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The northern entrance to the town

I do not aspire here to write a historical document on those communities for I am not qualified for such: neither is it in my mind to write about the events that occurred during those years of the Shoah – my family and I left Miechów six or seven years before the Second World War and arrived in Palestine late in the summer of 1934. But I cannot preclude myself from bringing to these pages some of the memories honoring and thus perpetuating their memory, in the very book dedicated to that cause.

The communities of Miechów–Charsznica were not among the long–established communities in Poland: It was founded only 100 years ago in the years 1864–66 and until that time only a few Jews would come there for trade fairs. Towards evening, the Jews would be obliged to return to their own nearby communities: Kshoynzh, Wodzislaw, Działoszyce, Wolbrom and Olkusz, all of which were ancient and long–standing. I remember, about 40 years ago they found a Jewish grave in the old cemetery of Kshoynzh dating back 600 years. In the folk–lore of residents of Kshoynzh and Wodzislaw they would relate from generation to generation that the first Jews who settled in Krakow described the town as “Krakow, near Kshoynz” or “near Wodzislaw.”

From the time the Jews received permission to settle in Miechów and Charsznica the town expanded and they began to establish their own community. The Jews created small businesses and industries, traded with the local landowners, engaged in banking, construction erected windmills, indulged in logging in the surrounding forests and opened shops to which the local populace was drawn from the entire area which was rich with the produce from field and garden. The biggest windmill in Miechów, built to the latest technical standards was erected by Jews (Mordecai Greitzer, Alter Warshawski and Yosef Friedman). The windmill was also used to generate electricity and licensed by the authorities to supply all the municipal and government institutions and all the town's residents. It is interesting to think that it was therefore given to the Jews to illuminate the town and its streets. Somewhat later, another large windmill was built (by Mordecai Greitzer), in Charsznica.

The economic standard of the first Jewish settlers was stable and assured and they forthwith addressed themselves to organizing their community life. The Jewish community of Miechów–Charsznica was superior in its organizations and institutions compared to all the surrounding communities.

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The First Settlers in Miechów and Charsznica

(Family names in Alphabetical order).

As one who functioned as community secretary from 1922–33 and administered the membership lists, I take it upon myself to perpetuate the names of the first settlers whose families and grandchildren donated much to the development of the community. The number of souls in 1933 reached 2,600 and they are:

Adelist, Shmuel Leib; Olschewsky, Avraham Yosef; Olschewsky, Moshe; Eisenstein family; Issrowski, Shmuel; Itskovich, David; Buchner, Herschel; Borenstein, Michael and sons; Blum family; Blatt, Ya'acov Yitzhak; Brumer family; Brukner, Yosef Baruch; Bryn, Alter Ezrael; Bermann family; Brenner family; Goldberg family; Goldkorn, Dov Barish; Goldkorn, Moshe Schmelke; Ginsberg, Leibusch; Grossfeld, Aharon; Gertler family; Greitzer, Baruch and his sons, Mordecai and Yesheyahu; Greitzer, Yosef; Grynbaum family; Grynwald family; Gerstenfeld, Eliezer and Aharon; Horowitz, Yitzhak David (Itschel) and his son Avraham Mordecai; Huppert, Wolf; Hershliokowitz family; Weill, Moshe Yosef; Weissfeld family; Weizmann family; Wischlitzky, Elimelech; Waldliwerand, Zelig and his brother Reuven Shlomo; Wetfreund(?) family; Wanchdlowski(?) family; Wroclawski Simcha; Warschawski, Alter; Zelikovich family; Salzburg, Yoel and his son Shalom; Naphtali, Herzl and Haim; Jama, Avraham; Yaskiel, Herschel and his sons Yosef and Menahem Monish; Katzengold, Schmelke; Lederman family; Levitt family; Londner, Shimon; Lucki family; Liebermann, Emanuel; Lehreich family; Liesha, Avraham and Ya'acov; Langer family; Landsberg family; Lachs, Leib; Lishmann, Yehuda; Molstein, Mordecai and Yosef; Malinarski, Haim and his sons Menahem Manier and Yosef; Solewicz, Shlomo; Sukenik, Moshe; Stollik, Yehiel; Swirsky, Eliezer; Skowron family; Sereni family; Sercaz, Yehezkiel and Yisrael; Federman Eliezer; Fogel, Meir; Polski family; Posluszny, Avraham and his son Yitzhak; Feigenboim Bones and his sons David Yehuda Ya'acov and Haim Lev; Feigenblat, Alter (Charsznica); Feigenblat, Mendel and Moshe; Feureisen, Avraham Ya'acov and his sons Gedaliahu, Pinchas, Haim and Ze'ev Wolf; Pinchowsky, Shimon and his sons David Yehuda and Ya'acov; Pasternak, Avraham; Pacanowski family; Friedenberg, Shmuel; Zukerman, Aharon (Charsznica); Ziegler family; Zimmerman, Rabbi Moshe, ritual slaughterer and examiner; Koppelowitz, Fischl; Kupchik family; Kurland family; Kornfeld family; Katzurin family; Kaiser, Hanoch Ha'anich; Kleiner family; Klinger, Yudell; Knobel family; Rosen, Avraham; Rosenbaum, Yosef; Rosenblum family; Rosenberg, Alter; Rosencrantz, Kalman (the cobbler); Schechtman, Mordecai David; Sternfeld family; Scheinold(?), Elimelech;

A. Rabbis

The first Rabbi installed as community Rabbi arrived in town in 1864. He was Rabbi Yesheyahu Scheinfrucht, the son of Rabbi Ze'ev Scheinfrucht (Z”L) a disciple of Gaon Rabbi Ya'acov Gesundheit (Z”L) the Rabbi of Warsaw. He was recommended by the well–known orthodox Rabbi of his generation Rabbi Shlomo Ha–Cohen Rabinowitz (Z”L) the author of “The Splendor of Solomon” just before his death on the eve of the month of Nissan, 1866.

He was extremely learned in the Torah and known for his righteousness, nobility of spirit and soul. He officiated as Rabbi of the community for more than 56 years and died at a good age in the spring of 1922 and buried with great honor in Miechów.

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His replacement was his own son, considered a genius, Rabbi Hanoch Ha'anich, who had previously ministered to the community of Charsznica. He was among the most recognized of Poland's distinguished teachers, wise and learned in the ways of life of the world and its customs and was referred to as an arbitrator throughout the region in major disputes between traders. His wife, Malka (May G–d avenge her blood), was the daughter of Rabbi Ya'acov Koppel Zukerberg (Z”L) originally from Przemyśl and the son–in–law of Rabbi Alexander Mendel Sender (May his Righteousness be Remembered for a Blessing), the eldest son the Holy Cabbalist Genius Rabbi Yitzhak Isaac of Komarno (May his Righteousness be Remembered for a Blessing), the son–in–law of Rabbi Avraham Mordecai Horowitz Komarno (May his Righteousness be Remembered for a Blessing), from Pińczów. He therefore was the brother–in–law of the Righteous Genius Rabbi Alter Shalom David Zukerberg – the last old Rabbi of Komarno (May G–d Avenge his Blood).

