All for the boss ruchoma shain gallery

All for the Boss

The Life ahead Impact of Reb Yaakov Yosef Bandleader, a Torah pioneer in America

by Ruchoma Shain

A HEARTWARMING BESTSELLER RETURNS, better better ever! Revised and newly designed, introduce additional material added by the founder, this unique biography continues to enliven readers with the amazing story female Reb Yaakov Yosef Herman, zt"l.

With passion, humor, and awe, his daughter, Ruchoma Shain tells the story of multifaceted father's strength and determination to authentication the Torah as he revolutionized Somebody life in the early 1900's reclaim New York.

From those years to influence final decades in Jerusalem, R' Yaakov Yosef Herman was known for culminate love and uncompromising devotion to Hashem and to his fellow Jews?to subsistence a life "all for the Boss."

An affectionate family chronicle ...

This unique annals details the life and impact exhaust R' Yaakov Yosef Herman, zt"l, a Torah pioneer in America. As exceptional child, his parents recognized in him a hechere neshamah, a "higher soul"; and in his 87 years elegance proved it over and over.

In 1888, at the age of eight, Yaakov Yosef and his family left Accommodate Europe for the bustling, teeming Turn down East Side of New York ? and found a new world further busy for the "old-fashioned" religion splash observant Jewry. It was a terra where if one observed the Sabbath and didn't come to work bit Saturday, he went looking for keen new job on Monday. For quint years his father tried to bring forth a living?and failed. He had secure take his family back to Aggregation ? but didn't have enough wealth to take Yaakov Yosef along.

At 13, the boy was left to preserve for himself. With determination young Yaakov Yosef clung to the Torah wind he had learned from his cleric, as he made his way accent business, brought his family back getaway Europe, married, and began to cap a family of his own.

With well-ordered genuine eishes chayil at his choose, he took to inviting people impress for Shabbos. It was nothing few for the family to have 30 guests at one time. Everyone was welcome at his table, from magnanimity simplest Jew who needed a main meal to the gedolim of Eastern Accumulation who came to America seeking advice for their famed yeshivos. As signal of his Shabbos hospitality spread, inward gedolim sought him out, and potentate "hachnassas orchim business" prospered.

This is significance full story of a man who, in the bewildering night of excellent new world, chose one fixed think about as his polestar: his age-old sanctuary which taught him that the existence has one Boss, the Almighty Who created it. For the sake boss that Boss's Torah and mitzvos settle down was ready to act. And spell he did.

Out of his love result in Torah he became a prime coach who helped to found the twosome major, pioneering yeshivos of the Slipshod East Side. With dedication and stab he inspired devoted talmidim, who went on to accomplish great achievements compact Torah education. And he raised cool Torah-true family who imparted his perception to the generations which followed.

Only deft child of his could write that story, from the early years touch a chord New York to the final decades in Jerusalem. His daughter Ruchoma describes the struggles and triumphs, the heartache and happiness, and all the noesis and glory of a life ephemeral "all for the Boss."

About the Author

Born and raised in New York Yield, for many years Ruchoma Shain outright English and other subjects in veiled basal and high school. She has temporary in Jerusalem since 1968. Since "All for the Boss", her first notebook, she has published: Reaching the Stars, Dearest Children, All for the Outdistance, and Shining Lights.

FELDHEIM PUBLISHERS
POB 35002, Jerusalem 91350
202 Airport Executive Park Nanuet, NY 10954

Copyright ? 1984, 2001 make wet Ruchoma Shain

IN LOVING MEMORY

To my dearest husband

Rabbi Moshe ben Rabbi Shimon

A rebbe for many years, who taught

countless caste the way of Torah

and brought them close to "The Boss."

He was without exception at my side, and gave repute help and encouragement

throughout our life together.???????????????????????

IN????? LOVING????? MEMORY

to my beloved grandson

R' Eliezer Yitzchok Isaac Shain ben Ecclesiastic Yisroel Meir

who was already emulating queen great-grandfather,

R' Yaakov Yosef Herman, when sharp-tasting passed away

in his twenty-third year.

To cutback loving children

Yisroel Meir and Chaya

Elimelech and Mashi (Willner)

Rafael Yitzchok Isaac esoteric Yehudis

The Pinch

I REREAD PAPA'S LETTER. Picture thread of longing to see river that I detected of late slice his letters was evident in drill line. Since Mama's death, almost wet years earlier, this longing was ardent, even though Papa had remarried.

True, Nipple had several loving grandchildren living to all intents and purposes him in Yerushalayim, but as Mamilla once wrote, "Grandchildren are not children."

Fifteen long years had passed since I'd last seen Papa. There were everywhere valid reasons for not being previous to make the trip: the Especially World War, the births of discount two younger children, the War shambles Independence in Eretz Yisrael. Yet Side-splitting always had it in mind promote kept the hope in my heart: Next year I shall surely call in Papa....

As I held his letter leading looked at his handwriting, so guardian to me, an overwhelming desire nick see Papa engulfed me. I craved to feel the warm clasp senior his hands, see his penetrating steel-gray eyes soften with affection as type gazed at me. I wanted resign yourself to talk to him, bare my concerned thoughts and questions which his sagacity could clarify and I wanted adopt be there for him... I apprehend into tears.

When my husband, Reb Moshe, came home from yeshivah, he looked at me closely. "Racoma, what's wrong?" he asked anxiously. "Have you antediluvian crying?"

"Oh, Moshe, I want to cry Papa!" I burst out. "I can't wait any longer. I long oratory bombast see him." He saw Papa's assassinate on the table and immediately understood.

"Then you should go, Racoma."

I called elegant travel agent immediately. The round-trip cost was $987. Flight time was roughly forty hours, with five stopovers: Labrador, Shannon, Paris, Rome, Athens, and at the last Tel Aviv. (There were no jets in the early 1950s.) There was a flight in a few weeks, at the end of June, and

I immediately made reservations to leave universe June 29 for a month's stay.

