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The Lypszyc family lived in the village of Dębiny. They had many children. Their older daughter Leah fell into a bad crowd, and was about to leave her religion. Her father traveled to the Rebbe in Białobrzeg to ask his advice. The Rebbe advised him to move to Przytyk and to seek the relatives of well-pedigree families for the rest of his children, so as to save them from the danger of apostacy. My father Moshe Chaim of blessed memory agreed for his children to spend time in the company of the Lypszyc family. However, when my sister Hynda feel in love with one of Lypszyc' sons and wanted to marry him, my father opposed this strongly.

There were families in our city who regarded themselves as particularly well-pedigreed and were very reluctant to make matches with families that were lesser pedigreed in their eyes. The family of Yaakov the shochet regarded itself as

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particularly well pedigreed. When one of the daughters of that family, Bracha, fell in love with the son of their neighbor, Pini Bande, the shochet did not want to agree to the match. In this case, the love of the young people won out. Bracha married her beloved after the death of Yaakov the shochet.

The Zalcszirer family: My father Moshe Zalcszirer was involved in the grain and forestry business. He was well-accepted by people as a wise and upright man. He often fulfilled the role of arbitrator, and would issue verdicts in interpersonal disputes. He was also known in our town as a prayer leader with a sweet voice. Many people would come to listen to his prayers when he served as prayer leader on festivals.

Moshe and Hencha Cuker of blessed memory		Feiga Zalcszirer of blessed memory		Devora Zalcszirer of blessed memory

During the period prior to the Second World War, I received letters from him in Hebrew, full of longing for the Land (of Israel) and the desire to make aliya there. However, fate prevented this.

After our mother died, and small children were left at home, my older sister Hynda bore the yoke of the household. She was married to Moshe Cuker. They moved to Łódź where they perished.

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My sister Feiga moved to Warsaw at a young age to seek work. She had not yet tasted the taste of life when she perished at the hands of the German Nazis.

May G-d avenge the blood of my family.

Rabbi Elimelech Kac

Rabbi Elimelech Yitzchak Kac was born in the city of Radom in 1899, and was raised in a traditional Jewish home. He displayed signs of sharpness of the mind already in his youth. His desire for study was boundlessly large. He was known as “the diligent one of the Beis Midrash of Yosi Den” on Szpitalna 2. He received ordination and the permission to issue halachic decisions from the Gaon of Konsk as well as the rabbi of Ostrowiec, Rabbi Meir Yechiel HaLevi of blessed memory.

After he married my sister, he moved to our city of Przytyk. He lived in our home and continued his studies. He delved into books from early morning until midnight. He was a pleasant man, and did not get involved in the affairs of his fellow. He did not preach morality, and he was careful not to hurt the feelings of others. Fear of Heaven, love of his fellow Jew, and love of all people were the qualities of his sublime soul.

The efforts of my father of blessed memory to attract him to commerce in the textile shop in our house were for naught. He was distant from matters of business, and placed his trust in the Creator of the World, for “He Who gives life, gives sustenance.” He was expert in Talmud and rabbinic decisors, an he plunged into the sea of the Talmud. His soul pined for any holy matter.

After the death of my parents in 1923, we were forced to sell our house, but the part in which my brother-in-law lived with his family as well as our store remained in our possession. We still earned a good livelihood to sustain the family. However, about one year after I left the town, I fulfilled my soul's desire and made aliya to the Land, and the economic situation changed completely. My sister did not have the energy to run the store, which declined massively, to the point where one could no longer earn a livelihood from it. Then, my brother-in-law decided to join in and help his wife with the livelihood. He took lads into his home and gave them

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lessons in Talmud. His salary was meager, and life became more difficult day by day. However, his spirit did not break.

Every day at daybreak, he would unload the tribulations of his heart in his prayers to our merciful and gracious Father in Heaven. My sister sufficed herself with little, and they sustained their eight children with his meager salary. She did not complain about her ill fortune and their meager situation.

When the war broke out, the Nazis, may their names be blotted out, arrived in town, and the level of fear of the people of the city grew day by day, he would bring words of encouragement to his family and others, telling them not to lose their faith in G-d in heaven. With this faith, he went to the gas chambers along with his wife and their eight children. The wind scattered their ashes along with the ashes of myriads of children, and women in the vale of the Holocaust. I believe that the letters of the fiery parchment of the Torah giants brought the holy sparks to the soil of Israel in the land of Israel. Those sparks gave rise to the mighty ones of Israel who dedicated their souls to the nation and the homeland.

Yosele Przytyker went from Przytyk to Praga in poverty, lacking everything, [with faith in the adage] “one who changes place changes one's luck”^[1]. At first, he worked in teaching and did not succeed. He became involved in matchmaking, and failed. He worked in peddling, and left discouraged. He had many children and poverty pervaded in his home. Yosele went about everyday as a shadow, bent and crushed, and saw no way out. His close neighbors realized the situation of his family and came to help him: some with bread, some with food and drink, and others with a loan or a discreet gift. Leah the trustee would go to their house. She would bring food for the Sabbath, and she did not withhold her hand even on weekdays. Yosele's wife was embarrassed to go outside her house due to her poor clothing, so Yosele would bring into the house and take out everything that was needed. Yosele would spend a long time making the rounds among the stalls of the peddlers so he could obtain his food cheaply. He approached everyone hesitantly, with modesty and an apology, as someone who was pushed to an unpleasant place at an inopportune time. The men received him with honor, and the women took a special liking to him, so they did not stand on ceremony regarding the sale, and they lowered the price. Yosele would shower them with ample blessings, and part from them with a modest bow and a silent thank you, as if he did not see himself worthy of their great mercy. They also parted from him with, “A pleasant Jew, a precious Jew, an unfortunate Jew”… They regarded it as a merit for themselves that they did good for him regarding the sale.

Once, Yosele approached the stall of a certain widow to purchase a bit of vegetables. The woman stood there sad, depressed, and teary.

“Reb Yosele,” she greeted him pleasantly but with silent melancholy, “there are problems, Reb Yosele,

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bundles of problems… My children are sick. I left them at home without supervision. And here… here… the livelihood is meager. I only had one customer today, and you are the second. There is no profit!”

“G-d will have mercy, G-d will have mercy,” responded Reb Yosele and comforted her. He chose what he needed, paid what was owed, and was about to leave.

“G-d will have mercy, He will certainly have mercy,” he added in a clear voice. “Your children will recover, G-d willing, quickly. When you return home, you will find them in a good state, G-d willing. The income will also increase, G-d will have mercy, believe me!” He gave her an extra coin.

“It is not owed to me, it is not owed,” the woman refused.

“It is no problem, no problem,” Yosele stood his ground, “Take it and it will be good for you. A coin for blessing and success.” Yosele then left.

The woman took the coin with fear and trembling. She exhaled upon her hand. “For blessing and success,” she repeated Yosele's words. She placed the coin from Yosele with the rest of her money, and hoped for salvation from G-d. That day, the bounty in her stall was great. Her hands were full of work, the merchandise was almost completely sold, and when she came home, she found her children dancing and playing in their beds. Their fevers had gone down, and their eyes exuded health and freshness. They hugged their mother with gladness and joy.

The news of Yosele's deed and wonders spread very quickly through the street and amongst the peddlers in the stalls and booths in the market. The women added to the widow's story, and everyone remembered their contact with Yosele and their words with him, in whose merit they were saved from all bad. They all made sure to greet him with love, honor and awe when he came to the market, to give him from the best, to tell them about their troubles, and to receive his blessings. Reb Yosele willingly responded to their statements and their issues. He spoke to them in their language and with their logic. He minimized himself and his value, and sent his requests to G-d, “G-d will have mercy, G-d will have mercy. Everything is dependent upon G-d and His great mercies.” He responded with humility and directed all their words and praises toward the L-rd. “What am I… a simple man like you, like your husbands, like your children, like all the rest of the Jews.” And they all answered unanimously, “Reb Yosele! You and the Holy One Blessed Be He. From your mouth to G-d's ears.”

