including Malkah and the new baby. We are anxious to know more about things at home. I guess we’ll have a letter by tomorrow.

Well I and all here in Israel are well, T.G. Everything is going along nicely, a little slow but sure. Today we’re supposed to take out the goods from customs and tomorrow I’m to leave for the Galilee to distribute the work among the settlements. The Jewish Agency is providing the teachers. I feel sure that with a little effort we will have some nice embroidered articles to sell in the U.S. I’m also making contacts with manufacturers here to buy other items as metalware, pictures, havdolahs, books. I still have to make arrangements with some of the large candy, jam companies to sell their products.

How is Mother? Also the rest of the family. I guess I’ll have a personal regards from Pop who IY’H will be here next Sunday.

Well we finally got the car and we have been going out every afternoon and evening with the whole family. Everyone gets a big kick out of it. We get to see some lovely places. I really can say now that I’ve seen Israel although I still have to go to the Negev. I’ve seen and spent time in many nice places. I’ve got to know life here and exactly what might be before me if I came with my family. I can tell you now I’m not disappointed with the land and there are a lot of things I’ve learned about it that I didn’t know. But everything will be okay, we should only be well.

I’ll sign off now dear. I’m really pretty tired. Love and kisses to you and daughter Be well Shmuel Yaakov Ã

, August 4, Wednesday

1949

Dearest Goldie,

I want you to know that I feel fine, T.G. I’m not disappointed in Israel. The Finks are taking good care of me. I have seen a lot and have accomplished some. I don’t think I’ll have to stay longer than I planned. So you see that T.G. all is well and nothing to worry about. I guess that by now you’ve received all my letters. There must be about 4 or 5 plus the 2 large notebooks about my trip. I hope you found them interesting. I also hope I’m answering all your questions about Israel. Although I’m keeping a running account and movies of my sojourns here, there will be many more things to tell when I come home. I really get to see life and business here. I talk to all kinds of people and see lots of interesting things. Sunday I went to the Hapoel Hamizrachi and met Joseph Burg. He was very happy to meet me and asked about all including you. I showed him yours and Hinde Chava’s picture. He was very nice to me and offered me his help in anything I needed. He invited me to the Knesset and Channa, Morris and I intend to take him up on it. I saw Ben Gurion last week. He passed right near the house.

I looked up the Roths. Arthur Roth, his wife and father are living in a former German house. It’s nice and large and with some work they can make a nice home out of it. They were happy to see me. I met Bob Klarr there and we had a little reunion. We’re planning a reunion of all the people from the Crown Height H.H. in his house. There are about 7 members in Israel now. I met Yolan Shkulnick and her husband in Jerusalem by chance. They were spending part of their vacation there. They invited me to their hotel in Beit Hakerem which is the Catskills of Jerusalem. There I had the honor to meet Rabbi Herzog and speak with him. He was staying at the same hotel as the Shkulnicks. I ate supper there and spent the evening walking and talking. Mr. Carcus, the Jewish Agency man, met us there. We went to a café where they had a band. All they played was American music, including jazz. There were a lot of Americans there. We slept across the road from the Shkulnicks. In the morning we had to go back to Betzalel and later we explored the business section. We all went back to Tel Aviv together. So you see I really am getting around to see things and people.

This past Monday and Tuesday I was in Jerusalem. I went mostly for business but managed to see a lot, meet Last Friday I saw the many interesting people and car touring the city a have a good time. I went with a half hour before licht member of the Jewish Agency to the Betzalel Center to get benching and a man his ideas on what designs to with a beard blew a put on our mantles, poroches, horn signifying that all talesim, etc. We had to come stores should close. a couple of times. In between,

As for my business, I feel it’s going very good. As soon as we get the materials from USA, we intend to give it to these women in these villages around Safed to work. They have a good teacher, a woman Yolan wants to help also. I’ll give them an idea of how I want it made and they’ll see that it’s worked out. They will also see that the price is right and that I’ll be able to sell it in America in big quantities. They (Jewish Agency) are interested in giving work to new immigrants who are on these settlements in former Arab villages. I am now working on the designs and cutting out the patterns. By next week I hope the goods will be here and we will start

‫ב”ה‬ was awaiting anxiously a letter from you. We were worried why we didn’t get any telegram about Malka, but T.G. all is well. Mazal tov! There should be only simchas. I guess the Bris was yesterday. We know that Imre is happy and I guess Malka, Joel and you all will get used to the idea of a boy. We are very happy to hear the good news and hope that the Millers and the whole family will have lots of nachas from the new arrival. I was glad to read that you are all well. I really miss you very much, and hoped that you were here with me to experience the things I’m experiencing.

Yosef Burg

Ben Gurion

Rabbi Herzog

production. They are already working on the talesim and will have about 100 ready for me when I will, IY’H, leave. There are some other items that are working out nicely. They have some nice New Year cards that cost reasonable. Also havdalahs which will come out cheaper than domestic. I am working out most of the items I had in mind. It really keeps me busy all day and I’m pretty tired by night. But don’t worry. Bob Klarr who saw me before I left in NY said I looked much better now. He said younger. However, as long as I feel well that’s what matters.