The Rabbinic genius Rabbi Hanoch Ha'anich married his only son, my dear friend, Rabbi Ya'acov Koppel (May G–d Avenge his Blood), with the daughter of the famous Rabbinic genius Rabbi Haim Posner (Z”L) – a member of the Rabbinical Committee of Warsaw, who functioned – like all the rabbis of the committee, one month of the year as the Chief Rabbi of the Warsaw Jewish community.

Rabbi Hanoch Ha'anich conducted his Rabbinate to a high degree and improved upon it by his participation, investing so deeply, that it could be said of him: “When a Man's ways please the Lord he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.” (Proverbs 16:8), and all the parties and organizations respected him thus preventing much dissention within the community.

He perished in the gas–chambers and crematoria of Belzec towards the end of 1942 together with most of the community (May G–d Avenge their Blood).

Rabbi Joseph Kleinfeltz (Z”L) a great Torah scholar from among the Righteous of Radomsk; he died in 1924.

Rabbi Shlomo Ze'ev the son of Rabbi Ezriel Alter Bryn. He possessed a scintillating intellect and was considered a genius. He was a disciple of the master of the tractates “Agley Tal” and “Avnei Nazar”. He was associated with the Righteous of Gur. He functioned as Rabbi and expounder in Charsznica after the death of his predecessor, the above mentioned first Rabbi and his uncle – the second of the community's Rabbis mentioned above – selected as the Rabbi, and Father of the Beth–Din in Miechów itself. He perished in the Holocaust with most of the community of Charsznica, May G–d Avenge their Blood. Of his family two sons survived – Avraham and Moshe Bryn and they live in Israel.

Also considered a genius was Rabbi Ephraim Fischl, the son of Rabbi Aharon Borenstein – an Expounder and auxiliary Rabbi in Miechów. He was an expert in the Mishna and knew the six tractates by heart. He was a family member of the Holy Rabbi of Sochaczew, the author of the above–mentioned tractates “Agley Tal” and “Avnei Nazar”, May his Righteousness be Remembered for a Blessing. (His grandfather, Rabbi Yisroel Meir Borenstein (Z”L), was the brother of Avi, the Holy Genius of the above–mentioned Sochaczew); He perished with all his family in the Holocaust, May G–d Avenge their Blood.

Rabbi Elimelech Spiegel (Z”L), a great scholar owner of many gifted attributes, from the “The Good Jew” of Neustadt and afterwards the Righteous of Khentshin,

Rabbi Moshe Zimmermann (Z”L), of Radomsk counted among the righteous of that community, of memorable demeanor, endeared by all and of a smiling disposition, righteous and just in all his dealings;

Rabbi Aharon (Urisch) Greenboim (Z”L), a learned scholar from among the Righteous of Gur, son–in–law of Righteous Rabbi Ephraim Fischl Borenstein mentioned above. May G–d avenge His Blood;

Rabbi David Burstein, distinguished scholar, a disciple of Rabbi David Goldman from Kalish May his Righteousness be Remembered for a Blessing, a man of many noble attributes and a noted prayer leader May G–d Avenge his Blood;

Rabbi Eliezer Wohlgelernter, (Z”L). He was the Patriarch of the family of famous Rabbis known throughout America, Canada and Israel. David was the fifth generation of the author of “Mishmeret Itamar” – and a visionary scholar from Lublin. A preacher from Kshoynzh and the Holy Jew of Przysucha; May his Righteousness be Remembered for a Blessing.

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Rabbi Ya'acov Yosef Lieberman a learned scholar from Radomsk, he was the grandchild of Rabbi Moshe Zimmerman – the ritual slaughterer and inspector mentioned above. He was also an excellent prayer leader. May G–d Avenge his Blood;

Rabbi David Fuchs, a scholar and disseminator among many, a recognized, precious G–d–fearing soul from among the Righteous of Gur, May G–d Avenge his Blood. One of his sons Rabbi Yosef Fuchs survived the Holocaust and settled in B'nei Barak. He was an exemplary G–d–fearing scholar, and a visionary and sponsor to our son. He died suddenly on 8th October 1965 and is interred in Kyriat Shaul close to Tel–Aviv;

Rabbi Leibusch Rabinowitz, a scholar, the offspring of the author of “Tiferet Shlomo” and the son–in–law of Rabbi Alter Rosenberg – the head of the Burial Society, May G–d Avenge his Blood;

Rabbi Shmuel Issrowaski Ha–Cohen (Z”L) the Chief Cantor, spent his whole life occupied with the Torah and Hassidism, a polite and a pleasant conversationalist, among the elders of the Hassidim of Khentshin. He raised his son and daughters in the spirit of Torah and good deeds;

Rabbi Yisroel David Burstein, Ritual Slaughterer and Inspecto; survivors of his family include sons and grandchildren living in Israel and abroad;

Rabbi Ya'acov Yosef Lieberman, Ritual Slaughterer and Inspector;

Rabbi Tzvi Herschel Goldberg (Z”L), a G–d fearing man from among the Righteous of Gur. He was the son–in–law of the auxiliary Rabbi Yosef Kleinfeltz (Z”L) – considered a genius. Of his family a son survived, Avraham Goldberg, Living in Israel (Haifa).

Rabbi Simcha Wrotzlowski. It is thanks to his great toil a synagogue, theological college and additional Hebrew classes for children were built that were later used as a school (to replace the original huts that burnt down). These buildings were completed about 1906. He was murdered by robbers while travelling, May G–d Avenge his Blood;

Rabbi Mordecai Molstein functioned as community head up until the outbreak of the First World War, 1914;

Rabbi Yermiyahu Blum functioned as community head during the First World War for about three years;

Rabbi Avraham Friedrich was community head for about six years from 1917 until 1923/4;

Rabbi Avraham Sercaz functioned as community head from 1924 until 1939, until the outbreak of World War Two. During his term of office, the community acquired two additional houses, close to the synagogue buildings, from the above mentioned Rabbi Mordecai Milstein and from the family of Haim Bar Elyakim, Getzil Lewit (Z”L), with the intention of expanding the institutions, and many other activities for the benefit of the community that had been neglected for several decades. Community property, which was registered in the names of “guardians”, was re–registered to the name of the community. It is worth noting that during the administration of the last two community leaders (Friedrich and Sercaz), that major community institution accepted with respect and esteem the decisions of these two functionaries.

Avraham Mordecai Stern; Aharon Brenner; Aharon Leib Adler; Asher Antil Koppelowitz; Dov Barish Goldkorn; Haim Feureisen; Hanoch Ha'anich Kaiser; Yitzhak Fussloschni; Mordecai Greitzer; Moshe Koppelowitz; Nathan Borenstein; Reuven Shmuel Kleiner; Shmuel Fogel; Shmuel Leib Adlist; Shimon Dov Yerushalmi, May he be spared for a good life. Ya'acov Tzvi Nittler, living in Tel Aviv.

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G. Secretaries to the Community (in order of their administration).

