Object numberM2016/036:003
DescriptionThis is a handwritte letter from Mania (donor’s aunt) to Stenia (donor’s mother) sent on 11/12/1938 in Polish. It discusses the reaction to the Pszenny’s emigration, which Mania supports and praises while also encouraging her sister in her new life, saying that things will get better. Mania also writes about circumstances in Europe, where German Jews were sent to the Polish border, how much she and her daughter (Stefcia) miss her and Stenia’s son (the donor). It represents the beginning of the unfurling of knowledge of what the coming war would bring and how a family living in the time perceived it.
Production date 1938-12-11 - 1938-12-11
Object nameletters
Dimensions
- height: 280.00 mm
width: 220.00 mm
Language
- Polish Dearest
A few days ago I sent a letter by air but I didn’t answer all your questions. But as I can see you are wishing to know what everyone thought of your leaving. I am telling people how clever you were in leaving but I’m not telling anybody that you are not earning any money yet. But please understand that beginning won’t be easy straight away, unless one goes to a very rich family. You will see that in a short time it will get better because everyone is dreaming to get away from here. Heniek’s sister went to Paris and she also wanted to come back but after a while they were very happy there.
You must have heard that the Germans are sending the German Jews to the Polish border and there are already thousands there and father gets telephone calls a letters and some of them come from the same town as father. They even say that his name is Gabriyel Berkman and papa comes from there and he straight away sent them money and we got a letter thanking him very, very much and they all say they are coming to us. God help us. We shouldn’t be sorry we are happy that we can help them. Again thank God that you are there with that sweet baby. This is the greatest happiness for you both and slowly everything will start working for you if only my dearest Stenia. I am very sorry that you have to do everything for yourself. Do you have any friends? How is Mrs Goldberg does she see you as a friend?
My dearest don’t be annoyed with Romeczka, a baby is not responsible for this situation, better look after yourself, baby and also Ben.
If only you knew how terrible it was for us. How we yearn for you. There is not a minute that Stefcia was not talking about Romeczek. She tells everyone that she is going to him and she carries his photo and kisses it all the time and she says how sweet he is and he is. Dearest Cesiniu, why don’t you write about how you manage the housework and does Ben help you a bit? And Ben don’t be annoyed with me because you should help Cesi as much as possible and with God’s help one day all will be well. My dearest you should be very happy that you don’t see your mother in law anymore.
Dearest, how goes your singing? Do you have some better hopes? With Dorka her neck is the same. And my season is finished because winter is coming now. And then I was reading in the papers that there was a terrific storm in Sydney and the traffic was washed off the roads. Let me know how everything is.
Heniek’s boss Hymelstaub’s firm Fibra, their family is learning English and want to emigrate to Australia.
You have the best example of how Jews want to emigrate. Also my dearest you can think of the stupidity that your enemies can (?) from envy. My dearest write often by ordinary mail and we will write often.
Kisses and be healthy and happy. Kisses from mommy and daddy and all the family
Mania
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by Prof Ron Penny AO