“Reb Yosele, a blessing! Reb Yosele, a coin for success!” They would surround him from all sides, and he would give the same answer, “It is not Yosele, it is not his blessings, and it is not his coin! Faith is yours and the prayer is yours! And the salvation of G-d – it shall be, it shall be through your efforts.”

Reb Yosele would then leave the marketplace and those who were close to him, as warm eyes accompanied him and stare at him as if toward an upright, pure Tzadik.

It did not take long before Reb Yosele became known in the marketplace as a miracle worker. Men and women hastened to his door from morning to night to receive a blessing from his mouth or to ask his advice. His words were like the Urim and Tumim^[2] to them. He answered with a stutter, with half words, almost not speaking to the matter. They interpreted his words, decoded them, and saw good things. Yosele tried to avoid them and evade them,

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but his fans did not let him be. They sought him everywhere. When they found him, the cleaved to him like a flame to a wick, united in their faith that the portents of this Reb Yosele, and drawing from his influence.

Despite everything, Reb Yosele did not stop going to the marketplace. He did not change his clothing or the status of his house. He lived meagerly and in want, as previously. He would purchase the cheapest goods, and negotiate with the sellers in the market with simplicity and innocence. He sealed his ears so as to not listen to their conversations, and spoke to them as equals, as one of them, without distinction. He distanced himself from all honor and leadership. He pushed aside any discreet gift or excess payment. He only purchased what was most necessary. The Hassidic and pious women would urge him strongly, “Reb Yosele, why do you refuse, Reb Yosele to take, what does it matter to you? Your family needs this, why are you cruel to them?” Reb Yosele answered softly and rejected their urgings sweetly, “It does not matter, Pesiashe, Tzipashe, Yentashe… I do not need this at all, at all, and my family too is not lacking anything. It is forbidden to take more, it is forbidden, it is forbidden.”

Yosele calmed them and praised their warm feelings and reverence, “What is permitted to me I take. This comes from G-d – and I take. The Holy One Blessed Be He shall repay you for your kindness. However, not too much, not more!” The women accepted his words with love, as their eyes latched onto the precious aura of Yosele.

Yosele worshipped in the shtibel of the Hassidim of Grodzisk from the day he arrived in Praga. The people of the shtibel did not tolerate him. They murmured about him and his deeds. Nevertheless, Yosele did not leave the shtibel. The adult Hassidim related to him with derision, and mocked him behind his back: “A new Tzadik… the Rebbe of the people of the market.” The young Hassidim mocked him to his face: “Reb Yosele, holy Rebbe… when will you write amulets and receive petitionary notes?” Yosele did not respond. He recoiled from them with disgust, and turned to his corner in the back edge of the shtibel or its corridor. He covered himself with his tallis, immersed himself in his prayers, and ignored them. After the services, he would look a bit into books of fear of G-d, without speaking or coming into contact with any of the congregants of the shtibel. On Sabbaths and festivals, when the veteran Hassidim gathered together along with their children, fine men of stature and good form, with their splendid festive garb, atlas silk clothing, satin belts, velvet hats, and shiny streimels – Yosele's appearance was in contrast to them, small in stature, pale face, swollen eyes, and worn, faded garb like someone of lowly status, of the simple folk, who was pushed to there, to a place where he did not belong. As they passed by him in their ampleness and stature, Yosele slunk into his corner, lowered himself, and evaded their insults and sharp tongue. He immersed himself completely in his prayers and the thoughts of his heart. With closed eyes gazing upward, and with the motions of his lips, he assuaged his bitterness and the insults. He poured out his prayers to his Creator, and cleaned out all that was hidden inside him.

When he returned home and went out to the market, the clarity of his thoughts and joy of his heart returned. He was joyful to anyone who greeted him, man or woman. He graced them with his merciful gaze, his soft speech, his good word, and gave everyone a blessing and a coin “for blessing and success.” He would talk for a long time with the poor and oppressed, and delve into the details of their lives in their homes and outside their homes. He would offer advice, comfort them and encourage them. With

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those more firmly established, he would minimize his conversation. He would listen to them and respond in a refined fashion, giving his blessing. At times, he would also give them a coin, and leave them in a pleasant fashion. Leahle the butcher woman, a plump woman with fat, catlike eyes, waited for him from the morning. She stopped him with her coarse, cutting voice, and did not let him pass.

“Reb Yosele, my dear, why do you always avoid me? You almost always flee from me… In what way did I wrong you? Am I not worthy of your blessing and coin, like the rest of the righteous women around me?”

“It is nothing, Leahle,” Yosele responded gently, “Heaven forbid that I do such a thing, to avoid you or to escape from you. I never did anything bad to you, Heaven forbid, Leahle…”

“Then why do you refrain from giving me your coin for success and blessing me, as is your custom with the other women?”

“The blessing is given to you from Heaven, Leahle! You do not need me to bless you.”

“And what does it hurt, Reb Yosele? What does it matter to you, Reb Yosele? Do you only have one blessing?^[3]… With your blessing and coin, G-d will add to me such and such more^[4].”

“No, no, Leahle! Don't continue talking like that. It is forbidden to ask for more… G-d has granted you everything good. You have wealth, greatness, many children, success for yourself and your husband in all your affairs. What more do you want to ask for?”

“Nevertheless, Reb Yosele!”

“Nevertheless is forbidden! Let you have what is yours^[5]… And G-d will not lessen your portion.”

“As you say, Reb Yosele, from your mouth to the ears of the Blessed G-d!”

Leahle gave him a slice of meat from among the best slices, but Yosele refused to take it.

“No, no, Leahshe!” he said, “This time no! Another time, Leahle, when I am lacking, I will take…” Leahle took the meat back. She was appeased, and looked at Reb Yosele from a distance with supplicating eyes. She measured his pace, the echo of his steps, and her entire being was overflowing with contentment and gratitude”

“The man is a Tzadik… and his words are holy!”

1. Tractate Rosh Hashanah 16b. Return
2. The precious stones on the breastplate of the High Priest, through which G-d's answers were communicated to the people. Return
3. Based on Genesis 27:38 Return
4. Based on 2 Samuel 12:8 Return
5. Based on Genesis 33:9. Return

He was the son of Moshe and Beila. He was born on January 1, 1926 in Przytyk, Poland. He suffered from many illnesses during his childhood, but he recovered from them. He studied in the public school. In 1936, his father was arrested by the Polish government for the accusation of organizing a Jewish self-defense against the rioters who had recently overtaken the city. He escaped and reached France as a political prisoner. From there, his father made aliya, and brought over his entire family in 1938. They settled in Tel Aviv. Nathan studied in the Bilu school. When he was in grade 6, he stopped

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his studies and began to work in Politora, while taking night courses. He loved books, and was an enthusiastic coin and stamp collector. In 1941, he joined the Haganah, and trained as a machine gunner. He participated in Haganah actions, such as the “Wingate Night” action^[1], an action preparing to bring to land the Maapilim [illegal immigrants] of the Max Nordau and the Exodus from Europe. During July 1947, he guarded Gan-Havai, participated in the action in Pardes Abu-Lavan, in Salma, and in guarding the suburbs of the city. He then went to guard the water conduit in the Negev, where he also worked at accompanying caravans. He was sent to Ben-Shemen for a sergeants course at the end of January 1948. Then he was sent to a medic course and was transferred to the Givati Brigade. He participated in liquidation actions under the command of Hassan Salma, and served as a certified division medic. He also participated in the Nachshon action in the conquest of Deir-Muchisin, and Arab Hulda, accompanying caravans from Jerusalem, and in the attacks on Ramle, Abu-Shusha, El-Kubiba, and in the Barak action. He was transferred to the Ashdot front at the end of May 1948.

He fell while administering first aid to the injured in the Battle of Ashdod on June 3, 1948. He was buried by the Egyptians. Only about a half year later, he was brought to a Jewish burial in Kfar Weinberg with the rest of his comrades in battle. His commander testified that his stance in battles in general, and in his final battle in particular was full of faith and encouragement. He hastened to offer aid to his comrades with unusual bravery and dedication.

