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Vishnevo Guestbook Archive Part 2

Archived on October 1, 2003

to have anymore rabbis in Vilna as a gesture of respect for the greatness of the dead. So from then on the head dayyan became rabbi-like in status, earning the most special place in the synagogue during holy days. While the poor Jews, amongst them wandering Jews, beggars, etc. would come to the synagogue to take part in the prayers, my grandfather who could have gone to the best seat would join the poor so they would not feel themselves inferior. Symbolic to his personality was the way he died: for many, many years, day after day he would sit in his narrow room with the door closed, studying when finally it affected him and he became sick with pneumonia. The doctor suggested he should take a vacation in Crimea, but he refused to listen to him. Many days he was very stubborn about not going, explaining that the long voyage to Crimea, which he would have to ride on a train for days, would take time from his Talmud studies. And what kind of life would he have if he were denied the studies of the Torah? Finally he couldn’t take the begging of his wife and other family members and he went on his way. When the train arrived in Crimea, they found my grandfather lifeless. We never knew whether he died when arrived there or during the travels. I only met my maternal grandfather in the last years of his life when I stayed with him for a few weeks in Vilna on the way to Germany. In any case it is very clear to me that I inherited my intellectual base from him. From my paternal grandfather’s side, where I grew up and where I was educated in the first years of my life, I received other gifts that were no less important. My paternal grandfather was not an intellectual type but a very practical man. He had many children, most of them girls. The days when I was there they were not yet married so they took a large part in my education. I was the only grandson who lived at the house and this fact stood in direct correlation to the amount of spoiledness that I received. All the memories that I have from those days have not even a hint of unpleasantness and I believe that the tranquility and harmony of the first years of my life gave me the self-confidence that I was blessed with. That, more than any part of my personality, has aided me in my political activities later on. Already in my early childhood there were signs of my mature personality. I clearly remember many tricks that I pulled that might have been an _expression of my need to lead, and my need to organize and take charge of things. Those early deeds that I used my friends to help me carry out, many times today seem to me to not have been in the best taste. But I remember that then I used to make them a little less sharp since I would always take all responsibility on myself without a moment of hesitation, in all the things my friends and I would do. To be truthful, I must admit that in most cases it didn’t take a lot of bravery or self-sacrifice, as the grandson of a person who was the only doctor in town and for many years was the head of the Jewish community there. Already I received special treatment. I remember one Saturday when I created a huge mess in the synagogue when I entered the synagogue riding my big St. Bernard dog. It was huge and very scary although truly he had a very good nature. But the people praying must have thought it to be a horrible, wild dog who was coming to tear them apart. In the women’s quarters above, a few women fainted and some of the men ran outside screaming. But all this pandemonium didn’t make my dog change his stoic essence. He kept walking slowly and self-assuredly through the synagogue until we reached my grandfather’s seat in the first row. However, even that deed, which was absolutely blasphemous and so shocking that people talked about it for many years, I survived without much punishment. In town my reputation was of a boy who appeared older than his age. For some health reasons I missed many days of cheder studies, but this did not affect my education since I was very quick and clever. It was enough for me to have private lessons of an hour or two to catch up to my friends who studied eight to ten hours a day. So the basic Jewish education I received mostly from my grandfather and a few tutors, amongst them the rabbi of the town [ed: Rabbi Perlman Margolis]. This rabbi later on went to Eretz Israel and when I had my bar mitzvah he sent me a letter from there where he described an episode from my days in the cheder of Vishnevo. This episode is descriptive not only of the way I thought but also it is a perfect example of Talmudic thinking. As my former teacher wrote in his letter, while he was discussing with the class the dream of Yakov where there was a passage saying that the angels of god (this was when I was 4) go up and down, I could not in my logic let myself accept such a sentence and I argued that the angels of God are in heaven so how can they go up before they go down? They must first go down and only then go up. The rabbi said that this question bothered him for years and he investigated this passage in all the different sources hoping to find reasonable answers since illogic has no place in the logical Torah. Typical of religious people he could not accept the idea that it was just a phrase that people might say casually, without any real thought. Up and down. It was symbolic of a nation that for hundreds of years had been raised on the Talmudic analytical, logical basis in which no coincidences could occur. Without getting into a deep psychological study, it’s very clear for me today when I look back that all the signs of my character were already taking roots in me in those days would become extremely important in helping me decide what paths to take. When I think of it, everything I achieved was done without cries or yells, but through careful persuasion instead. As a child, for example, I received special permission that let me stay with the older people until late night hours. For many months, later on, I would argue against what I saw as the punishment that I had to go early to my bed. I grew up with adults and I loved listening to their conversations at evening time, and I hated, as all children do, to go to sleep hours before the adults. All the scenes that I created at that point didn’t change that rule, and at the end I realized that there was a more useful way to work this out. As a child who was traditionally educated, my duty was to do a kryatchma when I was going to bed. So I used this rule, saying that I would not pray this prayer before I felt a true need to sleep. This stubbornness brought my wished results, and from then on they let me stay until I was ready to say the prayer. This experience made it clear to me that what I couldn’t do with fighting and stubbornness I achieved with a little bit of “politics”. This incident also made me richer with another bit of knowledge: religious thoughts cannot be forced upon you, and even more important, that prayer only has meaning if it is said with free will. I was very lucky that my very first years, when the soul is still open to receive impressions from the environment, unlike other times in the life, passed in a house filled with pleasantness and warmth, surrounded by good natured and generous people. When I think today about my grandfather’s house I cannot decide who had the best nature among all the family members. All of them, my grandfather, grandmother, my aunts who took care of me with serenity and devotion, and never-ending pleasantness seemed to me to be true angels. I am very sure that the lack of suspicion and the need to help people, two character traits that were strong in me when I became an adult, were rooted in those first years. The feeling of confidence and safety that is so rooted in me might somehow be connected to the fact that my family then already thought that I would do great deeds in my life. They even asked the rabbi of the town to put special care in my education and development. After I left my dear ones to join my parents in Germany I never saw them again. The First World War and the Revolution in Russia brought separation to many families. All my family members died before I could meet them again. Still, their memory is deeply rooted in my heart and my soul and I am very thankful for all that they gave me. Those dear people created the soil where I could take root and receive happiness and warmth and safety no matter what the future would bring. I am absolutely sure if my parents had taken me to Germany as soon as they had left I would lack this treasure that only life in a shtetl could bring. And once again I will emphasize that the spiritual climate of the Lithuanian shtetl Vishnevo was a very important element of establishing my character..... I will post the entire article in Vishnevo stories. . - Tuesday, May 06, 2003 at 19:13:12 (PDT) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ .....Byelorussia's Jewish population numbered almost 1.1 million on the eve of the German invasion. In fact, many of Byelorussia's largest cities - Minsk, Vitebsk, Mogilev, Gomel, Bobruisk, Orsha - had Jewish majorities. The invading Germans began the murder of Byelorussian Jews soon after their arrival. Jews who were not killed during the initial operations were forced to move into ghettos. These ghettos were systematically