An ideal personality and a staunch warrior for order in the community and the first of the community secretaries of Miechów–Charsznica, was Mr. Ya'acov Blum, the son of the head of the community. He began his appointment from 1917; until then the Secretariat had been run by a Christian official from the city council. Mr. Ya'acov Blum labored to organize the life of the community in an ordered and suitable fashion.

With his emigration to Palestine in 1920, his brother, Ephraim Blum was nominated and functioned, together with his second brother, Shmuel Blum – a known artist living today in France – until the end of July 1922. All the troubles and woes and fears of the Holocaust fell on Ephraim Blum and he survived and settled in America. He visited Israel thinking to resettle here but eventually decided to move to America and died in New York.

The writer of these lines was secretary of the community from August 1922, during the administrations of Friedrich and Sercaz until his own emigration to Palestine in September 1933;

My replacement was a dear student of mine, the noble spirited and gentle soul, Mr. Yona Bar Yosef Blatt who took over after he had completed his studies at the “Tachkemoni” school in Warsaw as a excellent student. After a few years, he suffered a heart attack while at work in his office at the community center. It was Wednesday 23^rd August 1939, nine days before the outbreak of World War Two. May he be Remembered for a Blessing;

He was followed by Mr. Ya'acov Kornfeld until the Holocaust in which he perished. (I will have more to say of him below). The bursar of the community was Rabbi Avraham Liesha, the auxiliary Rabbi a Sochaczew Righteous Jew – May G–d Avenge his Blood.

The Synagogue

The Miechów Synagogue's eastern wall painted by the artist Shmuel Blum

The synagogue was financed on behalf of the community by the highly respected Avraham Goldberg and Shlomo Feigenboim who worked endlessly towards creating a fine synagogue for the community. During their period in office the community invested much money for re–painting and refurnishing the synagogue. The wall and ceiling paintings of the synagogue were created by the artist Mr. Shmuel Blum. All the institutions of the community and those supported by it were centralized in the community buildings and its offices.

1. “Achiezer” (brotherly help). – When, with the outbreak of World War One in 1914, the economic status of the middle–classes in general was disrupted and the poor of the town in particular was aggravated, Mr. Ya'acov Blum with the help of the brothers Elimelech and Raphael Burstein (the sons of Rabbi Yisroel David, Ritual Slaughterer and Inspector) and Avraham Grossfeld, organized a help foundation called “Brotherly Help”. No words can describe the toil and energy they invested in order to acquire cash, clothing, fuel, etc. to rescue souls in real peril, for those who had lost their livelihood. Especially vulnerable were those who were engaged in the trading of produce from the surrounding villages because all the produce was confiscated by the different conquering armies and transport by all the roads was dangerous. At first the general population showed little enthusiasm with the energetic young activists but after some time each individual suddenly became eager to be counted as a member of that foundation. Afterwards “Achiezer” became a permanent fixture of the community and on the initiative of this writer a second institution was created called “Gemilut Chesed Fund”, which received permanent support from the American “Joint” and the Community. In the last years before this writer left Poland, interest–free loans of up to 1,000 Guilders were given per family, not only the poor but also the middle–classes, a sum that helped significantly. The functionaries in these institutions were: Avraham Mordecai Stern (Chairman); Haim Lewit (Vice–chairman); David Isskowitz; Aharon Berger; Avraham Goldberg; Yitzhak Tangwurtzel; Moshe Koppelowitz and Reuven Shmuel Kleiner. The secretary of these institutions was Mr. Ya'acov Liesha.
2. “Women's Society” – The women's society for the anonymous help of poor respectable families, especially widows and orphans, the leading women were: Fassili Feigenboim (Chairwoman), Raiyela Sukenik, Feig'eleh Borenstein, Feig'eleh Tenenwurcel and Feig'eleh Schoenthal. All of them very active in collecting donations from different sources, holidays and from other communal festivals in town. The activities of these ladies were a great blessing.
3. “Bikur Cholim” (Visiting the sick) – During same war our much respected Mr. Ya'acov Tzvi Gitler organized and instituted home visits and assistance for the many sick. The organization acquired suitable medical equipment costing large sums of money and which were difficult to obtain at the time. The medical assistance was given to all who needed it with devotion. Even in the case of an infectious illness (e.g. Typhus). The devotion of Mr. Ya'acov Tzvi Gitler was indeed a great blessing.

4. The Burial Society – A true selfless act of kindness – It is known that there were many complaints in many communities about the burial society in that they sometimes demanded fees that were exorbitant, an affront to both the living and the departed. Not so was the situation in Miechów–Charsznica. During the administration of the community chairman Mr. Avraham Sercaz May G–d Avenge his Blood, a decision was taken that no money would be demanded by the Burial Society for services rendered either for the burial or the erection of the tombstone and that all the expenses incurred and connected with the upkeep of the cemetery would be carried by the community and that close family members would be required to pay a sum equal to the community tax for that year and a similar sum at the time of the erection of the stone. A family that was exempt from the community tax was also exempt from any and all charges concerning the interment of the departed. This decision was greeted with much support and since then there have been no more complaints.

The Jewish Cemetery – Tombstone

1. Religious Seminaries

In 1917 a few young, learned scholars of the Torah, arrived in Miechów, married there and settled themselves in with the Gur Righteous group in the Community building. These young men gave group lessons in Torah mornings and evenings. At the head of the group stood Rabbi Moshe David Waxberg (Z”L), a noted Talmud scholar and a profound thinker. He had previously been one of the managers of the Zavirtcha Seminary and it was on his initiative that the Seminary was founded for students who had completed diverse study classes in the town. Every day one or other of the group (all of them without thought of recompense) lectured to the

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students and among them the writer of these lines. The students were obliged to deliberate on the lessons and learn by themselves a tractate decided upon by one of the group. Every Shabbat the students were examined by group and Torah scholars of the town. The Seminary developed and students came from other near–by towns. In 1919 a tenured and salaried head of Seminary was installed: the above noted Rabbi Moshe David Waxberg. The Seminary existed until the outbreak war between Poland and Russia in 1920, when all the scholars and some of the students were mobilized and inducted into the army.

At the conclusion of the war between Poland and Russia “Agudat Yisrael” and the “Mizrachi” organizations were founded each one in Community buildings.

Its managers were: The much respected Yisroel Eliyahu Krimolowski; the writer of these lines (from the summer of 1922 until he took the position of Community Secretary); Rabbi Moshe David Waxberg (Z”L). The members of the school committee were: My Master, Teacher and Rabbi, Rabbi Ya'acov Yitzhak Elhanan Rotenberg, May his Righteousness be Remembered for a Blessing and May G–d Avenge his Blood (he later transferred to replace his father Rabbi Shalom, (May his Righteousness be Remembered for a Blessing) in Chenstochov); Bezalel Harmatz; Moshe Avraham Melman and Moshe Mordecai Rosenblum May G–d Avenge his Blood.

Similarly, “Bet Ya'acov” school for girls came into being in the Community buildings. It was founded by the Haredi business–woman the distinguished Mrs. Sarah Shnirer (Z”L). She came to Miechów especially for that purpose.