Nathan Nathan Fuerst, of blessed memory

Gravestone of Nathan Fuerst

1. A night of unloading ships of illegal immigrants. Return

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Our town of Przytyk had an entire row of personalities who left a great influence upon societal, cultural, and organizational life.

Rabbi Yisrael Szapira occupied the rabbinical seat from 1920 until the outbreak of the Second World War. He stood out with his gentle character. He loved Jews, and would never wrong anyone. He was among those who were not stringent when he answered questions on kashrut, so that large families would not be left without food, especially on the eve of the Sabbath or a festival. He was very particular about issues related to shechita [ritual slaughter], so that there never would be any mishap with unkosher food with us. His name even spread through the Christian population, who respected him greatly. I recall a comical situation when the rabbi went together with the shamash [beadle), also named Szapira, on a market day, and a Christian from Radom grabbed him and started to dance with him in the market. When the astounded crowd asked why he wanted to dance with the rabbi, he answered that he had come to shop at the market, and with the help of the rabbi – he will be successful…

In 1930, he built his own house with his own small Beis Midrash. Every Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, the rabbi led the Musaf and Kol Nidre services with such sweetness, that the Polish intelligentsia of Przytyk, including the pharmacist, the judge, the police chief, and the town council secretary would come to hear his Kol Nidre. Of course, they sat on a special bench near the bima. Even the Communists had great respect for him.

The rabbi had three sons and two daughters. One of them, Chayatshe, died at the age of 17, already a bride.

At the outbreak of the war, the taxi chauffeur Yisrael Iziks took the rabbi and two other Jews, and set out for toward the Russian border in the east. It seems that the rabbi did not like it there, or he was simply longing for his family. He returned to Przytyk and was murdered by the Germans.

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Mone Frajdman

Mone Frajdman was the first representative in the Jewish council. He was a Hassid from Łódź, stringently religious, and involved in communal affairs. Thanks to his tireless efforts, the only Talmud Torah where poor children could not only learn Torah, but also a bit of reading, writing, and arithmetic, was founded in Przytyk. They also received their meals there. In the same room where the boys studied during the day, the girls studied at night in the Beis Yaakov school.

Mone Frajdman did not restrict himself to disseminating Torah. After long and tireless efforts, he created a charitable fund. Poor businessmen and tradesmen would receive interest free loans of up to 200 zloty (in those days, a large sum) to be able to set themselves up on their own feet. His brother Mendel Frajdman was the treasurer. Committee members were: Avraham-Yaakov Haberberg – a Bundist from the year 1905 and also a communal representative; and Pinchas Malc (a gaiter maker).

A Torah scroll was written in 1930 thanks to his efforts. It was led to the synagogue in a large procession. Afterwards, a large feast was celebrated, lasting a full eight days. Rabbis from the region came specially: the Łódźer Rebbe, Rabbi Moshele and Rabbi Yankele – both from Łódź, and others.

Mone Frajdman earned his livelihood from the cloth business, as well as from leather. Together with his partner Nota Lindenbaum, he sent soaked leather to the tanners in Radom.

His had a large family, consisting of a wife and eight children – four boys and four girls.

When the Germans entered, they snatched him for forced labor. That pious Jew was forced to cover pits in which they had tossed books from the Beis Midrash. A gigantic German went to Reb Mone, mounted him, and forced him to carry him over the water –30 meters wide and one meter deep. He carried him over with great effort, for he realized that if he dropped him in the water, he would immediately be shot.

At the time of the deportation from Przytyk in 1941, he and his family went to

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Przysucha. At the time of the liquidation, when he saw what awaited him and his family – he suffered a heart attack and died. The family was murdered in Majdanek.

Shamai was the founder and leader of the professional union. He was a true Bundist from the 5^th year^[1]. Together with Avraham-Yaakov Haberberg, Motia Bornsztajn (who came from a very Hassidic family), Moshe Cuker (the son of Yaakov Shochet), Reuven Cukerman, Yosel Hornfeld, Srulke Bluman, and others, they led the union that encompassed the workers in the clothing and building industries. The union was fully under Communist influence. They organized strikes for higher wages almost every year, beginning at the holiday season. During months when there was no work, such as in the middle of the summer or the winter, the labor committee apportioned the work so that everyone would be employed at least a few days a week.

The union also conducted wide-branched cultural work. It had a large library of Yiddish and Polish books. From time to time, it organized gatherings, lectures, and dance evenings. A drama club existed under the auspices of the union, which performed various plays, such as: “The two Kuni Lemels,” “Return from Katarga,” “The Slaughter,” “The Seven Who Were Killed,” “Motia Melech the Furrier,” “Chasia the Orphan Girl,” “The Romanian Wedding,” and “The Eternal Wandering Jew.”

Motia Bornsztajn directed the drama club. He also played the main roles. From among the other artists, I recall: Moshe Cuker, Itche Fuerst, Chaim Aharon Berkowicz, Pinchas Frydman, Rivka Lypszyc, Frimet Sztroisman (Moshe Cuker's wife), Miriam Szerman, Rachel Sztroisman, Mindel Klajnbaum (later the wife of Yosef Dozi who was a candidate for the Polish Sejm during the elections in the 1930s).

The illegal Communist party in Przytyk was aggressive. Its members would interfere with the activities of other parties. They would burst into meetings, especially the Zionist open meetings and celebrations. I remember how a fight broke out at the unfurling of the Beitar flag. They attempted to disrupt – and a fight broke out on the street. The police had to get involved. Many people were arrested, but they were freed after an investigation.

When the Germans entered, they liquidated the organization. All the books

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documents, and the archives were packed into a sack, and later buried in the yard of a member – Shlomo Sztark, the baker's son. To this day, I do not know what happened with the archives.

Ahrele was a fur maker, of above average wealth, a great philanthropist, an arbitrator at almost all the rabbinical adjudications, a great joker, and a lover of his fellow Jew. G-d also provided him with a righteous wife who encouraged him to do even more good deeds. She hospitably welcomed the people who came to look for her husband when he was not at home. She asked them to sit down, served them something, and told them to wait until her husband would return. She knew that this would cost her money, because everyone would receive the assistance they need. Even though they lived in a crowded house, they never refused to allow a guest from outside to stay over.

He would go to the market every Friday morning. If he found a Jew immersed in his worries, either a merchant or a tradesmen, he would ask, “How is it that you have time to wander in the market on the eve of the Sabbath?” If the Jew would tell him that he was searching for something to wear, for he has no food for the Sabbath, he would quickly take out a few zloty, give it to the person, and say, “When you have, you will pay me back.”

His jokes and comical deeds were famous in Przytyk. He once poured out a slop pail in front of his house, and a policeman wanted to give him a ticket for that. He asked him, “Mr. Poretz, where should I pour it?” The policeman answered, “in your own place.” Reb Ahrele said to him, “I have my own place in the town of Wyśmierzyce, about 15 kilometers from here. I ask you, Mr. Poretz, should I pour out the water there?” The policeman told him, “A laughter on your side.” Reb Ahrele turned on his side and began to laugh. The policeman asked him, “Why are you laughing?” He answered , “You yourself said, a laughter on your side.” The policeman joined in the laughter – and the ticket was not given.

Once, a famous Maggid came to Przytyk and demanded that the townsfolk give charity for poor brides, for the hosting of guests, etc. After the sermon, Reb Ahrele sat with the Maggid on one side of the table, and

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asked the furrier Yitzchak Flancenbaum to sit on the other side, calling him “Pitrak.” He boasted to the Maggid that he gives a lot of charity and hosts guests. This was a lie, for the furrier was the opposite of Reb Ahrele. Even though he was much wealthier than Reb Ahrele, he never let a poor person through his door. When Reb Ahrele heard his boasting, he could not hold back, and told the following parable:

One dark night, a hungry wolf got lost in a village, and the farmers' dogs attacked him. He barely succeeded in escaping with his life, and entered a doghouse in which a dog was sleeping. The dog wanted to chase him out. The wolf begged him: Let me hide here until the dogs go away, and I will do you great favors. When the dogs left, the wolf told the dog,“Why are you enslaved here for a bit of food. I can take you to the forest.” After dressing in a wolf's hide, the dog learned how to howl like a wolf, so that the wolves could not recognize that this is a dog. One day, when the wolf was very hungry, he came to the dog, who gnashed his teeth at him, just like a wolf. The wolf said to him, “You cannot fool me. I know who you are,” and he ate him up. “To whom are you boasting,” he said to Flancenbaum, “for I know what type of a philanthropist you are.”

