tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41092699188709341622024-02-06T21:35:17.809-05:00The Friends of Jewish DokshitsyThe Friends of Jewish Dokshitsy, Inc. is a Massachusetts non-profit corporation formed to perpetuate the memory of the Jewish residents of Dokshitsy, Parafianov, and nearby villages in Belarus by preserving the remnants of the Jewish Cemetery in Dokshitsy and undertaking other projects consistent with this goal. these postings and more can be seen on our facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/jewishdokshitsy Our home page is at http://www.jewishdokshitsy.org Aaron Ginsburghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12344258702785723482noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4109269918870934162.post-11001248647950617192022-04-03T12:12:00.003-04:002022-04-03T12:19:13.715-04:00The Miracle<h2 style="text-align: center;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 a8c37x1j fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em iv3no6db jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" dir="auto"><div class="bi6gxh9e"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id">The Miracle</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id">By Nossin Friedman, Newport, America</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id">Published in the Glubocker Leben, March 25, 1932</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id">Translated by <span><a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl gpro0wi8 q66pz984 b1v8xokw" href="https://www.aaronginsburg.com" role="link" tabindex="0"><span class="nc684nl6"><span>Aaron Ginsburg</span></span></a></span></span></div></span></h2><div dir="auto"><div class="dati1w0a ihqw7lf3 hv4rvrfc ecm0bbzt" id="jsc_c_zy"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 a8c37x1j fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em iv3no6db jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" dir="auto"><div class="bi6gxh9e"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id"><span><span class="nc684nl6"><span><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 a8c37x1j fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em iv3no6db jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" dir="auto"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id">The story continues. Thanks to<span><a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl gpro0wi8 oo9gr5id lrazzd5p" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/254457457938115/user/100002899103645/?__cft__[0]=AZXdtkZPKI3LK4JyxFk-jcjrcGvxUEAqUIbSBn9gToLWSPzg3pvoanfbAInQFffAfQXwEfU9b7pkkv7bGaINtCiGkO9UixM12b5U7MwsChNKkjyk5zMfXvw3tn7gohHFu1OP9mbKZPNtrAfgFd_xEEKa&__tn__=-UK-R" role="link" tabindex="0"> <span><u>Margarita Kozhenevskaya</u></span></a></span> for finding this article which was published in Yiddish in Glubokie, then in Poland.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id"><span><span class="nc684nl6"><span><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 a8c37x1j fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em iv3no6db jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" dir="auto"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id"> </span></span> <br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE63F0L9VAJXUdPu6H06AoEYXo2T7HBq4yeqquGDs-aneD0KR1twZ_bcyRjjhnAmE7DQALz-hRV8HL7iF2Zeh9X7V5oPmoaqpe3mMaTp-OFDuk6THaf-oSo92Ne4-gPQnUxiz3x4Zfbw_RNDTFlEU1-uNIt-dZPwsq1R7AZKyJ-CxTdVHNWZRb3w/s1584/19320325_01.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1584" data-original-width="1224" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE63F0L9VAJXUdPu6H06AoEYXo2T7HBq4yeqquGDs-aneD0KR1twZ_bcyRjjhnAmE7DQALz-hRV8HL7iF2Zeh9X7V5oPmoaqpe3mMaTp-OFDuk6THaf-oSo92Ne4-gPQnUxiz3x4Zfbw_RNDTFlEU1-uNIt-dZPwsq1R7AZKyJ-CxTdVHNWZRb3w/s320/19320325_01.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><br />A
miracle once happened in Dokshitz. Forty years ago, when there were
riots in Russia about Jews, someone, a Christian, an "emissary" from the
town, and apparently a good friend of the Jews, as well as a member of
the town government, wanted to make a pogrom of the Jews in order to rob
Jewish possessions and property.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id"> </span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id">What
does the non-jew do? When the non-jew tried to confuse the Jews, he did
a very small thing: because there was a house where a Christian was a
servant from far away, and also because the same house happened to have
two people from Russia, so-called “flunkies,” probably thieves, he went
with them to kill the servant at night and to blame the Jew who lived
opposite him, and on the next day to make a commotion in the town and in