liquidated from the fall of 1941 to the fall of 1943. German authorities a lso accused the Jews of being the driving force behind the Soviet partisan movement, whose members began to operate in growing numbers behind German lines in the spring of 1942. For example, Wilhelm Kube, the Commissar General for White Ruthenia, equated Jews with partisans in the same report in which he proudly told his superiors about the murder of 55,000 Byelorussian Jews during a ten-week period in the spring and summer of 1942. (3) Most Nazi crimes in Byelorussia, particularly the murder of Byelorussian Jewry, were committed by mobile forces. Units belonging to two of Heydrich's Einsatzgruppen - A and B - were operating in Byelorussia. They received assistance from regular German police battalions and Waffen-SS units. To be sure, some of the Einsatzgruppen headquarters became stationary at the end of 1941 for the purpose of establishing an SS/police structure in the occupied Soviet Union. Yet, the occupiers' killing opera tions never really lost their mobile character throughout the occupation owing to the expanse of the areas to which these forces were assigned. After the war, members of the Einsatzgruppen were the subjects of several trials, most notably that of Otto Oh lendorf and 20 other officers before a U.S. military tribunal from July 1947 to April 1948. (4) Beginning in 1950 West German courts also tried Einsatzgruppen men. (5) In addit ion to the courts, historians also began to investigate the Einsatzgruppen and publish their findings. (6) While the history of the Einsatzgruppen is by now well-documented, the same cannot be said for most of the indigenous units who assisted the Germans in the murder of Soviet Jews and gentiles. Some - like the Arjas Commando, the Kaminsky Brigade an d the SS unit "Druzhina" - have attained great notoriety. However, historians have paid little attention to the large numbers of lesser-known indigenous "security" forces without which the Germans would have encountered greater difficulty in liquidating entire ghettos and staging massive murder and pillage operations disguised as anti-partisan actions. The Germans established two types of local units: the Schutzmannschaft and the Ordnungsdienst. The forme r generally operated in areas under civilian administration and fell within the SS/police command structure; the latter was established in army and army group rear areas and placed under the authority of local and district military commanders. Historians have only recently begun to study the Schutzmannschaften and the Ordnungsdienst. (7) ..... From; Investigating Nazi Crimes in Byelorussia: Challenges and Lessons by Frank Buscher http://muweb.millersville.edu/~holo-con/buscher.html click to read the entire article - Monday, May 05, 2003 at 23:16:41 (PDT) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Central events of Holocaust Remembrance Day Monday, April 28 20:00 - Official opening ceremony, Warsaw Ghetto Square, Yad Vashem, Jerusalem 20:00 - Lighting of torches and memorial ceremony, Massua amphitheater, Kibbutz Tel Yitzhak Tuesday, April 29 10:00 - Siren 10:02 - Wreath-laying ceremony, Warsaw Ghetto Square, Yad Vashem, Jerusalem 10:30-12:30 - "Unto Every Person There is a Name" - recitation of names of Holocaust victims at Yad Vashem and at the Knesset; another ceremony of name recitation will begin at 9 A.M. and continue until nightfall at Beit Wohlin, Givatayim 13:00 - Main memorial ceremony, Hall of Remembrance, Yad Vashem, Jerusalem 19:30 - Closing ceremony, amphitheater of the Ghetto Fighters' House, Kibbutz Lochamei Hagetaot. Mourners march at Auschwitz, mark ghetto uprising By Reuters OSWIECIM, Poland - High school students joined Holocaust survivors from around the world in Poland on Tuesday to mourn Jews killed at the Auschwitz death camp and mark the Warsaw Ghetto uprising against Nazi rule 60 years ago. President Moshe Katsav and his Polish counterpart, Aleksander Kwasniewski, led 3,000 people in the "March of the Living" through Auschwitz's gate, bearing the infamous German inscription "Arbeit Macht Frei" (Work Makes You Free), to the nearby twin camp at Birkenau. "With the sun, birds singing and blue sky you can't really imagine that these heinous crimes happened here," said Avishai Nalka, 16, a high school student from Ashdod. "I only saw this place in black-and-white history films, now I see it in color." More than a million people, mostly Jews, died in the gas chambers or from disease and starvation at Auschwitz, the German name for Oswiecim, during World War Two. Six million Jews were killed in the Nazi Holocaust. Poland's pre-war Jewish community of 3.5 million was reduced to 300,000. Organizers of the march, which was part of Holocaust Remembrance Day, said there were fewer marchers than in recent years due to security concerns over the recent war in Iraq. The event also marked the 60th anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising, which has become a symbol of Jewish resistance against rule by Nazi Germany. On April 19, 1943, Jewish fighters launched a desperate last stand against German occupying forces to resist looming deportations to death camps. They held off the Nazis for several weeks with homemade explosives. Also marching was Norman Frejman, 72, who as a child survived the Warsaw Ghetto, deportation to the Majdanek death camp and slave labor in Germany. "God wanted me to survive: All my family perished either in the Warsaw Ghetto or in the camps. I am getting old, so I had to come here to see it once again. This is hallowed ground, because the ashes of Jews are scattered here," he said. "I also wanted to attend the 60th anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising. This is very near to me," said Frejman, who left for the United States after the war and lives in Florida. Holocaust Remembrance Day is marked on a different day each year because it is linked to the 27th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan, when the uprising began. In Israel, sirens brought the country to a standstill for a two-minute silence and flags were at half-mast for the memorial. . - Tuesday, April 29, 2003 at 09:00:28 (PDT) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ http://www.thejewishexchange.com/images/holidays/yomhashoah/sixmillion.html?source=tea Jewish Exchange Holocaust Presentation (IsraelNN.com) The Jewish Exchange offers Internet viewers a Holocaust Day presentation, a time for reflection click here for the Holocaust Presentation - Tuesday, April 29, 2003 at 08:17:02 (PDT) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Wisznevo/Vishnevo was part of Poland between 1921 and 1939; Poland emerged as a bourgeois republic under the influence of the great revolutionary movement which swept the whole of Eastern and Central Europe in the years 1917-19. Although the reborn state did not solve the basic economic and social questions, its legislation granted equal rights to all citizens irrespective of nationality and religious convictions. This was guaranteed by its constitution adopted by the Sejm in March 1921 . Thus were abolished the legal norms inherited from the partitioning powers, which gave different legal status to various groups of society. However some questions as laid down in the constitution lent themselves to various interpretations. In 1931 the Sejm passed a law which abrogated expressis verbis all regulations which were discriminatory on grounds of religion, nationality and race. In this respect independent Poland fulfilled the people's hopes. The matter was different in the field of economic relations. In the inter-war period Poland found herself in an extremely difficult situation. Leaving aside the fluctuations of economic development experienced by all capitalist countries (a particularly deep drop in production, employment and incomes was noted in the first half of the 1930's), the average increase in the number of places of work was far behind the population growth. Overpopulation of the countryside became more acute, which in turn brought about the shrinking of the internal market and the resultant impoverishment of petty tradesmen and craftsmen. Unemployment in towns took on catastrophic dimensions. In these circumstances, especially in the 1930's, the pauperization of those strata which earned their living from small shops increased. Economists spoke of the overcrowding of trade and crafts. According to the 1931 census of the nearly 32 million Polish citizens, 10 per cent (or some three million) were Jews. Of this figure 42 per cent worked in industry, mining and crafts and 36 per cent in trade and kindred branches. Other occupations played a lesser role in the Jews, occupational structure. In some branches of the economy Jews constituted a majority. This concerned above all the retail trade where 71 per cent of all tradesmen were Jewish. In the clothing and leather industry this percentage was almost 50. Typical Jewish occupations were tailoring and shoemaking. However in the conditions of massive unemployment, in spite of the over abundance of certain specialties in crafts, they had no chance of finding employment. At the same time there was a growth in the number of merchants and craftsmen of other nationalities. In the countryside, the expanding cooperative movement became a serious rival to the private merchants. It would be wrong to assume that the concentration of Jews in certain branches of the