Well, dear Goldie, I hope you’ll keep your spirits up for I’ll be home soon. Channa, Morris and the children are all well. They were all thrilled by all the gifts. I had little trouble getting my things through customs. Give my best regards to all. Be well, dear. Your loving husband, Shmuel Yaakov Ã

Last night was Tisha B’Av and you could see that it was a day of mourning in the city. All places were closed including cafes and cinemas. There wasn’t any music on the radio, just reciting of kinot and prayers. It gave the day more significance. Shabbat is also impressive. Last Friday I saw the car touring the city a half hour before licht benching and a man with a beard blew a horn signifying that all stores should close. Everybody gets dressed up Friday evening and Saturday. Sunday is just another working day. So Shabbat is important.

August 15,1

949

Dearest Goldie,

Ramat Gan is beautiful but Natanya is even more beautiful. There is a beautiful beach and park. I saw many beautiful places. I’ll tell you more about these places when I am I’Y’H home again.

‫ב”ה‬ appy Birthday dear wife! Though we are thousands of miles apart on this day my thoughts are very close to you. I wish we could be together to celebrate this day. I hope that we will celebrate your future birthdays together in peace, health and happiness.

I want you to know that I miss you and our darling Helen, as well as the rest of the family in America. I feel that our sacrifice of being apart will be worthwhile. There’s an important job for me in helping our beloved Israel. My idea of selling Israel products in America is very opportune. The country is in dire need of work and every little bit helps. I pray that IY”H I will be able to give work to about 40 people. If this will come true I will feel that I have contributed to the building of the country. The first part of my job is to get production started. We just got goods out of customs and Wednesday we’re going to distribute the work among the villages. With a little effort I feel assured that we will be able to produce nice work at reasonable prices. I’m also setting up at Yolan Sckulnick’s place a machine embroidery department. I hope that when I I’Y’H go home I’ll have a nice selection of finished work. That will just be part of my job. What may even be a bigger job is to sell the goods to the American Jews. I know that if the Jews in America would have seen what I saw and spoken with the people I spoke to, they wouldn’t think of buying anything but an Israel tallis or mantle, etc. I have confidence that it will be successful and that our business will benefit. In this part of the project you will be able to partake and contribute. Together I feel assured of success. Well dear, how are you weathering the summer? It’s really a hot summer in America. I hope you don’t feel it. I really don’t feel any extreme heat this summer. The weather in Tel Aviv is really not so hot as in NY. I don’t feel uncomfortable during day and sleep very good at night. I don’t sweat. I go dressed in shorts all day and there is always a little breeze in the shade. This is supposed to be the worst heat now and I’m sure even you wouldn’t find it unbearable.

As for meeting people, I’m continually meeting more and more people. I met most of your cousins and Imre’s family. I was to Chaya’s place for shalashudot Saturday. They are all well. That is Chaya and her husband, Hentchy, her husband and daughter. We showed the movies for the second time last Saturday night. We must have had about 30 people in the house. They were delighted with the movies. I already met your cousins the Sterns from Ramle (We went there last week) and the other Sterns. I also took the movie over to Avy Citron’s house where I met all the Hechts, Shandi’s sisters and husbands.

It’s a real modern life here with the added café life which you haven’t in America. It’s very nice and it makes people more friendly.

As for Tel Aviv itself, I find it to be a very beautiful city. The houses are beautiful and very practically built. Imre was correct in a lot of his criticism of America and the way they make things. It’s a real modern life here with the added café life which you haven’t in America. It’s very nice and it makes people more friendly. As far as friendliness is concerned there’s much more here than in America. People aren’t just locked up by themselves as they are in America. Every evening people are at each other and are seldom alone. It’s a nice life here but I think it is even nicer in the smaller town.

Well I hope all are well and that the weather is cooler. Give my best regards to all. Give Shindleman a regards from her oldest sister and children. I see them often. They are well. She’s going to get the rest of the family together so I can take some film. Be well dear, Love, Shmuel Yaakov Ã 46

Wednesday

Dearest Goldie,

What else is new around NY? I’m so busy that I seldom think of how far away NY is. If I think back at the sea trip I get scared of the great distance.

‫ב”ה‬ have to write you this letter even though I find it hard to find the time and energy to write. I’m sitting in a jeep waiting for the man from Jewish Agency. I want to tell you again that I am well TG, I miss you a lot and hope all is well in America. I want to tell you about yesterday which was a great day in Jewish history and at which I was present. I saw the I saw the remains of remains of Hertzel after he was brought to Israel from Vienna. Hertzel after he was It was a memorable sight brought to Israel with hundreds of thousands from Vienna. It was of people waiting to pass by. I got there early enough to film a memorable sight the event. Chana and Moritz with hundreds of and Freddie didn’t get to see thousands of people the coffin until about 11 PM. People waited until 2 AM to go waiting to pass by. in. There was much doing here and the radio was all devoted to the event. I hoped that you could have been with me on this great day.

I may go to Jerusalem for this weekend. Chana and Moritz and the kids were supposed to go also but they changed their plans and Chana may go away for a weeks rest and have someone take care of the kids. I wish Pop was here already. There’s a lot I’ve got to talk over with him. I suppose he’ll be here on Aug. 28th.