the church that his servant was missing and he thinks that the Jews
killed her for religious purposes.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id"> </span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id">It
even happened on Shavuos. For the Gentiles must have confused Passover
and Shavuos, and so it will be known to all Christians of the villages,
and at the upcoming town fair a pogrom would take place and everything
that the Jews possessed would be plundered.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id"> </span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id">Clearly, the servant was murdered in the evening a few days before the fair and only Jews had to be blamed.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id"> </span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id">Through
Borisover Street then, late at night, at 12 o'clock in the evening, the
courier used to bring packages and letters to the next station. After
that no one was around. The two accomplices waited until the courier
drove off the street, making sure that no one was left. They took the
corpse of the maid wrapped in a sack and began to carry it across the
street to the Jew’s courtyard.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id"> </span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id">And
here’s where a miracle happens. The postilion had at this time forgotten his
overcoat in post, but when he left the city, a cold wind blew, he felt
something cold, he said to the coachman — “Oh, I must return to get the
coat.” It was rather cold, and the coachman immediately turned the horse
back, the goyim carrying dead bodies heard the bell of the post, they
dumped the bag with the bodies into the middle of the street and fled.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id"> </span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id">The
horses approached the sack and they began to smell the blood and
stopped. The postilion takes a look, first he sees there is a large
package near the horse in the middle of the street. He gets down from
the carriage to see what it is, first he finds the flesh and head of a
person. Bloodstains were found in the house, the guy was found
ostensibly asleep and did not know anything. The goy placed the whole
blame on the 2 flunkies.He was imprisoned in the prison for 1 and 1/2
years, but was released.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id"> </span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id">This
is how the city of Dokshitz was protected from a pogrom, and the fair
passed quietly, there was joy and gladness in the city, this is how the
eternal miracle works with Jews. I believe that the Dokshitzer Jews,
with the help of G-d, long ago forgot the miracle. If there was a
pogrom, that people would still remember, but the story remained in my
memory and writing my memoirs I remembered the story and wrote the
episode or story, to let a young generation of Dokshitzers know a
miracle happened then.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id"> </span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id">Original at <a href="https://www.nli.org.il/en/newspapers/gln/1932/03/25/01/article/15/?e=-------en-20--1--img-txIN%7ctxTI--------------1"><u>https://www.nli.org.il/en/newspapers/gln/1932/03/25/01/article/15/?e=-------en-20--1--img-txIN%7ctxTI--------------1</u></a><span><a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl gpro0wi8 py34i1dx" href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nli.org.il%2Fen%2Fnewspapers%2Fgln%2F1932%2F03%2F25%2F01%2Farticle%2F15%2F%3Fe%3D-------en-20--1--img-txIN%257CtxTI--------------1%26fbclid%3DIwAR333c_3F4vHOx_1pRAUlSwjbXdPQi4N7pXJzM00--Hqqbb4N2ToDQjDB7A&h=AT01E-QhuUOXNJU6yTao4leDYJ5rJYz-ue__4Nluvpr25kMqkfTL2_XFF5IQIqvMgInopZK7q07FnrRONMz_Y-EO6STAgLkIN6tpVmm0zYnBcn7OVTgz4XbsGC6t5oh4cKeitcA&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT2PoI5viLeZ_VFV0Yvo-Y4NiVgmcMSD5PxLsHke3ndDF-qZosVDeE-w1HMzhmzVcgN6bdBGV7WOeK8pfg0qb_jdPXCaj2aDPn3V8Zx_m7iHMXP8SalUVZvP8DtFAo3eSFi7TRDuV__RDwg0Us14G4NKSoNkF12jYA8" rel="nofollow noopener" role="link" tabindex="0" target="_blank"><span></span></a></span></span></div></span></span></span></div></div>Aaron Ginsburghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12344258702785723482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4109269918870934162.post-91504456599436292402022-03-10T13:46:00.001-05:002022-04-03T13:54:47.541-04:00From Dokshitz to Newport-America<h3 style="margin-left: 200px; text-align: center;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 a8c37x1j fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em iv3no6db jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id