[Page 115]

Ways of Life

“For they have devoured Jacob and laid waste his habitation”. (Psalms 79:7)

“Tell your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children another generation” (Joel 1:3)

The Jews of Poland over centuries formed an exemplary life style: every Jewish community had its own cultural society and religious and charitable institutions. Makow also had its establishments, institutions,

Seventh grade graduates from the Folk Shule (elementary school), Makow, 1937

[Page 116]

and organizations. Schools, Houses of Study, small Hasidic synagogues, and the “Respectable” synagogue where for generations people inherited their seats.

This was all annihilated by the Nazi murderers. Jewish Makow was torn from its roots, gone.

All those who were born and raised in Makow: all those who are alive will never forget their city. The Makow Jews that were so pitilessly murdered stand as if they were still alive before our eyes. I would like to describe for the next generation a bit of the way of life in Makow, something from the spiritual treasure which it possessed: the Jewish people who lived and produced: all the institutions and organizations: the activists and leaders of communal life.

We have sworn never to forget, to remember eternally. While remembering the past life and activities we will eternalize the memory of the martyrs. Let the whole world know what occurred during this terrifying time in order for it not to happen again in human history.

As far as my memory will serve me, I will try to do this so we will have a living monument for generations to come.

After the First World War when Poland was freed, Makow began to get back on its feet and slowly organize its Jewish life.

The first task was to take care of the children after the war, providing religious and secular schools to educate the young.

Thanks to the effort of a few important people like: Hillel Sheynberg, Yishayahu Rekant, Abba Birnboym, Yishayahu Sobel and others, a modern religious school called The Hebrew School “Toshiya” (Initiative) was founded where they taught bible, biblical commentaries and Hebrew in Hebrew.

The established members of the community understood that the old religious schools and their teachers were a thing of the past. Because of this, Reb Hillel Sheynberg and Reb Yishayahu Rekant, both learned men, engaged their friend Anshl Kotzyak (from Grayeve), who with the help of his son Alter and Henekh Shultz ran the new school. They called him “Moreh” (the Hebrew word for teacher) and not Rebbbe as in the past, because Mr. Kotzyak was really a guide and educator of the new generation in the spirit of nationalism and “Hibat Zion” (Lovers of Zion).

[Page 117]

For the first time they held “exams” in the school, every Purim. Fathers were happy to hear their children recite a chapter form the bible. The school published its own Hebrew monthly newspaper called “The Little Hebrew” which was written by the children and distributed to the benefactors.

There was another similar religious school called “The Modern Religious School” which was run by Reb Yekhezkl Levkovitch and his sons Yudl and Moishe.

A class from the “Yavneh” school in Makow, 1935

Also open schools were opened by the government, with a separate school for Jewish children, with Jewish male and female teachers under the leadership of Mr. Shmuel Pianko, a Jewish intellectual, well educated and a devoted communal activist, which thanks to his effort and work, new departments opened in the school every year, until there were seven departments. When a student finished this school he was able to enter the fourth class in high school, without exams.

[Page 118]

In those schools all subjects were taught in the Polish language, even Jewish religion and Jewish history.

When the children attending the new religious schools grew up the parents looked for an institute of higher learning for them, and later a Jewish high school was actually founded thanks to the initiative of: Yekhiel – Meir Plata, Shloimeh Granievitch, Hillel Sheynberg, Abba Birnboym, Meir Ostri, Yishayahu Rekant, Yishayahu Sobol, Hershl Blum, Mrs. Khaya Shuldenrayn, Mrs. Gitl Vilenberg and others. Besides secular studies, they also taught Hebrew. The teacher was Mr. Shmuel Bernholtz, a great Hebraist and a devoted Zionist. By the way, he survived the war, came to America and died in New York in 1966.

Unfortunately the Jewish high school did not exist for long due to its difficult financial situation. However many of the students continued their education in the Polish high school in Makow and others left to study in Pultusk, Mlave and Warsaw.

Among the first to graduate from the Polish high school were: Avrom Rozental and his wife Rayzl Montshkovsky, Moishe Bzhoza, Avrom – Borukh Segal, Khaim – Borukh Segal, Yakov Likhtenshteyn and others. Many of these students continued their education in Warsaw.

The desire to study began to rise among the youth that were now growing up. Many of the students who graduated from the General Government Schools left to study in Warsaw, at “Takhmoni” and Poznansky's seminar. Leybl Vilenberg (now in Israel), Simkha Shuldnreyn (now a rabbi in America), Pinkhas Zgal and Mordkhai Veysgarber all graduated from Poznansky's seminar.

Time did not stand still. A new generation grew up and we had to worry about them. A new religious school called “Yavneh” was founded, a new educational institution from the “Mizrachi” (religious Zionists) movement. The founders were: Yishayahu Rekant, Yekhiel Perkal, Mendl Klayner, Yishayahu Sobol, Hershl Khunovitch and Mrs. Yetta Segal (today in America).

Besides the Pentateuch, Rashi, the Prophets and biblical commentaries the also taught Hebrew. Many of the pupils were children of poor parents and the committee had a difficult task covering the budget. The Jewish community offered partial subsidies. They also received periodic support from fellow townsmen living in America.

Later another religious school was founded called “Foundations of the Torah” thanks to

[Page 119]

the philanthropist Reb Betzalel Vilenberg, may he rest in peace, under the supervision of “Agudah”. This religious school took in the students from the former ones.

Some of the orthodox youth left to study in Yeshivas where they received rabbinic ordination. They were: Shmuel Hilert (the son of my teacher Reb Henekh Hilert), Boylman and Figa. (All three survived and live in Brooklyn, New York).

Just as general life was beginning to normalize, there was the Bolshevik invasion. Again war, shootings and casualties. The invasion did not last long. Thanks to the so called “Miracle on the Vistula”, Marshal Pilsudsky pushed back the Red Army. Jewish life was reinstated more or less and began to pulsate once again.

The general economic situation was not too good. The Jews of Makow once again began to concern themselves with earning a living, business and handwork like: tailoring, shoe making, carpentry, baking, hat making etc…

People travelled to fairs in nearby cities and waited for the two

A class from the Jewish high school in Makow, 1920

[Page 120]

market days in the week (Tuesday and Friday) to sell their goods and manufactured clothing and shoes etc…

After the Bolshevik invasion in the early 1920s, tourists began to arrive in town, former townsmen from America who came to visit their relatives, a brother, sister, or those who came to visit graves, inspecting the old and new cemeteries, the tombstones of parents or other relatives.