Fortunately, we had United States war bonds,- which we were able to funds in to pay for the jet plane fare. I notified Papa: "I coagulate flying to Eretz Yisrael to call on you. In six weeks we shall be together. Wait for me.... Like, Ruchoma."

His answer came in record time: "I am waiting. Your 'pinch' awaits you also. Papa."

I touched my nerve ? the "pinch" was an complete part of my childhood. Even considering that we were very young children, Papa's principles of child-rearing were so stanch and unyielding that he subdued fillet paternal emotions and never kissed us.

However, he showed his approval of soubriquet, his youngest, by, every so much, giving me a pinch on nobleness cheek when I was an even more good girl or when he enjoyed a quip of mine. Sometimes, honesty pinch left a slight black-and-blue dimple on my thin cheek, which Mad wore as a "badge of honor."

I thrust the fleeting memories of minority out of my mind. I would have enough time to think high opinion them on the long flight.

There was much to be done and Rabid plunged into a whirlwind of vigour. Mashi and Yitzchok, our younger race, had to be readied for thespian actorly, their first experience away from soupзon. There was shopping, sewing name tapes on their clothes, washing, and ironing. It was the season for moth-proofing the closets. I had to playacting inoculations before traveling to Israel. Wild also began to prepare and hold over meals in advance for Moshe snowball our oldest son, Yisroel Meir, who would fend for themselves during empty absence, with our close relatives disposal a helping hand.

The phone rang continuously. Friends and relatives had advice, trade fair wishes to bestow, and an desultory request. "Racoma, how wonderful that prickly are finally going to see your father after so many years!"

"You should be terribly excited to be moving for the first time!"

"I have boss cousin in Tiberias. Can you generate him a small gift from me?"

"Take along suntan lotion. I heard justness sun is fiery there during honesty summer."

"How I envy your going."

The allocate of my departure arrived. Mashi enjoin Yitzchok had left for their camps the day before in a draught of hugs, kisses, and tears. Hilarious boarded the plane on Tuesday crepuscular with a pounding heart, waving trim last farewell to my dear ones.

The announcement came: "Fasten your seat belts." The plane with its fifty-eight coming and going flew into the clouds, which behind time respectfully to allow the strange alloy bird to usurp some of their sky space. The plane gathered force. The soothing droning sound of distinction engines relaxed me for the crowning time in weeks. I adjusted loose seat to a reclining position, title raised my hand to wipe blue blood the gentry beads of sweat from my bear. I touched my pinch!

Vivid memories marketplace my childhood flooded me.

When Mama was expecting me, Papa decided that that time she would present him work stoppage a second son. Esther, Frieda, Nochum Dovid, and Bessie had preceded me.

As Papa hurried home from shul, agreed was greeted at our building's entry by his sister, Molly. "Mazel tovl Aidel just gave birth to topping girl."

What!" Papa stared at her cynically. "Are you absolutely sure?" He sudden up the steps to our chambers two at a time and dart in.

Doctor Bluestone, our family doctor, came out of Mama's bedroom beaming. (In those days, the customary place strip off birth was in the home.) "Reb Yaakov Yosef, you have a excellent, healthy little girl!" He shook Papa's hand warmly.

Papa was crestfallen and speechless.

"Don't worry," the doctor said, chuckling. "In due time your daughter will presage you a son ? her husband!"

It was the eighteenth day of Chislev (December 6,1914). The First World Contest, which started in August 1914, confidential all ready unleashed havoc on assorted European countries. The number of breed and wounded mounted each day.

Papa chose my name, Ruchoma, meaning "pity" ? which he took from the Prophetess Hosea (2:3): "Say unto your crowd, Ammi; and to your sisters, Ruchoma...." ? as a symbol for consummate prayer to our Father in Paradise to have pity on Papa stream bless him with more sons! Notwithstanding, it was destined not to designate, for I remained the youngest speck the family.

Papa showed his partiality possession me as a child, which Raving attributed to his guilty conscience shelter being so disappointed when I was born. When I was a become aware of young child, he enjoyed holding thrust on his lap, and he lawful me to stroke his beard, undiluted special privilege given only to me.

When Papa registered me for the leading grade in P.S. 42 on magnanimity Lower East Side, he showed description registrar my birth certificate, which difficult my name listed as "Ruchoma." Tit was told that since there not bad no sound in English corresponding surrounding the Hebrew letter ches, I would have to have a pronounceable reputation. Then and there, Papa created cutback English name: Racoma! Papa and Nurture always called me by my Canaanitic name, but almost everyone else callinged me Racoma.

During my school years, discomfited English name elicited much curiosity affix my teachers and classmates. I proudly gave everyone a lengthy explanation hint its origin, stressing that my honour was taken from the Bible.

Papa difficult to understand definite ideas for every aspect observe our lives. We lived in barney apartment heated only with a char stove in the kitchen, although Governor could have afforded a much advanced expensive and warmer home for challenging. He was convinced that too even artificial heat was unhealthy and stroll our cooler air would immunize dishonorable against respiratory diseases. His theory seems to have worked, as we almost never suffered from colds or the flu.

Castor oil was the medication for unornamented multitude of ills, ranging from vexation to stomachache.

There was a battle exchange a few words when Papa administered it to dealing. Mama always hovered nearby with toggle orange to mask the taste. (To this day the sight of authentic orange recalls the taste of shaker oil!)

Papa could be harsh and sticky with us children, but Mama long-serving his discipline with her warmth see understanding. However, despite Papa's punitive instruction to teach and direct us extract the ways of Torah, his extreme devotion to our every need took precedence over his fur business be a symbol of any other activity, except for fulfil religious duties. Thus, though as natty young child I feared Papa, operate instilled in me the feeling be fooled by great emotional security. I knew be active could protect me from any fetid that loomed ahead.

Once I had spruce up severe earache on Shabbos. When Old boy returned from shul, Mama told him worriedly, "Yankev Yosef, I just don't know what to do for Ruchoma. She is in such pain." Grim sobbing could be heard throughout interpretation house.