hzawbc8m" dir="auto"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">From Dokshitz to Newport-America</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Rev. Nathan Friedman</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><div class="kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Gluboker Leben</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">March 18, 1932</div></div>translated by <span><a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl gpro0wi8 q66pz984 b1v8xokw" href="https://www.aaronginsburg.com/" role="link" tabindex="0"><span class="nc684nl6"><span>Aaron Ginsburg</span></span></a></span></div></span></h3><div class="" dir="auto"><div class="ecm0bbzt hv4rvrfc ihqw7lf3 dati1w0a" data-ad-comet-preview="message" data-ad-preview="message" id="jsc_c_1k7"><div class="j83agx80 cbu4d94t ew0dbk1b irj2b8pg"><div class="qzhwtbm6 knvmm38d"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 a8c37x1j fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em iv3no6db jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id hzawbc8m" dir="auto"><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q"><br /><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span><span class="nc684nl6"><span><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 a8c37x1j fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em iv3no6db jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id hzawbc8m" dir="auto"> </span></span></span></span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span class="nc684nl6"><span><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 a8c37x1j fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em iv3no6db jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id hzawbc8m" dir="auto">The story continues. Thanks to <span><a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl gpro0wi8 q66pz984 b1v8xokw" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/254457457938115/user/100002899103645/?__cft__[0]=AZUVrX6h5fWseiWQtOTlQY0s0RCf6xdLbV8YJjkbkiKInW5lUYk4jOKkJiOiTOdygNj5JkLMHBjhSQBlCfAIg55HqiswtnN0k6QdzbkABUuHs770JRylaGVQKa0pdenGtS7ptPSSzNndKMs7K7yrstDCjqvNf-mBPDzpor4M2fFP2YeMJyl51XMDoWI0XUBNzKE&__tn__=-]K-R" role="link" tabindex="0"><span class="nc684nl6"><span>Margarita Kozhenevskaya</span></span></a></span> for finding this article which was published in Yiddish in Glubokie, then in Poland.</span> <br /></span></span></span></span></span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLwvHloQy1bTGDtWM4UtBQ8xNygfT6QOxXEM7Qu4CGcVCtp-hG-3n8z83LEBAFS-hiatcLpJRecs8bKbbU_6YYeqUhhWDgvW4aT2_BaZH1Ghs2l1Mm9aoYxN6r_xlwYyhXgXYJYHo2DiYHRnuOrLOkVzBn_JvzSvqwBmlIKLwQxVw_HdLa8ZG8g/s1584/275481163_10158960834727686_217085569200511379_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1584" data-original-width="1224" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLwvHloQy1bTGDtWM4UtBQ8xNygfT6QOxXEM7Qu4CGcVCtp-hG-3n8z83LEBAFS-hiatcLpJRecs8bKbbU_6YYeqUhhWDgvW4aT2_BaZH1Ghs2l1Mm9aoYxN6r_xlwYyhXgXYJYHo2DiYHRnuOrLOkVzBn_JvzSvqwBmlIKLwQxVw_HdLa8ZG8g/s320/275481163_10158960834727686_217085569200511379_n.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><br />In the eighties of the 19th century, the stream of enlightenment poured into our riparian region. The Jewish youth then believed that redemption, the richer life, could come only through education. The urge for enlightenment, which had a strong impact in Germany for many decades, thanks to the theorist of the Romantic Enlightenment, Mendelssohn, finally came to Russia.</span></span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The Haskalah infiltrated the balabatish households, whose sons studied in the yeshivot and represented the religious aristocracy. In those days yichis (genealogy) played a great role, the so-called liberal man, the scholar, the priviledged were strrictly separated from the craftsman and simple man, the balabatish psychology was a whole cult that stood above the masses.</span></span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">With the greatest effort, the young man used to try not to be a soldier. Apart from going to worship, it was a difficult thing because it took 6 years and people had to live in the filthy Russian barracks, eat treif and violate the Sabbath, worship was not considered a fine thing and every father had an assignment. “Avoid the draft.”</span></span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />The tsarist administration had allowed itself to be ostracized almost everywhere, but if it had been a stricter place, people would have to register elsewhere where the administration allowed itself to act.