(going) The Extra Yad: Letters from Levi Yitzkhak Lederman, 8 March 1911

This post continues translation from Yiddish and analysis of letters sent by Levi Yitzkhak Liderman to his son, Morris, who was settled, initially, in New York City starting in 1910. For further background, see the first post in this series.

For links to other posts in this series, scroll to the bottom.

As noted previously, translation is an art. Any comments or clarifications by Yiddish speakers/translators are welcome.

As an aid in understanding, I have included a family tree at the bottom of this post.

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8 March 1911, Polonnoe, Volhyn [Volhynia Gubernia]
[This is the Julian calendar date, which was in effect in the Russian Empire at this time. It's equivalent in the Gregorian calendar (in use in the United States, then and now) was 21 March 1911.]

Addressed to:

Mr. J. Simberg
134-136 Cannon Street
New York
for Morris Liderman
U.S. of America

Translation

Translation by Esther Chanie Dushinsky

[notes in blue as well as those at the end of the post are mine]

My dear and beloved son Mr. Moshe - Shalom- Mordekhai, may you live. The past week, on Tuesday was Purim.[1] The 14th. I sent you a letter from his house when I was there for Purim and I assume you received it. In that letter, I revealed to you a little bit about the _____ from your letter that you wrote. When I was home, I hoped that I would receive a letter from you and indeed, the past Wednesday when I traveled back home from his house, I found many _____ _____and it's important to _____ about this. And so, on Shabbos, I sent you a letter to him from home that was very detailed and honest _____. And you revived my soul and my health. _____ If it is hard for you to come this way or that way, in a letter to my home, it's enough that you send letters. But _____ face to face, until today, mother will send the child, should live. I won't _____ that if it will get to me in your letters, because I can't burden you with such a load, and think, _____ you won't succeed, as well as my will _____ in the evening when you will come home. _____ and you will have peace, and perhaps even get to spend time, as you want to, on outings. But if you want, you should also send letters to my house because _____ and pleasure. _____ Now, about the situation, I don't have _____, to life and peace. Faiga is also _____.

Morris (Moshe) Lederman

[upside down]

_____letter, she wrote to me that I should write to her about you and to send her your letters, and Moshe'leh, you should send her a letter. If you can send a photo of yourself. You wrote that you were planning to get new photos taken. Where and when?

What's going on Moshe'leh? Did you do something about your promise, which you wrote about, that you are taking $12 upon yourself?

[back side of card]

Pesach is coming. Write to me whether you are doing well, good news. Do you have _____ and what class of people are they? Write every detail. About _____, what's the story that I haven't received any letters the entire time? Sarah showed me at home that she received a card from Sarah'len.[2] But it is written in English, so we can't read it. But Zanvil [?] took the lesson book and he will most likely be able to translate it.[3] Be well and strong and we should see each other in good times. Much Nakhas, your father, [Levi Yitzkhak].

Send regards to my brother in law and sister in law and all the children.[4]

Notes:

1. Purim occurs on the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Adar. In 1911 in the USA, it was celebrated on 14 March.

2. The first Sarah mentioned in this sentence was Moshe's sister (one of Levi Yitzkhak's daughters). Sarah'len was Sarah Simberg, Moshe's first cousin. Moshe was living with his uncle, Jacob Simberg, and his family. Sarah Simberg died on 14 March 1918 of complications from influenza. She was 21. Bronx County, NY, death certificate no. 2022 (1918), Sarah Simberg, 14 March 1918; Municipal Archives, New York City.

3. Zanvel (sometimes referred to as Zeidel) was Moshe's older brother.

4. Jacob and Anna Simberg and their family. Jacob was the brother of Frieda Simberg Lederman, Levi Yitzkhak's wife.