After the story, Yitzchak the furrier became Reb Ahrele's greatest enemy.

From Reb Ahrele's two sons and two daughters, three were murdered by the German murderers. One daughter, Kayla, lives in Paris.

The Przytyk shochet Yaakov Cuker was a pious, observant Jew. He had two sons and two daughters. The eldest daughter, Cutel, married Hershel Zalcszir^[2], a Przytyker lad from a Hassidic home. He studied shechita, and the shochet intended to give over his slaughtering knife to him after his death.

When the shochet died, he indeed designated him as his heir. However, two camps formed in town: one was in favor of the shochet's son-in-law, and the other was against him. A great dispute broke out, even with desecration of the Divine Name and fighting. The rabbis, Rabbi Moshele and Rabbi Yankele from Radom, as well as others from surrounding towns, became involved. After a rabbinical judgment that lasted

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several days, they issued the verdict that he is permitted to be a shochet, however not in Przytyk. To avoid further disputes, he was accepted as a shochet in Płock, and a shochet was brought in to Przytyk from Otwock.

Moshe Frajdman (nickname, was Midlo), the water carrier of Przytyk, was a hard worker. He was well-known in Przytyk.

He carried water for the householders of means. The poles were fastened to a rope that served as a belt around his hips, and two pails of water hung from the hinge. The water was drawn from the city well in the middle of the market. The cheder boys pestered him. They would hang themselves on the already heavy pails, and laugh. When he finally realized that the pails had suddenly become heavier, he would turn his head and shout, “A cholera on you. You are affecting my livelihood. You too will become water carriers.”

Through great effort, he supported his old wife and his approximately 50-year-old daughter, who helped with the livelihood by doing laundry.

On Friday night and Saturday morning, he would come to worship together with all the observant Jews. He would hold his Siddur open and look into it, but would not pray, because he simply knew no Hebrew.

He would quip: “Because I am not allowed near the eastern wall, I must remain near the door. Therefore, I can be the first to leave. And when we say, “come in peace”^[3] and turn backward, it is as if it is at the eastern wall, and everyone stands behind me.”

He had a great merit in Heaven, for he died a natural death before the Germans occupied Przytyk.

The teacher Motia Cukerman, with whom everyone's child went to learn, was very fastidious. The children who passed his examination were accepted into his cheder, where, aside from Chumash with Rashi, Gemara, and Bible, they studied secular subjects such as: reading Yiddish and arithmetic – so that they could complete Powszechna [Universal] school. His wife was also involved with

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teaching. She taught Przytyk girls to pray and recite blessings, as well as reading, writing, and arithmetic.

He came from a village where he taught the children of an innkeeper. He left there due to a wager. A peasant came and bet him five rubles that he could eat three pounds of butter. The teacher ate the butter and received the five rubles, but he became ill from this and almost died. He left the village and came to Przytyk. He never sought butter again in his life, he could not even look at it. If we children would bring bread and butter to the cheder, we had to hide it so he would not see it.

He had no contentment from his children. One son was a Bundist, and drowned. As people said, he would not obey his mother and he went to bathe on the Sabbath. He jumped from the bridge – and never came up again. After a few hours of searching, his friends found him and brought him home on a wagon. His mother then said in great despair, “G-d is correct, and his judgment is correct.” The second son became a Communist, and was one of the leaders of the professional union.

They were all murdered by the German murderers.

Translator's Footnotes

1. I assume that this means 1905. Return
2. A few pages earlier, he was known as Tzvi Zalcszirer. Hershel is the Yiddish form of Tzvi. Return
3. During the service of the Welcoming of the Sabbath, when the congregation turns toward the door or to the back of the synagogue, as if welcoming the entry of the Sabbath. Return

Even though his family was name was Pacanowski, he occupied the office of Soltis^[1] of the Jewish community of Przytyk, and became known in the town of Moshe Rivka Menucha's. His honesty and dedication, as well as his readiness to help, were exemplary. He always toiled and labored from 4:00 a.m. until late at night – both to sustain his family, as well as in communal affairs.

The First World War brought misfortune to his entire family. The murderers and thieves of the people and of all his property were – the Cossacks.

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They emptied out very large manufacturing enterprises. Years later, it was difficult for them to set themselves up again.

Nevertheless, one could never see any signs of anger on Reb Moshe's face.

The most difficult day of the week, for Reb Moshe as well, was – Monday, when the town was filled with farmers, merchants, tradesmen, and sellers travelling through from the near and far areas. Przytykers, like Reb Moshe, would wait for the market day, from which they earned their livelihood for the entire week…

The tax office for Przytyk was 18 kilometers away, in Radom. Nevertheless, its long arms reached here, especially to the Jewish population. A staff officer and a sequestrator worked intensively to further embitter the already bitter lives of the Jews and impoverish the already impoverished Jews of Przytyk. The Grabski politics^[2] regarding our Jewish brethren was applied in Przytyk with full force. The tax officers used to come to Przytyk every Monday and visit every Jew in the stalls and businesses, demanding money. Reb Moshe, as the Soltis, had to accompany the officer and sequestrator, and oversee the bitter struggle that they conducted with the Jews with open anti-Semitism. He would calm the moods to the extent that he could, and, primarily, send his children ahead to warn the people in time of the upcoming visit of the officers.

If the market day was a day of joy and hope for good earnings – for Reb Moshe it was only agony and heart palpitations. He had to be a witness to brutal cases where they took the last bit of merchandise from a poor Jew.

To this day, it is hard for me to comprehend from where Reb Moshe drew the strength and endurance for such a difficult task. If he at times succeeded in averting a decree or in helping a Jew in trouble – a joyous, happy smile would appear on his face.

He bore his and other's problems quietly and with dignity. The town constantly talked about Reb Moshe's dedication.

May his memory be a blessing!

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My Father-in-law Reb Danele Hoffman

He was short, always immersed in the upper worlds. He was not so concerned with his clothing, even though he had the means. He was frugal and immersed in thoughts, with a love for philosophy and for saying a good word that he thought of with his sharp mind. He would ponder difficult mathematical problems, and present them to the Polish intelligentsia in Przytyk. He would debate with them, bet with them, and they would always run out of time. This did not prevent him from delving into Talmud, studying a page of Gemara, and being a pious Jew.

Early every morning, he would sit in in house and study for several hours. He had a special corner for that.

He also loved reading secular books such as Mendele, Sholom Aleichem, and Peretz. His wife Itele, the daughter of a rabbi, at times reproved him and threatened him with hell in the Other World.

He loved to play chess. He would play for hours with himself when he had no partner.

People say that when he once squabbled with a landowner over the price of a grove, and the difference was several thousands. The landowner called out, “Danele, we will play chess, and whoever wins will set the price.” Of course, Danele won.

I recall that he was very preoccupied for several months. He made drawings with stripes, wrote in small letters, pondered, and did not talk to anyone. To my question about what was transpiring, he responded, “When it will be over, you will understand what I am doing.”

On the first day of Passover, as he went very early to worship in the Amshinover [Mszczonów] Shtibel, he woke me up early. My wife gave him a fresh glass of tea, and he began to explain what he had done.

“I was busy for three or four months constructing a calendar from the time of the creation of the world in accordance with the Jewish count, until the end of the world, after 6,000 years (according to Jewish tradition). Every thousand years is considered one day by G-d^[3]. Six days is 6,000 years, and the seventh is the Sabbath.