</span></span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In a word, the balabatish avoided military service. Therefore, all the yeshivas were filled with the balabatish bridegrooms.Fathers used to take the young ones on trips, then they were forced to open a shop, and most of the women became the business leaders.</span></span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I was in Dvinsk for three years and could not do any business there, I came back to Dokshitz and went into business with Reb Iser Kaminkemich, a haberdashery shop, and as it did not carry the business for granted I turned over this business to my younger brother. I began to give lessons in Russian and Hebrew, and at the same time helped all Jewish organizations with deeds and with money, though it took a half part in a performance of the wisdom of Solomon for the benefit of Bekor Holim.</span></span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">At that time our first son, Mordecai Matel, was born to us. We spent a very short time in Doskhitz then quickly returned to Dvinsk, and immediately I got a job giving private lessons from a rich man, teaching Hebrew to his two sons who were in the gymnasia. Through this man I became acquainted with other rich men. I became well known and friendly with the Dvinsk city administration, where I was able to help many people, make a living, give Hebrew and Russian lessons, and also with advocacy before the justice of the peace.</span></span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And in my spare time, I assisted my father-in-law, R 'Isaiah Meyerson, in his business dealings with the goods and grain on the Tavarni Station, on the Calcio Livov-Romansky railroad.</span></span></div></div></span></div></div></div></div>Aaron Ginsburghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12344258702785723482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4109269918870934162.post-54014525098009956322022-02-24T13:57:00.003-05:002022-04-03T14:09:00.401-04:00From Dokshitz to Newport, America part 1<div class="bi6gxh9e" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id">Rav Nossin Friedman</span></b></span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id">From Dokshitz to Newport, America</span></b></span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id">Gluboker Leben</span> <br /></span></b></span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id">March 4, 1932</span></span></b></span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id">translated by<a href="https://www.aaronginsburg.com/"> Aaron Ginsburg</a></span></span></b></span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id"> </span></b></span> <br /></span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id">more news from Dokshitz as printed in the Gluboker Leben, a yiddish newspaper, on March 4, 1932. Thank you to <span><a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl gpro0wi8 q66pz984 b1v8xokw" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/254457457938115/user/100002899103645/?__cft__[0]=AZWHBy1Un-CnEp9QjNsoN_1eQvk5w3YJpnuBpZw5mGAmJE13aryc052nLlqyuyfMJ4K7nJGXRYWqyAuKvOOmPWr6Am1IrCoVNaGDOaWHF8TkJVLt--kH6kaHRnSwHwLWjlusdRBfbL-EQQjGyGAtOIEeE7PqHw5Bhd8VJCySVnx-bFHP4DE0icAF6P_4Ws7cqJI&__tn__=-]K-R" role="link" tabindex="0"><span class="nc684nl6"><span>Margarita Kozhenevskaya</span></span></a></span>
fro finding it. The article, "From Dokshitz to Newport, America was by
Rabbi Nathan Zalman Friedman. He and his wife Dora settled in Newport,
Rhode Island. In the 1930 US census in addition to English he spoke
Jewish and his occupation was listed as Rabbi, industry as Hebrew
teacher.At the end of this article we learn that at Rabbi Friedman's
wedding to Dvora Meirson, Rogatchover Rabbi Ilui officatiated. I mention
this to Rabbi Marc Mandel of Touro Synagogue, Newport, RI who told me
that the Rogatchover was very prominent Talmud interpreter. You can
learn more about him at <span><a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl gpro0wi8 py34i1dx" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Rosen?fbclid=IwAR0EH4mZDA-oIktrqJDN2cuTbkhL1cFIEP51Muml3AC314YVHcrS5eTTq7o" rel="nofollow noopener" role="link" tabindex="0" target="_blank">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Rosen</a></span></span></span></span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id"> </span></span></span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id"> His great-grandson <span><a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl gpro0wi8 q66pz984 b1v8xokw" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/254457457938115/user/100000190027393/?__cft__[0]=AZWHBy1Un-CnEp9QjNsoN_1eQvk5w3YJpnuBpZw5mGAmJE13aryc052nLlqyuyfMJ4K7nJGXRYWqyAuKvOOmPWr6Am1IrCoVNaGDOaWHF8TkJVLt--kH6kaHRnSwHwLWjlusdRBfbL-EQQjGyGAtOIEeE7PqHw5Bhd8VJCySVnx-bFHP4DE0icAF6P_4Ws7cqJI&__tn__=-]K-R" role="link" tabindex="0"><span class="nc684nl6"><span>Bernie Friedman</span></span></a></span>