Well everything is okay. Things are going a little slowly but I think they will work out okay. I’m awaiting word from home when Pop left. I imagine he left on the Neptunia a week late and should be in Haifa a week from this coming Sunday.

I hope you’re managing OK financially. I’m doing all right. It doesn’t cost me much. No hotel bills. We sold the car and I have plenty of money. Does Harold send you a check regularly? Have you been to Paterson yet? How is Malka and the new baby?

How is Hinde Chava behaving? I hope she’s a good girl and doesn’t give you any trouble. I really would like to see how she’s developing. Does she smile often? Is she eating any better?

I want you to tell all of those who may be expecting mail from me that I’m busy and don’t know when I’ll get a chance to write. Be well, Love and kisses

‫ שמואל יעקב‬Ã

Friday

Dearest Goldie,

sure is that if every American Jew would have made the trip with me and have seen the need of giving work to these Jews they wouldn’t buy any religious item in America except what is made in Israel.

‫ב”ה‬ really feel bad that I can’t write to you everyday. I am keeping track of my everyday experiences. Even though I can’t write as often as I want, I still love you so much and miss you. I’m really very busy and I find it hard to find time to write. I haven’t written to anyone yet besides you and Pop. However I hope that by next week I can find time each day to write.

About my trip you will find more details in my running account. I want to spend this time letting you know One thing I am sure is that I’m well TG and find that if every American everything going well, Jew would have made everything. I am very happy the trip with me and I was able to make this trip and I feel certain that it will have seen the need of be successful. It will not giving work to these only help our business but Jews they wouldn’t will help Israel and the new buy any religious item arrivals.

in America except what is made in Israel. I also want to tell you that

Chana, Moritz and all the children are well, TG. I have everything very nice and feel very much at home. Moritz is helping me very much and without him it would have been very hard going. There’s nothing to worry about. I hope you are all well. We’re very anxious to know about Malka. Tell the Millers that I saw the Skulniks and the Citrons, including the new baby (Amina) and all is well.

I received your letter of the 9th yesterday when I came back from my trip in the Galilee. I was away almost 4 days and it was a wonderful experience. I went with a member of the Jewish Agency. We visited almost all the settlements there. It was in an open jeep and the scenery was beautiful. We were in Safad where I slept in a former Arab villa. We visited kibbutzim and moshavim. We were most interested in the former Arab villages where Jews are now living. They are refugees and were put there in these villages by the government. I was to see if there were people who could embroider and we found there were enough. There are a lot of Turkish women and Yemenites and Hungarian women who can embroider well. I think we will be able to work something out with them. They want to work and they don’t expect much money. We also visited a place where they can make taleisim and I think that will be a good item because they make it so we can compete with the American talis. There’s really so much to tell about the trip. One thing I am

I got everything out from customs without much trouble. I haven’t had time to visit many people. But I will find time next week. I’m glad to hear that you are all well. I hope Hinde doesn’t keep you up at night. I hope she is a good girl. We were glad to hear from Mother. I had a letter from Harold. Well I have go to get ready for Shabbos. Be well and take care of yourself and Helen. I miss you and hope to see you PG in another month. Love and kisses

‫ שמואל יעקב‬Ã

21 Aug 194

Dearest Goldie and Hinde Chava,

was a beautiful view from there. You could see the whole Jerusalem all around. It’s too bad I couldn’t take films of it. I also visited the Roths in the German Colony. They are getting along nicely. The Mother and sister are on the Neptunia with Pop. In the evening I was in Rabbi Hertzog’s house for a Mizrachi Reception. I met Rabbi Betzalel Cohen and son there. Also many people from America. There’s a world Mizrachi convention here now. I visited the Kleinbergers from Zvikow. Also managed to visit people to give regards from America. I really accomplished a lot on this trip to Jerusalem. I came back today because I’ve got a wedding. Rabbi Hersh Kohn’s youngest son is getting married tonight and they invited me. I’ll have a good regards to give Rabbi Kohn when I will PG be back in Paterson.

‫ב”ה‬ read your dear letter upon my return from Jerusalem. I was happy to hear that you are all well. I rejoiced on seeing the pictures and to see that you are TG looking well. I’m glad that Hinde isn’t giving you too much trouble but is a good girl and is progressing nicely. She looks bigger than when I left. I guess in a month there is a noticeable change.