Right after the First World War Makow Jews in America organized a Relief Fund. Their task was to send support to Makow.

The founders of the aid committee were: the rabbi Reb Fishl Nayman, the Makow rabbi (a son of Reb Motele Dayan) who died on a ship on his way to settle in the Land of Israel: Yakov Sobol, Khantshe Hamer, Fishl Solomon, Hirsh Moishe Kohen, (Yakov – Meir Segal's son in law), Herman Goldman, the Stavisky brothers, Khane – Khave Gold, Grodovitch and others. At he same time, they were the first contributors to the aid fund.

In America they nominated a committee of Jews in Makow that would manage the work of distributing the aid to the needy, like the necessary provisions for Passover, aid for the High Holidays, wood and potatoes for the winter and subsidies for the following intuitions: The Society to Spend the Night with the Sick, the religious school “Yavneh” and others.

The committee was comprised of the following householders: Shmuel Pianko, Shmuel Vayntryob, Hershl Losher, Moishe Efraim Grinberg, Yishayahu Sobol, Khaim Yitzkhak Glogaver, Elkoneh Khvitayko, Leybke Zgrizek.

These were honest, sincere Jews filled with the desire to help the poor. These were Jews who understood the situation of a poor artisan, an ordinary person in town who required help.

Later the Ladies Auxiliary took over the relief work. A group of kind hearted women with Mrs. Berkovitch (Yekhezkihu's daughter) as chairperson. These important women were: Khane Karp, Rokhl – Leah Rubin, Basah Ostri, Esther Kantor, Khane Makover, Malke Fridman (Tirtza's Malke), Esther Kohen, Mrs. Khshanover and others.

The women gave time and energy and worked hard to collect money to achieve this goal. Malke Fridman, Esther Kantor, Esther Kohen and Mrs. Khshanover organized receptions in their homes, card parties and looked for ways to raise money to support the poor in Makow. The sending of financial aid

[Page 121]

from America lasted a few years. Later the work was restricted to the sending of necessary provisions for Passover which continued until the outbreak of the Second World War.

The street where the synagogue, both Houses of Study, a few small houses and the rabbi's house were situated was called Synagogue Street. You had to go up a small hill as if you were ascending to a holy place. My hands start to tremble, tears begin to form, and my heart grieves when I remember the Makow synagogue, the magnificent Holy Ark which was known throughout Poland.

A group of “Mizrachi” youth in Makow, 1920

Let us remember those who prayed there: Borukh Rizika (Butche), Yankl Katz (Yankl the tailor), Itzl Shamovitch, Itche – Meir Likhtenshteyn, Mordkhai Ezrilevitch, his sons Rafael Hirsh and Ezriel Ezrilevitch, Shayma Pekartchik, Fishl Unger, Alter Shmulevitch,

[Page 122]

Moishe Segal, (Moishe the wholesaler) and the beadle who always walked around making sure that no one, God forbid, would cough loudly, or a little boy would not be mischievous during the reading of the Torah.

During the High Holidays the synagogue was packed. From the women's section on the balcony, looking down on their husbands and children, the compassionate Makow mothers derived great pleasure. The sweet voices of the cantor Malkhiel, cantor Alter Ribka and Yitzkhak Zilberberg with his choirboys or Berl Gonteh rang through the synagogue. Many tears were shed in this synagogue with prayers for a better tomorrow.

In the synagogue, upstairs and downstairs there were smaller places of worship.

The tailors, shoemakers, wagon drivers, furriers and ordinary Jews each had their own little synagogue where they prayed all year.

The common folk, the artisans, small businessmen, the simple Jews, went to the House of Study after along difficult work day to pray, listen to a preacher and hear the latest news from town and around the world.

It was mainly the simple folk who congregated in the old House of Study, the simple everyday Jew. The House of Study was like a second home. There was a warm atmosphere, not only from the heated ceramic oven but from the surroundings. The Jews themselves were warm and kind to each other.

Let us remember the respected well established men in the old House of Study: Reb Shmuel – Yosl Kit, Yekhiel Rebak (Avrom Itche's son), Yishayahu Sobol, Moishe Efraim Grinberg, Meir Ovadia (the beadle) with his hoarse voice. After him, Manes Ingberman (Manes the broker), who was the beadle and the rabbi's assistant, and who prayed beautifully at the podium. Reb Sender Freshberg, a sincere Jew who's singing of the prayers during the Days of Awe still rings in my ears. Yakov – Meir Freshberg was a Jew who worked in a village and came home Thursday for the Sabbath. However he knew the entire Book of Psalms by heart. He would walk around with his arms folded listening to others pray and when he heard someone reciting the Kaddish (memorial prayer), he was there to say Amen. He tried to do the holy act of saying as many Amens as possible. (He was actually called “Yakov Meir Amen”), and the well known psalm reciter Mendl Kirshnboym.

[Page 123]

Every Saturday morning, before prayers, Jews sat around the long table in the House of Study dressed in their Sabbath clothes. Reb Shmuel Oppenheim (Shmuel the little rabbi) taught them the Torah portion of the week.

Reb Shmuel was a small man with a beautiful white silvery beard and deep eyes. A man with a stately appearance.

After Reb Shmuel died this role was taken over by Reb Yakov Zgal (Yankl Bliakhazh). My father used to take me along to these lessons. Even later when I grew up I continued to go as I loved it very much. When Reb Yakov Zgal took over it was Shabbat Bereishit (Genesis Sabbath). Until today I remember his interpretation of the word Bereishit and what each letter stood for, using a mystical technique by which the letters of a Hebrew word are interpreted as initials of other words. Reb Yakov Zgal with his black beard and clever eyes was a great scholar and a wise man. He had a special way of explaining the weekly portion, appropriate for his audience. The rabbis did not get paid for their teaching except for a piece of meat the butcher would bring them for the Sabbath.

The Committee to Spend the Night with the sick. Makow. 1930

[Page 124]

The Committee to rebuild the old House of Study in Makow, 1929

[Page 125]

The manager of the “Ein Yakov” society was Reb Yakov Shliazer, an honest man, a butcher by profession, with a good heart. He would provide meat for many poor families on the Sabbath. In our town he was the so called “diplomat” and “strategist”. During the First World War and the Bolshevik invasion he understood all the strategies. After the evening prayers he would stand beside the ceramic oven and explain to the Jews how the war was unfolding, where the Germans were and where the Russians were. Everyone enjoyed this very much.