As I was corresponding the reckoning of the years with the movement of the sun and the moon, I derived

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that after 5,000 years, there is a difference, even with the leap years, of two days and a few hours and seconds.

According to this calculation, it comes out that we are not celebrating the correct day of Passover, Yom Kippur, and other festivals.”

His entire religious world structure was destroyed. He comforted me and said, “I did not rest, and I corresponded and asked about the situation from those times! I also consulted with Melech Kac and the rabbi of the town!”

When he found a book that made the same calculation, asked the same question, and responded with “Teiku” – that is the acronym for Tishbi will answer questions and problems^[4] –he calmed down and said, “If the Gaon does not know the answer, I too am permitted not to know.”

Among all his sources of employment, he was also involved in arbitration. The great legacy that the Lindenbaum family left for their heirs – stores, butcher shops, fields, plazas, etc. – was given over to arbitration by Danele, the rabbi, and another Przytyker who lived in Radom. The investigation, measuring, and enumerating lasted for a year. Several days before the verdict was issued, he told me, “Mendel, if one or another of the heirs (there were approximately 18 heirs) will be happy with the allocation, it is a sign that the allocation is not proper.”

And he explained, “If two people are very hungry, and one brings bread and divides it between them – it seems to each of them that one or the other received a bit more than the other, and neither is satisfied. As long as the bread is not divided, the one who sees that he will receive more will be happy.”

In fact, every partner rejected the division. Finally, the division by the court was not good, and the heirs agreed with Danele's division.

The Jews, like the Poles in the town, valued Danele's advice and wisdom. They paid attention to his words with full seriousness.

His business was in lumber. As is customary in that line of business, the highest earnings are immeasurable…however, one could be completely sure of Danele's measurements as honest. Therefore, they would purchase from him with the feeling that they had not been cheated.

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If he would ever take a loan from someone, he would give a receipt, even if they trusted him and nobody would ever demand guarantees from him. Only Reb Danele would calm them, claiming that one does not know what might happen – and a person should not suffer because he did a good deed.

Reb Danele was a very respected and sought-after arbitrator in the city. He used to carry out arbitrations on the most complicated issues, including those related to inheritances, to everyone's satisfaction.

He was a passionate chess player, and knew the theory of the game very well. He was also dedicated to explaining and corroborating the Jewish calendar with the calendars of other religions.

His hands, like his heart, were open to everyone. Therefore, he possessed the rare trait of not stating his opinion to anyone, even to his own children. He let everyone go on their own way.

His youngest daughter was five or six years old. He would often call her over and talk to her in a high tone, and she answered with the same tone. Then he would ask her a question quietly, and she would answer in the same quiet manner. Then he would talk to her with pride, and she would respond with the same pride. He would often say, “A soft answer assuages anger”^[5], and “The words of the wise are heard with calm”^[6].

His oldest son Moshe of blessed memory sat and learned. He completed the Talmud twice over. He married the daughter of the Anielewicz family of Szydłowiec, relatives of the famous hero Mordechai Anielewicz of the Warsaw Ghetto. He had a food store, and they had two children.

The daughter Chaya of blessed memory, my wife, completed school and gave lectures. She was active in Poalei Zion, and loved to write poems. Several of her articles were published in a Zionist newspaper, dealing mainly with Jewish poverty, poems, as well as articles about lung diseases. Our daughter Ester – Estusha was born in 1935. After the pogrom, we lived in Łódź until the world war.

After the liberation of Przytyk in 1946, we were told by one of the Przytyker Poles that Chaya Hoffman and her child went out to the Kielce forests. She was one of those who organized a partisan group together with her brothers Mendel and Shalom of blessed memory, her sister Rachel, and others.

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The district and the anti-Semitism of the region did not permit the group to exist for a long time. The entire partisan group fell heroically in the battle against the Nazi beasts.

They were a large, wide-branched family. His brother Yisrael Hoffman and his entire family were also killed. Nobody of the large family survived.

The Przytyk Soltis Reb Mendel was tall, broad boned, and straight like a pine, with yellow-blue eyes and a long Herzl-style beard.

He walked in measured steps, with his head up, as would a wealthy householder. He was always cleanly dressed, even dressed up. He made an impression with his entire personality, as one says, and he aroused honor and awe in everyone with whom he came in contact. He was one of those who had an influence on the rulers of the town. He was able to enter into the town council, to the secretary of the city.

The Christians in the town had great respect for him. He was on good terms with them, as well as with the district rulers. When honored guests came from Radom or from the region, Mendel was invited.

The Poles liked listening to what he had to say. Therefore, the Jews of the town would come to him to get advice or to complain if someone wronged them.

During the First World War, the Jews of Przytyk suffered from hunger, for some of the men were mobilized into the army. The livelihoods of the townsfolk were from shoemaking, tailoring and hat making, and there were no customers, for the farmers had nothing to sell. In that time, a Jewish officer of the Russian Army appeared, the author of The Dybbuk Sh. Anski, and would distribute money, candies and cookies to the dirty, unkempt, and naked children.

During the war, the Jews had to evacuate Przytyk. They went to Radom to find a morsel of bread and a roof over their heads.

People used to say that, in fact, Przytyk should have been the district capital and Radom should have been subordinate to Przytyk, for

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when people died in Radom, they were brought to burial in Przytyk. Radom earned the merit of being the district capital so that leadership would not be in Jewish hands, as the majority of the population of Przytyk was Jewish.

In the year after the First World War, the Jews of Przytyk returned to their town from Radom and the region. The hunger was great, not to mention the shortage of clothing and shoes – which were considered luxuries. The American Jews began to send products. At that time, a committee was set up to apportion the products among the population. Every member of the family would receive a card, through which the family could receive products. A kitchen to distribute lunches was also set up.

The Jews of Przytyk stopped taking food from the kitchen. Many families were embarrassed to come and take the lunches home. Of course, they took products from the cards, because there was no other choice – one had to live. The products for distribution were held in Avraham Cuker's yard.

A school was also opened, in the home of a Pole. Anyone's children who had to go to school could study there. Only a small number of Jewish children studied in the Polish school. Children studied Torah with rebbes in cheders. The first few coins that one earned were given over to the Talmud Torah.

Reb Mendel Moshele's was one of the leaders of the committee. He was trusted as Soltis of the city.

The electric grid was installed in Przytyk during the years 1924-1928. Hershel Ryba, Avrahamcha Cuker, and Mendele Moshele participated in the organization for that purpose. The technician was Reb Leibish Rozencwajg – the son-in-law of Reb Berish Lange of blessed memory.

The entire city respected Reb Leibish Rozencwajg –for a Jew to have knowledge of such things – he was a master of electricity. Everyone said that he knew more than an engineer. Electricity itself is G-d's wonder. One takes two long wires, and this can power a bulb in a lamp and provide more light that a flashlight.

It was no easy matter for that organization to obtain a permit. The Christians said no light must go into Jewish houses.

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Reb Mendel gave his stamp and… given the effect that he had on the town council, it was permitted. The scribe of the town council and a district official were taken in as partners, so that light could be provided on the Sabbath.

With the help of his brother-in-law from London, they set up the Przytyk mill as well as a movie theater headed by Reb Mendel's son Pesach of blessed memory. The movie theater showed primitive films. However, it was liquidated after a brief time.

Reb Mendel was also the gabbai [trustee] of the Chevra Kadisha [burial society] and organized a Linat Tzedek organization [for tending to the sick at home at night]. Every member gave one night a week to sit with a sick person in their house.

Only two sons of this large family survived. They left Poland after the world war. His son-in-law Yaakov Poland and family were also killed.

May G-d avenge their blood!

Leizer of blessed memory was one of the honorable Jews of the town. He was a tinsmith by trade. His children also worked at that trade. He was hard working, with a good mind, full of humor.

Every day, summer and winter, he would get up very early, at 4:00 a.m., and go to work – the hammer was already banging. At daybreak, he went with his tallis and tefillin to the synagogue to worship. He went home, ate, and returned to work.