As for me I’m fine, TG. I’m very busy and with the time getting short I really have to rush around. Things are going a little slow but I hope they will develop. Pop will come in very handy after I leave. I’m trying to leave things organized right so there shouldn’t be any trouble when I am in America. I first got back from Jerusalem where I took a good rest and spent a lovely 3 days. I really got to see the city and met many people. I left Tel Aviv Thursday and took a room in Bet Hakerem which is the Catskills of Jerusalem. It’s a resort and I stayed at a small pension. The food was good and I recommended the place to Chana who is supposed to leave for Jerusalem tomorrow for a week’s rest. From there I visited Hertzel’s grave and all the interesting sections of the Holy City. I was in Mea Shearim which is the new extreme

I will now try to answer as many of your questions as I can. First about my coming home you don’t have to worry. I’m anxious to be together with you and Hinde Chava. I will IYH be home on Sept 9th. The flight that I had was postponed to then. I guess that means that I won’t be home till after Labor Day. I’d like to spend a weekend with you in the mountains if you want or can stay that long. However I miss you and I’m just interested in being reunited once again – whether it be in Paterson or in Ferndale. I don’t know if I could have left on the 31st as scheduled even if my flight was changed because Pop will be here on the 26th and I’d want to be together at least a week and give him over some of the work I started. So dear Goldie and Hinde Chava I hope to be together with you in about 19 days. I hope I will have completed everything and Pop will be able to take over. I tell you again I feel my trip is already successful. It may take a while until it works itself into its

religious neighborhood. I attended to some business there. I was on Mt. Zion which is just outside of the old city. I was on top of a church steeple and I could see the entire old city. I could see Arabs sitting about 50 yards away. It

full value but I can see the value. Of course I wouldn’t have been disappointed even if I couldn’t have accomplished any business because the trip and the weeks spent here were worth the money and the trouble. I hope and feel quite confident that you will IYH make the trip too together. How soon will depend on circumstances which I can’t calculate now. But “abee gezunt” – everything will be okay.

As for the Finks – they are all well. Chana is going for a vacation to Jerusalem for about a week. She needs a rest from the kids which keep her very busy and make her nervous. A woman will take care of the kids. Moritz, Freddie and I will go to Haifa this weekend to meet Pop. Moritz is all right but gets pain once in a while. He doesn’t expect to be operated during the summer, maybe this winter. As for my Hebrew

As for the sending of a car for Pop you can tell Bumi not to bother now. When I will IYH be back I will see about it. As you know everything went well with mine. It came in good order and we rode around a bit in it and then sold it. The “Frig” came in good order and it has been in operation for a few weeks. They are thrilled with it. They keep it in the hall and when someone comes in they marvel at it. It’s a little big outside to fit into the kitchen but inside the extra space comes in very handy. The convenience and the food saved by the Frigidaire they really appreciate. As for my seeing Moritz’s factory I’m there almost everyday that I’m in Tel Aviv. It’s my headquarters. I meet my business appointments there. He’s got a nice business and is doing pretty well. He’s got a lot of work. He manufactures hundreds of fire extinguishers a month. Sells to the Army and the government. He gets a little tied up with money once in a while but now he’s okay. He also is working with the Jewish Agency on opening a factory in the Negev to make some fire extinguishers. He’s a very good business man and can make a nice living.

I haven’t visited the land we own in Israel but I have an idea what kind of land it is. I’m pretty sure it wouldn’t be a place to build a home it’s possible that in about 15 years it may be worth more.

it’s really improving without any effort. On the ship I studied and tried to learn the language but now I haven’t the time or patience. But I can carry on a pretty good conversation and can almost get by on my Hebrew alone.

Goldie dear I’ve tried to answer all your questions. I know that when I will IYH be home I’ll have lots to talk about. It may not come out all at once but I’ll always think of new things to tell you about this wonderful land. I am still very much impressed with the land and the life here. It’s a wonderful feeling to be just among Jews. You have such an air of freedom. Perhaps I can’t appreciate it as much as others who have lived more with Goyim and have felt their hatred. There are lots of nice things to see here and although America may have more and bigger of them the remarkable growth and spirit of the country and the possibility for one to contribute to making it better inspires any real Jew. However all this I’ve got to talk over with you. Meanwhile I want you to know that I love you and want to make you happy. I feel that we could reach a much higher realm of happiness here in Israel. Give my best regards to all and excuse me for not writing. Be well dear. Give ‫ הינדה חוה‬a big kiss for me. Your loving husband and ‫אבא‬

‫ שמואל יעקב‬Ã

As for my Hebrew it’s really improving without any effort. On the ship I studied and tried to learn the language but now I haven’t the time or patience. But I can carry on a pretty good conversation and can almost get by on my Hebrew alone. I intend IYH to keep up and improve my Hebrew. I wonder how we’ll be able to converse together.

28 Aug 194

Dearest Goldie,

are also some other minor such places where we can rent a room, perhaps with board. Pop says he may want to spend most of the time in Jerusalem. He’s not disappointed with the arrangement. Now for the $64 question when am I coming home. Darling if you only ...found 3 know how much I want to be back together precious with you and Hinde Chava. I’m just dying to things see how she’s growing up and am afraid she’ll cry when I try to hold her. She may not waiting want to have anything to do with her ‫אבא‬ for me who went away and left her and her mother. – your 3 Can I blame her? But sincerely dear no letters. matter how much I like it here my thoughts are foremost with my family. Now after your dear letter where you leave it up to my judgment when I should come home it makes it even more difficult. There are many things which I want Pop to see and settle. Some of these things Pop doesn’t see the value or the possibilities and I’ve got to convince him.