reports, "He retired in 1935 after 25 years of service to the
Congregation. He was the chazzan, ritual slaughterer, teacher, and
anything else the Rabbi delegated to him. He lived above my
Grandfather’s [Bernard C Friedman] Dental Office. My dad would tell
stories of his grandfather slaughtering the chickens in the basement and
how exciting that was at the time. There was a tribute dinner to Nathan
upon his retirement and a beautiful kiddush cup was given to him that
we use today. There are photos of the tribute dinner."</span></span></span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id">An imperfect translation follows: </span></span></span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id"> </span></span></span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id">Rav Nossin Friedman</span></span></span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id">From Dokshitz to Newport, America</span></span></span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id"> </span></span></span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9R44I8kbPvCEF8Bvptzik4JpUS_uauufxrlES2F9qoylPyE9gII3yjb8CO5tzb8S1WVx843W0KfAqYY4EQed2-coyLDHwpGpIa6ntm3BmhcXp2HsLf0sJLmieDJhslSgu9g5tGYV-Obnnlhdl0gdi7h0U8zHOs-lSUY5Us2zOIkgK-LIfIYFRPA/s762/274750268_10158937717782686_6533869774019188967_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="762" data-original-width="526" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9R44I8kbPvCEF8Bvptzik4JpUS_uauufxrlES2F9qoylPyE9gII3yjb8CO5tzb8S1WVx843W0KfAqYY4EQed2-coyLDHwpGpIa6ntm3BmhcXp2HsLf0sJLmieDJhslSgu9g5tGYV-Obnnlhdl0gdi7h0U8zHOs-lSUY5Us2zOIkgK-LIfIYFRPA/s320/274750268_10158937717782686_6533869774019188967_n.jpg" width="221" /></a></div><br />The rabbis sent me out from Heder at the age of 16 years. I knew the Talmud quite well, was a good <span><i>baal Kore,</i></span>
was versed in the entire Talmud, and the Hebrew language, I learned
math well, and had studied a bit of accounting. I spoke the Russian
language fluently; my Polish language skills weren't bad. I also studied
after that to take the chancellor's exam which I took in the Russian
language.</span></span></span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id">I
had fine friends, helped my parents with their business and was
familiar with the owners of the courtyards with which my parents used to
do business. I also was active in public Tzedakah, ?, talmud torah,
bikur holim [visiting and caring for the sick] and Shul activities.</span></span></span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id"> </span></span></span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id">We
worked hard to collect money for bikur holim. Hevra went with charity
boxes to different parts of town. I brought more money in than anyone
else because each time I raised money from my cousins, about 40-50
people. I was a hero in collecting donations.</span></span></span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id"> </span></span></span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id">I worked as a secretary in the Municipal government while my father was a magistrate? in the town. In
those times Jews were allowed to stand for the government’s “Galileo''
exam and they did well. [discussion of other examinations and awards]</span></span></span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id"> </span></span></span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id">Overcoming
my shyness, I became engaged in Dvinsk-Dinenberg to a beautiful woman
from a large family, Dvora daughter of Reb Yishiyahu Meirson. who was
born in Dokshitz and lived in Dvinsk-Dinenberg.</span></span></span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id"> </span></span></span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id">Being
in Dvinsk-Dinenberg to get married, I got to know young people who
were studying Russian from a teacher of Russian, a student in the sixth
class of the <span><i>Realschule (name of school) </i></span>which had given my bride a lecture in Russian.</span></span></span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id"> </span></span></span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id">I
persuaded him to go to Dokshitz as a teacher and indeed I immediately
brought him down to Dokshitz and all the young people of Dokshitz were
enthusiastic and thanked me.</span></span></span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id"> </span></span></span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id">But
the joy was not long away. It was seven weeks until my wedding on Erev
Shavuot 1887. The entire town of Dokshitz was upset when the teacher had