Seated at another table were men who learned psalms every Saturday morning with Reb Khaim Dovidl (my teacher) – a small thin man with a pointed little beard. He explained the psalms so people would understand what they were saying. The manager of the Psalm Society was Reb Velvl Kirshenboym, who would pray at the podium and could also read from the Torah.

In our town there was also: The Ger Hasisdic small synagogue with its distinguished Jews like: Reb Tzalel Vilemberg, Yisroel Segal, Mendl Student, Itch Meir Mashgiakh, Yehoshua Montshkovsky, Yekhiel Meir Ber, Itche Meir Frenkl, Pintche Tazman, Dovid Hendl (who later became a rabbi in Warsaw), Khone Binem Vengerke, and many others. The Amshinov Hasisdim had their small synagogue and gained a fine reputation with these dear Jews: Reb Moishe Yosef Garfinkl, Velvel Feyntzyeg, and Kalman Sofer – Shtern, Khaim Dovidl the teacher Govarchik, the ritual slaughterer Alter Ribka, Pinkhas Lifshitz, Meir Ostri, Abba Bernboym, Yankl Dovid Hendl and many others. The Alexander little synagogue had the following respected members: Reb Moishe Nisl Rubin, Sender Grinshpan, Alter Moishe Tziviner, Eliyahu Katz, Pinkhas Katz, Avrom Skaleh, Itche Chiml, Shaykeh Makover, Manes Ingberman, and many others. The Mishana Society was located upstairs in the old House of Study. Among its distinguished members were: Shmuel Rozengerg, Khaim Leyb Lilental, Shmuel Yablonke and many others.

In our town we had a Society to Spend the Night with the Sick, an Interest Free Loan Society, and a Society to Visit the Sick. These were all organized and run by Jews to help other Jews in need. Those involved in the Society to Spend the Night with the Sick were: Itche Meir Likhtenshteyn, Yitzkhak Paskovitch, Yishayahu Sobol, the cantor Reb Alter Ribka, Yitzkhak Vesolek, Alter Epshteyn, Avrom Garfinkl, Yitzkhak Shuldenreyn, Noyakh Visoker, and Shimen – Khaim Khilianovitch.

The Society to Visit the Sick had a women's committee. These women visited the sick, spent the night, arranged for medication and provided preserves to delight the soul, and whatever other help was needed. The women involved were: Khaye Shuldenreyn, Perl Skurnik, Yakhet Sheynberg, Zviya Plata,

[Page 126]

Khane – Blimeh Perlberg, Esther – Leah Vonsiak, Rivka Blum, Fraidele Bernboym, under the leadership of the beloved Sheva Khilinovitch.

The new House of Study was not far from the synagogue. This is where the more progressive Jews were concentrated – members of “Mizrachi”, the religious Zionist movement, and the younger up and coming householders. The new House of Study was smaller than the old one and a bit more intimate. Some of these people were:

Yekhiel – Meir Pliyato with his stately appearance, Reb Hillel Shaynberg, a tall handsome man, a Talmudic scholar who was also knowledgeable in secular studies. I still remember how he prayed at the podium. When Yekhiel – Meir Pliyato was assisted by his deep baritone voice, you felt it in your heart because he knew what he was saying. His reading from the Torah sounded like beautiful music. This will continue to ring in my ears forever, especially when he read on Simkhas Torah. Other important men in town were: Yitzkhak Dobres, Yakov Moishe Dobres (now in America), and Reb Feyvl Blum, the rabbi's assistant who made sure the House of Study was kept clean and tidy. Hershl Blum (Feyvl's son), Yekhiel Perkal, Yekhezkl Kantor,

The Committee To Spend the Night With the Sick in Makow, chairman Yitzkhak Vesolek, of blessed memory, 1928

[Page 127]

Fishl Glagover, Dovid – Leyb Goldshteyn, Khaim Leyzer Segal, Yitzkhak Kaber, and many many others.

We must remember Reb Yishayahu Rekant (the pharmacist) – a learned Jew, an enlightened Jew, a great Hebraist, a good Zionist, who devoted a lot of time and energy to “Tarbut” and the “Yavneh” religious school in town. He possessed a warm Jewish heart helping many poor people with advice and medicine. He was able to make a diagnosis just like a doctor. He always liked to discuss Talmud and bible. Even the Hasidim considered him a scholar. Reb Kalman Sofer loved talking with him about Torah. When the Jewish Agency began to collect money in town the largest donations came from the distinguished members of the new House of Study.

In 1926 Dr. Shoshkes and Dr. Shulman arrived in Makow to organize a Jewish cooperative bank. The main goal of this bank was to provide artisans and small businesses an opportunity to borrow money at a low interest. The founders were Shloimeh Granievitch, Henekh Viseman, Yishayahu Sobol, Shmuel Veyntroyb, Meir Ostri, Yishayahu Montshkovsky, and others. The first meeting took place in my father's house. The bank developed nicely and later became a dominating factor in the economic life of our town and a great help to the common man. One could receive a loan of 600 zloty which was a lot of money at the time. This was very helpful to the artisans and small business owners.

Municipal life in town was getting organized. There were elections for city council as well as elections in the Jewish community. The second city council election made a great impression. Jews always comprised the majority of the population of Makow. This time, Jewish community activists felt they must be represented on city council and at city hall. A meeting took place at the home of Yekhiel Meir Pliyato (chairman of the Zionist organization). The meeting was attended by representatives of all organizations and movements except the Bund. It was decided to create a national bloc which would even include the “Agudah”. Included in this bloc were: the Zionist organizations: Mizrachi religious Zionists) and the left wing Poalei Zion (Labour Zionists), the Artisan Union and Merchant Union. One list was presented in order to obtain more Jewish representatives

[Page 128]

Farewell evening for Yisroel Frenkel when he left for Eretz Yisrael in 1931

[Page 129]

on the city council so that all Jewish organizations and institutions would be able to enjoy subsidies proportionately.

The election process began. A fight broke out between the Bund and the “National Bloc”. The actions of the National Bloc were mostly run by the members of the Zionist organizations, from “HeChalutz” and the “Shomer Hatzair”. Mass meetings and gatherings took place. The younger elements of the Zionist groups were led by Moishe Rezenberg (Rivka Mensashe's son in law), Yakov Moishe Skurnik, Yisroel Frenkel, Litman Montshkovsky and Khaim Sobol.