He hated airy businesses and seeking easy livelihoods. He dreamed about the machine industry. When he saw people who sought easy livelihoods, he would tell me:

“Jews want to take over the trade of priesthood^[7]. This is not a bad job – preaching their morality and taking money. However, a priest is not allowed to get married. A Jew, heaven forbid, cannot forego such a great commandment as being fruitful and multiplying…”

I never saw him rest. He went to the Beis Midrash early on the Sabbath day

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to study a chapter of Mishna and recite Psalms with a minyan, as well as to walk around and discuss politics. Many people turned to him for advice and a good word.

I remember March 9^th, 1936. It was the Monday when the peasants began to attack Jewish shops. In the street in the middle of the market, the 68-year-old Reb Eliezer sprouted up, took a shaft from a wagon, and began to beat to the right and the left. Many peasants fled from fear.

At that time, he looked like the mighty Samson with the two posts, “Please remember us and strengthen us this time”^[8].

When he stood before the judge in court – they considered him a Communist. When they asked him what party he belongs to, he answered with pride and wisdom: “My party is the G-d of Abraham, the G-d of Isaac, and the G-d of Jacob.”

The judges of anti-Semitic Poland were prejudiced against him for his heroic participation against thousands of peasants, incited to murder and robbery. For this exceptional bravery, they sentenced him to a year and a half of jail.

Szumansky, one of the Polish lawyers, seeing that the judge was not seeking justice, but, on the contrary, was seeking to perpetrate an injustice – he called out with ecstasy in the courtroom: “My G-d, my G-d, why did You abandon us?”^[9].

His name and heroism strengthened the small cluster of Jews and permitted them to drive out the wild, incited beasts from the city. His name gave many Jews in the ghetto the power and energy to maintain themselves and strengthen themselves against the enemy.

Y. L. Peretz, the great Yiddish writer, has a story called “Bontshe the Silent” in which he describes Bontshe's youth, his tormented way of life in hunger and cold – while simultaneously that Bontshe prepared to sacrifice his life to help and save Jews.

Silently he lived, and silently he died. Also in front of the Heavenly Court, when they calculated his good deeds – he was silent. The court was prepared to give him everything that he wanted, but Bontshe only asked for a fresh roll with butter…

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When I see and think about our Motenyu, I think about the silent Bontshe.

For the entire week, he sat outside on stone steps during the night. On occasion, he caught a nap and rested on some bench.

In the winter, when the snow and frost gnawed at the bones, he clapped his hands and danced to warm up a bit. He wandered around in the rain, thoroughly soaked to the last thread.

Thus did Motenyu wait all night for the merchants to arrive from the fairs in Białobrzeg, Odrzywół, and Radom with full wagons, heavily laden with merchandise. He listened to hear whether a wagon was coming in the silence of the night.

With a sack over his head during the rain, Mote went to unload the merchandise. After receiving a few groszy, he went to the bakery, purchased some bread, and brought it home to his family.

It seemed that he was never satisfied. He never knew what it meant to eat to satiety, let alone to have a good meal.

The most difficult times were during the winter months when the wagons were damaged and the frost was burning. Then his wife would run to the grocery store to obtain something on credit. However, the poor shopkeeper could no longer extend credit. From where would one get a few groszy so as not to die of hunger, Heaven forbid, together with his family?

His eyes were covered with torn rags, his trousers had patches atop patches, his cotton jacket was torn and patched.

Motke dreamed that he and his family would be satiated. Rumors reached him that there was a great man in Russia, Stalin, who would bring Communism to the world. What is this Communism? They told him – equality. Everyone would get work and bread to satiety. There would no longer be bourgeoisie. Everyone would be equal.

A happy smile appeared on Motenyus face, and he called out ecstatically:

“If G-d will help and Stalin comes to Przytyk, I will go to Moshe Wagszal's bakery and bring home a fresh, warm bread for each member of my family. An entire loaf for everyone. G-d? Send Stalin as quickly as possible!

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Reb Nathan-David of blessed memory – the Klwówer^[10] Teacher

The entire town knew the Klwówer teacher, Reb Nathan, who taught Torah and taught the Alef Beit and later on, prayers.

While still a lad, he studied in the Yeshiva of Tomaszew, where he had his meals on a rotation basis [Teg]. Every Yeshiva lad was assigned to householders where he ate for a day or two – each day with another. Like all Yeshiva students, he slept in a corner in the home of a Jewish family, who considered it a good deed to let a poor Yeshiva lad sleep over.

He did not have the money to travel home twice a year, for Passover and Sukkot.

Once before a holiday, Reb Nathan pined for home. He wanted to spend time with his parents, brothers, and sisters, so that they could celebrate the Seder together rather than forlorn and alone. But from where would he get money for a ticket? Finally, he found a solution: he sold the pillow upon which he slept, and that is how he was able to travel to his parents.

After his wedding ,when he was already serving as a teacher, he saved for several years for the expenses he had accrued in Tomaszew, without the knowledge of his wife. There, he attempted to find the family with whom he once lived, to return the money for the pillow that he had sold. Unfortunately, the family was no longer there, for nobody was alive. He went to the rabbi of the city and told him everything. The rabbi told him to give the money to charity.

That event was printed in a Jewish newspaper. When Reb Nathan went worship in the Białobrzeg Shtibel, the Hassidim showed him the newspaper.

The Rebbe praised him and said that he did a good thing. He had become a penitent, and “In a place where the penitent stands, a completely righteous person cannot even stand”^[11].

Reb Nathan, however, was not satisfied with that alone, and he would go every day to immerse in water. In the winter, when the water was frozen, he would take an axe to cut the ice. Once, he caught a cold while

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immersing. He got pneumonia, started coughing up blood, and died.

May his memory be blessed!

(Told by David Blatman, Tel Aviv)

Reb Shmuel Klajnbaum of blessed memory was a second-rate tailor. He ran a workshop in his house and employed several workers. He himself was sickly, suffering from diabetes. At that time, there was no treatment for that disease, and he died young.

His wife Miriam of blessed memory led the entire household. She was a sister of the renowned Leizer Feldberg of the Przytyk trial. Miriam helped in the workshop, and provided food, clothing and education for the children. She was temperamental and full of energy.

Every Monday, during the market day, she set up a stall and prepared to sell the products of the workshop to the peasants: trousers, jackets, caftans, etc.

On Wednesday and Thursday, she went to the fairs in Odrzywół and Radom. She worked from 4:00 a.m. until late at night.

Yisrael Klajnbaum, Shmuel's brother, moved to Paris prior to the First World War. I remember him as if in a dream. He was my mother's brother, and often spent time in our house. He was a good soul, always smiling, and prepared to help anyone. His family was called the “Szmulokes.”

Yisrael loved children very much, and would give over his entire earnings to the children of his sister and brother. We all loved him very much. My mother would mention her brother Yisrael with awe for many long years, and would shed a tear when doing so.

Several years later, Yisrael brought Yoel Klajnbaum, Shmuel's son, to Paris, and later on, also his brother Mendel.

Mendel was a fervent Communist. He was active, and did a great deal for the party. One early morning, I went to my Aunt

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Miriam, whom I loved very much. They did not let me in the house, however, because the police were conducting a search, and they arrested Mendel.

At that time, I was religious. I wept when I saw the suffering of the family. For a long time, the picture did not let me rest. I always asked the Master of the World why he would punish such a person as Mendel? He wanted all people to be equal, to have work and bread, so that everyone could live as a proper human being – rather than one having too much and the other going hungry. For such thoughts one is punished? Mendel would give everything he had to his friends. He would always help them. Even though it was not acceptable for a Yeshiva lad to speak with a Communist, I loved talking with him, as with a good friend. He was several years older than me. Later, he left for Paris.

A Jewish family (of Akiva the baker) in Przytyk

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Their daughter Malka married Chaim Koczka, also a tailor. They led a very nice life, and had several children. Malka and three children died of typhoid fever. This was a terrible tragedy for the family. Her mother Miriam strengthened herself and continued to live her life. The youngest daughter married Yosef Dozi, the tailor's son. The tailor Reb Yisrael had a few sons and a daughter. All the children excelled with activity in various organizations.