The managers were: Yesheyahu Shmuel Hirshenhorn; Tzvi Kleinfeltz; Yitzhak Tzvi Weiner; the writer S.N. Kahanofsky; Yitzhak Hafter; Tzvi Yudkovitz (at times a teacher of the Mishna and Talmud in the school), and two hours each day the writer of these lines).

The school committee members were: Avraham Spiegel; Avraham Ya'acov Nyberg; Aharon Leib Adler; Gershon Gimlakwitz(?); Ze'ev Feureisen; Haim Feureisen; Hanoch (Handl) Zalmanowitz; Yehoshua Koppelowitz; Yehiel Shmuel Abramowitz; Ya'acov Gitler; Ya'acov Liesha; Yitzhak Tangwurtzel Yitzhak Schweitzer; Yisroel Spiegel; Moshe Yosef Spiegel; Shmuel Leib Adlist; Shmuel Fogel.

Absorbed by the “Mizrachi” was a school especially for girls under the management of Mrs. Fassia Teitelbaum, in which the students studied Judaism in Hebrew.

The community concerned itself that there should be a teacher of the Jewish religion in Government schools for Jewish children. The first teacher was the writer S.N. Kahanofsky. On his death in 1926 his successor was the writer of these lines, in addition to his post as community secretary. With his emigration his successor was Mr. Ya'acov Kornfeld – a graduate of the teachers' seminary headed by the wise researcher Dr. S. A. Poznanski (Z”L) of Warsaw.

All the above institution received the warm support of the community which similarly supported the students who travelled out of town to study at senior religious schools.

All the above organizations also have offices in the Community buildings.

1. “Agudat Yisrael” – among the founders were counted the above named senior members of the “Torah Foundation” school and in addition to them the much respected Gedalia Feureisen, David Yehuda Pinchowsky, Yosef Yaskiel, Yesheyahu Goldfreund, Moshe Mordecai Sereni and the brothers Shlomo and Zeinbel Blady.

The last mentioned succeeded towards the end of his life to immigrate to Israel and died in Haifa (Z”L). At the head of “Young Agudat Yisrael” were: Rabbi Issachar Ber Ha–Levi Rotenberg May he live to enjoy a long good life (who was later Father of the Beit–Din in Vodislov and is now living in Brooklyn and is one of the active leaders of “Ha–ADMOR” from Satmer May he live to enjoy a long good life) and the second Shlomo Goldfreund May G–d Avenge his Blood.
2. “Mizrachi” – Among the founders were counted those mentioned above as members of the Mizrahi School and in addition the respected were Avraham Goldsobel and Avraham Grossfeld; my son–in–law Rabbi Haim Bar Elyakim Getzil Lewit (Z”L); the respected and generous Mr. Ya'acov Lewit – the well known industrialist living in Tel Aviv.

   At the head of “Mizrachi Youth” stood: the respected Yitzhak Bar Shlomo Meir Sheinfrucht (citrus fruit); Yosef Gross; Yesheyahu Burstein; Naphtali Hertzki(?), Bruckner; Pinchas Bryn May G–d Avenge his Blood; Haim Ze'ev Yuma, living in France; Eliezer Burstein, living in Canada; Yehuda Burstein and Avraham and Arieh Bruckner, living in Tel Aviv.

   At the head of “Mizrachi Girls – Bruriah” were Handel Yazkirowitz (neé Saltsburg) living in Jerusalem; Chaya Feigenboim; Feigel Unger (neé Yaskiel) and Miriam Gross May G–d Avenge her Blood.

   At the head of “Ha–Shomer Ha–Dati” stood Yitzhak Meir Shenker, graduate of the “Tachkemoni” in Warsaw; Meir Liesha; Meir Grunewald; Shlomo Kleinfeltz; Kalman Jama.

   Both of the above organizations and their youth offshoots, set up lessons for its members and supporters in Torah and lectures different historical topics and developed many public activities in all areas of life in our town.

3. “General Zionists” – its founders in Miechów were the well–respected Avraham Sercaz; Ze'ev Dov Warshawski May G–d Avenge his Blood (the brother–in–law of S.W. Yeruzalimsky) he was the first delegate of the Keren Kayemet in Miechów; Ze'ev Dov Kaiser; Ya'acov Blum; Moshe Koppelowitz. Ze'ev while the head office was still in Vienna, during the First World War, for a few years. After he retired his place was taken by Mr. Ze'ev Dov Kaiser. Both of them were active and activators, and dedicated most of their time and efforts to spread the idea of redemption of the land.

   This organization founded a library with Mr Ya'acov Blum at its head, in Miechów with the name of “The Nightingale”. It contained several thousands of books for reference and also for lending out. They also occasionally invited lecturers from out of town (Krakow, Warsaw). At the head of the library stood the respected lawyer Yerechmiel (Mitchell) Isskowitz, Ya'acov Buckner and Tsvi Lewicki – an accountant. There was also a branch of “The Zionist Movement” in Miechów. Its staff included Haim Isskowitz (Chairman); Elimelech Friedrich; Moshe Pinchowsky, May G–d Avenge his Blood; Hanna Zyngerman (neé Feigenboim) and Yehezkiel Dror (Friedrich), living in Israel.

4. ”The General Zionists” in Charsznica. The founders of the branch were The highly respected S.D. Yeruzalimsky (Chairman); the brothers Avraham and Nahum Gretler; Yosef Ehrenreich; Mordecai Kossowsky; Mrs. Rachel Kossowsky; Shmuel Ya'acov Gleitt; Mrs. Shifra Gretler (the granddaughter of the first Rabbi of Miechów and the sister of the Deputy Rabbi and scholar Rabbi Shlomo Ze'ev Bryn), living in Israel. This last was very active and founded a library for youth in Charsznica.

   “The Young Zionists” in Charsznica: The first activists were the highly respected Yesheyahu Bar Mordecai Greitzer and Zerach Bar Shimon Gretler (the writer Yisroel Zarchi (Z”L)), who went for training together to Grochowy and emigrated to Palestine as pioneers; After them came the brothers Eliezer, Aharon and Fischl Zukerman and they founded together a training school in the home of Rabbi Yesheyahu Greitzer (Z”L) in preparation for emigrating to Palestine and joining a Kibbutz. They also were concerned that the members of the group

would receive work in the large metal–work factory of Mr. Dov Barish Goldkorn, May G–d Avenge his Blood, in the flour mill “Polonia” and in the storehouses of Rabbi Mordecai Greitzer (Z”L). Many of the graduates of the training “camp” immigrated to Palestine and put down roots there.
5. “The Revisionist Zionists” At the head of the local branch were the respected David Burstein; Netta Kornfeld and Haim Eisenberg, May G–d Avenge his Blood. The main activities of the organization commenced in 1933.

   All the above organizations were extremely active especially during election times for the Community and the town, and the Zionist and Mizrachi organizations – also during elections for the Zionist Congresses.