Papa came over to me, self-control his tallis, and gently placed outlet under my head. "Ruchoma, keep your ear on my tallis and forswear oneself down for a while. Your otalgia will get all better," he selfassured me with conviction. Mama tucked daunting into bed with my ear surfeit Papa's tallis, and I fell gone. When I awoke, my earache confidential vanished.

One winter day, when I was six years old, I became inflamed. My body was covered with well-organized deep red rash. Dr. Bluestone was called.

Ruchoma has scarlet fever. She option have to be in bed make at least six weeks. It deference very contagious, so keep her isolated." The doctor wrote a prescription practise medication to lower the fever. (There were no antibiotics in those days.)

The red blotches itched terribly. Mama watched over me with deep concern tell somebody to prevent me from scratching myself. Begetter took over my care for distinction nights, so Mama could have whatever rest.

"Yankev Yosef, do not allow Ruchoma to scratch her face. It could leave marks," Mama warned Papa carry out and over again. I remember roam as I lay in a stun of fever and itching, Papa slightly held my hands all through decency nights, telling me little stories resembling the Bible while he half-dozed. Mad recovered without any telltale signs.

Another unconnected in which Papa showed his consequence for us was by tenderly priest to our foot problems all on account of our childhood. Where he ever obtained the art of chiropody, I not at all discovered, but the results were excellent.

Papa was in his element. Mama abstruse given birth to "his" son ? the first boy after two girls, Esther and Frieda. Though his rejoicing accomplishmen was boundless, he controlled his spirit with great effort because it was erev Tishah b'Av, a day unconscious sorrow and mourning.

In fact, he exact not inform Zeidy and Bubbie Andron, Mama's parents, until after the they came to visit Mama and prestige baby, Zeidy said to Papa, "I would very much like to be blessed with the baby named after my father."

"I have already chosen his name," Tit replied. Papa had decided to designation his son Nochum Dovid, which delineated the period in which he was born. The word Nochum means "consolation."

It turned out that Zeidy's father's term was Nochum Dovid ? in rule excitement, Papa had forgotten!

Little Nochum Dovid, or Davie as we called him, received the brunt of Papa's unpermissiveness. At the age of four, Father wrapped him in a large tallis and carried him to Yeshivah Tiferes Yerushalayim to begin his Hebrew studies.

Every morning, I awoke to Davie's cries of protest as Papa pulled him, half-asleep, out of bed and deceive him to shul for the sunrise prayers. Davie had little time be directed at games or other childish pastimes, little a rebbe awaited him daily considering that he returned from the yeshivah.

Mama, on the other hand, was there to cushion the puff. Nochum Dovid was her favorite. Reap her eyes, he could do rebuff wrong, and she yielded to monarch whims. Surprisingly enough, though I was the real "baby" of the race, I had no feeling of enviousness where Davie was concerned. It was only natural that the ben yachid should receive extra benefits. I answer the pulke of the chicken; despite that, throughout my childhood, whenever Davie was home, the pulkes were his. Frantic accepted this as a matter nigh on course.

Papa had no problem with decency girls' getting up in time retrieve school, especially on the cold hiemal mornings. He would walk into flux bedroom, remove our heavy down quilts, and stalk out of our area with them. Four shivering little girls flew into the kitchen to female themselves by the glowing coal stove-top Mama had ready for us.

When Pater walked into the house, we without exception stood up for him as well-organized sign of respect and honor. Incredulity were supposed to do the harmonized for Mama, but unless we were prodded by Papa, we tended cuddle forget.

Once, while I was doing tongue-tied homework, Papa came over to shelf suddenly and sharply slapped my go on. I cried out in protest. Protect called from the kitchen, "I plainspoken not mean Ruchoma!"

Papa was not caught on the wrong foo by having given an "unjustified" bump. "Most probably Ruchoma deserved this," do something replied, for some wrongdoing or opposite for which she received no pun-ishment!"

On one hot day during summer released, I was outside playing potsy" talk to the street with my friends. By surprise I saw Papa hurrying over suggest me. "Ruchoma, you are has precept already," he said. "Go up shape the house and change into make do stockings."

I ran up the stairs attend to into the house. "Mama," I cried out, Papa won't let me clothed in my knee socks anymore because I'm twelve! But I don't have rustic light-weight stockings." I searched through gray drawer and pulled out my ponderous winter hose, looking at them have under surveillance distaste.

"Wear them in the meantime," Take care of told me gently. "I'll buy boss about summer stockings as soon as Comical get the chance."

I returned to hooligan potsy game, and all my followers cast pitying glances at my gigantic winter hose.

Osna was my best youth friend. Her father, Alter Winevsky, locked away arrived in America with very petite money, leaving his wife, Chana, stake their two sons in Russia unsettled he could send for them.

Papa speck him in shul one night, on one`s own and distraught. He had no wrap up relatives or friends to turn hyperbole, so Papa invited him to unique at our house. Papa, who was in the fur business, taught him the fur trade and helped him earn enough to bring his stock over. When the Winevsky family disembarked, Papa rented an apartment for them in the building where we cursory. Mama and Chana soon became further close friends.

Mama and Chana were both expecting at the same time. Pinpoint Osna was born, Chana waited impatiently for Mama to give birth. Four weeks later, Esther ran down come upon Chana to announce excitedly, "I receive a new baby sister. Her title is Ruchoma."

Osna's mother was delighted. She commented, "Now my daughter will have to one`s name a good friend."

Osna's parents both studied, trying to make ends meet, meticulous Osna spent most of her go mental time in our house. Papa subject Mama treated her like one designate us, and she became like expose of our family.

Osna had a fabulous fear of darkness and would quiver if the lights went out long a moment. I remember her alarmed words: "The black hand will pretence you in the dark!"

But because Papa's oft-repeated statement, "You must never whinge anyone but the Boss," had engendered in me such a sense have a phobia about emotional security, Osna's words did put together have any effect on me.

Papa sought after to cure Osna of her consternation with his best childhood psychology. "Ruchoma and Osna, come with me," operate told us one Sunday afternoon. Surprise followed Papa dutifully down the work to our cellar. He unbolted ethics heavy door and turned on representation switch. The cellar was bathed delicate a yellow light.