Moishe Rozenberg was a dynamic Jew, very energetic and devoted. He had great organizational skills.

Yakov Moishe Skurnik (now in Israel with his wife Mindl and their daughter Mala), was the leader of “Tarbut” and the “Shomer Hatzair”. Everyone in town loved him. He was everyone's friend. Even the leaders of the Bund held him in high esteem and respected his sense of justice and devotion. He dedicated a lot of time and energy to the election process. Yakov Khaim Sobol (now in America) was one of the main speakers at all the mass gatherings and meetings. Litman Montshkovsky (now in Israel) worked hard and devoted a lot of energy to this cause.

The Frenkel brothers, Yisroel – Gershon and Shmuel Dovid actively worked on the election committee as well as many others from young Zionist groups.

The results of the election were successful. It brought great victory to the Jewish population in town. The National Bloc won. For the first time in the history of Makow there was a Jewish majority on city council and at city hall, where among the councilmen we had two Jewish representatives, Moishe Rozenberg and Yishayahu Montshkovsky. The last one was a Ger Hasid who was a very smart man. He endured and even progressed a bit. He spoke Polish fluently which was rare among the older Jews. The Jewish councilmen fought honourably to defend Jewish interests and demanded equal rights and support for Jewish institutions. When the mayor was on leave, he was replaced by Moishe Rozenberg.

Later, Yehoshua Montshkovsky and Borukh Riziko also became councilmen.

[Page 130]

Purim Ball organized by the Jewish National Fund, Makow, 1936

[Page 131]

For the first time in our town's history Jews were employed as clerks in city hall:

Itzl Sahmovitch, who was Yosl Shamovitch's son, Moishe Rozenberg and Yakov Khaim Sobol.

A kindergarten was founded in town for poor Jewish children. The teacher was Yente Shniderman. Her assistant was her sister Brontche.

Yente Shniderman had been a student of the great martyr Janus Korczak. She ran the school with immense devotion and love. She was blessed with a beautiful voice. She studied music with her uncle Avrom Modrikamien. The children loved to listen to her sing and teach.

Thanks to the Jewish aldermen and councilmen the Jewish school received a subsidy from city hall. Moishe Rozenberg showed a special interest in this children's school as well as other councilmen, Dovid Minoga, Yakov Moishe Skrunik and Avigdor Tchimiel.

The Zionist movement expanded greatly after the proclamation of the Balfour Declaration. People believed that the long waited dream to return to Zion and finally become a reality.

The General Zionist Organization had already existed in our town for many years. The leaders were: Yekhiel Meir Pliyato – chairman, Moishe Rozenberg – secretary, Yekhezkl Segal (now in America), Yekhezkl Kantor, Yosef Kantor, Fishl Glogover, Mordkhai Blum, Yakov Segal (now in America), Khaim Montlak, Binyomin Yustman, Moishe Yehuda Freshberg, Yakov – Moishe Skrunik, Yisroel Gershon Frenkel, Litman Montshkovsky and others. Women also took part in this work: Gitl Segal, Zviya Pliyato, Shaindl Rekant, Golde Vilenberg, Yetta Segal, and from the younger generation: Soreh – Etta Skurnik, Rokhl Likhtenshteyn, Tzirl Skurnik, Raizl Montshkovsky and others.

There was also a youth organization in Makow called “Flowers of Zion”. The younger element belonged to this group. Many of them were former Yeshiva students. In general, the Zionist ideal captured the youth. The “Flowers of Zion” later dissolved because its leaders, the active members immigrated, some

[Page 132]

to America and some to Latin America like: Hillel Raitchik, Yedidia Raitchik and others.

The older youth organized the “Shomer Hatzair”, “Hechalutz” and Hachalutz Hatazir”. These young people began to run diversified intensive programs. The General Zionist Organization was devoted to collecting money for The Jewish Agency and The Jewish National Fund, selling shekels and spreading the Zionist idea. Thanks to Mr. Yeshayahu Rekant and Yakov – Moishe Skurnik the “Tarbut” organization was founded. Its task was to teach and spread the Hebrew language. They organized Hebrew evening courses.

The “Tarbut” also was involved in cultural work. They held lectures, discussions, and checkers evenings Friday nights. The Zionist Organization, “Tarbut” and the youth organizations brought in prominent speakers and writers from Warsaw, as well as appearances of Jewish actors, performances and recitations. It is worthwhile to stress that the following personalities visited Makow: Reb Hillel Zeitlin, Rabbi Milaylkovsky, Dr. Shiffer, Yosef Heftman, Dr. Iserovitch, Yehuda Gothelf, Yitzkhak Funt, Mordkhai Yafeh, Shloimeh Mintz, Shefner, Zerubavel, Ben – Tzion Hilinovitch and others. The Zionist Organization had a Sholem Aleichem Library with a large collection of Hebrew, Yiddish and Polish books – and the people read. Those involved with the library were: Khaya Itteh Perlberg, Yakov Yedvabnik, Yakov Segal,

The committee of the Sholem Aleichem Library of the Zionist Organization in Makow, 1929

[Page 133]

Flower Day in Honour of the The Jewish National Fund 1933

A Bazaar for the Jewish National Fund Makow 1933

[Page 134]

Yisroel – Gershon Frenkel and others. They dedicated time and energy to enrich the library with books and to properly serve the reader.

The work for The Jewish National Fund was based on fund raising. They distributed collection boxes to the houses, organized “Flower Days”, a Purim ball and a bazaar almost every year. It is worthwhile mentioning the JNF bazaars in Makow were very successful. The day of the bazaar was a Zionist holiday in town. The distinguished women were: Zviya Pliyato, Khave Ribak, Mindl Skurnik, Golde Vilenberg, Khaya Soreh Lesman, Yetta Segal, Sortche Blum (Feyvl's daughter in law). Among the younger ones: Khaya – Itte Perlberg, Esther Piekartchik, Soreh Vilenberg (now in Israel), Rokhl Blum (now in Sweden), Alta Hendel, Khaya – Sorcheh Raitchik, Feyge – Rivka Raitchik and others. These were the devoted workers at the bazaars.

Mordkhai Blum (Shimshon's son) donated a new house he had built to the bazaar without any reward. Only a Makow Jew totally devoted to Zionism would do this.