economy and their pauperization were the result of a deliberate policy on the part of the state. It is true that the administration was unfavorably disposed towards employing other than Polish nationals in state enterprises, especially those of military importance (for example railways and armaments factories) and therefore removed Jews from these establishments. However, the direct reason for anti-Jewish discrimination has to be sought in the past, in the relations which had been formed in the period of the partitions. The overcoming of the traditional occupational and social structure of the Jewish community could be accomplished only by the acceleration of the economic development of the country as a whole and also by the creation of conditions favoring the acquiring of new trades which had not been popular among the Jewish community. This problem was also perceived by some Jewish organizations which undertook actions aimed at training young people in various specialties. This was done most often by the Zionist organizations which in connection with their Palestinian plans attempted to prepare groups of settlers having definite trades. However the scope of this action was very modest indeed since it depended on winning financial means as well as those willing to go to Palestine. Similar undertakings could not be carried out on a mass scale without appropriate assistance from the state in a situation where the government found it difficult to acquire sufficient financial resources for the most urgent needs. What is more, even if money had been available, the specialists trained in this way would not have been able to find employment anyway. The same objective reasons made it impossible to overcome the concentration of Jewish laborers in small enterprises and workshops, while it should be borne in mind that over 70 per cent of the Jewish urban proletariat were employed in such small establishments. This adverse situation was also affected by some traditional customs and religion. Since Jews observed Sabbath, it was difficult to employ in one enterprise both Jewish and Christian workers without disorganizing the rhythm of production. Even Jewish entrepreneurs unwillingly employed a Jewish labor force. Of course not all of them were Orthodox Jews and not all of them refused to work on Saturdays. However those who wanted to work on Saturdays were treated with suspicion by their employers who feared lest they belonged to a socialist or communist organization and one day might organize the factory work force in struggle for their interests. In smaller establishments, in which the owner himself took part in both the production process and management, work on Saturdays was suspended. The Jewish question in inter-war Poland was above all a social problem. Without solving the problems which were common to all working people, there was no chance of changing the lot of the Polish Jews. And the capitalist system provided no prospect of a radical overcoming of backwardness and increasing the number of jobs, despite efforts on the part of the state undertaken in particular in the second half of the 1930's. Thus emigration continued. There are no exhaustive data on this subject. However, it is known that between 1927 and 1938 nearly 200,000 Polish Jews left Poland, of which number 74,000 went to Palestine, 34,000 to Argentina and 28,000 to the United States. The largest waves of emigration were recorded in the 1920's. Following the great slump, after 1929, those countries which up till then accepted immigrants, introduced new, ever more severe restrictions on immigration. This concerned, among other countries, the United States. For this reason in the 1930's overseas emigration limited in scope while the number of those going to Palestine increased. According to the most reliable calculations, between 1919 and 1942 almost 140,000 Polish Jews went to Palestine, that is, some 42 per cent of the total number of immigrants accepted by that country; the largest intensification of Palestine-bound emigration took place in the years 1933-36 when the number of emigrants amounted to 75,000. In the difficult economic situation and the changes in legal and political status of Jews after Poland had regained her independence, various programs of activity were formed. The traditional program of the Agudat Israel, which boiled down to the observance of religious prescriptions, loyalty towards the state and the expectation of the Kingdom of God, could not suffice. Although the position of this party among the petite bourgeoisie was maintained by the authority of the zaddikim (a particularly important role in the leadership of the Agudat Israel was played by the famous zaddik of Gora Kalwaria who was however criticized by many), its attempts at consolidating a specific kind of ideological ghetto (the isolation of the Jews from the goyim) resulted in a gradual decrease of its influence. Step by step the party moved towards the acceptance of the prospect of building a Jewish state in Palestine. On the other hand, the influence of the workers' parties continued to be strong. The most important role was still played by the Bund, some concepts of which were close to those of the radical left wing, though its members represented a whole variety of views. The Bund differed from the program put forward by the communists in that it demanded cultural and national autonomy for national minorities, especially for the Jews, and perceived the necessity of organizing the whole of the Jewish proletariat in one, separate national party. Many Bund leaders saw the need for dictatorship by the proletariat (the Bund program adopted in 1930 mentioned the possibility of such dictatorship). The party was decidedly opposed to the conservatives and discarded religion. It accused the Agudat Israel of defending the interests of the propertied classes to the detriment of the needs of the masses. The most outstanding leaders of the Bund were Victor Alter (1890-1941), Henryk Erlich (1882- 1941) and Samuel Zygelbojm (1895-1943). The Bund, like the illegal Communist Party of Poland to which many Jews also belonged and the Polish Socialist Party, saw the only chance of solving the Jewish question in Poland in building a socialist society without man's exploitation by man. It sought its allies among workers of all nationalities living in Poland. It opposed all concepts of emigration since it perceived the impracticability of the idea of organizing emigration of a several million strong nation. The socialist leaders considered the Palestinian campaign to be an element weakening the forces of the proletariat fighting for a change in social relations and as a solution which at best could constitute a chance for only few. A radical social program was also voiced by the left wing of the Po'alei Zion which saw prospects for the Jews in a socialist revolution and in introducing cultural and national autonomy. For the future, it accepted the idea of building a socialist Jewish state in Palestine and therefore it supported the Palestinian campaigns. Its leading members were Antoni Budhsbaum, Szachna Sagan and Jozef Witkin-Zerubavel (1876-1912). A much smaller following was enjoyed by the right wing of the Po'alei Zion which concentrated above all on Palestinian works, that is all activity aimed at forming. a future Jewish state, including education of qualified farmers, workers and soldiers. All the workers, organizations, irrespective of the differences that separated them, cooperated in many important issues. They undertook a common struggle against campaigns organized by the right wing of the National Democratic Party. In Warsaw they even formed an underground organization the task of which was to put up armed resistance to the nationalist militants. Both Jews and Poles connected with the workers, movement took part in its work. http://members.core.com/~mikerose/history2.htm Click for the rest - Sunday, April 27, 2003 at 16:02:42 (PDT) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Slownik Geograficzny Entry Oszmiana powiat OSZMIANA PROVINCE (Powiat)- Lying within Wilno gubernia, it borders with Lida province on the west, on the northwest with Wilno, on the northeast with Swiecian province, to the east with Wilia province as well as Minsk gubernia, which borders it for equal distances on the southeast and east. The province contains 2,727 square miles (another count has it at 2,696 square miles) of which there are 1,742,800 acres in total; 69,550 acres (4%) in settlements, 490,460 arable acres (28.1%), 153,650 acres of (grazable) moors (8.8%), 194,400 acres pasturage and meadow (11.2%), 727,300 acres of forests (41.7%), and 107,400 acres barrens or water bodies (6.2%). In 1859, 385,290 acres belonged to the government (22.1%), 5,087 acres to towns (.3%), 6,720 acres to Orthodox and Catholic churches (.4%), with the remaining 1,345,500 acres in private hands (77.2%). In the northern part of the province, the topography is elevated and hilly, occasioned by the [ed.