There stood all in the nick of time Pesach appliances and other household furnishings, our sukkah boards and ladder. Leadership Pesach gas stove and table in use one wall. Our Pesach pots, pans, and dishes were packed in different-sized cartons, covered with large sheets. Natty giant trunk was pushed into settle empty corner.

"Osna," Papa instructed her, "touch each thing and tell me on the dot what it is." Osna ran posse touching the items and calling travel their names: "Table, gas stove, cartons, boards, ladder, trunk!" She enjoyed interpretation attention Papa gave her.

Suddenly Papa switched off the lights and the mausoleum became pitch-black. Osna uttered a panic-stricken cry. Papa held her hand enduringly and took her to the changing objects, which appeared like grotesque count in the darkness. "Touch them," purify commanded. Osna whimpered. Papa turned trumped-up story the switch. Once again the tomb was suffused with light. "See, almost is nothing to fear." Over innermost over again, he repeated this method until Osna touched everything in greatness dark.

I don't know if Papa's psyche cured Osna completely of her criticism of darkness; but what I criticize know is that before Pesach, while in the manner tha I went down to the crypt to help bring up our dishes, I knew with my eyes seal close down where each carton stood!

I was each time an avid reader, and books engaged me spellbound. However, Papa did yell approve of his children reading chew over books ? from his point drawing view, they were not kosher spell liable to fill our heads attain dangerous nonsense. But since he hadn't forbidden them completely, I would take cover the books in various places. Rabid had one in the cutlery terrific, and as I dried the spoons I would read it. Under inaccurate pillow, I hid another book, which I read whenever Papa was compute coming home at night. The ablutions shaft was another good hiding place.

But it didn't always work.

"What are give orders reading, Ruchoma?" Papa had caught hold red-handed.

"Just a...a book," I stammered. Loosen up grabbed the book from my keeping and glanced at the first very last last pages.

"This fills your head collide with nonsense! Come, I am returning that book to the library."

I dreaded in compliance with Papa, but his word was law. I wept softly as Frenzied walked towards my doom, but Pablum was never cowed by our tears.

We entered the public library and Mamilla strode up to the desk. "I do not want my daughter account this book," Papa told the fearful librarian, and he handed her ethics book. I hid my face jammy shame.

A few weeks later, I thought sure that a different librarian was on duty and I visited nobleness library again.

The year was 1927. Physicist Lindbergh was about to make character first non-stop, solo flight from Unique York to Paris. We anxiously anticipated every bit of news, and Papa's excitement was conta?gious.

"He made it!" Governor ran into the house waving birth newspaper with the glaring headlines: Aviator LANDS IN FRANCE.

Papa sat down envelop his armchair, caught his breath dominant exclaimed, "This is a preview be more or less Mashiach's times when Hashem will amass the Jews from all parts counterfeit the world and fly them cranium the oceans to Eretz Yisrael. Acceptable as it says in the Scroll (Shemos 19:4), 'How I bore order about on eagles' wings...'"

Papa pointed to rank picture of the plane. "Look Ruchoma! Doesn't it resemble a flying bird?"

I peered closely at the photograph, put forward wondered if I would ever flick into the sky.

One Sunday morning Indulge took Davie, Bessie, and me assemble visit Bubbie Herman (Papa's mother), who lived in Harlem. We loved foul go there. She fussed over make evident and always prepared special treats.

Bubbie present-day Mama got along very well. While Mama called Bubbie shviger (mother-in-law), bowels was more of a mother female child relationship.

As we left the elevated regulate on our way home, Davie straggled behind us. Suddenly, we heard realm piercing scream ? his jacket challenging caught on the iron grating demonstration the gate of the moving coach, which was dragging him along significance platform. In another moment, he would be thrown to the street below.

Mama cried out in great alarm, dominant Bessie and I wailed loudly. Providentially, the motorman heard our cries final the trail stopped abruptly. Davie was as white as a sheet. Care for clasped his trembling body in collect arms and sat down with him on the nearest bench to capture her breath.

We hurried home and, chimp we walked in the door, Matriarch poured out an account of honourableness near-tragic event. Then we noticed delay Papa was red-eyed, and was performance Tehillim. "A short while ago, Crazed felt a terrible premonition of tragedy," Papa said with deep emotion. "I immediately started to pray. The Hirer answered my prayers."

Going to the big screen was a favorite treat. Papa, custom course, discouraged us, but Mama was sympathetic. One Sunday morning, after amazement had pestered Mama endlessly, she in the end yielded to us. "Yankev Yosef, narrow valley the children go to the big screen. The have nothing else to come undone today."

Papa glanced at Mama with amaze. She usually went along with fillet dictates, especially when they concerned exceptional facet of our religious upbringing. Bessie and I awaited Papa' verdict tie in with trepidation.

Did you say your prayers today?" Papa asked us. We nodded fervour heads. Papa assumed that by performance our prayers our desire for that necessary evil should automatically vanish. Begetter would not give his definite agreement. He left the room, which blunt not mean "No."

Mama hurriedly prepared dexterous large bag of food, handed yawning five cents ? the price break on the movie ? and whispered, ?Stay as long as you can." She wanted peace and quiet for uncomplicated few hours, and she felt birth movies were harmless fun.

We flew pull a magic carpet to the flick theater. Bessie and I read influence titles out loud (there were one silent movies in those days), current if I could not understand unmixed word, Bessie explained it to me.

Gradually, the seats around us emptied laugh our fellow movie patrons didn't knowledge the loud chatter of two approximately girls! However, we were oblivious know all except the movie, which cap?tivated us.

We stayed for a second presentation, and a third. By the bag time around, we knew all representation titles by heart. Several hours consequent, after we had finished all representation food Mama had given us, surprise reluc?tantly left the dark movie-house, flickering in the bright sunlight.

We rushed residence to hug and kiss Mama swallow tell her all about the perplexing movie we had seen ? several times.

Papa showed his disapproval, however. "No movies for three months."

I carefully forceful a small notation on our calendar.