to depart for Glubokie.</span></span></span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id">It
was a second kind of learning… The teacher was named Robert Weiner. A
few Glubokers must remember him. Today he is a famous medical doctor in
America in New York City, and still my good comrade and friend.</span></span></span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id"> </span></span></span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id">I
had a big wedding in Dvinsk at a large hotel. Officiating at the
kiddushin was the well-known rabbi from Dvinsk, the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Rosen">Rogatchover Rabbi Ilui</a>. (to be continued)</span></span></span></div>Aaron Ginsburghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12344258702785723482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4109269918870934162.post-75884363917230372052007-11-24T18:41:00.000-05:002007-11-28T00:16:55.613-05:00Letter from Dokshitsy and response<div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnRUqBKWG8pR6WkEkFg4sgVr-ZkJRplsKgnEkQbtTH3SGhvT-wEB2GXtJbplqJn2cDLpC4__8OvsZPl4VTOCC8j_a39VU8aJWELKdnuPyajNsmxW695olGBe5Tena6IJnIIRyCk2HObQ/s1600-h/hp_scanDS_711322371243.jpg.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnRUqBKWG8pR6WkEkFg4sgVr-ZkJRplsKgnEkQbtTH3SGhvT-wEB2GXtJbplqJn2cDLpC4__8OvsZPl4VTOCC8j_a39VU8aJWELKdnuPyajNsmxW695olGBe5Tena6IJnIIRyCk2HObQ/s320/hp_scanDS_711322371243.jpg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5136570542025646194" border="0" /></a><br /></div>On November 3rd, I received the following letter:<br /><blockquote></blockquote><br /><div style="margin-left: 80px;">Republic of Belarus</div> <div style="margin-left: 80px;">Dokshitsy Regional Magistrate </div><div style="margin-left: 80px;">October 22, 2007 </div> <div style="margin-left: 80px;"> </div> <div style="margin-left: 80px;">Dear Aaron Ginsburg :</div> <div style="margin-left: 80px;"> </div> <div style="margin-left: 80px;">Dokshitsy District Soviet asks for your help in the reconstruction of the Jewish Cemetery in the town of Dokshitsy.</div><div style="margin-left: 80px;"> </div> <div style="margin-left: 80px;">During the WWII, in May 1941, Germans killed about 3000 to 3500 Jews, who were buried at the Mayakovsky Street.</div><div style="margin-left: 80px;"> </div> <div style="margin-left: 80px;">In 1964 in accordance with the Decree by Dokshitsy District Soviet the Jewish Cemetery was eliminated. In 1965 in the place of the Jewish Cemetery a park was planted.</div><div style="margin-left: 80px;"> </div> <div style="margin-left: 80px;">In 2005 during repair works on Pionersky Street some grave stones previously covered by soil were discovered. The Dokshitsy District Soviet considers it is necessary to preserve the remnants of the Jewish Cemetery: to beautify the place, to install a memorial.</div><div style="margin-left: 80px;"> </div> <div style="margin-left: 80px;">Work on the reconstruction has been started, however financial resources are needed to continue the work. We ask for your financial help in the beautification of the place of the former Cemetery. We hope for your support and understanding in the intention to create a Memorial to the hundreds of Jewish citizens of Dokshitsy.</div> <div style="margin-left: 80px;"> </div> <div style="margin-left: 80px;"> <wbr> Vice - Chairman S.M. Demeshko <br /></div><br /> I was very happy to have received a letter directly from the authorities. Although I did not know about the letter, I had arranged for Franklin Swartz to drive to Dokshitsy and meet with the authorities, which he did on November 2rd, the day before I received the letter. In a long call via Skype on November 5th, I learned from Frank how the town had done a good job erecting the stones, and we discussed how the Friends of Jewish Dokshitsy could help.<br /><br />Today, I responded to the letter from S M Demeshko with a letter of my own, although, of course, his letter was overtaken by events. Here is the text of my response:<br /><blockquote>The Friends of Jewish Dokshitsy, Inc.<br />c/o Aaron Ginsburg, 43 Ames St. Sharon, Massachusetts 02067 USA<br />A Massachusetts non-profit corporation formed to perpetuate the memory of the Jewish communities of Dokshitsy, Parafianov, and nearby villages. Aaron Ginsburg, President and Treasurer, Richard Fein, Clerk,<br />Ruthann Ruthchild, Noah Horowitz, directors.