-- morainal] hill chain Awratyn. The highest locations are found near the villages Topiszki (1175 feet above sea level), Lojce (1049'), Donkni (766'), Widnopol estate (729' asl.) and the town of Jewie (610' asl.). The southern part in the Berezina river basin is lowlands, marshes and covered in forest. The central part consists of evenly rolling hills. Soils in the northern part are clayey or sandy; in the south marshy and humic. Bog-iron mines are found in the marshy lowlands, with especially rich deposits in the vicinity of Naliboki and Wisznew where deposits contain up to 50% iron. Oszmiana province, having the highest topography in the entire gubernia near Wilno, is very poorly endowed with lakes with none very large. Some of the most important are: Dub, Dubina, Kroman, and Reczuny, "The Swamp", as well as many small ones in the southern part of the province contributing to the notable Purwilski Marsh, out of which flows the Purvil river in turn contributing to the Olszanka River. The Wilia River flows from this same area to the northwestern border, and is the largest in Oszmiana province. The Nieman River flows along the southwestern border, fed by the Berezina, the Olszanka, the Wolozyn, and Isloch, Usze, and the Sutle tributaries. Towards the western border, the Zyzma flows into the Gawia which itself originates from the Klewa River (the Gawia emptying into the Nieman). In 1880, there were 162,285 inhabitants in the province [ed.-- unclear if the statistics include the town of Oszmiana which had special privileges], broken down as follows: 5,749 gentry, 287 clergy of all faiths, 69 honorary [ed.- major or titled?] landowners, 22,827 townspeople, 128,011 peasants, 5,084 military men, 220 foreigners, and 38 of uncertain status. By religion, there were 50,440 Orthodox, 891 Roskolnikovs (Old Believers), 99,020 Catholics, 162 Evangelicals (Protestants), 11,131 Jews, and 641 Moslems. In 1859 there were 128,666 inhabitants in the province (60,515 men and 63,547 women), counting 27,394 White Russian Orthodox, 20,650 Catholic Poles, 62,571 Catholic Lithuanians, and 2,527 Lithuanian Orthodox. In 1871, 142,688 inhabitants; in 1875, 152,261; and in 1878, 156,218. According to 1858 tax receipts, there were 15,425 horses [ed.--registered breeding horses?], 38,873 horned cattle, 18,911 common sheep, 8,974 specialty sheep, 7,980 plow or work horses, and 20,636 pigs, which comes to .19 animals per acre. The population is a mixture of Lithuanians and White Russians. The predominant language of the inhabitants is changing from Polish to White Russian, with additionally incorporated Lithuanian expressions. The most recent province administration consists of four (state) police districts: Zuprany, Smorgon, Dziewieniszki, and Wolozyn. There are 2 peacetime (civil) courts for peasant legal affairs at Oszmiana and Poloczany; 4 districts for performance of military obligations in Oszmiana, Smorgon, Subotniki, and Wolozyn; 3 District Inquiry Courts, with bureau offices in Oszmiana, (G)Holszany, and Smorgon, namely the 4th-tier District Circuit of Lida for 8 gminas, and three district review boards at Smorgon for the rest of the gminas. The province is further composed of 23 gminas: Polany, Soly, Holszany, Grauzyszki, Kucewicze (1st police district); Smorgon, Bienica, Krewo, Poloczany and Horodzki (2nd police district); Dziewieniszki, Subotniki, Lipniszki, Siedliszcze, Iwie, Lugomowicze, Traby, Juratiszki (3rd police district); and Wolozyn, Wiszniew, Naliboki, Derewno, and Bakszty (4th police district). Those gminas are broken down into 142 rural districts (sheriffs domains), 1,353 villages and other residential units, and 12,340 huts or cabins. The following are identified towns within the province: (1st police district) Slobodka, Zuprany, Soly, Holszany, Oszmiana Murowana, Boruny and Grauzyszki; (2nd police district) Zaskiewicze, Bienica, Smorgon, and Krewo; (3rd police district) Subotniki, Lipniszki, Konwaliszki, Gieranony, Hermaniszki, Dziewieniszki, Trobiele, Iwie, Mikolajow, Dudy, Lazduny, Traby, Surwiliszki, and Juratishki; (4th police district) Wolozyn, Wiszniew, Slowiensk, Zabrzez, Derewno, and Naliboki. The chief occupations of the inhabitants are mainly agriculture and lumbering with transportation down the Berezina. Industrial fabrication is poorly represented. Of the industrial facilities, the one notable exception is the iron foundry of Prince Witgenstein in Naliboki [ed.- Kletistche, destroyed in World War II], manufacturing various forged and cast iron products with an annual revenue of 44,025 rubles. Other factories worth mentioning: a pottery factory at Krewo, and wool products made at Holszany (belts, stockings, and socks). Regarding churches: Oszmiana province is divided into the two Orthodox deaconates of Oszmiana and Wolozyn, the first of which contains 14 parishes: Oszmiana, Smorgon (two-- the Transfiguration of Christ and St. Michael), Bienica, Krewo (two: Holy Trinity and St. Alexander Nevsky) Zalesie, Losk, Holszany, Traby, Cycyn, Juratiski, Sutkowo, and Michalowszczyzna. There are 14 Orthodox parish churches, 8 affiliates, 9 cemeteries, 4 chapels, and 23,392 parishioners (11,693 men and 11,699 women). The Wolozyn Orthodox deaconate has 12 parishes: Wolozyn (two: St. Joseph and St. Constance), Wiszniew, Zabrzezie, Mikolajow, Slowiensk, Dubina, Horodzilow, Hruzdow, Douwbeny, Bakszty and Horodzki, with 12 parish churches, 3 affiliates, 6 cemeteries, 3 chapels, and a count of 27,400 parishioners (13,515 men and 13,885 women). Within the borders of the province are 52 Orthodox churches and 7 chapels. Oszmiana province equally has two Catholic deaconates: Oszmiana and Wiszniew. The first contains 6 parishes: Oszmiana with chapels in Olany, Horodniky and Polany (8,040 parishioners), Holszany with an affiliate in Bohdanowie and a chapel in Holszany (8,457 faithful); Soly with an affiliate in Daukszyszke and a chapel in Soly; Slobodka, Raczuny, Proniuny, and Gudogaje (8,591 parishioners); Grauzyszki (3,013 parishioners); Zuprany also with a chapel there (5,030 faithful); and Oszmiana Murowany (4,309 parishioners). All told, there are 37,440 Catholic parishioners in this deaconate. Previously there were also parishes in Smorgon, Krewo and Bienica. The Wiszniew deaconate contains 12 parishes: Wiszniew with a chapel and cemetery (4,877 parishioners); Gieranony with an affiliate in Dziewieniszki and a chapel in Berkowszczyzna (7,421 faithful); Hruzdowo-Oborek with a chapel in Cholchlo, Czernowo and a burial cemetery (3,312 faithful); Derewna (4,842 par.); Iwie with an affiliate in Dudy and a chapel in Jatoltowicze and a burial cemetery (11,460 parishioners); Konwaliszki with a chapel in Stolki (2,525 faithful); Lipniszki with a chapel in Zygmunszczyske (5,900 par.); Naliboki (4,344 faithful); Subotniki with an affiliate in Lazduny and a chapel in Kwiatkowce (9,545 par.); Surwiliszki with a chapel in Klewica (3,041 faithful); Traby with a chapel in Jancewicze and a burial cemetery (3,592 parishioners); and Zabrzezie with a chapel in Rozeslawie (3,891 parishioners). In all there are 65,110 parishioners in the Wiszniew deaconate. Formerly, there were also parish churches in Losku, Wolozyn, and Horodzilowie. Concerning central communications linkages in the northern part of the province, there is the Lipawa [ed.- today Lith. Klaipeda]-Roniny rail line with stations at Soly, Smorgon, and Zalesie. Postal roads take one from Soly station through Oszmiana and Holszany to Subotniki; from Holszany station to Wolozyn; from the town of Smorgon to Wojstom station (in Swiecian province), as well as from Smorgon to the town of Krewo. Postal stations are at Oszmiana, Smorgon, Subotniki, Soly, Wolozyn, Holszany, Iwie, and Krewo. The Oszmiana provincial coat-of-arms, confirmed in the Ukaze of June 9, 1845, exhibits an escutcheon divided into two fields, on the higher the symbol of Wilno gubernia represented by a Lithuanian blazon on a black field, and in the lower a bear on a blue field. The provincial Marshals of Oszmiana before the Partitions were (in alphabetical order): Ludwig Jacob Chominski, h. Poraj (1717), Nicholas Chrapowicki, h. Gozdawa & Samuel Jerome Kociell, h. Pelikan (1683); Marcin Oskierko, h. Murdelio (1765); Nicholas Wladyslaw Przezdziecki (1672); Nicholas Kristof Szors, h. Mora (1637); Anthony Sulistrowski, h. Lubicz (1747); Kristof Stachowski, h. Oronczyk & Thoma s Wolan, h. Lis (1632); Alexander Wolan & Jan Zenowicz from Bratozyna Deszpot (1648); and Kristof Zenowicz, h. his own person (1697). After the Commonwealth Partitions, marshals were: N. Achmatowicz (1863); Brochocki, h. Osorya (1862); Casimir Czechowicz, h. Ostoja (1825); Aurelian Dmochowski, h. Pobog (1853); Casimir Feldman & Jan Lubanski, h. Poraj (1853); Francis Pozniak, h. Belty (1798); Adam Przeciszewski, h. Grzymala (1805); Wladyslaw Puslowski, h. Szeliga following a change & Joseph Sulistrowski, h. Lubicz (1846); Joseph Tyszkiewicz, h. Leliwa (1831); Alexander Tiufiajew (1871); Thomas and Jacob Umiastowski, h. Roch (1809); Konstanty Umiastowski (1858); Casimir Umiastowski & Marcin Skarbek Wazynski, h. Abdank (1820); Edward Wazynski (1840), Ignace Zaba, h. Kosciesza (1811); and Anthony Zaba (1812). Editor's Note: All Slownik longitudes in this article have been converted to modern coordinates which is based on the Greenwich zero meridian. All Polish measurement units (land areas, distances, height above sea level, etc.) were converted to American-English equivalents. Monetary units, where identified, were left in zlotys/zl. or rubles/rs. Source: Slownik Geograficzny Królestwa Polskiego - Warsaw [1886, vol. 7, pp. 753-754 translation by Mike Gansecki http://www.polishroots.org/slownik/oszmiana_powiat.htm - Sunday, April 27, 2003 at 10:33:23 (PDT) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ From: Podberesky, Sam > Sent: Friday, April 25, 2003 1:30 PM > To: 'eilatgordin@aol.com' > Subject: your translation > > Thank you for translating my father's yizkor book entry. it is the first > time i have been able to read and understand it. it had a tremendous > emotional impact on me. I will share it with my family, including my > parents. > thanks again > sam podberesky . - Friday, April 25, 2003 at 18:38:47 (PDT) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Story of Leah Dudman-Bar and Chana Podbersky from a conversation with Leah Dudman At first I was sent by the Judenrat to work in the army camp near Bogdonova. I worked there baking bread for the Germans and from there I was transferred to the army camp in Podberze. Together with me all the time there was another Vishnevan girl by the name of Chana Podversky, the daughter of Itza-Lebl Podversky. The usual procedure was that every Sunday we would go home and the German commandant treated us almost like a father. He had six daughters and he always emphasized that fact and loved to converse with us. Most of the times when we would go home he would drive us in his car so he could take some food supplies for my family. At more than one occasion he entered our home and saw with his own eyes the suffering of my parents. With tears in their eyes they begged him to save me and my sister Raisel. He promised he would do whatever he could. On that awful Sunday he also took us as usual to our house and as we neared the gate of the ghetto, we saw thousands of Christians gathering around one of the homes. We also saw a dark haze and smoke reaching up to the skies, and there were screams. At first we thought it was some Christian person who had died, and my friend and I whispered to each other, "They deserve it" or something like this. But when we came closer to the ghetto gate, a Christian woman stopped the car and screamed as loud as she could, "In the name of God, get out of here. In town they are slaughtering everyone." The commandant and the soldier said to us, "Immediately get out of the car and run to your work place. We will go inside the gate and see what is happening there." When they returned they told us that when they arrived there the SS people who were surrounding the town forced them to take part in the annihilation and the killing of all the Jews of the town. And that was not all; they ordered them to bring us there, and if they didn’t the commandant would be punished. The soldier who was with him the entire day witnessing the torture told us what he saw with tears in his eyes. From all the awful sights he saw he now was vomiting and had diarrhea the entire day. The commandant immediately told us he would not give us up no matter what. He suggested that for this night we sleep there but early in the morning we must run to one of the Christians that we knew and he would keep in touch with us. We did as he told us and we reached the Christian man and hid in his house for a few days but when things became more dangerous since the SS troops looked for us everywhere including where we worked, and in the sheds, and in the place we were hiding. It was a miracle they didn’t find us. So he transferred us to a Polish woman’s house where we hid for 6 weeks. At the end the Christian man made a communication between us and the Jews from Kerve who would go to work in Bogdonova. Since now the Jews of Vishnevo were annihilated and a few others went to the forest. So now they were replaced in Bogdonova. Now he told us that at one time when they returned from work to Kerve, they should take us with them. The person who drove them was a Jew named Shlomo Horwitz, a native of Kerve, who now lives in Farvitkin (1970). Shlomo Horwitz did as he was told and let us go in the car and we arrived in the ghetto of Kerve. I must emphasize that the situation in the ghetto of Kerve was different from that of most of the neighboring towns’ ghetto. Their commandant truly defended them and he lived in the ghetto. He knew everything that was done and everything they planned to do. They didn’t hide anything from him, and he took care of all the people who wanted to annihilate them. Whenever the people above him asked him to annihilate the Jews, he said he needed his Jews because that they still hadn’t finished building the roads or the airport that he planned to build near the town. And as others told, the Sunday when the Jews of Vishnevo were annihilated, he was with all his Jews who worked in Bogdonova and Vishnevo, and he was witness to the massacre of the Jews of Vishnevo. He succeeded in saving the lives of his Jews from the SS, claiming that they were very needed workers. As soon as he found out about us, and he found out about us immediately since he lived with the Jews in the ghetto, he called us and told us about the destruction of the Jews of our town, and all that he saw with his own eyes. "You were left alone and orphaned. You must do everything to stay alive so you can tell the future generations to what they did to the Jews of Vishnevo." He also told us, while deeply sighing, as if it was his own terrible tragedy, "I am also an orphan and have been one since I was a little child, with no mother and father, alone in the world. It was only because I had such a strong desire and stubbornness to survive no matter what, that I am alive today." He knew that people didn’t want us in the ghetto, so he ended the conversation by saying, "I will defend you and find you some shelter." He gave us some food supplies and said that we should come to him if we had any trouble. As I said before the fate of the Jews of Kerve was very different from the others’, and they did not experience tragedy at that point. But finally, when most of the jobs were done, many were spread out to different working camps. Most went to the camp in Zazmir. At one point we were also sent by the Judenrat of Kerve to this camp instead of two local Jewish guys whose turn it was to be sent. Here there were thousands of people, remnants of ghettoes from Oshmina, Svir, Kerve, and other towns that were destroyed or were waiting to be destroyed. They were busy with paving roads, so Nachamka and I also worked on paving roads. We were barefoot and starving with torn clothes and we worked at this hard labor until we became sick with typhus, which was spreading throughout the camp. After two weeks of very high fever we knew that we would survive and our fever finally broke. Slowly we felt better and again we were sent to work. - Thursday, April 24, 2003 at 10:59:22 (PDT) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Near the grave of our brothers Noah Podbersky As soon as we returned from the forest as the war concluded we stood somberly by the brotherly tomb that coated the bones of our dear ones and our hearts anguished as if mountains of sorrow were pressing upon them. Echoes of the lament of the tormented and the throes of the demised, our beloved who were snatched to be slaughtered and plowed in your earth, reverberate for generations to come, Vishnevo. The blood of our sisters and brothers is howling to us from your land. "Vow" shout beloved people and shudder the nations of the world, reiterate and incessantly disclose, hence the mother earth will never forget the deeds of the executioners (hangmen), that the world will never forget what was done us. Will they recall? Will the world retain it? Do the ones who are provided on this day a knife in their grasp bethink this in their heart? Vishnevo, one of thousands of Jewish shtetls that the foe, may his name be erased from all memory, pulled out from its roots, the enemy that shattered you on its way to conquer the world. Here on this narrow footpath, Kerve Street, whose name is emblematic of its essence, the concourse of blood. The Nazis pushed and shoved the next of kin of our kindred while they were bewildered, numbed and almost deceased. They took their last steps holding hands and saying, "Shma Israel." Hero Israel, Adonai is our God, Adonai is One. And here, at the edge of Kerve Street across from you, near the wall of the unfinished building, the wild brutes who feigned to be mankind, put their victims, rows behind rows with their faces to the bulwark, they commanded the beloved to crawl on their knees and here they shot their necks, one after the other and discarded them in the fire. Numerous of them jolting between life and death, and another yet alive. It’s a summer day and the world is radiant all around us an the sun is shining and the flowers all shimmering, encompassing us in multitudes of colors, and my heart is dwelling on the ice cap. The Nazis torment terminated. We too took certain revenge. But who can meliorate from the torment that the remnants experienced? The vestiges that lost everything that they cherished. Who will heal their wounds? The laceration of the ones who walk solitary in the environ with everlasting anguish in their hearts? A grief that nevermore assuaged with heavy hearts we departed the ossuary and forever said goodbye to our dear ones. How long will this grave linger in its plot? A year? Two years? And then this land would be plowed and all things would be as if it never arise. Hush, my heart. Alive . - Thursday, April 24, 2003 at 10:52:01 (PDT) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ When World War II begun in 1939, I was not living in my birthplace, Vishnevo. I resided at the house of my aunt Grunia nee Lubchensky Svirsky, who lived in Svir. Already in 1933 my father transferred me to Svir. My mother was very sick. She became paralyzed. My father wanted to be near her in the hospital in Vilna. She was taken there by my father so she could receive treatment from the finest specialists. My parents decided that to leave me in Vishnevo with just hired help was a bad idea since I was only 4 years old, so they determined that the most suitable place for me would be with my aunt Sonia, a very gracious and loving woman. When I was exactly five years old, on June 28, 1933, my beloved mother passed away. From then on my aunt took a more permanent custody of me. I lived with my aunt, uncle and a cousin of mine by the name of Zelda. Zelda also became orphaned from her mother and also resided in my aunt Grunia’s house. 