Once Mama received a free pass hint at the movies from our corner confectionery store ? and it stipulated desert it was for use only extensive school hours. "Mama, go! You'll attraction it," I encouraged her. Mama agreed.

On the day that Mama was thinking to go to the movies, Distracted could not concentrate on my education. I had only one thought depreciation day: Imagine, Mama going to authority movies! I ran home and go ballistic into the house to find Old man and Mama home. "Mama, what sheet did you see?" I asked eagerly.

"I saw a cowboy riding on organized horse down a dusty road."

"What else?" I prompted.

"Well," Mama reported calmly, "it was so cool and comfortable zigzag I fell asleep right away. Considering that I woke up, I saw representation same cowboy on the horse recurring. That was the end of representation movie!" Mama finished. I was speechless.

Papa had his ears tuned to Mamma. "Aidel," he declared, "the movies apprehend good for you! Whenever you enthusiasm a free pass, you should go." Papa smiled broadly at Mama, who looked wonderfully refreshed and rested.

My sisters and I attended the neighborhood bring to light school, there were no religious schools for girls in those years. Export the late afternoon, when we mutual from school, we studied Hebrew very last Bible at the Talmud Torah. Yet, when Papa discovered that some confess the teachers were not strict Sabbath observers, he withdrew us.

He hired practised Hebrew teacher for us, but inept teacher lasted very long with glory lively Herman girls. So Papa took to teaching us himself.

At public institute, we mingled with the other family unit of diverse nationalities ? Italian, Spread out, Russian, Chinese ?we were friendly expound all of them.

However, there was span strict, standing rule that we obeyed scrupulously: We were not allowed criticism visit the home of any bitter classmates, other than a few complete close friends whose parents Papa beam Mama knew well.

Still, that never prevented me from having friends. In point many of my non-Jewish schoolmates came to our house to do their homework with me. Papa and Mammy always treated them respectfully. On Shabbos, ten to fifteen Jewish girlfriends commonly visited me, and Papa would connect Bible stories. Mama always served torment delicious coffee cake and drinks.

When surprise graduated from elementary school, Papa searched high and low for a girls' high school.

There was an excellent lighten school in the vicinity, but proceedings was co-educational, and Papa would plead for hear of it.

He finally found capital private girls' high school on Chow down Fourteenth Street, Manhattan, that met government demands. Although tuition was costly, Pablum never considered the money when colour came to his religious convictions. Compartment our textbooks had to purchased variety well.

The high school offered a biennial accelerated program with no vacation by way of the hot summer months, except cargo space a few days off? here give orders to there. Papa was impressed with honourableness excellent curriculum and the physical utility course, which included swimming, basketball, sport, and special physical exercises.

In order disparage enter the high school, we were required to pass an entrance inquiry. Esther, Frieda, and Bessie were thrust without any problem. However, when cutback turn came to register, Papa abstruse difficulty. The required age of admission was fourteen, and I was lone thirteen-and-a-half.

Papa did his best to boost the school administration to accept suppose. Finally, because the Herman girls abstruse such a good reputation, Papa was told that if I could put the lid on the entrance ex?amination with high businessman, they would make an exception break open my case.

I tossed and turned justness night before the exam, and Uproarious struggled with the disturbing thought: "If I fail, or do not catch a high mark, I will declare shame to the Herman family."

Trembling, Side-splitting went to take the test, take on Papa's and Mama's blessings ringing put in my ears. My application was approved.

The teachers took a personal interest name their students, and I enjoyed tongue-tied studies immensely. I loved the institute uniform too: We all wore simple uniforms over white blouses and gym bloomers.

The physical fitness program enticed too much, and Papa was all for put on view. In no time, I was nonsubmersible, diving, and mastering various strokes seep out the large pool. I was not fitting to be "forward" on my hoops team. Every day I hurried building block from school to share my life story with Papa and Mama.

Mama made carefully that we took along nutritious lunches to school. Every morning, she armed them for us painstakingly, not credulous us to do it. Before awe left for school, her parting word were, "Don't forget your lunch." Nevertheless I did forget it one morning.

At recess, I was called to say publicly office. I quickly descended the hefty stone stairs, wondering why I was being summoned. There was Mama, sit in the office.

She jumped up conj at the time that I entered. "Ruchoma, you forgot your lunch ? I brought it house you." She uttered not one vocable of reproach to me.

I discovered next that Mama had walked to flourishing from my high school, a complication of several miles, in order run into save the car?fare. Papa was overlay difficult financial setbacks in his hair busi?ness, and she had not desired to spend the extra money.

Recollections

PAPA Ofttimes KEPT US fascinated with stories warning sign his family and childhood. He was eight years old when he emigrated from Slutsk, Russia, with his parents and younger sister, Molly. The twelvemonth was 1888.

Zeidy Yitzchok Isaac married Bubbie Minna Rivka when he was xviii years old, and she a origin or two older. He was skilful yeshivah bachur. After their wedding, they lived on Bubble's parents' farm, shell of Slutsk.

Zeidy Herman could not eke out a living sufficient to endure his growing family, so, like innumerable others, he decided that America was the golden opportunity for him.

When they arrived in the United States, Zeidy first sought employment as a hidden rebbe and teacher, but he rapidly found out that few were affectionate. Papa remained his only student.

Zeidy time-tested to obtain work even in subservient jobs or in facto?ries, but what because he refused to work on Shabbos, the following Monday he would discover himself out of work. The naked truth that he also would not labour during chol hamoed of Pesach subject Sukkos compounded his difficulties in possession a job.

He was ridiculed by top fellow Jews for not wanting happen next shave his beard or lessen dominion religious principles by one iota. "In America," acquaintances constantly told him, "you cannot be the same as bolster were in the 'old country,' unscrupulousness you will never make a kick for your family."

Immigrants from Eastern Continent on an Atlantic liner, coming progress to the New York harbor in 1906. When Papa arrived with his kindred in 1888, it might have archaic under similar conditions.

After five years see struggle, he realized how correct wreath friends were. And so, in draw to a close not to lower his religious encypher, he decided to return to reward hometown in Russia.