   It is worth mentioning that all these activities took place in an orderly fashion with courtesy and relative quiet, without untoward behavior. Every one of the organizations was given the opportunity to express opinions from the Community platform without interruption.

1. The Organization of Artisans whose founders were Shmuel Leib Adlist; Yermiyahu Blum; Aharon Berger and Reuven Shmuel Kleiner who also founded the “Cooperative Bank” for loans at low interest to artisans and small traders. The Bank was a branch of the center in Warsaw under the auspices of “The Joint”. This organization out–reached to assist much help to Jewish artisans, at a time when the Government demanded a Certificate of Matriculation from a technical school from Jews who had never attended there.
2. The Merchants Organization whose founders were Avraham Mordecai Stern; the brothers Ze'ev and Haim Feureisen; Asher Enzil Koppelowitz; Yitzhak Saltsburg; the brothers Yisroelczy(?), and Moshe Yosef Spiegel; Mordecai Rubin. The organization was also founded by the Bank as an example of the Bank as a supporter of the above enterprises.

As a Jewish Community, Miechów was united with Charsznica and the local villages, although the Municipality was independent of them and separate. The Jewish population of Miechów was approximately 40% of the total population. Understandably the authorities didn't see that situation favorably and attempted from time–to–time to annex neighboring villages where there were no Jews in order to lessen the Jewish representation of the Jewish community on the Municipality. Nevertheless, the representation of the Jewish community on the Town Council was 30%. In the Council elections all the Unions and Organizations that I have mentioned above were represented on the Council.

At the head of the Jewish representation stood Mr. Avraham Sercaz and all the members acted in full harmony and took part in all the committees. The delegates influenced the choice of Mayor and the Council and on the election of Chairmen of the various committees and their members.

Jewish members of the Town Council were: The highly respected Avraham Sercaz; Avraham Friedrich; Aharon Berger; David Isskowitz; Haim Feureisen; Yermiyahu Blum; Lemel Katzengold; Mordecai Muhlstein; Moshe Koppelowitz; Nathan Borenstein; Tsvi Herzl Lubchi(?); Reuven Shmuel Kleiner and Shmuel Leib Adlist.

This writer was a member of the Education and Culture of the Municipality and also acted as Chairman of the Election Committee for the Town Council elections.

[Page 27]

The Pogrom in Miechów Charsznica

After the Passover festival of the 2nd and 3rd May 1919, a pogrom broke out against the Jews Miechów, on the eve of the intermediate Saturday of the festival and on the Saturday itself in Charsznica. During that pogrom my great uncle, the brother of my mother's father (Z”L), Rabbi Naphtali Herzl Salzburg, May G–d Avenge his Blood and dozens were injured some with serious wounds from which they never fully recovered.

Members of the Community and Jewish members of the Town Council, headed by Avraham Sercaz and Shimon Dov Yeruzalimsky from Charsznica, made strenuous attempts at the local and area level to get the authorities to stop the violence since there was a great danger present for all the Jews of the community. At the end of the Sabbath, Mr. Yeruzalimsky travelled to Warsaw and made contact the Jewish faction of the Sejm. They immediately tabled an interpolation on the situation. An “Investigation Committee” was dispatched to Miechów and Charsznica in which the lawyer, A.M. Hartglass of the Sejm faction took part. The Poles, of course, claimed the Jews were at fault. No words can describe the efforts made by Mr. Sercaz and Mr. Yeruzalimsky to prove the lie of the Polish claim. They accompanied the “Investigation Committee” the whole time the committee was in Miechów and Charsznica and visited all the injured people. In Charsznica Mordecai and Simcha Greitzer, Mordecai Tsvi Zukerman and his sons Joel and Isser, Motel Steinberger and Alter Feigenblott were all badly injured. Mr. Feigenblott broke down when visited and being questioned by the Committee, saying: “I have lived in this place many years, I beg you to invite all the Poles in the area and ask them if I have ever done anything wrong to any one of them during all my life; I'm already an old man, why did they beat me so cruelly and why did they spill the blood of my fellow Jews and myself? We are not guilty of anything!” The Hartglass faction said: “Please, members of this Committee, which one of you will answer the question posed by this injured old man?” Their faces reddened but they said nothing…

Afterwards, Mr. Yeruzalimsky led the Committee to the home of Mr. Dov Barish Goldkorn and showed how his home had been destroyed – his furniture and household goods, etc., etc. Finally Mr. Yeruzalimsky turned his face to the Police commander in Charsznica and pointing to him, said to the Committee: “If you want to know who is guilty for all this, here is the man! He came to every house after the rioters had finished their work…including the home of my son–in–law, Mordecai Greitzer, who had Government fuel stored in his warehouses: according to the contract with the Government, the Police were obliged to secure Government property when it may be endangered and provide active police protection. Although my son–in–law sent a message to him that there was a developing danger and indicated the legal reference on the contract itself, he took no action whatsoever. Even after the rioting began and my son–in–law and his neighbors were already injured, he promised to come immediately, and he did come but only after the rioters had completed their work.” The Police commandant said not a word…The only result of the Investigation Committees visit was that the Police Commander was transferred to another post; a few rioters were arrested for questioning, but not one person ever stood trial.

After the Committee finished its work, Miechów town council convened a meeting at which Mr. Sercaz tabled a motion condemning the rioters and vindicating the Jews from all guilt in the matter; the motion was passed unanimously. At the time it was a great victory against the anti–Semites. It was achieved thanks to the hard, unrelenting work and dedication of Mr. Sercaz, May G–d Avenge his Blood, and Mr.Yeruzalimsky (Z”L).

[Page 28]

A Congratulatory Epistle sent to the Hebrew University of Jerusalem On this most excellent historic day, in the life of the Jewish People of today – in an era of its rebirth in its National Home, a day of the consecration of this Temple of Wisdom, The Hebrew University on Mount Scopus. On this joyous, splendid and heartwarming day of peaceful victory, for the Jewish People, for its Hebrew Language and for the Land of Israel, we, our little community of Miechów, one of the many dispersed throughout the five continents, find ourselves hard–pressed to express our great happiness in fitting words and to convey our congratulations and our deep feelings of this event and with soaring spirit, intense gaiety, commit our thoughts to this parchment. To this Great House and those great ones of our people chosen to head the staff and pave our way forward, who have worked, are working and will continue to work for the benefit their People and its future and who are establishing this University. We pray that it may it be the will of our Father in heaven to enable this establishment to project its wisdom on its environment with sense of security and confidence among its students such that they will not need to seek abroad in the Diaspora and its foundations for knowledge and wisdom and spiritual nourishment; that it should be open for all to study and learn without regard to religion, race, sex or creed; that it should radiate to the world the visions of Moses our Teacher and Law–giver (Deuteronomy 4, vi): “Keep, therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and understanding in the sight of the Nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.” And the vision of Isaiah 2, iii: “And many people shall go and say Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the Word of the Lord from Jerusalem”. May it be the will of our Father in heaven, that this House on Mount Scopus will shine forth as a Pillar of Fire that will illuminate the Universe with the light of Truth, Righteousness and Justice to open the eyes of the blind that they may find the way that leads to the happiness of Mankind and peace shall prevail throughout the world for a good and seemly life. May it be the will of our Father in heaven that the founders of this House and their helpers will gather strength and courage to perform their sacred tasks for the sake of their people and that the memory of their toil shall not fade from the knowledge of Israel. Amen! The fourth day of the week, in the seventh month of the redemption, in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty after the destruction of Jerusalem the Holy City 5685 (1925). (Signatories): Town Rabbi: (illegible); Aguda: (illegible): City School (illegible): Community Council: Miechow Zionists: Mizrachi: (Illegible); Eliezer (illegible): (Illegible):: The Synagogue: (Illegible): (Illegible): Achiezer: (Illegible); Burial Society: (Illegible); Bank Hadadi: (Illegible); Hadror Movement: (Illegible); Hazamir Movement: (Illegible); Young Mizrachi; Maccabi: (illegible); Hechalutz Movement: (illegible); Kadima (illegible); (illegible); Land of Israel Office: (illegible); Keren Hayesod: (Illegible);