The Dozi family lived near the synagogue, in a small house that seemed as if it might collapse from age. A stone lay by the entrance. After entering the threshold, one would see a room without a floor. Reb Eli Beker lived on the right side. He baked bagels and the children would buy them. There were several ill children in the house. The poverty was very great. Clothing or a pair of shoes were rarities. Reb Eli toiled and sweated while baking the bagels. He was asked about the secret of baking bagels. How are they made? He would answer with a smile: “Utterly simple. One takes a hole, surrounds it with dough, and a bagel emerges…” He had no livelihood. Eating to satiety was a dream, but one did not die from hunger at Reb Eli's. The bagels which did not come out right or were not sold, the so-called “Bovel,” were adorned with a bit of salt and a bit of water – and this was a feast fit for kings.

The Przysucher tailor and his five children lived in two small rooms on the left side of the house. There, the discussed politics, and read books on Zionism, Communism, Socialism, etc. Yosef Dozi grew up among them all. He knew how to deliver a fine speech, and he enthused his listeners. He belonged to the Communist party. For him, Przytyk was too small. He left for Warsaw, where he ran a tailoring workshop together with his energetic wife Mindel. Simultaneously, he conducted active underground activity in the Communist party. They had two children.

I recall that when I went to my cousin in Warsaw, I met worried faces there. Later, I was told that someone had informed the Warsaw police that there was an illegal

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printing shop in that house. However, they made a mistake in the number, and they entered the house of a neighbor, overturned the entire house – ripped out boards from the floor, but found nothing.

Yosef Dozi wrote in the leftist Jewish press under the pseudonym Y. Groiser. He founded the “Ogrozd” in Warsaw and was one of its leaders. The Ogrozd was involved with propaganda for Birobidzjhan. He was once even on the Communist list for the Sejm but was not elected.

During the time of the Nazi occupation, his wife was involved with organizing cooking for sick children before and during the time of the Warsaw Ghetto. Yosef moved to Paris to hide from the German murderers. He was murdered after the Hitlerists transferred him to Warsaw. I heard about this in Paris, and I do not know whether it was really so. In any case, he was one of the most important activists, and he conducted wide-branched activity in words and deeds until his last day, believing in his ideal of Communism.

From that family there was another son, David, who married Bluma, Moshe Lesko's daughter. She was a sister of Yechiel Lesko, one of those sentenced in the Przytyk trial after the pogrom.

From that large, wide-branched family in Poland, only the daughter Reizele survived. She was the wife of Alter Kaufman. They are in Paris today.

Yoel and Mendel died in Paris. They left behind children. They supported their parents and the rest of the family in Poland. They were toilers, who worked hard for their bread. At the same time, they did not abandon their political activity – a continuation of the activity that they conducted in their native town of Przytyk.

May their memories be blessed!

Twelve families lived in one of the courtyards on the street leading to the Warsaw Bridge. The small houses on both sides were nestled one against the other, as if they wanted to unite and join together…

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The houses were low, and most of them did not have floors. They had lime and stones at the entry instead of thresholds.

Reb Meir Fuerst of blessed memory lived in the first house on the right. He was a tall Jew with a Herzl style beard. He always had his head raised high, and exited his house with pride. He must have learned that upright gait from the Russian Army, in which he served for many years. People thought that he was certainly bent over at home due to a low ceiling, and he was only able to stand up straight outside.

He was a fine, patriarchal personality. He loved to laugh and tell a joke. He was a shoemaker by trade. His children also learned the same trade. Poverty pervaded in his home, but the children were always dressed cleanly.

His oldest son, Moshe, was wounded during the First World War in 1918. Another son, Itche, almost gave up the trade. He read a lot of books, wrote, and became an active member of the illegal Communist Party. He could also deliver a fine lecture. It was said that when he immigrated to Paris, he would speak with great success at meetings of hundreds of Jewish workers. A third son, Berl, was also active in the Communist party. He was arrested and sentences to three years in prison.

Moshe, the eldest son, was active in the Poalei Zion party in Przytyk during the 1930s. After the disturbances of 1936, he was seated in the accused dock, where he defended himself with many words and much might. The Jewish press at that time told a great deal about Moshe Fuerst's performance in court, “I am a shoemaker by trade – I stand in the market and look for a customer. However, letting people be attacked and beaten – that not.” To the question of the judge as to why he had a wound on the face, his answer was, “From the war in 1918, in the fight with the Muscals”^[12].

The district court in Radom sentenced him to a half year in prison. He made aliya to the Land of Israel after serving his sentence. His house was a home, the first address for the newly arrived olim from Przytyk. If someone was in need of a loan – he would give it. Everyone knew

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that one could always find a warm word, some advice, and actual help from Moshe.

Hi son Nathan fought in the War of Independence of the newly born Jewish State, and fell in the battle of Ashdod in 1948. That tragedy had a fatal effect on the father's mood and health. However, that did not hold him back from his activity in societal matters, especially in the activity for the benefit of the Przytykers, for whom he organized gatherings, memorial evenings, and other undertakings.

On June 13, 1957, when he went out to work, both he and those close to him noticed that he now had no feeling for the taste of life – “Jacob wished to live in peace”^[13]. He suffered a heart attack, and died in his prime. He left behind a wife and three sons.

Honor to his memory!

Remnants of the monuments in the Przytyk cemetery (photo from 1965)

1. A title of a town elder. Return
2. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W%C5%82adys%C5%82aw_Grabski Return
3. Based on Psalms 90:4 Return
4. A term in Jewish religious literature indicating that a problem has no known solution. Tishbi refers to Elijah the prophet, who will eventually resolve all such issues. Return
5. Proverbs 15:1. Return
6. Kohelet [Ecclesiastes] 9:17. Return
7. Christian priesthood, not the Jewish priesthood of the Temple. Return
8. Paraphrased from Judges 16:28. Return
9. Psalms 22:2. Return
10. The title says Kwiker, but the first line says Kwiwer (which I believe is referring to Klwów near Przytyk). Return
11. Talmud, Brachot 34b. Return
12. A term for Russians. Return
13. See Rashi's commentary on Genesis 37:1. Jacob wished to dwell in peace, but that was not to be his lot. Return

Our rabbi in the town, Rabbi Szapira of blessed memory, was known as a scholar and a goodhearted, beloved man. However, he impeded the progressive and cultural paths of the population, especially of the youth, as he was under the strong influence of the fanatically pious Jews.

[Page 409]

There were two shochtim [ritual slaughterers] in Przytyk: Yosef-Chaim Weiser and Yankel Cuker. When the latter died, his son-in-law, Zalcszirer, wanted to inherit the position. This causes a fierce dispute in town. Finally, the son-in-law remained the shochet in Przytyk.

Leizer Feldberg, a tinsmith, was an intelligent Jew. He was not behind the times. He stood out as one of the accused in the trial of Przytyk Jews.

When the judge asked him to what party he belongs, he responded, “To the party of Abraham our forefather.”

Avraham Haberberg was an activist of the tradesman. He took part in communal life, and was also involved with the handworkers.

Yosef-Chaim Zicholc was a tinsmith. He was an impulsive, aggressive personality. He was one of the strongest opponents of Zalcszirer being accepted as the shochet.

Kadish Kakoc was a Jew who suffered. He did not want to benefit from the world. He had nothing to do with materialism, but was rather solely involved with spirituality.

Michel Strasman, a feldsher [medic] tended to poor sick people without payment. He dispensed medical help and medication for free.

Chaim-Aharon Berkowicz was an activist for the Zionist idea. He was intelligent, a mass organizer, and contributed greatly to general Zionism.

Ovadia Lenga was an activist of the General Zionists. He was no simple lad. He was the treasurer of the Jewish National Fund of Przytyk.

Lindenbaum, a leather merchant, was one of the wealthy Jews. He was intelligent and quiet.

David Mendel Zeida, a fashion merchant, participated in communal life in Przytyk.

Avraham Cuker was a grain merchant, and a Hassid. He was one of the wealthy people of Przytyk.