‫ב”ה‬ came home today from Haifa with Pop whom I had met at the ship on Friday and found 3 precious things waiting for me – your 3 letters. I had been very impatient to get home from Haifa for I felt there would be some mail from you. I was delighted to see my hunch come true and to read your nice warm letters that made the great distance between us melt like snow in Israel. To know that you’re all well and having a good time away from the city makes me braver. You see no matter how much idealist one may be, his idealism binds him to his loved one which is just as much an ideal. I admit that it would have been much easier for me if you were here with me. I’m sure your advice and your encouragement would drive me forward. But since you are not here I must in my mind and through your letters seek encouragement and guidance on what to do. Well as long as we are well everything will be fine.

Then there is the question if I’m needed back in the store. Melvin has been doing a marvelous job taking over for me but now Harold is alone on Norfolk St. and I hope to stay with him there when IYH I come back. I also want to bring some esrogim for the family. There is the question if I don’t leave on the 7th when I can leave once it gets close to Rosh Hashana. I won’t be able to leave till after Succoth. I hope to be able to decide what to do in the next couple of days. I know you will bear with me. How is everyone? I really have all these things on my mind and it makes it very difficult to sit down and write letters to everyone. I will write Bumi a letter today which I should have written a long time ago. I hope he forgives me.

Well Pop is here in Israel with me, TG and he looks well TG and had a lovely trip. His first impression of Israel is very favorable and I think he will like it very much. He is now with Moritz, Freddy and myself at Bar Kochba. Chana is still in Bet Hakerem and is taking a good rest. I recommended her the place and she seems to be satisfied. The children, Sara and Michael are with a woman nearby. They stay there all day, eat and sleep there and the woman takes care of them. I don’t know if I had written you earlier but I decided a long time ago that for Pop it would be much better to be in a place where there are no children. He needs it nice and quiet. There seem to be many more difficulties. Like this, if I know I had to be home at such and such a time I would leave everything as it is and hope for the best and run home to you. But now since I have permission I must decide if my projects are advanced enough so that they can continue by themselves. Truthfully on my biggest project about the hand embroidery in these villages, I feel that I’ll be needed around a while. I’ll know more definitely Tuesday when I hope to leave for the Galil with Pop and the man from the Jewish Agency. He promised me an efficient teacher for the woman but I haven’t met her yet. On her will rest the question if I can leave on the 7th as scheduled. There

Well dear, I’ll say goodbye for now. I’ll write you again in a day or so and let you know what’s new. Oh yes dear when do you plan to go back to Paterson? Be well dear – take good care of yourself and Helen, my best regards to all .Your loving husband

‫ שמואל יעקב‬Ã

2 Sept 1949

Dearest Goldie, Hinde Chava, Muttie, Dad, Benci and family,

among them. T h e y aren’t all ready to produce but with a little p ra c t i ce they will m a k e nice work and fast. It’s not an easy job but I’ve confidence that it will work out well.

‫ב”ה‬ write to you on my return from a trip to the Galilee where I again spent a most enjoyable and inspiring 3 days. I came home and found a letter from you, dear Goldie which made me very moved and I’d like to answer you immediately. Channa is still in Beit Hakerem and Pop, Moritz, Freddy and I are leaving for Jerusalem in a couple of hours and we will come home together with Chana on Sunday. Pop is feeling well TG. He took a good rest these past couple of days. He would have seen many interesting things with me on the trip but would have been too tiresome. I hope to take him with me on my next trip there which will most likely be on next Monday or Tuesday. I’d like to tell you a little about this trip I just took. It was a business trip of course. We took along some embroidery work to distribute to the villages. I went with Mr. Circus (from Jewish Agency) and a woman who is the teacher of hand embroidery. She is a good embroiderer and a good teacher and she came in most handy. Our trip to Safad was very beautiful. We went through Emek Izrael and Tiberias. It’s really beautiful country. I passed by the land Pop and we bought and I was favorable impressed. It’s good farm land and is near Tiberias and with such beautiful scenery. They started a new settlement nearby and many people will someday be living in that neighborhood. We rode in a jeep and it was just very moving the scenes we saw. I made a big mistake that I didn’t take the camera. I thought we were going the same way we went last time and I had already filmed it. But now I know to take my camera along wherever I go. I hope to take the camera next week and pass through the same way. But one thing I won’t be able to film was a most moving sight. I was present Wednesday at the founding of a new Hapoel Hamizrachi Moshav. We got there before the new settlers who were from Tripoli and Tunisia. For most of them it was the first time they had seen the place and you could see in their faces their thoughts of the hard life ahead. But as soon as the trucks stopped rolling the people jumped out and started singing and dancing, young and old. They were singing ‫ מי יבנה הגליל‬and they were very spirited. They then took down the ‫ ספר תורה‬and really rejoiced with it. There were many visitors and I’m sure everyone was moved. It made me cry to see families rejoicing even though they know they had a hard job ahead of them. Here they were high up in the mountains near a village of Arabs and they didn’t have any water yet. They might have had a poor life where they were before but they saw how other Jews were living and they most likely expected more. But I’ve seen other villages who really with work and hope have improved their situation. It is people like these that I’m trying to help. Well we distributed work in 3 villages and found there was much embroidery talent

Moritz just came home and told me we have to leave soon so I’ll have to write a shorter letter than I figured.