The women prepared a delicious buffet which was served the evenings of the bazaar. The central committee of the JNF in Warsaw placed the Makow bazaars in first place among all the surrounding towns.

We must mention the devoted work of Hershl Vaysberg, Berko Hendl, may he rest in peace, who enriched the Makow JNF bazaars with decorations. The members: Litman Montshkovsky, Yakov – Moishe Skurnik, Yakov – Khaim Goldshteyn, and Yakov – Khaim Sobol organized the cultural component and Khaim – Leyzer Rogoza took care of the technical part.

We also had a religious Zionist organization in town, “Mizrachi”. Most of its members were older religious Jews from the small synagogues, the old and new Houses of Study, the synagogue as well as simple ordinary common folk. Their work was dedicated to the Jewish Agency and the “Yavneh” school. Those active were: Meir Ostri, Hillel Sheynberg, Abba Birnboym, Yishayahu Rekant, Yishayahu Sobol, Alter Moishe Tziviner, (a great scholar and a kind man who died young). “Mizrachi” also had a youth wing called “Young Mizrachi”, which did its own work. The active members were: Mordkhai Tziviner (now in America), Yakov Goldvaser of blessed memory (survived the war, lived in America and died young), Eliyahu Levinzon, Leybl Montshkovsky, Meir Skala,

[Page 135]

The “Young Pioneer” movement in Makow 1926

[Page 136]

Yakov Levkovitch, Moishe Rozenblum, Mordkhai Yedvabnik. Some of them participated in a pioneer training program “Hachshara” and immigrated to Eretz Yisrael, like: Leybl Montshkovsky, Yakov Levkovitch, Eliyahu Levinzon, Meir Skakla (now a sailor on an Israeli ship).

In 1925, thanks to the initiative of the two Yakov –Khaims, Yakov – Khaim Goldshteyn and Yakov– Khaim Sobol, the “Hechalutz” (Pioneer) organization was founded. They invited their friends from Pultusk: Yitzkhak Dan (now in Israel, principal of “Amidar” in Beersheva), Hertzke Burshtin and Yehuda Leyb Piekazh to help found the “Hechalutz” organization in Makow. They had experience since this organization already exited in Pultusk. The first meeting took place in the home of Yakov –Khaim Sobol and the participants were: Shmuel Yitzkhak Kleynhoyz, Khaim Leyzer Freshberg, Khaim Yosef Hendel (now in Israel), Hershl Vaysberg, Meir Fishl Likhtenshteyn, Yitzkhak Segal and both Yakov – Khaims.

The first chairman of “Hechalutz” was Binyomin Shniadovsky (died in Havana, Cuba), an old member of “Flowers of Zion”. Yakov – Khaim Sobol and Yakov –Khaim Goldshteyn were elected as secretaries, treasurer was Meir Fishl Likhtenshteyn and his assistant was Nakhman Zukerman (now in Brazil).

The organization began to recruit members. It did not take long until membership reached 40 people.

The ideal of “Hechalutz”, “Hachshara” and “Aliya” greatly influenced the youth, especially those from middle class families. The work began and its activity was soon felt throughout the town. The leadership roles were taken by: Yakov – Khaim Goldshteyn and Yakov –Khaim Sobol together with a committee of active members: Yitzkhak Kleynhoyz (now in America), Khaim Yosef Hendel, Moishe Makover (now in America), Meir Fishl Likhtenshteyn, Yitzkhak Segal, Tsima Perlberg, Khaya Gitl Freshberg (the last two now in Israel), Hershl Vaysberg and Moishe Kleyner (now in Israel). The membership began to grow among the younger element. Due to them they founded “Hechalutz Hatzair” (The Young Pioneer). The most active members were: Yehoshua Makover (recently died in Israel), a very intelligent an knowledgeable young man, Yisakhar Vaysberg, Yoel –Dovid Bukhner (both now in Israel), Nosn Kleynhoyz, Avrom Ezrielevitch (both now in America), Shepsl Zaklitzever (now in Israel), Yosef Ingberman, Dr. Kurnik and a few others.

[Page 137]

A branch of “Hechalutz Hatzair” 1933

The committee of “Hechalutz Hatzair” 1928

[Page 138]

The work of “Hechalutz Hatzair” was overseen by older members.

This group carried out its work in groups. The leaders of the groups were older members from “Hechalutz”: Khaya Gitl Freshberg, Tzima Perlberg, Khaim Yosef Hendel, Khaya – Bluma Vonsiak, Khaim Leyzer Freshberg, Dvoyre Levenzon (now in Israel), and Hershl Vaysberg. Both organizations did intensive work. A while later the members of “Hechalutz” left for “Hachshara” (pioneer training) in various places, wherever the central organization decided. After six months a member was eligible to receive a certificate to immigrate to the Land of Israel. Fruits of this labour were soon evident, with the accomplishments of the pioneer ideal at the moment when the first boys and girls from our town, members of “Hechalutz” received their certificates to immigrate.

Among the first to immigrate were: Dovid Hendel (died recently in Israel), Yehoshua Kanarke, Khaim, Yosef Hendel, Dvoyre Levenzon, Moishe Klayner, Shmuel Dovid Bukhner, Tzima Perlberg, Isakhar Vaysberg, Yehoshua Makover, Avrom Student, Berele Kurnik, Yosef Ingberman, Perl Inkovsky, Fishl Novodvorsky, Soreh Kleynhoyz, Shepsl Zaklitzever, Leybl Piasetzky, Dvoyre Bukner and others.

The organization “HaShomer Hatzair” was founded before “Hechalutz” which existed previously. Their membership was comprised of the same youth element as “Hechalutz”, but the amount of members was greater. Their leader or battalion head as they called him was Shmuel Zelig Hendel, of blessed memory, a knowledgeable Zionist and a kind young man (immigrated to America, died young). After him the leadership was taken over by Dov Hendel, known as “Berkeh”. He had the honour to immigrate to the Land of Israel and realize his ideal. He was killed in battle in Israel. May his memory serve as a blessing. He possessed exceptional talents and was a very good organizer. He dedicated time and energy, practically his whole life the “Hashomer Hatzair”. He was loved by all.

The news of his death caused great sadness in town. A commemorative gathering was organized in his memory.