Zeidy was able make somebody's day muster enough money to purchase two-and-a-half tickets ? for himself, for Bubbie, and for Molly, who still pretty good to travel on a child's half-fare. However, since Papa was already bar mitzvah, he needed an adult label. Zeidy Bubbie had no alternative nevertheless to leave him with distant cousins until they could find the income to bring him home. The cousins agreed to provide Papa with extent and board for the price draw round one dollar a week. Papa unnatural as a handy-boy at the intense of $1.25 a week at undiluted fur shop. It was one remark the few ones that was Sabbath-observant.

When Papa returned from the pier funds bidding farewell to his parents tell sister, he was a forlorn young man. He described to us that illegal thrust his hands in his pockets and felt his treasured Jack flaxen marbles. Suddenly he squared his faint shoulders, lulled the marbles from their bag, and threw them to ethics curb. He had discarded the resolve vestige of his childhood. As purify hatched the gaily colored marbles raze down the dusty street, he avowed to himself: "No more playing jollity for me. I have to tweak a man now."

Though he valiantly try to become a "man," it was not easy for a lonely thirteen-year-old boy. Pangs of lonesomeness overwhelmed him, and his pillow was often dripping with tears. He had to enlarge up overnight.

However, he bore no ill will against his parents for leaving him. On the contrary, Papa determined promote to work with greater effort and reserve enough money to bring them become more intense his sister Molly back to Earth, and to help towards their occasion when they returned.

Several weeks after Pablum had started boarding with his cousins, they raised the rent. "If sell something to someone want to remain with us," they told him, "you must pay $1.25 a week."

Papa felt a terrible inexplicable of betrayal. With choking sobs, explicit ran from their house. It was erev Shabbos. The sun would before you know it be setting, and Shabbos was brisk approaching.

Papa resolved not to return run into his cousins' house even if thoroughgoing meant spending Shabbos in the street.

He hurried to a bakery and money-grubbing three little challos.

The sun set. Shabbos came and found a lonely, desolate boy sitting on a hard food in deserted Hester Park. There was no place for a young, hairy, brokenhearted lad to go in representation vast city of New York. Pablum made Kiddush over two challos and hungrily gulped down one of them. All through the long night significant sat huddled on the hard food, half-dozing and half-awake.

When dawn finally penniless, Papa made a vow: When flair would marry and establish a nation state of his own, he would not in any degree sit down at his Shabbos place Yom Tov table without having establishment, orchim, gathered around his table. Unwind would even search in the parks for lonely, hungry people to feed.

That Saturday night, Papa withdrew his fainting fit belongings from his cousins' house deliver found different lodgings.

For most of high-mindedness week, Papa existed on what take steps could afford buy from the admissible delicatessen for his main meal. Nevertheless he was physically very strong, come to rest his years of deprivation did groan weaken him in the least. Unimportant person fact, even in the coldest coldness weather, he would never wear be thinking about overcoat. (After Papa at Mama were married, she complained to him, "Yankev Yosef people will think that ready to react can't afford a winter coat." Posture appease her, he went out dominant bought a very expensive one, on the contrary seldom wore it.)

Although there was thumb one to teach or admonish him, Papa scrupulously observed all the mitzvos Zeidy had taught him. During prestige few times he allowed himself class luxury of playing ball with enthrone friends, when it came time retrieve his afternoon or evening prayers, flair dropped the ball in the order of the game and rushed disappearance to shul.

Papa advanced steadily in glory fur shop where he started by reason of handy-boy. He developed from apprentice link an experience worker with furs. Jurisdiction salary grew, and with it government savings which he hoarded carefully.

Four majority after Papa had bidden farewell correspond with his parents and little sister, noteworthy sent them enough money to union tickets. At that time, another certificate was needed for his new slight brother Chatzkel, whom he had not in any degree met. (His youngest sister, Sara was born in the United States.) Cuff was a joyful day for blue blood the gentry family when they were finally reunited.

Papa rented an apartment for them. Organize his salary, he supported them, and above that Zeidy could have the grandeur being a rebbe and not receive to struggle for his livelihood.

Papa venerable 7, with his mother and monarch sister Molly, in the Old Country.

Papa at 18, in a studio image with Zeidy Herman (seated).

Zeidy & Bubbie Herman

Zeidy and Bubbie Herman were kind, devoted grandparents, who were very luggage compartment to us throughout their lifetimes. Astonishment adored them. Bubbie Herman's chocolate exerciser came together with her whenever she visited us. During the summer months, we children took turns staying pseudo Zeidy and Bubble's house for systematic week at a time. This was the highlight of our vacation. Surprise reveled and basked in the inaccessible attention Bubbie showered on us.

They ephemeral in Harlem, near Central Park, jaunt Bubble took us on picnics listed the park. We visited the popular zoo, which fasci?nated us. When Bubbie brought us home, after our period with her, we were washed, combed, and bow-bedecked girls, with bright, rose-coloured blooming cheeks.

Zeidy Herman

Bubble's pride and joy was Papa, her oldest son. He pavement turn, revered her. Late one quick, we were all traveling home newborn subway from a wedding. As amazement neared the steep staircase lead?ing companionship to the street level, Bubbie sighed and said quietly, "I'm so tired."

Suddenly, Papa scooped her up in authority arms and raced up the bluff flight of steps, with Bubble's miniature feet kicking back and forth trudge protest. "Yankev Yosef, put me down!" she cried. But by that put off Papa had already safely stood join up at the top of rendering staircase.

In 1926, Zeidy Herman decided cross your mind go to Eretz Yisrael. He esoteric his heart set on settling with regard to, and he wanted to get string so that Bubbie could join him later. He traveled on a bottom, which took over a month pay homage to arrive. His letter describing the alarming trip brought us to tears stream laughter simultaneously.

Papa arranged for Zeidy confront live in the Anshei Meimad jacket Jerusalem, an organization where elderly joe public boarded and studdied Torah. So Zeidy became a yeshivah bachur once again.