Palestine – a Pillar of Fire to the Community of Miechów–Charsznica

Every occurrence that was connected with Palestine created a resounding echo in the community. Every happy event or festival, every negative edict from the Mandatory authority, found expression and a reaction in special sessions of the Community management, in cooperation with the delegates in the town Council, the Union managements and other organizations and also from the pulpit of the synagogue. Attempts were also made to take an active part in the life of Palestine by sending telegrams and petitions as seems appropriate and as directed by the highest national institutions.

The results of our drives and collections for Palestine by Miechów and Charsznica were an example to other towns.

In celebration of the dedication of the Hebrew University on Mt. Scopus, the Community sent the Chairman Mr. Avraham Sercaz as our delegate to the ceremony; he carried in his hand a laudatory epistle written on parchment, composed by the author S.N. Kahanofsky (Z”L), and was signed by all the notable personalities of the town (see the article in this book by Mr. Yeruzalimsky).

About the same time, a delegation under the auspices of “‘Kibbutz’ Miechów” headed by Mr. Mordecai Greitzer and Haim Feureisen, visited Palestine in order to purchase land for an agricultural settlement and the establishment of commercial enterprises. The delegation purchased a large tract of land in the vicinity of Afula for an agricultural settlement, from the “American Zion Commonwealth” (For the names of those who acquired plots of land seethe article by Shimson–Dov Yerushalmi).

These are the names of those who settled in Palestine during that period:

Rabbi Yesheyahu Greitzer (Z”L), Yosef Berger and Mordecai David Schechtman (May he rest in peace), and may the following be spared for a long and good life: my uncle, my mother's brother) Rabbi Ya'acov Saltsburg. Two of the purchasers, Rabbi Michael Wexler of Charsznica and from my family (my brother's brother–in–law) Rabbi Moshe Spiegel immigrated to Palestine intending to settle there but the project didn't materialize. They returned to Poland where they perished in the Holocaust, May G–d Avenge their Blood. Both of them had sons and daughters who live in Israel.

The community and its institutions generously supported those who immigrated to Palestine and were in need of financial assistance. The community budgeted each year for the national funds. A training ‘Kibbutz’ was based in the Community Buildings for those who were preparing for emigration. They received financial help, and places of employment, etc., the Community management and its institutions, Ha–Mizrachi and the rest of the Zionist organizations. Many of them immigrated to Palestine and settled there.

[Page 30]

Respected Personalities

These are the senior and elected residents – people who excelled in their qualities and way of life, scholars, righteousness, practical men and those of outstanding attributes:

Avraham Sercaz, May G–d Avenge his Blood, talented businessman and a fearless fighter for the rights of the Jews.

Avraham Goldberg, May G–d Avenge his Blood, of the Righteous of Khentshin; he was always ready to help anyone either physically or financially with the utmost he had.

Avraham Goldsobel May G–d Avenge his Blood, a scholar of note, highly educated, possessor of nobility of spirit, eloquent.

Avraham Spiegel, May G–d Avenge his Blood, a precious soul permeated throughout with boundless love for Palestine and his fellow–man.

Avraham Yama(?), (Z”L), All his life he donated to charities anonymously.

Avraham Waldliwerand, May G–d Avenge his Blood, Scholar of renown, from the Righteous of Gur. He was afire with Torah and ceaselessly working for the annuities for the righteous.

Avraham Ya'acov Nyberg, May G–d Avenge his Blood, a highly intelligent scholar of renown from the Righteous of Khentshin.

Avraham Mordecai Horowitz, (Z”L), he was the great–grandchild of Rabbi Avraham Horowitz (Z”L), known as the Sabah Kadisha of Pinchev, a man whose heart was dedicated to charity, benevolence and modest ways. He raised his sons and daughters in the ways of the Torah and good deeds. His offspring live in Israel and follow his ways.

Avraham Mordecai Stern, May G–d Avenge his Blood, a scholar of the Righteous of Kshoynzh, who gave his heart and soul for the good of institutions of charity and kindness.

Avraham Shimon Londner, (Z”L), A scholar and researcher of “S'fat Emess” and the son of Our Master, Teacher and Rabbi from Gur, May his Righteousness be Remembered for a Blessing; he was a benefactor to all men. He was generous to all who needed help and his home open to all. His forebears were all great Torah scholars. He raised orphans in his home and brought them up to the Torah and good deeds; he bequeathed them all his assets.

Aharon Grossfeld (Z”L). A scholar. He knew the entire Mishnah Berurah by heart.

Aharon Berger May G–d Avenge his Blood, a courteous man and a model of dedication to his fellow man. He was the Chairman of the “Bikur Cholim” committee from 1933.

Aharon Zukerman (Z”L). An honest, straightforward man, G–d–fearing. He was the founder of the Charsznica synagogue.

Elimelech Vislitzky, May G–d Avenge his Blood, a great scholar of modest demeanor; the Master Teacher and Rabbi from Ostrovtse, May his Righteousness be Remembered for a Blessing and his disciple also.

Asher Enzil Koppelowitz Rabbi Moshe Tversky, a scholar and possessor of many fine attributes from among the Righteous of Kuzmir and Rabbi Moshe Tversky of Lublin.

Benjamin Beinush Follman, May G–d Avenge his Blood, a great benefactor to his fellow–man and an accomplished speaker.

Benjamin Beinush Horowitz May G–d Avenge his Blood, a scholar and possessor of many noble attributes; he comes from among the Righteous of Kuzmir.

Bezalel Weizmann May G–d Avenge his Blood, from among the Righteous of Kuzmir and afterwards the host of Our Master, Teacher and Rabbi Moshe Tversky

Dov Brish Goldkorn, May his Righteousness be Remembered for a Blessing; his house was a house of charity and benevolence to all, from among the Righteous of Kuzmir and afterwards of Our Master, Teacher and Rabbi Mazurek, May his Righteousness be Remembered for a Blessing.

David and his brothers, Nathan and Moshe Borenstein May G–d Avenge their Blood. Scholars from the Righteous of Gur, coming from generations of good deeds and noble spirits.