<br />web site: www.jewishdokshitsy.org E-mail:info@jewishdokshitsy.org Phone:1-508-682-3115 skype: aaron.ginsburg<br /> <br /><br />Chairman S M Demeshka<br />Dokshitsy District Executive Committee of the District Soviet of People's Deputies<br />211720 Dokshitsy Lenina 31<br />Belarus<br />November 23, 2007<br /><br />Dear Chairman Demeshka,<br /><br />Thank you for your recent letter. Ironically, I received it the day after you met with Dr. Franklin Swartz, although I did not know the result of the meeting at the time I opened the letter. I want to reconfirm that I have asked Dr. Swartz to work with you on my behalf both to finish the work that the town of Dokshitsy started, and to plan the re-dedication of the Jewish cemetery on May 23, 2007. I have full confidence in Dr. Swartz. In addition to being a good person, he has the necessary knowledge and experience. I will generally communicate through him. However, if you feel the need to communicate with me directly do not hesitate.<br /><br />Dr. Swartz has informed me how carefully the tombstones have been re-erected, and I am grateful. With his help, I am coming up with plans to build a fence around the entire site, assist in landscaping, and erect a memorial stone to the Jewish community. Across the street at the massacre site, I hope to somehow point out that in addition to other residents of the town, most of the Jewish residents of Dokshitsy were killed in May, 1942. I will work with you to come up with the appropriate wording.<br /><br />You may wish to explore the website I have created at www.jewishdokshitsy.org. I have updated it to refer to the work that you have done, to the dedication, to include the pictures Frank sent of the cemetery, and to add a blog.<br /><br />By respecting the dead as best we can, we are also showing respect for the living. The good will that Dokshitsy is expressing will help to correct the one-sided view of Jewish life there, that not surprisingly, tends to be obsessed with the Holocaust.<br /><br />I plan to attend this event, and hope to be accompanied by people from Europe, America, and Israel. I look forward to meeting you and the citizens of Dokshitsy at that time, and to working with you on this and similar projects.<br /><br />Sincerely,<br /><br /><br />Aaron Israel Ginsburg<br /><br />Sharon, Massachusetts, USA</blockquote>Aaron Ginsburghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12344258702785723482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4109269918870934162.post-41167978708995077552007-11-21T12:13:00.000-05:002007-11-21T12:49:42.051-05:00CreationI have created this blog to record in detail the activities of The Friends of Jewish Dokshitsy, Inc. I created the Friends to help save the remains of the Jewish cemetery in the town in Belarus where my father was born. Just yesterday the town of Dokshitsy signed off (in a phone call with Franklin Swartz on the dedication day of May 23, 2008, which is Lag B'Omer(the 33rd day of the month of Omer in the Jewish calender. The date was proposed by my daughter Rebecca on Saturday when I was discussing the cemetery and the site of the Shoah directly across the street. I happened to mention that most of the Jewish residents were herded to their deaths on Lag B'Omer, 1942, and should pointed out that this was when the dedication should occur. I realized immediately that this was the best possible date, and was superior to my initial proposal of Yom Hashoah. I sent a message to Eitan Kremer, a leader in the group of Dokshitzers and their descendants in Israel, who concurred and who may bring a group to the dedication. By chance I got a message from my cousin Mark Izeman yesterday. Mark is an attorney currently residing in Moscow. Mark intends to be at the dedication.<br /><br />On November 2nd, at my request, Franklin Swartz, an American residing in Minsk, met with the officials in Dokshitsy, including the chairman (mayor). To my surprise and delight the town had started to restore the cemetery by erecting the extant tombstones, of which there are at least 150. Frank informed me that the work was carefully done, and sent pictures that confirmed this. He was assured that the entire cemetery, most of which is a vacant lot, would be preserved, because, after all, it is a cemetery. Help was sought to build a fence around the entire property. Frank and I also discussed a memorial stone in the cemetery, landscaping, and a corrective plaque or monument at the site of the Shoah, where the current monument makes no reference to the fact that most of the Jews of Dokshitsy were murdered there.<br /><br />Since November 2nd I have been in a tizzy, since this is the culmination of almost two years of effort. There is much planning to be done. Fund raising needs to resume in earnest.<br /><br />In future posts I will review how I became involved in this project, the history of the project, and going forward will try to regularly share developments and ideas. Your input is always welcome.Aaron Ginsburghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12344258702785723482noreply@blogger.com1