1941 I was only 13 years old when the Nazis entered Svir in 1941. In one year I found myself at the mercy of the hand of cruel fate. I became separated from my relatives, in a world filled with the anguish of the days of the Holocaust. I still hadn’t experienced much of life and already the main question that I was focused on was "What will my fate be? Will I find a way out of this trap?" Constantly, when I stood at Death’s door, I whispered a prayer to my mother in her grave asking her to protect her youngest child from the bitter, brutal environment that encompassed me, from the storm that constantly whispered "eradication" to me. The day that Chaim Avramson came to me to write this chapter, the images of days of the Holocaust kept flowing in my head and my eyes became red from the tears. I let my eyes tear without stopping, reasoning that maybe it would bring me some redemption. When there were no more tears and my eyes dried, shivers came to my body, and an electric shock rushed through my limbs when I recalled that era. I will start my story from the day my cousin Zelda was sent to the labor camp in Zazmir. The Nazis ordered the Judenrat in Svir to send them a hundred Jewish youths to the camp in Zazmir. The Judenrat gave them a list, and amongst the list was the name of Zelda. My uncle and aunt had arranged for a hiding place for Zelda as soon as the Nazis entered Svir. She was hiding in the house of a Christian acquaintance that agreed to take care of her in exchange for a huge amount of merchandise that my aunt and uncle gave him from a store they owned. When Zelda didn’t show up in the designated place, the Judenrat threatened my Uncle Zelig Svirsky who was already imprisoned at that point, that he would be sent to Zazmir instead of Zelda. Grunia, who was very confused, decided to bring Zelda back from her hiding place. Zelda went out of the house to the place where all the people who were sent to the work camp were gathering, and when the door was shut behind her, we all stood by the window, watching her go away. All of a sudden, my aunt Grunia started sobbing uncontrollably. "What did I do by my own hand? I gave her to the killers!" Then she fell fainting to the ground. Weeks passed but the Jewish people of the ghettoes were still naïve and hopeful that nothing bad would happen to them, although there were many signs that showed elimination was coming soon. During nights, many of us couldn’t sleep, with all asking, "What will tomorrow bring?" The young people, the ones who still had some energy and who still had a very strong survival instinct, kept looking for ways to be saved. The situation in the ghetto in Svir was morbid, the prospect of escape was very slim. The ghetto was a tightly shut cage. In spite of the danger, a few were able to arrange for hiding places in the villages around the town. I remember the fall of 1942. One day, when it started getting dark and the ghetto was completely silent, I sat with my uncle Zelig by the lighted oil lamp. I recall how greatly I wished on that awful day to feel his hand petting me and to see his warm _expression when he looked at me. My aunt Grunia was very busy preparing bags. She filled them with food supplies for us to take when at a moment’s notice we would need to escape. We knew that the most perilous times would arrive. In front of us there was a Torah book. I remember that my uncle kept turning the pages until he reached a passage and he started reading it aloud. "And your life will be hanging across from you and you will be fearful day and night and you will not believe that you will survive. In the morning you will say, `Who will give me evening?’ and in the evening you will say `Who will give me morning?’ And your heart will be fearful from what your eyes will see." http://eilatgordinlevitan.com/vishnevo/v_pages/vstories_rasia.html - Thursday, April 24, 2003 at 10:47:31 (PDT) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Samuel A. Arutt sarutt@mindspring.com 480-905-3645 8768 E. via de Dorado Scottsdale, Az. 85258 80+ I am looking for any members of the Arotsky family.Gfather,Leyb,a blacksomith in Smorgon about 1890. His widow,D'vora Zusman (Vishnevo) and all children in the US by 1910 . - Saturday, April 19, 2003 at 21:57:03 (PDT) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ I have been trying unsuccessfully for many years to find traces of my grandfather, Vincent Kurzeniec. I only have a copy of his death certificate and application for a marriage license. He was born Dec.29, 1883, in Poland. I believe he arrived in America in 1905, but I can't be sure. The only other information I have is that his father's name was John. Being that there is a town in Belarus called Kurzeniec, I wonder if this would give me a clue as to his origin. I would appreciate any help at this point in time. Thank you. Margaret Krzysiak Margaret Krzysiak <jekmak@greatlakes.net> Croswell, MI USA - Wednesday, April 16, 2003 at 11:54:38 (PDT) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Isser Yehuda Unterman, the second Ashkenazi Chief Rabi of Israel, was born in 1886 in Brest-Litovsk (Brisk). His father was a teacher. Among Unterman's ancestors we find Rabbi Yom Tov Lipman Heller (1579 - 1654), author of the Mishnah commentary Tosefot Yom Tov, and Rabbi Shaul Wahl Katzenellenbogen (1540 - 1616). About him the legend tells that he was elected King of Poland for one day. Already in a young age Unterman was known as the "Illui of Brisk". In 1898 he was invited to become one of the founding students of Yeshiva Anaf Etz Chaim in Maltsch. For some time he also studied at the Mir Yeshiva, but later returned to Maltsch. After his marriage Unterman continued his studies at the Kollel of the Volozhin Yeshiva where he was ordained. During his studies in Volozhin he opened a Yeshiva in the neighbouring town of Vishnevo. This yeshiva was very successful - even the Hafetz Chaim sent one of his nephews to study there. Unterman developed laryngitis which ended his regular teaching career. He chose the rabbinate. He was appointed rabbi in Mohilna near Minsk. Later he moved to Amstibova. In 1923 Unterman was chosen to be rabbi of Liverpool. He immediately learned fluent English and quickly became acclimated to his position. He worked with the youth of the community and united all the Jewish congregations of Liverpool under one umbrella organization. He strengthened the local yeshiva and brought students from Germany and other countries. He also established a Talmud Torah academy in Liverpool. During the air raids of World War II Unterman refused to abandon his post. But he paid regular visits to the members of his congregation which were dispersed among various villages and to Jewish internees of camps for foreigners. Unterman established a home for refugee children outside of Liverpool. In 1946 Unterman was elected Chief Rabbi of Tel Aviv-Yafo. As in Liverpool Unterman strengthened Torah institutions and public services like rabbinical courts. He served as a member of the Chief Rabbinate Council. In 1956 he was appointed Chief Rabbi of the State of Israel. He took full advantage of his position and advocated various issues, especially for the understanding between the religious and the secular population. . - Friday, April 11, 2003 at 19:44:29 (PDT) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Lea Dodman Country Of Birth Poland City Of Birth Vishnevo Date Of Birth 1/1/1923 Holocaust Period Framework Of Combat Partisans Country of Combat Lithuania Area of Combat Rudniki Forest Unit Battalion Za Pobiedu . - Friday, April 11, 2003 at 05:22:41 (PDT) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ I went to my mom's and grabbed a few photos of my grandfather Harry Sigman, naturalized Herman Sigman, born Chaim Benymin Zigman in Vishnevo in 1897 to Shaje Zigman and Lena Scher. There is also some connection to the Sussman's but I don't know what it is. Lena Scher is the daughter of Barney/Dov Ber and Bella unknown (possibly Sussman). There are many other's at the Vishnever Brother's society plots, coincidentally on Staten Island. Most were buried here many, many years before my family moved here. Thanks again for your help. . - Friday, April 04, 2003 at 21:27:04 (PST) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Dear Eilat, Just two lines to thank you for your great work in the shtetl pages. I am in contact several times a year with other Alperovich and variants in Argentina. Pedro, whose family is from Kurenets, and who has kept in contact with your page after I helped him reach it for the first time (and where he suddenly found his family pictures!) and Ben Ami, a member of an Alperovich family in our Tucuman province, whose father was from Vileyka. I have