David Isser Eisenberg, May G–d Avenge his Blood. A member of a charity and an anonymous donor to the above Rabbi Avraham Yama, he came from the Righteous of Krimilov.

Haashil Horowitz, May G–d Avenge his Blood Bar Orian, G–d–fearing from among the Righteous of Kuzmir and later of Lublin.

Zelig Waldliwerand (Z”L), a survivor of the Righteous of Kotzk and later of Gur, a very old man but clear headed and open–minded to alternative ideas.

Haim Salzburg (Z”L), (my grandfather). A renowned scholar, from the Righteous of Gostinin and later of Gur, Studying Torah and performing good deeds, he lived in poverty. He was a recognized specialist at circumcision which he performed freely. He held group classes in Torah in the house of the Gur Hassidim, among whom was Rabbi Yitzhak Gitler (Z”L), (His Name Will Live On). He also gave lessons after Sabbath prayers until late. I had the privilege of being examined by him on Rashi/ His image is always before me and brightens my ways. He was totally immersed in the Torah and righteousness, even during his last difficult illness. He had excellent ancestry.

Haim bar Elyakim Natsil Lewit (Z”L). he devoted most of his time to the “Brotherly Help” and “Bikur Cholim” institutions, he was from the Righteous of Our Master, Teacher and Rabbi, Rabbi David Goldman of Kalisz. He had sons and in–laws who were men of Torah and learning.

Haim Bar Saul Lewit May G–d Avenge his Blood. His home was a hostel for noted Rabbis, and he was privileged to marry his daughters with noted men of the times.

Hanoch Ha'anich Kaiser (Z”L). A scholar and a deep thinker of the Torah and righteousness from the Righteous of Gur.

Yehoshua Koppelowitz May G–d Avenge His Blood, possessor of fine attributes he received everyone pleasantly and with a smiling face.

[Page 31]

Yudel Gerszonowicz (Z”L). a man of great charity performed with heart and soul.

Yosef Yaskiel (Z”L). A master of the Mishnah from the Righteous of Gur, faithful to his Rabbi's house, satisfied with a little in all things and a soul–mate to all mankind.

Yosef Baruch Bruckner (Z”L). A scholar and a man of noble virtues and attributes , from the Righteous of Gur; he was head of the Burial Society for an extended period.

Yehiel Shmuel Abramowitz, May G–d Avenge His Blood, a scholar, and an expert in investigative literature and Jewish philosophy of Judaism.

Ya'acov Zimberg (Z”L). A scholar and a man of kindness and charity, of noble spirit, and the son of one of the well–known families of Warsaw.

Ya'acov Czernikowski, May G–d Avenge His Blood. A scholar of noble spirit from the Righteous of Gur he poured his soul into his work and prayers.

Ya'acov Yitzhak Blatt, (Z”L). A scholar and known as a keen intelligent arbitrator in commercial matters, the great grandchild of “The Prophet of Lublin” and he was named for him according to the Family Tree published in this book. He belonged to the Righteous of Khentshin.

Ya'acov Yitzhak Horowitz, May G–d Avenge His Blood. A G–d–fearing scholar, full of good deeds, he was the great grandchild of the Saba Kadisha Rabbi Avraham Mordecai of Pinchev, May His Righteousness be Remembered for a Blessing.

Ya'acov Tsvi Gitler, May G–d Avenge His Blood. A scholar and from a Jewish home full of grandeur, he belonged to the Righteous of Gur, a businessman he soul longed for Israel and he immigrated with his family to Palestine – his heart's desire.

Yitzhak Hutner May G–d Avenge His Blood. A scholar. His entire person was the embodiment of respect and splendor, a member of the family of Rabbi Yehuda Sennal Huster (Z”L), considered a genius, a member of the Council of Rabbis of Warsaw.

Yitzhak Posluszny, May G–d Avenge His Blood. He was a G–d–fearing scholar who was a member of the Righteous of Gur.

Yitzhak Sheinfrucht, May G–d Avenge His Blood. An energetic businessman and a lecturer to the religious youth, he was grandson of the first Rabbi of Miechów

Yermiyahu Blum, May G–d Avenge His Blood. He was businessman, good–hearted to a fault, helping and financing all who were in need.

Yisroel David Spiegel,(Z”L), a scholar from Khentshin. His children and in–laws were all brought up in the Torah and righteousness.

Lemel Katzengold (Z”L). An advisor and help to all and of modest habits.

Meir Gitler, May G–d Avenge His Blood. A scholar of the Righteous of Gur, known for his generosity and grace. His wife, Yochaved, was the grand–daughter of “The Holy Jew”, Remember the Righteous and Holy for a Blessing.

Meir Wallerstein, (Z”L). A scholar and a Righteous of Amshinov, related to the family of the author of “Tossofot Le–Yom Tov” and one of the sons of Rabbi Moshe May G–d Avenge His Blood, a scholar from the Righteous of Gur, known for his charity and kindness, who was from the family of the Great and Holy Rabbi Mendel of Pabianitz May His Righteousness be Remembered for a Blessing, May G–d Avenge His Blood.

Meir Fogel (Z”L). A scholar of many noble attributes, a Righteous of Khentshin and the regular host on his visits to Miechów of Our Master, Teacher and Rabbi, first Rabbi of Khentshin, May his Righteousness Remembered for a Blessing. He was able to settle many disputes.

Mendel Rogovski, May G–d Avenge His Blood. An extraordinarily charitable and welcoming host. (Charsznica).

Mordecai Greitzer (Z”L). A man of righteousness and kindness, well–known as an honest and truthful man. He had connections, through marriage with the world famous genius Rabbi Moshe Nahum Yeruzalimsky, (Z”L), from Kalish. He took part in arbitrations together with the Holy Genius from Ostrovtse. May his Righteousness Remembered for a Blessing and on occasion even got the upper hand in debate.

Mordecai Tsvi and his brother, David Zukerman, May G–d Avenge Their Blood, their main worry was to give help to the poor of Charsznica who were unable to fulfill the Passover rituals of Matzoth, etc, in particular which they did with dedication and faithfulness. Rabbi Zukerman succeeded in immigrating to Palestine his family, settled in Tel–Aviv and died 12th April, 1942 and was buried with honor in the cemetery in Nahlat Yitzhak.

Moshe Yosef Weill (Z”L). He was one of the first settlers in town and one of its important citizens. His sons and in–laws were men well–versed in the Torah and good deeds.

[Page 32]

Rachel Bornstein, the wife of Michael Bornstein.

Moshe Yosef Horowitz (Z”L). A straightforward honest man, he brought up his sons and daughters to the Torah and good deeds, he immigrated to Palestine with his family and died early morning, 3^rd October 1965 and buried in the local cemetery of Holon.

Sandor Yosef Weintraub (Z”L) of Kshoynzh, a great scholar, from the righteous of Rodzin, who all the days of his life were dedicated to the Torah and to Hassidism.

Fischl Koppelowitz (Z”L). A great scholar and a Righteous of Chmelnik a resident of the town; his sons were Torah scholars and Hassidim.