Hershel Ryba was a well-to-do type, a solid merchant. He held back from communal life.

Lange, a miller, was no foolish Jew. His mill contributed greatly to the economy of the town.

Motia Borensztajn, a well-known fighter, understood a great deal and worked actively for his ideals with the Communist party. Later, he was arrested and spent many years in prison, where he died after an operation on the appendix.

[Page 410]

Moshe Cuker was an extremist idealist in those times. He was a student, but he followed his father's footsteps and played an active role in professional life. He was a fighter for the worker, with conscience.

Reuven Cukerman was an interesting personality. He was shrewd. He took part in cultural and professional life.

Mendel Strasman, my grandfather, was known in town as a feldsher [medic]. He was knowledgeable in Yiddish and Hebrew. He was the first and only one at that time who subscribed to the Hatzefira of Warsaw. He was a subtle personality, a hearty Jew who only knew how to do good things. He always had a smile for his patients, who were poor Jews for the most part. He would also give them money from his own pocket to purchase the prescriptions.

There was a gramophone in his house - the first in Przytyk. This was about 75 years ago. He would place the device near the door so that other Przytyk Jews could enjoy the cantorial singing or the fine melodies. People came to look at the great wonder from that era.

He had a very good name as a proficient feldsher and a sincere person. He was well-known for his good relationship with the sick people.

Of his four sons, two, Michael and Hillel, followed his path and became feldshers. The former inherited all the good traits of his father. He even bore the burden of his patients, and often helped with money. His wife Yocheved helped him with his fine work. Both educated their children (Florka, Roza, Ita, Hillel, and Henoch) to give help to those in need, especially to the elderly.

The terrible war years spread the family throughout the entire world. Florka, who married Moshe Cuker (the son of Yankel Shuster of Przytyk), made aliya to the Land of Israel, but the unrest in 1929 moved them to immigrate to Paris. They lived there with their son, a famous surgeon. They endured difficult days and nights during the years of the Hitlerist occupation. Their son was hidden with a peasant in a village, where he

[Page 411]

tended to the cows. My address in Israel hangs around his neck.

At the outbreak of the war, our sister Sara-Hendel was with them, however she suffered the tragic fate of our people. A French gendarme removed her from the house and gave her over to the German murderers.

Ita and Mordechai Wajntraub and their four children were deported from Paris and murdered.

Honor to all of their memories!

When the Second World War broke out, the community chose our father as the chaperone of the mobilized soldiers on the front. He went away for several weeks - and did not return. My mother remained with small children, and without a livelihood. Every time, people brought news that my father had been killed. They were even able to tell in which cemetery he had been buried. My mother and sister Baila went to the priest to ask if this was true that my father had been buried in a Christian cemetery.

My mother decided to go to Radom to see what she could find out. She went on foot together with my sister Baila, for they did not have money to travel. Along the way, they met the coachman Avrahamele Furmark, who called out to them, “Mindele, Baila, I will bring you your husband and father.”

The entire city came running, and extended an effusive greeting to my father. The Germans entered the morning after father's arrival.

Immediately after their entry, they gathered together all the Jews in the market and began their tortures and beatings. They placed them in water, and cut beards and peyos. They harshly beat Mother's brother, Yisrael-Yankel Blatman. They made a fire and forced the Jews to throw their hats and tallit undergarments into

[Page 412]

fire and dance. My father also got beatings more than once. They forced him to hard labor.

From my family, the following people were killed: my parents; sisters: Baila, Chayale, Leah, Liba, and Sara; brothers: Yisraelka, Avrahamele, Yechiel, and Yankele.

Honor to their memory!

The Miller family lived in the single-story building in the marketplace. They earned their livelihood from fashion business. Like the householders from other shops - they would wait for Monday, the fair day in the town. Peasants from the surrounding villages would come on the fair day with their homemade products to sell to the Jews. Then, they would purchase shoes, boots, clothing, and other such merchandise. They spent the rest of their money on drinks from Davidche the tavern keeper.

Pinche Miller, a refined young man and Torah scholar, was born in the town of Pińczów near Kielce. After his wedding, he settled in Przytyk and helped his wife, Rachel (they would call her Rachel Reizel) run the fashion business. In the early hours, he would go to the Beis Midrash to study a page of Gemara.

One evening, Pinche returned from the fair in Radom, where he purchased merchandise for his business. He sat on the wagon, wearing his heavy coat, when a bullet from a gun hit him. He was brought back dead to town. The terrible event shocked all of Przytyk. A pall fell upon everyone, young and old. People tried to figure out the reason for the murder, but the murderer was not caught. The misfortune remained a mystery forever.

Pintshe's unjust and mysterious death sharply affected his

[Page 413]

wife, Rachel, who was left with several young orphans. The yoke of livelihood and educating the children now fell onto her shoulders to an even greater degree. She bore her difficult life quietly and honorably, but always with the hope for the future. She did everything for her children to receive a religious education in the spirit of her late husband.

From among the children, their son Yaakov excelled with his ability to learn. Furthermore, he had a great inclination toward business. Even though he was not the oldest of the children, he helped his mother in the business more than the others, and always wanted to travel to purchase merchandise in very far-off cities and towns. At times, I had the opportunity to travel with Yaakov to Szydłowiec, Radom, and also to Łódź after the end of the First World War, when the road was open for civilian traffic.

When the Second World War broke out, and the Germans entered Przytyk, the Miller family did not evade the fate of all the Jews of Przytyk, whom the German murderers drove out of the town. They tried to save themselves in the nearby towns. Unfortunately, only Yaakov survived from the entire Miller family. He endured a long path of tribulations and pain in various death camps. Those who were together with Yaakov tell that they were amazed at his energy and endurance that he displayed during the difficult times of hunger, and his dedication to help others and to share his bread with the poor.

After the liberation, Yaakov came to America with the assistance of the JOINT. His business aptitude helped him greatly in building his new home. He and his wife Bella (from our hometown - the daughter of David-Mendel Zeida, a known merchant in town) live today in New York. Yaakov directs a large textile factory, and is very involved in societal circles. He donates generously to Torah institutions and the building of the State of Israel. He remains in constant contact with his fellow townsfolk in Israel, and hopes, in time, to come and settle here.

[Page 414]

Moshe Fuerst of blessed memory next to the monument for soldiers who fell in the defense of Ashdod. Among them was his son Nathan of blessed memory.

The Przytyk Jews were in fact the first in the fire of the Nazi extermination. Already three years before the outbreak of the Second World War, camps of Hitlerist agents arrived in the Przytyk region and began incitement against the Jewish population. They began by organizing a boycott of Jewish businesses. They did not permit Christians to purchase from or sell to a Jew. They did not allow the Jews to do business on the market days, where they earned their livelihoods for the entire week. The hooligans set up pickets at the Jewish businesses. If a Christian entered a Jewish shop through a back door to buy something, the picketers would beat him as he exited or even burn the fur coat that he was wearing.

At that time, there was a frightful crisis in Przytyk. The Jewish population was literally suffering from hunger and cold. They did not even have the means of purchasing a bit of wood for heating. It is impossible to describe the need and suffering of the Przytyk Jews during the winter of 1936.

[Page 415]

The worst took place on Monday, March 9, 1936, when many peasants from the region came to the marketplace, and perpetrated a bloody pogrom that took the life of the Minkowskis. Had it not been for our heroes who stood up to and chased away the hooligans, there would have been many more casualties.

The Polish authorities then arrested eight Jews and conducted a large trial against them in Radom. The entire world followed it tensely. Journalists from many countries arrived to write about the trial.

On the day of the pogrom, Moshe Fuerst displayed exceptional courage and heroism. His name was later blessed by all the Jews in Przytyk and the region. Later, in Israel, Moshe was dedicated to his fellow townsfolk who made aliya to Israel, and helped them to the extent that he could.

That heroic Jew suddenly died in Israel on June 13, 1957. His name is perpetuated along with all the Jewish martyrs who risked their lives during all times for the honor and existence of the Jewish people.

Honor to his memory!

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