still not reached Kurenets... My own genealogical research is almost postponed because I am researching for other people and always several eMails behind schedule! - butI hope to uncover some day the link of my Alperoviches to Kurenetz - and to my fellow Alperovich. Warm regards, Carlos Buenos Aires . - Sunday, March 30, 2003 at 19:24:30 (PST) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Vishnevo during the second world war Chyena Rabinovich (sister of Yehoshua Rabinovitz, mayor of Tel Aviv in the 1970s.) Vishnevo Summer of 1939, During the summer months the situation became more and more ominous. The political circumstances in Poland seemed very volatile. The papers were full of ignominious announcements about the anticipation for the second world war. Poland seemed to be the main territory to be concerned, but we still hoped that everything would pass peacefully and the town as the rest of Poland would continue with its survival. The youth movements Hashomer Hatzair, Poalei-Zion, the League for the Working Eretz Israel, Ha’chalutz Ao’ved, Beitar, and others, all were brimming with activities and abundant with energy of youth. The Hebrew school Tarbut with its 8 grades, had 200 students. When the kids graduated, some of them went to Vilna to continue their studies either in high school or schools for teachers, schools for accountants, or mercantile or technical schools. When they returned, they became the intelligentsia of the town and later on, naturally they became the primary recruiting base for Soviet officials (fix). In contrast there was also the more traditional Agouda. At the head stood Rabbi Weinstein with a few well-to-do homeowners who were strongly opposed to Zionism. Amongst the people were Moshe Shimshelevicz, Leib son of Kopl, and others. They tirelessly (though with little success) worked against Zionist activities in town. At one point they decided to change the essence of the Tarbut school from a school witch all subjects were instructed in Hebrew only into a old fashion religious school of the Agouda. The Rabbi viciously attacked Tarbut during synagogue meetings but his influence was not strong and the Zionist activities continued. I would like to point out that as soon as the Russians came, Rabbi Weinstein left the town and was successful in crossing the border to Lithuania and from there he was successful in reaching Israel and today he lives in Jerusalem. Anyway, back to August, 1939. In the midst of our routine disputes between the different ideologies, the war was announced and the Nazis marched towards the border of Poland. The atmosphere became full of anxiety, the morning after the announcement, we already saw the first refugees from Warsaw and Lodz and there were rumors that the Germans were coming near us. From the refugees we promptly heard that the Nazis were terrorizing the Jews as soon as they arrived at Jewish towns and all the Jews in Vishnevo became very fearful. Just at that point we found out about the agreement between the Soviet Union and Germany. The Soviet Union would annex our area we were told. We knew immediately what would happen to the Zionist movement under the USSR. We knew we would not be able to get to Eretz Israel, but we also knew that our lives would not be taken from us. So, no wonder when the rumors came true and the first tanks of the Soviet Union arrived, the entire town came to greet them with flowers in their hands, and everyone was very excited. At the center of the market, a stage was built and the representative of the Jews, Yakov Hirsch Alishkevitch, gathered by a few local Christians, made excited speeches. At the end of Yakov’s speech, he said, “Long live the Soviet Union!” And all of a sudden we were part of the National Socialist Republic of White Russia.......to be continued . - Wednesday, March 26, 2003 at 12:55:12 (PST) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ http://eilatgordinlevitan.com/kurenets/k_pix/szyszko/31103_4_b.gif i would like to thank Nathan Sziszko for a picture he sent me from vishnevo in the 1920s or 1930s. please look at the pictures and let me know if you recognize people - Monday, March 24, 2003 at 16:05:12 (PST) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Dear Mrs. Eilat Levitan, I found your site on the Internet. You really do a great and outstanding work. Thanks to the information I found on your site I managed to contact a number of its visitors it is for sure that it will help these people to learn more information about small Belarusian towns where their roots are from. I am ready to offer my services for the realization of plans and wishes of people who are united by mutual interests presented on your site. First of all let me introduce myself. My name is Yuri Dorn. I’m the President of the Union of Religious Jewish Congregations of Belarus. This organization comprises more than 13 000 Jews from 19 Belarusian towns. About 12 years ago I started to research Jewish heritage which has preserved until today on the territory of Belarus. I have visited more than 70 towns and ‘stetls’ where Jews lived earlier. I have gathered the collection of pictures. I also managed to gather a number of memories of local citizens about Jewish life before the Holocaust. During my visits I noted every time that actually Jewish cemeteries, synagogues and places related to the Holocaust came to desolation. It is difficult to realize that Jewish Heritage of Belarus is fading away. However, lately people who are interested in the search of their roots and forefathers’ memory preservation have begun to visit our country in increasing frequency. Our organization does what one can to help these people in their work during their being in Belarus. We have a wide experience in the field of mutual work on the Jewish cemeteries and Holocaust places restoration. In connection with this I would like to apply with your help to everybody who is interested in work in Belarus with the proposal of cooperation. We hope that with mutual efforts we will be able to restore and to preserve our forefathers’ memory! Sincerely, (Mr) Yuri Dorn iro@open.by President of URJC of Belarus . - Monday, March 24, 2003 at 10:07:53 (PST) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ March 19, 2003 Shalom Eilat, War is coming tomorrow! How did they debate "WAR" in Volozhin 89 years ago? Please read : The strategy specialists' are debating the results of the oncoming war. Volozhin during the First World War By Reuven Rogovin Translated from VYB p. 343, by M. Porat It's a pleasure to read Reuven's stories. His memory was phenomenal. His humor was the quintessential Yiddish humor of the Litvak Shtetl's. One could sense in every sentence his great love for his neighbors. Reuven was born in Volozhin in 1905. He recognized the danger that the Jews would be facing under German invasion and was one of the very few Volozhiners who escaped to Russia before the Nazis entered the Shtetl. He survived the war, together with his wife and children in Russia. Part of the time he served as an officer in the Red Army. He left the USSR and made aliya through Poland in 1958. He contributed a great deal to the Volozhin Yizkor Book describing the Shtetl's every day life. Reuven, God bless his soul, passed away in Israel in 1972. The strategy specialists' are debating the results of the oncoming war. Page 343 When the Austro Hungarian crown prince was killed in Sarajevo, a group of Volozhin Balebatim sat inside the Klayzl-Syngogue discussing the future events. Among them were Fayve der Shnayder (tailor), Oyzer der Raznostshik (mailman), Meyer Peshe Yentes, Naftoli der Eynbinder (book binder). They came to the conclusion that the war would not reach our shtetl and therefore the Volozhin inhabitants should be relaxed. “ Russia is mighty and huge. She is entitled to behave as per the Tsar's desire. Russia might lead the war against the Germans in Siberia, against the Avstraks (Austrians) in Caucasus and if so would be her desire she could fight against all her enemies in the large steppes of the Ukraine or in the deserts of Mandjuria. All depends on decisions that would be made by the High Command of the Tsar's army” Such was the conclusion of Oyzer der Raznostshik, Volozhin’s most competent "Strategist". Nahumke Telzer, the Yeshiva man, who during the debate was reading a book, lifted his head abruptly and said: “Rabeyssay (my masters), Please let me tell you a true story.” The audience became attentive and Reb Nahumke initiate his tale: “A Jew, a very poor tenant farmer had six very ugly and loathsome daughters. Due to their homeliness it was impossible to find bridegrooms for them. One day a shadkhn (Matchmaker) arrived in the lessee's home with exiting news. “I have an “excellent party” for your eldest (Who was the ugliest) daughter, but I cannot reveal the bridegroom's name fearing very much your anger.” The Jew swore on his Peysses and beard that nothing evil would happen to the shadkhn after the name was told. The shadkhn became courageous and exposed the secret: “The suggested bridegroom is none other but the sole son of count Tishkevith, the Volozhin region's very rich land and forests owner.” The lessee became very angry hearing to whom his daughter was indicated to be a bride. “It could never be”. He said, “I would never let my daughter convert to Christianity.” The shadkhn left the lessee's house empty handed. But the proposed “Shiduch” began to settle in the lessee's