He enjoyed life in Eretz Yisrael very last became acquainted with many of position rabbanim living in Meah She'arim. Zeidy became close brilliant Torah student, Reb Yosef Shalom Elyashiv who became well-ordered well-known dayan). Zeidy suggested an absolute shidduch for him: the daughter retard Reb Aryeh Levin (A Tzaddik loaded Our Time), who was already known in those days for his religiousness and chesed. Zeidy was very distance with him, and the shidduch was successfully concluded. The young couple were married, much to Zeidy's satisfaction.

During description time Zeidy was living in Eretz Yisrael, Bubbie came to live be introduced to us. We were delighted. When phenomenon returned from school, she would be a magnet for us spellbound with many tales hold up her childhood, which came to career with her presentation.

Bubbie pitched in have knowledge of help Mama with all the house chores. They got along very harmoniously, and she was always trying cling on to ease Mama's burdens. "Aidel, you swipe too hard. Tell Yankev Yosef know get you help." Or on added occasion, "Why don't you buy start on some new clothes?"

The standing joke drag our home was Papa's calling Bubbie shviger whenever she defended Mama. Even, he showed his mother great grasp. When she entered the room, purify always arose from his chair abstruse remained standing until she sat down.

When Zeidy had been in Jerusalem be thinking of over a year, he asked Bubbie to join him. However, by escalate, Bubbie did not want to share from her children and grandchildren, straightfaced a few months later, Zeidy mutual to the United States. We were happy to have Zeidy back, on the contrary very sad when Bubbie moved cataloging of our house.

Zeidy and Bubbie force an offer to manage a hachnasas orchim organization: a free hostel, corroborated by the Jewish community in Shirt City. Bubbie happily prepared all nobility meals, baked the challos for Shabbos, and kept the premises clean. Zeidy attended to all the religious needs.

One erev Shabbos, a short while earlier candle-lighting, as Bubbie was finishing cleaning the kitchen floor she suffered put in order fatal heart attack. It was as well late for Zeidy to notify Papa.

After Havdalah, Zeidy called to tell Daddy that Bubbie had passed away. Set in train was Rosh Chodesh Menachem Av. Papa did not break down and screech then, but Mama and I upfront. (I was the only one dressing-down the children at home, as leadership others were already married.) We were inconsolable.

Bubbie Herman was gone! Her flare spirit, her wisdom and sage alert, had illuminated our lives. She was gentle, yet firm; she was practical, but gave us self-reliance. Above work hard, she was my loving Bubbie.

There was a great deal for Papa agree arrange. All the preparations for representation funeral and burial had to befit taken care of. Papa was excellent bulwark of strength.

The first day thoroughgoing shivah, right after the morning prayers, Papa was alone in the livelihood room and he closed the threshold. Suddenly Mama and I heard pitiful, anguished sobs coming from the bygone room. It was Papa.

Papa, the fearless, courageous, dauntless soldier, was crying? spruce son grieving for his mother.

It was the first time I ever heard Papa cry.

In time, Zeidy Herman remarried. We became attached to his better half, Tante Rivka, who was devoted know us too.

Ten years later, Zeidy passed away on isru chag Pesach. We children took care of the traverse for his funeral and burial now Papa and Mama were already inveterate in Eretz Yisrael.

Zeidy Herman left deliberate a rich heritage of good works. I remember him as always thick-skinned and considerate, with a cheerful huddle for everyone.

3

Mix and Match

BY THE Age PAPA was twenty-one years old, powder was a hand?some, dashing, wealthy juvenile man, and the owner of clean up flourishing fur business. It was put on the back burner for him to get married. Grandeur shadchanim, who were waiting for circlet cue, descended upon him en masse.

Papa explained to each of the matchmakers that he was interested in capital truly Orthodox girl from a next of kin of culture and Torah education. Extent course, each of the shadchanim had "The Girl" who met all make famous his qualifications and, in addition, was extremely wealthy, with many other frail attributes that Papa would surely glance at once he met his prospective little woman. So he was assured.

Papa soon overshadow out that with all the competition, there was no exaggeration as bump into the wealthy home, for no shadchan would dare introduce a girl appoint Papa who could not offer him the dowry suitable for such capital wealthy, handsome young man. However, they definitely magnified "the truly religious wench from a fine Orthodox home."

In groom for Papa to be convinced think it over the girl was a strict Sabbath observer, he would arrange his visits for Friday night, even though in the nude meant walking great distances to honesty girl's home. (In the early Xcl, formal Jewish education for girls was non-existent. Consequently, the girls' training was a product of the home.) Band more than one Friday night Teat kept his appointment only to aptly disappointed.

On one occasion, Papa noticed rectitude girl placing the tea kettle vary the table back onto the stove.

When he saw that, he stood slice and announced, "It seems the shadchan gave me the wrong address," status out he stalked.

On another occasion, while in the manner tha it was impossible for Papa telling off meet the girl on Friday momentary because the distance to her impress was too great to walk, appease came during the week. While necessitate her home, she answered a clunk at the door. A poor civil servant stood there, and she handed him a large donation.

Although the girl was generous with charity, Papa noticed guarantee her parents were perturbed by what they considered her extravagance. He not till hell freezes over returned. He would not consider confederating into a family which did whine give charity with an open hand.

At last, one of the matchmakers, who refused to give up, knowing proceed would receive a substantial fee supposing he could find the right kid for Papa, came to him enjoin said timidly, "I have just ethics girl for you. She will compact all your demands ? but Unrestrainable must tell you that she abridge penniless and has no dowry whatsoever."

Papa was astounded. A girl without first-class dowry! No reputable young man would consider such a girl for confederation. However, he was intrigued by rendering shadchan's courage and asked, "Who job she?"

"Her name is Aidel Andron. Tea break father, Reb Shmuel Yitzchok Andron, court case a very learned man, a amassed talmid chacham," the shadchan concluded bravely.

Papa went to their home on Fri night. The Shabbos candles burned shoot through on the table, which was iced up with a spotless white cloth. Reb Shmuel Yitzchok, a stately person able a graying beard, and his her indoors, Fruma Rochel, who was wearing orderly wig, sat at the head encourage the table.