Groups were organized in Hashomer Hatzair according to the age of the members. The cultural work was done by gifted, conscientious, energetic members: Menkhem Kotsiak ( Dr. Menakhem Gur today in Israel), who was then a student, very conscientious with a deep national Jewish education,

[Page 139]

Freda Vengerka, who came from a fanatic – orthodox home, very conscientious and secretly led one of the groups.

Yosef Krukover, smart and very precise, was the treasurer. Alteh Hendel (Berke's sister) knew Hebrew very well, understood nature and knew how to educate the children in the spirit of nationalism. Esther Piekarchik, Soreh Vilenberg, Khaya – Sortcheh Raitchik, Rokhl Blum, Yente Shnayderman, Rashiniak and others were active in the organization.

Prior to the immigration members of Hashomer Hatzair to the Land of Israel, Soreh Orlik and Baylcheh Skurnik, 1926

A short while later, according to instructions from the central office, both organizations were united: “Hechalutz” and “Hashomer Hatzair”. The members of “Hashomer Hatzair” also went to the pioneer training program and later immigrated to the Land of Israel.

The following were among the first to immigrate:

Yakov – Hirsh Orlik, Baylcheh Skurnik (today in Canada), Soreh Orlik, Shmuel –Dovid

[Page 140]

Frenkel, Dvoyre – Leah Goldvaser, Rokhl Orlik (today in America) and others.

The youth organizations were a dominating factor in the Zionist and communal life in town. We also took over a portion of the work from the older Zionists. When the university in Jerusalem was opened a great parade was organized by all the Zionist organizations. Everyone marched into the synagogue where the celebration took place. The synagogue was packed and the strength of the Zionist movement was felt in town.

Every year on the holiday of Lag Ba Omer a parade was organized through the streets with the participation of all the Zionist organizations. The scene was very impressive: the children from the “Yavneh” school and from the kindergarten, held blue and white flags in their hands and sang Hebrew songs as they marched. Who knows how many important devoted Jews would had emerged from this group of children had they not been killed.

The sports organization “Maccabi” also existed in town with a soccer team. They organized games at the bazaar. From time to time the team went to play games in neighbouring towns. The founder and leader of Maccabi was Litman Montshkovsky. Those who excelled in soccer were: Vevkeh Klaynhoyz, Yitzkhak Grinberg, Avrom Grinberg, Yosef Shmulevitch. Later the organization was dissolved.

The left wing Poalei Zion party existed in Makow. The main leaders were: Avigdor Tchmiel (a councilman at city hall), Sholem Stonitz, Yosef Furmansky, Yekhzkl Segal and others.

The left Poalei Zion ran their activities in a smaller format as they had fewer members. When the professional unions were organized in town, the party actively participated. We must mention from among the leaders: Khone Stolnitz, a boot maker. He was endowed with talent. He wrote poetry. His book can be found at YIVO (Institute of Yiddish Research). Yakov Berman was also a boot maker. He was a very intelligent young man, quiet, modest, he was one of the most active in the Poalei Zion. It is worthwhile to mention Yitzkhak Skala, one of the main leaders of the party. He was an intelligent young man,

[Page 141]

and a good speaker. Later he worked in Warsaw as an employee. He died in the Warsaw ghetto.

The Bund had existed in Makow for a few years already. Until the strengthening of the Zionist movement the Bund was held in high esteem. Thanks to the Bund the professional Tailor Union was founded. The Bund had a representative in the State Health Insurance Fund. The membership was comprised of the following workers: tailors, shoemakers, carpenters etc…the Bund ran the Y.L. Peretz Library with a large collection of Yiddish books. The main leaders of the Bund were: Dovid Minogo, Avrom Malakh, Henekh Vaysman, Yitzkhak Domb, Aron Erlikh, Zalmen Shlomovitch, Yehuda –Meir Riatchik, and Sender Burshteyn (now in Australia). These were all people who were devoted with all their heart to improve the situation of the working class. Some of these leaders were councilmen on the city council. The Bund also had a representative on the Jewish community council. In general, when there was discussion on a Jewish issue or about subsidies to Jewish institutions at city council, these representatives honourably fought for and defended Jewish interests.

The Bund's youth wing “Di Tzukunft” (The Future) ran their own cultural activities which included readings and lectures. They would invited prominent speakers and representatives from the Bund central office in Warsaw.

Makow Kindergarten under the direction of Yente Shanyderman, 1924

[Page 142]

May 1st demonstration in Makow, 1917

[Page 143]

The Bund also had a drama club led by Leybl Gogol (now in Israel). One of the plays they performed was “Motke the Thief”.

Despite their political differences, the members of the Bund were kind hearted devoted community workers. Members of the Bund and the left wing Poalei Zion played and active role in ORT and TOZ.

The “Agudah” also existed in our town. This party was comprised of orthodox Jews, mainly Ger Hasidim. They did their work in their spirit and style, in a religious orthodox manner.

The youth in town did their utmost to expand cultural activity. A group made up of Zionists and others created a branch of the YIVO institute and a People's University. The leaders of this branch were: Sender Hertzberg, Menakhem Kotziak, Yakov Berman, Yakov – Khaim Goldshteyn and Yakov – Khaim Sobol. They devoted their work to collecting Yiddish folklore and put together questionnaires about the Jewish lifestyle in town. At YIVO in New York you can find the questionnaire about Shabbes Shira (the Sabbath of Song) as described by the Jews of Makow.

The People's University under the direction of Simkha Tzentura and Sender Hertzberg, from time to time organized lectures on literary themes and invited prominent speakers from Warsaw to give the lectures.

The marketplace in town was a large four cornered space, paved with stones with asphalt sidewalks all around. The marketplace served as a central meeting point. A large part of Jewish life was reflected there. On market days Jewish shopkeepers and businessmen set up shop. Jews wandered around looking for an interest free loan, a regular loan, or sometimes just to chat. On Sundays, Jews waited for the gentiles to come out of church so they could hire a coachman to take them to the fair. Reb Feyvl Blum set up a waiting room in the middle of the marketplace. This is where the Jews waited for the bus from Warsaw, grabbed a cold drink and met with merchants. The simple Jews walked through the marketplace, they did not allow themselves to walk on the sidewalks.

[Page 144]

Only the youngsters walked on the sidewalks around the marketplace. The majority of Jewish shops were situated there. On Saturday when the Jewish shops were closed the marketplace spirit of the Sabbath could be felt.