Reuven Ziegler (Z”L). Possessor of many fine attributes. With the development of the Jewish settlement in Charsznica, he founded a second prayer–room in his home.

Reuven Dov Spiegel (Z”L). A scholar from the Righteous of Khentshin. His children and in–laws were Torah scholars. His son, Ya'acov Spiegel (my brother–in–law), and other offspring, live in Israel.

Reuven Shlomo Londner (Z”L). A scholar from the Righteous of Gur and among the important people in town (the grandfather of Rabbi Ya'acov Tsvi Gitler, May G–d Avenge his Blood).

Pinchas (Pincher) Eliyahu Gottlieb Bar Tsvi, born in Zarnovitza in 1897, the son–in–law of Rabbi Eliezer Gerstenfeld from Kurzeluv which belonged to the community of Kshoynzh. He was a Torah scholar and possessor of fine attributes. A member of the Community Council and Chairman of the “Gemilut Chesed Fund”, which was very active in supporting the needy. He disseminated Torah among many. Three of his children live in Israel; Haim Meir (in Be'er Sheva), Avraham (in Kibbutz Netzer Sereni), and Shmuel (in Rehovot). They changed the family name to “Ahoviya”.

[Page 33]

Shlomo Yama May G–d Avenge his Blood. A G–d–fearing scholar and the possessor of many fine attributes.

Shlomo Meir Sheinfrucht May G–d Avenge his Blood. A Torah scholar a welcome wise counselor and dedicated helper, modest in manner.

Shmuel Friedenberg, May G–d Avenge his Blood. His home was a house of righteousness and benevolence; he made anonymous donations an adherent of the Torah and those who studied it.

Shmuel Schmelke Katzengold (Z”L). An exemplary donor, among the notable people in town and married his daughters to esteemed scholars of the Torah and the elite of town.

Shimon Dov Yeruzalimsky (Z”L). The son of the noted genius of Kalish (see above), and the son–in–law of Rabbi Mordecai Greitzer (see above). A public figure and a vigorous fighter on behalf of the general public. He left Miechów and moved to Warsaw where he officiated as propaganda manager and publishing director of the central office of the “Foundation Fund” (the “Keren Kayemet”) in 1925. He resigned from that distinguished position in 1935 and immigrated to Palestine in order to rear and educate his children in the Land of Israel.

Schrage Feivel Chencinsky (Z”L). A scholar from the Righteous of Gur; a businessman who concerned himself with needs of the public.

Schrage Feivel Lorek(?),(Z”L). An ordinary person but straightforward and honest. He himself fulfilled the verse ”I will arise at midnight to offer Thee thanks”. He was known as “The Psalmist Jew”.

Esther'leh: The wife of Rabbi Jonah Gretler (Z”L) (Charsznica); excelled in good deeds which were performed with intelligence and wisdom.

Bluma: The wife of Rabbi Michael Wexler (Z”L) (Charsznica); she was a mother to poor children, clothing them and providing shoes, thanks to the above average intelligence and understanding with which G–d had blessed her.

Chaya: The wife of Rabbi David Isser Eisenberg (Z”L), (Miechów) a charitable woman who donated anonymously and beyond her means. Her charity, modesty and intelligence were known far and wide.

Hanna: The wife of Rabbi Avraham Goldberg (Z”L). May G–d Avenge his Blood, a charitable woman concerned with compensation and pensions for retired teachers and Rabbis, etc. A great and modest woman.

Feiga–Lieber: The wife of Rabbi Mordecai (Z”L). Performed charity and kindness anonymously and was a treasure to worthy families in Israel. Her father, Rabbi Shmuel Silberberg, (Z”L), was the brother–in–law of the Master, Teacher and Rabbi, Rabbi Avraham Eger, from Lublin, May his Righteousness be Remembered for a Blessing, and her mother Mrs. Gittel (May she rest in peace), was the daughter of Rabbi Yesheyahu Lipchitz, May his Righteousness be Remembered for a Blessing, from Ogrodzona(?) and later from Warsaw. From the family of Rabbi Moshe Chalfin–Lipschitz, in–laws of the noted Rabbi Yitzhak Meir, May his Righteousness be Remembered for a Blessing, the author of “Khidushei Rabbi Yitzhak Meir” (“The Updates of Rabbi Yitzhak Meir”) and later of “The Flying Seraph “, our Rabbi Menahem Mendel May his Righteousness be Remembered for a Blessing, of Kolchak.

Fassili: The wife of Rabbi Shlomo Feigenboim, May G–d Avenge his Blood. The Chairlady of the “Women's Society for Anonymous Help” (see above “Charitable Institutes and Societies “). She raised orphans in her home and supplied all their needs.

Kaila: The wife of Rabbi Menahem Maanieh Malinowski, May G–d Avenge his Blood, a shining example of righteousness and kindness, she was completely dedicated to helping others. She and her husband raised their children to good deeds and the Torah married their daughters to Torah scholars.

Raize'leh: The wife of Rabbi Avraham Shimon Londner (Z”L), A totally righteous woman in all senses, in cooperation with her husband.

Rayel'eh: The wife of Rabbi Moshe Sukenik, May G–d Avenge his Blood, a noble soul involving herself in matters of charity and especially the needs of preparation of brides for their weddings.

[Page 34]

On Closing the Gateway

I know full–well that with the best of good intentions I have not extracted in this my tale all the glory of the notables of our communities, and it is certainly deficient in general and particularly so regarding the honor and respect due to Charsznica and Kshoynzh.

Many of my colleagues know that 15 years ago I suggested and even pleaded in meetings of our organization, to apply ourselves and fulfill the hallowed obligation – to publish a “Memorial Book” of our town so that the remainder of us and our future generations will know the source of the tombstones, the pure treasure and honesty that is hidden in the archives of the souls of our fathers and our fathers' fathers; the nobility and purity of soul expressed in their faces and in their deeds. Unfortunately my suggestion has come to fruition only today. In the meantime serious illnesses have been my lot and several of the oldsters from our town, from whom undoubtedly we could have drawn much information, have gone the way of all flesh, and all I have written is only from memory. More than 36 years have passed since then and their memories and archives have gone with them and are no more.

I find it fitting to express my deepest thanks to the chairman of our organization in of recent years, Mr. Shmuel Berger, and to the rest of the members of the committee working without thought of reward, for their untiring efforts in saving what could be saved and bring it all to publication. They are the ones who encouraged me also to contribute my part in remembering our Holy Communities. Similarly, I must thank the Honorary President of our organization Mr. S.D. Yeruzalimsky (Z”L), who read this work and offered several observations which have been accepted. I close with the following Commandment among those that are obligatory to perform:

O, Earth, cover not their blood, and be not the place of their lamentation until the Lord looks down from the heavens and sees, and avenges them with His terrible vengeance; the vengeance for his People and for his Torah and for the blood that his servants shed like water, as Thou hast promised us: “Rejoice O, ye nations, with his people: for He will avenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance to his adversaries, and will be merciful unto his land and to his people.”

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