It is people like these that I’m trying to help. Well we distributed work in 3 villages and found there was much embroidery talent among them.

I just want to tell you that I really want to come home but I don’t know if I can leave the business here in the state that it is now. I found a telegram today from Harold who says I should come home at once that he’s busy. But it looks like I couldn’t leave before Rosh Hashana. I have to go today with my ticket to see when I can have my trip postponed. I‘m supposed to leave this coming Wednesday but as you say it’s not worth taking a chance on the whole project because of a couple of weeks. I’ll have to decide by Monday what to answer Harold. Meanwhile call him up and try to assure him that I’m not playing around here.

Well I’ve got to leave now so I’ll say goodbye dear. Don’t worry about me or my love for you. We will be IYH reunited and I hope to tell you that everything is a complete success. Give my love to all. Tell the parents and Benci, also Bumi and Rhoda, I want to write but I just can’t find the time to do so. I hope tomorrow night to write them. Meanwhile be well. Give Hinde Chava a big hug and kiss for me. Your loving husband and father, ‫ שמואל יעקב‬Ã

5 Sept 1949

Dearest Goldie, Helen, Muti, Dad, Benci, Malke, Imre, Bumi, Rhoda, etc.

them to all my sisters and sisters in law. Of course I’ll have some for you. You can have these in the meanwhile. I’d like you to see if they fit you. I hope to make some business with them on a big scale.

‫ב”ה‬ want to write you a few words because I hope this will be in your hands in a couple of days. I hope this special messenger Rhoda’s brother has a pleasant trip home and finds you all well. I hope I would have been able to return with him (I was supposed to leave on that plane on the 9th but I learned that even if I wanted I couldn’t get a seat on it because it was reserved for these students) No matter how much I like it here I miss you all and I want to come home to you. Even Harold and Melvin want me to come home. But circumstances make me extend my intended stay.

I also sent with Aryeh a box of esrogim. There are only 6. I hope Bumi doesn’t take one so I’ll have just enough. Pop bought them. One is for Dad, one for Imre, one for Harold and for his father-in-law, one for Henry and one for Henry’s father. If it can be distributed this way I’d appreciate it. This sending of the esrogim doesn’t mean I won’t be home before Succot. I really feel that I will be home before but I want to be sure I send esrogim. I may leave Sept 19th or 20th. That’s what they told me at the planes office but I don’t know if I’ll leave until after Rosh Hashana.

No matter how much I like it here I miss you all and I want to come home to you. Arye (Rubinstein Rhoda’s brother, RS) will tell you more about me. It’s true I lost a little weight about 12 pounds but I feel fine. The people say its very becoming but my trousers are way too big. I guess you won’t mind. It will be worth the trip.

Well dear, I’d write you a longer letter later. I just want to reassure you that I’m well and am anxious to get home. Be well dear, Love to all

I am sending you 2 Yemenite blouses. I am having some more made up. I’ll give

Your husband who misses you

‫ שמואל יעקב‬Ã

Sept 23, 19

‫ערב ראש השנה‬

Dearest Goldie,

be on time for that will give enough time to get to Paterson before Shabat. Well as long as I’m with you I don’t care if it’s in Paterson or Paris or Flushing (I’m flying via Paris and Zurich but won’t take anything in. Will wait till we make the trip together.)

‫ב”ה‬ f someone would have told me last year that this Rosh Hashana I’d be so far away from you and Helen, I wouldn’t believe him. But what time can do. Well I can tell you very frankly it’s not such a good feeling to be away. I can now appreciate how the married soldiers and others felt during the war. For if I only had a chance I would run home now. But since I’m stuck here I’ll make the best of it. I’m seeing how the Holy Days are kept in the Holy Land. I’m finishing up my business which I am pretty confident will prove worthwhile. With the tefillin and mezuzah business alone I expect to improve our business enough to pay for the trip. I’ll be the only agent for all the religious items made in these Hapoel Hamizrachi villages. I’ll have help from the organizations but as I said through the tefillin business alone I feel confident that my plans will be realized. The prices will be much less than the price in Jerusalem and we can undersell anyone in America or here. So you see dear I’m not d i s a p p o i n te d . There are so many other things which I accomplished that I will tell you about when I am IY’H home. Well dearest as you must have read in my cable I hope to be home IY’H for Succoth. They want me to stay over Succoth but I said no doing. The only flight I could get on TWA was for Thursday Oct 6th. I’m due in LaGuardia Airport before 3 PM. Of course I’m taking a chance about Shabbat but I just can’t be away any longer. The thing you have to decide is to be prepared in case the plane is late. If you could arrange with Harold for us to be there over Succoth in case I come in late, it would make it easy. He isn’t far from airport. I should be cleared from the airport in less then 30 minutes. I hope that I will