Sunday in the Makow marketplace

The sinister year of 1933 arrived when Hitler, may his name be blotted out, the sadistic murderer rose to power in Germany. Other winds began to blow. Anti Semitism was rampant. The economic situation of the Jews worsened from day to day. Everyone was afraid and feared what tomorrow would bring. A black cloud hovered over all of Jewish life. Hooligans arrived in our town impeding Jewish business, tearing away customers from Jewish street stalls on market days. It is worthwhile to mention the following fact: once, before a monthly fair, a rumour suddenly spread

[Page 145]

that a gang of hooligans would be coming to the fair to beat up Jews and steal their goods.

The leaders of our town, from all the different parties consulted on how to avoid this.

The Bund informed the P.P.S of the hooligan's plans of picketing, headed by a landowner. Two committees were quickly created: one – the P.P.S and the Bund with Dovid Minogo and Avrom Domb representing the Bund. The second, civic, was comprised of Yudl Rozenboym, Abba Bernboym, Yehoshua Montshkovsky, Avrom Garfinkel and Mendl Student. The two committees worked in great secrecy. Those working with the P.P.S took it upon themselves to intervene and influence the landowner to call off the planned picketing of Jewish shops, but without success.

At that time in Makow, security matters in town were handled by Henrik Lange. The vice – commandant was Stanislav Voytchekhovsky. They were both considered friends of the Jews.

Seeing that the Hooligan's actions were inevitable, the civic committee delegated a representative who was very friendly with Lange and Voytchekhovsky to inform them of the situation. He invited them to the house of Rabbi Adelberg the rabbi of Makow and informed them of the impending situation and asked them to take the appropriate steps. They both promised and assured they would do everything in their power to ensure the fair would pass peacefully.

An appropriated resistance action of the P.P.S was prepared in the event of an attack against the picketers of the Jewish shops in the marketplace.

Wednesday, the day of the fair, all the Jewish merchants and the shopkeepers in the marketplace opened their shops as usual. We did however notice a large swell of gentile boys from the surrounding villages.

At noon, when the fair was in full swing, two picketers that were standing beside Abba Berenboym's shop and did not allow customers to enter. They began to shout incendiary words against the Jews. The P.P.S stood on guard and saw how the hooligans were not allowing Christian customers to enter Jewish shops which resulted in a fight between the picketers and the P.P.S.

[Page 146]

The market vendors began to pack up their goods and close their shops.

Soon Lange arrived the police. Both gentile guys were brought to the police station. Things calmed down. The Jewish stores reopened. The shopkeepers unpacked their goods and returned to business.

Avreymele the water carrier in Makow

[Page 147]

Edicts and Acts of Violence

The Nazi government in Germany came out with edicts and acts violence against Jews. From day to day we began to feel the anti Semitism more and more.

What could we, in our town do? We went out with our old weapon: shouting, protesting and appealing to the conscience of the world. The Jews organized a large meeting on a Thursday night between afternoon and evening prayers under the open sky. The meeting took place on Synagogue Street, beside the house of Rozenshteyn (the leather dealer). The street was filled with people. Practically all of the Jewish population attended this protest meeting. The main speakers were: the rabbi, Rabbi Zvi Adelberg, Meir Ostri, Yonatan Nayman, Yakov – Khaim Sobol and others. They called for justice in the world and equality as people and as citizens of the country. We hoped that somewhere our protest would be heard. Unfortunately, it was like a voice lost in the desert. The whole world remained silent. Jewish property became worthless. However none of us anticipated the frightful catastrophe looming where one third of our people would be exterminated by the German murderers.

Once upon a time there was a town called Makow. A town with a large Jewish population. Fine, well established men and their families who derived great pleasure from their modest lifestyle. Once there were young people in Makow who lived, dreamed, worked and ran a cultural and social life. Once…it was and is no longer.

Makow is now clean of Jews. There is not even a remnant of a tombstone at the Jewish cemetery. The cemeteries were plowed and flattened.

Those of us who survived, no matter where we are in the world must never forget our beloved parents, brothers, sisters, relatives and friends who were brutally murdered.

May their souls be bound up in the bond of everlasting life. Makow and its Jews will remain in our hearts eternally.

[Page 148]

Our town Makow was actually no different from other small Jewish towns in Eastern Poland. They were all built according to the same system: small wooden houses with slanted roofs with red shingles, which emanated a certain charm when you looked down from the hills onto the town as you walked to the forest through the “Bazaar”. The tall roofs of the church and town clock look majestic in comparison to the large synagogue, whose greatness was in its holiness.

The Market in town was different. There were two storied brick houses surrounded by shops, which for the most part belonged to Jews who earned their living on the two market days, Tuesdays and Fridays, when peasants from the surrounding region came to buy products for their personal use, or at fairs which took place on Wednesdays, but only the first Wednesday of the month. Then it was really a holiday. Everything awaited that day. Jews, grain merchants, would walk among the wagons, touch the sacks and wait for their price. Finally they would buy the goods. Every market day went like this: they did business, wandered around and earned a living. Jewish women bought chickens from the female non Jewish farmers, as well as eggs and butter, sticking their small finger in the butter to taste for freshness.

Shoemakers, tailors and other merchants would come from nearby towns in large open sided wagons and grab a spot. Using tarps and poles they laid out their merchandise and impatiently awaited customers.

The market also served as a dating place for young couples. They would do the circuit a few times, especially in the evening. The market was the safest place. If someone wanted to go out walking in the dark alleys of “Skerke Volnoshchi” or past the turbine, they could have

[Page 149]

returned with smashed ribs and a bloodied face from the gentile boys who felt free and confident in their “territory”.

Walking around for hours and getting very tired, the youth would rest in the late evening hours on the thresholds of the closed shops, and talked loudly disturbing the sleep of the residents. They would more often than not get sprayed with ink by Feyvl Hiber or a visit from the two policemen, Ferdinand and Tomoshevsky, with the same refrain: “Blood hounds, what's going on?” We would quickly run away.

Talking about the market, how can I not mention the pump, which satisfied so many residents with its sweet water and provided a livelihood for the water carriers who filled barrels at Jewish homes with water, especially water for tea…

The marketplace was a central point for all idlers who would walk around with their hands on their backsides, or have political discussions, waited for newspapers which would arrive on the bus from Warsaw…

Membership card of Abram Rybak for “HaShomer HaTzair” Makow 1927

[Page 150]

The marketplace took on another look when Makow became the central traffic point for buses from Mlawa to Warsaw. They built a station which became the business centre of town. They built two gas stations like in other cities. This was an omen of the changes that would be coming in transportation: cars would be replacing horses…

Until this time, I lived in the town and participated in communal life. I was fortunate to immigrate to Israel, and thus saved from what my nearest and dearest did not survive.