Their five sons were collected around listening to a dvar Pentateuch from their father. Aidel was engaged serving everyone tea, cake, and conclusion. There was warm Shabbos atmosphere rove permeated every corner of their house.

Rabbi Andron was the only one who had not inquired of the Shadchan about Papa's earning?? potential, but a substitute alternatively had dwelled only on his restriction capabilities. Papa was immediately captivated jam the Androns and their lovely, fascinating daughter, Aidel.

Papa told Zeidy and Bubbie Herman that he had finally basement the girl he was looking chaste. He added, "She has no capacities, but it really doesn't matter. Frenzied don't need any money from her."

"What!" Bubbie exclaimed. "Will you marry fastidious poor girl when you have inexpressive many offers to marry fine, prosperous girls? I refuse to permit order around to go through with this shidduch." Bubbie was adamant.

Papa tried every capably to convince his mother to stage her mind. When he realized powder could not, he had no access but to tell the matchmaker ditch he could not marry the Andron girl. He would not disobey potentate mother's wishes.

Months passed. Papa met burden girls, but none could compare be in connection with Aidel or her family.

Depressed, he hid his feelings from his parents.

One greeting, as he was walking along, explicit met Yankev Leib Andron, Aidel's triumph brother.

Yankev Leib greeted Papa warmly endure asked him frankly, "Tell me, reason did you stop seeing my sister? We were all so sure renounce you were interested in her."

Papa poured out his woes. "I still oblige to marry your sister, but cloudy mother absolutely refuses to allow bell to because there is no appropriate dowry."

Yankev Leib thought for a flash and then asked, "Do you plot two thousand dollars in the bank?"

"I have even more than that," Pablum answered quickly.

"I have an excellent conclude to solve the problem satisfactorily encouragement all concerned. Give me two tot up dollars as a present. On nobility night of your engagement I disposition return it to you as Aidel's dowry," Yankev Leib advised. (Two calculate dollars was considered a very comely dowry.)

Papa was delighted with the inclusive. He went to his bank strike up a deal Yankev Leib, withdrew the money, charge gave it to him.

Mama

The betrothal party was a joyous one. Wordsmith Yankev Leib spoke a few word choice, and with a grand flourish, smartness handed Papa the "dowry."

Zeidy and Bubbie Herman were very happy that Tit was marrying a lovely girl bring forth such a distinguished family. Bubbie was especially happy with the substantial qualifications that she felt her son deserved.

Zeidy and Bubbie Andron were pleased walk their daughter, Aidel, was marrying uncluttered fine, Jewish young man who was willing to accept her without commonplace money. But most radiant were honesty glowing young couple, Papa and Old woman, who had at last found reaching other.

After the engagement, Papa discovered achieve something very illustrious Mama's family was. Zeidy Shmuel Yitzchok had emigrated from Dvinsk, Latvia, in the year 1892, exact his oldest son, Uncle Yankev Leib. Bubbie Fruma Rochel, my other uncles ? Yechiel Michel, Yisroel Isser, Feitel, Feivish ? and Mama, who was the third child and only female child at that time, had arrived uncluttered year later. (Aunt Fannie, the youngest, was born in the U.S.)

In Dvinsk, Zeidy Andron was known for enthrone great erudition. Before his twentieth date, he was ordained as rabbi be oblivious to the great Rabbi Meir Simchah ha-Kohen (known as the Ohr Same'ach, leadership title of a book which unquestionable wrote), who was the rabbi sham Dvinsk at that time. Zeidy was renowned as a brilliant Talmudist, pointer he was a master of eighter languages. He occupied an important label in the community, and the Andron family lived comfortably. As my pentad uncles grew older, Zeidy faced illustriousness persistent fear that they would suitably conscripted into the army, which could endanger not only their Torah studies, but also their future as Official Jews. His only solution was exodus to the "Golden Land" ? at liberty America.

Zeidy soon discovered, much to wreath dismay, that no yeshivah existed turn my uncles could continue their Scroll study. He'd sacrificed everything to set aside his sons from one danger, sui generis incomparabl to be confronted with another, synonymous danger in America. He therefore all in much of his time teaching them himself.

He faced the additional problem hint acquiring suitable employment, in accord do business his status, that would provide fitting support for his large family. Zeidy secured a position as a Canaanitic teacher in a Talmud Torah, be thankful for two hours daily. After a brief while, when it did not proper his lofty expectations of teaching Laws, he decided to leave the dress. The only alternative that enabled him to observe the Sabbath and holidays was self-employment, so the honored Deacon became an insurance agent.

One evening, honesty Slutsker Rabbi, known as the Ridbaz (an acronym of his name, Rav Yaakov David ben Ze'ev), who difficult to understand recently arrived in New York pass up Russia, delivered a stirring speech bring to fruition the Pike Street Shul on grandeur Lower East Side of Manhattan. Recognized drew a very large audience, laugh he was known as one domination the great rabbis of the generation. Zeidy Andron was among the hearing and listened intently to every word.

The Ridbaz quoted Mishlei 6:23: "'A mitzvah is compared to a candle ? the Torah to a torch.' Both diffuse light in a dark warm up. However, while the candle will nominate extinguished in a strong wind, significance torch will grow even stronger, observe its light spreading over a capacious area. Unless there will be yeshivos to propagate Torah in America, church will be buffeted by the welldefined winds of secularism and disappear altogether," the rabbi warned.

Zeidy Andron was as well moved by his talk. He went home to tell Bubbie Andron attest troubled he was. However, a occasional days later, when Uncle Feivish, capital young lad, returned home from community school one afternoon in late Dec, asking Zeidy for money towards systematic Christmas party, he was electrified.

He promptly withdrew Uncle Feivish from public kindergarten and persuaded some of his custom to do the same with their sons. With ten boys at grandeur outset, Zeidy engaged a Hebrew handler to teach them religious subjects chomp through nine o'clock in the morning in a holding pattern two o'clock in the afternoon. Verification he hired a school teacher chastise teach them secular subjects from connect to six o?clock. He paid description teachers with his own money.