I want you to know that I’m fine T.G. Love you very much and miss you and Helen oh so much. Pop is well. He’s getting used to the life here and I think he likes it more and more. Chana, Moshe and the children are all well. Yesterday I came back from my 5th trip to the Galilee. Pop went with me this time and enjoyed it immensely. He’s satisfied with the accomplishments and also thinks that the tefillin business will turn into a big thing. I hope to be in the Galilee once more before I leave I’ll have to be in Jerusalem also. I hope that you and Hinde Chava are well and also Mutty, Father and the rest of the mishpacha. I’ve got so much to tell you about your family. I met Leibel Birnbaum from the Kibbutz. I never realized you had so many cousins here. All are well. Well dear I want to close with a prayer and wish that the New Year will bring us together again for always in health, happiness and mutual respect. Our separation should prove that we are one and that when we work together it will make our lives full of extra joy and satisfaction. I ask you to forgive me for my part of the responsibility for my being away from you so long. But I know you understand the circumstances. Well shalom Goldie dear and Hinde Chavalle, I hope you didn’t forget me. I hope to IY’H be a good husband and father as always. Kisses and love to you all. Regards from Pop and the Finks. Remember us to the Millers and the rest of the mishpachah.

Well dear I want to close with a prayer and wish that the New Year will bring us together again for always in health, happiness and mutual respect.

Your loving husband and father who misses you Shmuel Yaakov Ã

To My Dear Seymour

he romance continues even many years later with Golda expressing her love on their anniversary.

Anniversa ry Car d April 1993

‫ב”ה‬

Happy Anniversary to us – 45 years and we still love each other as dearly as on day and night “one”-

I couldn’t think of a better place to celebrate this day as being in ‫ ירושלים‬and close to a loving daughter and son-in-law and grandchildren.

We have much to be thankful for – ‫ נחת‬from the children, good health and special loving grandchildren. Somehow it doesn’t seem like 45 years! Time passes very fast when things go good ‫ב”ה‬ Let’s hope that we’ll continue to enjoy good health and a happy and loving life together. Continue to be yourself and love me as much as I love you!!!! Goldele

Millers o T s r e t t e L n & Childr e

Dear Imre & Malke,

April 1963

eymour and Goldie traveled to Israel in April 1963, along with “little Danny” and leaving behind their two daughters. These next letters were written on the eve of their journey. The first, to his brother and sister-in-law, will give you an idea of what the relationship was between Seymour and Goldie and Imre and Malka.

Malke & Imre

‫ב”ה‬ n the eve of my leaving on this trip, I feel I want to leave you a few words to express my feelings which I might have when I’m on the plane. I will feel better if I know I left it behind.

I have been with you only fifteen years which is about half as long as I was with my brothers and sister. I have become close to you and feel that my children will be taken care of by you. I know that even a stranger would be welcome in your home but I feel that my children will need lots of love and understanding. I hope that I will leave them provided for financially and also spiritually, so they can go out into the world as normal as others. Try your best and I hope that you will get the reward for your efforts. Your loving brother-in-law, Seymour Ã

Danny on the plane to Israel 56

April 1, 196

Dearest Daughters Helen and Rebecca,

T I

his final letter needs no explanation – It leaves us with Seymour’s philosophy of life.

‫ב”ה‬ write you this letter on the eve of the beginning of our longest trip that your mother and I have made together. It might have seemed better if you all were also with us. However as circumstances permit, we are going alone and leaving you here in America to spend the month of April by yourselves and with your friends. I know that you will feel blue at times but if you always think of the facts that we are going up to Jerusalem and are going to give respect to my dear Father who loves you and I and everyone here just as dearly as those who cling close to us, then you will feel better in that you helped make it possible. I have learnt that what is most important is how to live and enjoy life. I learnt that it is most important to respect others no matter their station in life. The good we do to others is immediately returned to us. We must try to improve ourselves but not at the expense of others. Many times we can get further ahead if you pull together with others. These others means first of all your parents, your brothers and sisters, your relatives, friends and neighbors. Try doing good to them without expecting anything in return and your reward is the good feeling of doing good. Perhaps someday these people may be in a position to help you. Try to live in peace with all people you come in contact with. Show them an example of tolerance and understanding. Give the other person the benefit of the doubt and try to imagine his feelings. Try to enjoy every day of your lives as G-d has meant it so. Even when things look bad, look for the Helen, Danny & Rebecca, 1960 “silver lining”.

Arriving in Israel

on the path of life. We want for you happiness and contentment. You can find it in many places and it doesn’t have to be covered with mink or jewels. Try to learn to love others like I love you. Make up your minds that you want to live life and enjoy it by looking for the higher values of life like true love, respect and the satisfaction of knowing that you haven’t hurt anyone and that you have brought joy and happiness to others. I really would like to write on and on but things do come to an end only if you want it to. Try to write for yourselves the continuation. Be well, have good luck and success in all your endeavors. Now that I have written these few words to you I will enjoy my flight better.

I hope I don’t have to write that I have and always will love you as I can tell you so and as long as you dear daughters will come to think of me. I hope that G-d will give your mother and me many years to be with you to guide you

I hope P.G-d to be back with you on May 1st.