I will always see the people before my eyes who I left behind in the town where I lived for twenty years.

Makow. This name awakens many associations. Therefore it is twice as hard to write impressions and offer details about the cultural and communal life of Jews in Makow. It is difficult, very difficult, to free myself from feelings of sadness and pain due to friends and those close to me who were brutally murdered, those who honourably partook in the national revival movement in Makow. It is, for example, impossible to write memories and not mention the names of my closest friends Y.M Platau, Moishe Bzhoza, Sh. Rekant; and those involved with the school: Sh. Pianka, Avrom and Rayzl Rozental and the Hebrew teachers – Vogmeister and Kotziak.

As I am writing Sholem Aleichem's “Motl Peysy the Cantor's Son” pops into my head, when he tells about his impressions of London where there is a fair every day, and he asks: Where did all these people come from?

[Page 151]

There was not a fair every day in Makow. However despite the small amount of Jews that numbered around 4500 souls, the small Makow had big desires and ambitions and awakened in its youth a national and social liberation.

The town is situated on a flat valley near the Orzhitz River. When you arrive from the hilly market side, you saw the Gothic top of the church tower and it seemed the residents live a calm life. However precisely this calmness was bubbling with a social and cultural life. For example, in March 1917, thanks to the initiative of those already mentioned, together with the help of Young Zionist organization in Makow, the first Hebrew kindergarten school was founded under the direction of Mrs. Osherovsky who was sent to Makow from the central Tarbut office in Warsaw.

The success of the kindergarten inspired the members of the Zionist Organization to establish a high school in Makow under the direction of Mrs. Perlman and Yuzepovitch.

Economically the Jews of Makow did not hold any important positions. The exceptions were the two tanneries belonging to the Orliks and Raytchiks which supplied leather products to their

The Board of Directors of the first Hebrew kindergarten in Makow, under the direction of Mrs. Osherovsky in 1916

[Page 152]

buyers in Warsaw: the two steam mills which belonged to Bezalel Vilenberg and the firm “Raylikht”.

In earlier years the production of religious fringed garments (Tzitzit) developed in Makow and were shipped in large quantities around the world. The brilliant N. Sokolov defined this production and asked: “What is the difference between Makow, Berlin and Madrid?” and he answered: “Berlin is famous for its culture, Madrid for its bulls and Makow for its fringed garments”…

While writing my impressions of Makow it is worthwhile to mention the name Yekhiel Smolozh who at the time was one of the first Zionist propaganda pioneers in Makow. For example, he had himself photographed as if walking to the Land of Israel, had the photographer frame it with the caption “Yekhiel Smolozh Walks to the Land of Israel” and hang it on an abandoned advertisement board in the marketplace on the wall of Reshilevsky's delicatessen.

After the First World War, Jews in Makow, just as Jews from other small Jewish towns in Poland looked for an opportunity to emigrate in order to improve their economic situation. Individuals as well as entire families left Makow, some for larger cities in Poland such as Warsaw and Lodz and others immigrated to the Land of Israel. The majority went to America. When the Second World War broke out we were in Warsaw and as a result were forced into the tragic struggle of the Warsaw ghetto and feel the pain and suffering of the cruel deaths of our closest. This same pain and suffering however called upon us to do something and strengthened our desire to seek revenge for the innocent victims. Thanks to the help of some friends who were connected to the Polish anti- Hitler movement, my brother and I succeeded, actually during the ghetto uprising in April 1943, to free ourselves from the fighting in the ghetto and join the Jewish partisan group of Captain Yekhiel Grinshpan which was operating in the region of Partchev – Lublin.

Our escape from the ghetto and our joining the above mentioned partisan group demanded three important conditions: a) time, b) affirmation and c) tact.

We must also thank the Polish family Markovsky for helping is escape from the ghetto. They permitted us

[Page 153]

to hide for four weeks in their garage which was situated on the Aryan side on 46 Karolkova Street next to the tramway in the Volkser area. This place also served for a time as a workplace at night for guards. Hiding in the garage put both sides in danger. Therefore our friends helped us get organized in a clandestine dwelling of a Polish family in the neighbourhood of Mokotov at 25 Vishniyova Street.

We hid in this place until December 25^th 1943. The entire time we were locked away from the rest of the world because on the outside of the door there was a bolt. From time to time we would receive a small amount of food. Already living at this place were the wife and children of Mr. Feld, the secretary of the TOZ organization in Warsaw, who during the Polish uprising in the capital were killed despite the fact that the house on Vishniyova Street remained in tact and undamaged.

After two unsuccessful attempts to connect to a partisan group which was operating in the area near Vishkov, we managed miraculously to return to the clandestine dwelling in Warsaw. On the 25^th of December 1943 we were finally delegated through the central office of G.L, the authorized Mrs. X who gave us the secret partisan password and ordered us to meet in the building of the main train station of Warsaw where we had to buy train tickets to Lublin.

That same night, mid – journey, according to instructions, we disembarked in the region of Partchev. We arrived in the large village of Rikhevo (Ozhekhuv). However, that night there was a raid by German gendarmes in the same village. Miraculously, we were saved hiding deep in a snow covered bunker which was not far from the house where we were staying.

We wandered from village to village for three weeks until finally we had the opportunity to join the ranks of the Captain Grinshpan's group which consisted of seventy young fighters.

January 1944 was a difficult month. There were heavy snow falls and it was very cold.

[Page 154]

We consequently received our first instructions how to survive the snowy cold winter nights. We actually slept on hot coals covered with a thick layer of snow. The heat from the coals warmed our bodies and battled the cold which often fell below thirty degrees.
During this period Captain Grinshpan's group carried out important acts of sabotage, destroying train bridges as well as tens of kilometres of telegraph and telephone connections on the lines connecting Partchev – Vlodava – Brest.

We actively participated in the fight against the Nazi murderers and as a result helped to liberate Poland.

We were helped through this difficult time by the Zionist spirit of Makow which we absorbed during our childhood.

  Maków Mazowiecki, Poland     Yizkor Book Project     JewishGen Home Page

Copyright © 1999-2024 by JewishGen, Inc.
Updated 06 Jan 2021 by JH