‫להתראות‬, Your loving Dad Seymour Ã 57

Roots of the Levine Family

9 Family Tr ees

Israel Levine

Artzil Levine

Rifka Raisel

Anna (Chana) Crystal

Michael (Elimelech) Levine

(Zagar, Poland)

(Vilna, Poland) 1858-1882

(Anna’s brother Benjamin married Yetta) Artzil Levine

Children (Born in Zagar, Latvia, sailed from Hamburg, Germany to New York with parents in 1896) Seymour visiting the grave of his mother Helen ‫ז”ל‬

Fanny Kanovaloff

Helen Landy

Joseph Levine

Sara Lena

In 1950, Joseph moved to Israel and married Miriam – lived at 13 Malachi Street in Jerusalem, until they passed away

Harold Levine + Shirley

Seymour Levine

Goldie Birnbaum

(Russia, Father: Hirsch, Mother: Anna)

Charlotte + Henry Children: Gedalia, Judah Aliza, Gerald)

Children: Hillel, Philip, Reva)

Thanks to Mark Zalkin for researching much of the Levine roots Harold, Melvin & Seymour 58

Melvin Levine + Sylvia Chidlren: Judy, Gerald)

Roots of the Bir nbaum Family

Lived in Sv aljava Until 1944

Shmiel Birnbaum was the first Jew who came from Rzeshov (Poland) to Svaljava at an early age Meir Ber Birnbaum

Brana

Duvid

Second marriage

Shmiel

Marjem Malka

1839-1923

Feige

Chava Zisel

Eizik

Feishel

Rivka

Lea

Yehoshua

Moshe

1860-1944

Ruchel

Children: Mermelstein Maca...

Brana + Yisaschor Stern Children: Avrum Moshe Mordechai...

Chana

Josel + Dori (2ndM)

Mayer Ber

Feize, Suri, Bumi, Irene, Marta, Erna

Malka

Feigie Meizlik

Children: Pinchas Rosenbaum...

Reizel

Avrum

Eizik

Sura

Marjem

Lezer

Children: Elza Aranka Rozsi Eti

Children: Edith Leibi Eva Reizi

1896-1944

Children: Shuli Shmilu

Malka

3 children

+ Malka Stern

Children: Hershie Agi Shmilu

Goldie Birnbaum

Bumi

Seymour Levine

Guttman Children: Rozsi Zoli Suri Erzsi Samu

Benzi

All were deported by the Hungarians and perished in Aushwitz in May 1944

Compiled by Zoli Schwimmer Seymour, Rebecca & Goldie visiting grave of Meir Ber and Feige (Z'L)

Amy

Ilana

Elie

Nina

Ari

Itamar Mei Zahav Ron Segal Carla Shron Shmuel Oberstein Brachie Schwarz

Zoe Michal, Gefen Roz, Moshe Meir

Nadav Mordechai, Gilad Moshe

Akiva Moshe, Netanel Asher, Gabriella Yonit

Daphna Reut, Maya Aviv, Noam Aharon

Micollette

Danny Levine

Brandon

Zifrona

Charles Sprung

Shabsy Purdy

Rebecca Levine

Hart

Jackie Berman

Shawn

Helen Levine

Melissa Wachsman

Robin

Ari Lipsky

Seymour Levine

Shana

Michael

Bracha Berman

Yonina Rachel, Talya Chaya, Nili Golda, Eliana Yochevet, Yisrael Yitzchak, Aharon

as of June 2 011

Seymour & Goldie’s ‘Nachat’ - ‫כן ירבו‬

Goldie Birnbaum

Rosalind

Memories

10 Family Pictur es 60’ / 70’ / 8

Seymour, Chana & Goldie

Birnbaum cousins “The good old days”

The Dynamic Duo

Birnbaum extended families, 1979

Seymour & Goldie, Tiberias, 1982

Famous hammock, Monsey

0’

Pessach in Bubby & Zeidyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Den, Monsey

Goldie & her sister Malka, Rechovot 1982

Zeidy relaxing in Den, Monsey

Good oleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; station wagon

A Wonderful Aliya

A good day for Zeidy’s raincoat

Disco Zeidy

Goldie playing violin

Zeidy hangs-out on ‘Ben-Yehuda’

Zeidy wih his “2 Goldalas” 63

’

90’ / 00’ / 10

Seymour & Goldie’s ‘Nachat’ - ‫כן ירבו‬

Zeidy & “some” great-grandchildren, Pessach, Dan Cesaria

Helen & Jackie Berman

Ilana & Ron Segal

Melissa & Shawn Levine

Akiva, Elie, Netanel, Carla & Gabriella Sprung

Roz and Danny, Brandon, Micky, Hart, Shawn Levine, Shabsi & Zifrona Purdy

Michael & Bracha, Yonina, Talya, Nili, Eliana, Yisrael & Aharon Berman

Ari, Nadav, Gilad & Brachi Sprung

Rebecca & Charlie Sprung

Robin & Ari Lipsky

Maya, Amy, Dafna, Itamar, & Noam Mei-Zahav

Moshe, Shmuel, Gefen Nina & Zoe Oberstein

Nadav & Shana Sprung

50th wedding anniversary celebration, Israel

The Ar t

Bubby Zeidyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s workshop, 22 Pinsker, 1994

Needlepoint personalized Siddur made by Seymour for his Goldala

Talit bag and Atara lovingly needle-pointed by Goldie for Seymour

Seymour drew the skyline of Jerusalem