head. His wife too was insisting, “maybe its worth accepting the proposition. We would become rich; it's not a joke to have a count as our daughter's father-in-law. It would greatly improve and probably totally alter our financial status.” The lessee called the shadkhn and told him: “After experiencing difficult internal conflicts I decided to give my daughter as a wife to the son of the count.” “Beautiful”, answered the shadkhn, “now we have to get to the next step, your agreement alone is not enough, now we should obtain the count's and his son's agreement.” “And the moral of this story is”, continued Reb Nokhemke, “You claim that as per her desire Russia would be able to lead the fights in Ukraine, in Mandjuria or wherever she would choose, but did you already obtain Germany's and Austria's approval? Are you sure that they would agree to lead the battles in those places, precisely?” . - Wednesday, March 19, 2003 at 16:00:52 (PST) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies (IAJGS) is pleased to announce its first Genealogical Cruise, a unique opportunity to combine a terrific Jewish genealogy learning experience with a memorable cruise. The cruise will depart from the Port of Miami on Carnival's M/S Fascination on Monday, December 1, 2003 and return on Friday, December 4, 2003, with port calls in Key West and Cozumel. While at sea, participants will have the opportunity to attend lectures and informal gatherings with experienced Jewish genealogists and network with others pursuing similar research. Lectures will include an introduction to Jewish genealogy and overviews of Jewish geography, interviewing techniques, Federal, state and local U.S. records and Holocaust research. The lectures will also provide information on the enormous on-line resources available from one's home computer, the vast holdings of the LDS Family History Library and its network of local centers around the world, and the resources available through the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Speakers include Peter Lande, expert on Holocaust research at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and Daniel Schlyter, an LDS Family History Library Collections Specialist and expert on Eastern European resources. Members of the IAJGS Board of Directors will bring their expertise on computers, Jewish geography and Jewish history, Israeli genealogical research, Lithuanian Jewish genealogical research, Russian documentation, and in family research across the United States. Please refer to the IAJGS website, www.iajgs.org for a description of the program and the participating experts. The lectures and informal gatherings will be enjoyable for anyone with an interest in Jewish genealogy. Beginners and intermediate genealogists will find them especially valuable. Other genealogical benefits to participants include assistance in using shipboard computers to search on-line databases, informal "Ask the Experts" sessions to address genealogical questions, and a collection of "take home" genealogical reference materials. The lectures and informal sessions will be scheduled around the port calls,so that participants may take full advantage of both the learning experience and the visits to Key West and Cozumel. To properly accommodate participants, registration for the IAJGS Genealogical Cruise is limited to 300. Those who register by April 1, 2003 will be eligible for complimentary cabin upgrades and other early registration incentives. For additional information or a registration form, visit the IAJGS website at www.iajgs.org or call toll-free (888) 840-5240 (Mon.-Fri. 8:30AM-5:00PM Eastern Time). Sincerely, Hal Bookbinder, IAJGS president . - Saturday, March 15, 2003 at 19:34:55 (PST) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The speech of the Israeli born Dr Gideon Radushkovitz at the mass grave at Dolhinov Jewish Cemetery on the 1st of September 2002. Without asking for your permission, I have taken it upon myself to say a few words in the name of the younger generation –the generation that did not go through the Holocaust or experience any of its horrors, but lived, breathed and were raised in the shadow of its memories from the day we were born. We didn't have to come here to learn what had happened. We have read the books, seen the pictures, and more important, we have heard the stories at home from eye witnesses about the horrors that were perpetrated here to our families. We have come here to our own personal valley of death, to Dolhinov, so that you could show us for the first time, and maybe the last, those same places that we grew up hearing about throughout our childhood and from which we imbibed the true value of Zionism that we have all acquired, that same value that motivated and drove us to achieve excellence in various units in the army whether as ordinary soldiers, fighters or as commanders. Despite the fact that we are all past the age of army service, this journey is meant to add fuel to the flame that burns within each one of us in order to preserve it and pass on the torch to the next generation, so that they will be able to understand the meaning of our lives especially in Eretz Jisrael, with all the difficulties we face. I want to thank my uncle Shlomke Shamgar for the hair-raising stories he told while we stood at the mass graves, of the direct and indirect responsibility of the local population as to what happened here. I fully identify with him. In a few days time we will take off in a white plane with blue stripes painted on its body and the star of David on its tail, flown by an Israeli pilot, and, when its wheels are withdrawn from this cursed land, whose rivers are flowing with the blood of our dear ones, we will feel, at least some of us, a certain satisfaction at leaving behind us the murderers and their offspring, steeped in their own miserable lives. And we will return to the only place on earth which is our real home. I cannot conclude these words without thanking Leon Rubin and whoever helped him for voluntarily taking upon himself the organization of this difficult and complicated project, the climax of which was our visit to Dolhinov. Thanks go to him for his willingness to help, his skilled organization and manner, and especially for his amiable, likeable personality which made this trip exceed all expectations. Thank you. Gideon Radushkovitz (Translated from Hebrew) - Thursday, March 13, 2003 at 17:27:36 (PST) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ In a message dated 3/6/03 9:28:12 AM Pacific Standard Time, Nathan writes: SZYSZKO is SHISHKO. The z in polish is an h and the y in polish is the letter I and that is why I can never find anything because I do not know how to input it.It was very interesting to see the passport of my cousin Binyamin Szyszko -Shishko A"H on the list of passports If I have a group picture from vishnevo circa 1930-1935 , how do I send it to you. After you get it maybe we can figure out who is there. I know my grandfather A"h is there but the rest of the people is a mystery to me. Shalom Nathan, You could either scan the picture (GIF or JPEG) and send it as an email attachment or at kinko or other copy place you could make good quality copy on the spot and send it to; Eilat Levitan 3895 Eureka Drive, Studio City, Ca 91604 I will post the picture on the Vishnevo and Volozhin sites. I will also post it at a new page for; SZYSZKO/ SHISHKO.. . - Thursday, March 06, 2003 at 10:10:43 (PST) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Polish Aliyah Passports; Wiszniew; Surname Givenname Townborn Born Status Occupation Living PERSKA Gala Wiszniew 1886 wdowa Wolozyn Wilejka; BUNIMOWICZ Eljasz Wolozyn 1881 zonaty handlarz Wilejka ENTIN Szloma------- Wilejka 1914 kawaler robotnik Wilno ORLIK Mera----------- Wilejka 1909.XI.10 zamezna bez zajecia Wilejka PlAWNIK Marjasia Wilejka 1870 wdowa gos. domowa Wilejka From Radoszkowicze; REZNIK Rachmiel Radoszkowicze 1906 zonaty krawiec Radoszkowicze ROZENHAUZ Daniel Radoszkowicze 1871 zonaty budowniczy Wilno From Dolhinov; Surname Givenname Townborn Born Status Occupation Living DIMENSZTEJN Rachmiel Dolhinów 1913 niezonaty rolnik Dolhinów KUPERSZTOCH Szloma Dolhinów 1917 kawaler uczen Glebokie LEWIN Ajzik-------------- Dolhinów 1908 zonaty rolnik Dolhinów LIFSZYC Josel - Chaim Dolhinów 1911 niezonaty handlarz Dolhinów REZNIK Sonia------------- Dolhinów 1917.26.05 zamezna krawcowa Dolhinów SZRAJBMAN Lejzer Dolhinów 1916 niezonaty nauczyciel Dolhinów ZULAR Fiszel---------- Klesów 1910.IV.2 zonaty nauczyciel Dolhinów From Kurenets; Surname Givenname Townborn Born Status Occupation Living ALPEROWICZ Nochem Kurzeniec 1912 niezonaty czapnik Kurzeniec BOTWINIK Fryda ------- Kurzeniec 1912 zamezna krawcowa Kurzeniec GWINT Izrael--------------- Kurzeniec 1912 zonaty robotnik Kurzeniec LIMON Samuel ----------Kurzeniec 1910 zonaty handel Kurzeniec Volozhin; Surname Givenname Townborn Born Status Occupation Living SZYSZKO Dwosza Wolozyn 1906 zamezna przy mezu Wolozyn Rachel córka BUNIMOWICZ Eljasz Wolozyn 1881 zonaty handlarz Wilejka PERSKA Gala Wiszniew 1886 wdowa-------------- Wolozyn SZYSZKO** Benjamin Wolozyn 1905 kawaler uczen Warszawa Wilejka; BUNIMOWICZ Eljasz Wolozyn 1881 zonaty handlarz Wilejka ENTIN Szloma------- Wilejka 1914 kawaler robotnik Wilno ORLIK Mera----------- Wilejka 1909.XI.10 zamezna bez zajecia Wilejka PlAWNIK Marjasia Wilejka 1870 wdowa gos. domowa Wilejka Rakow; Surname Givenname Townborn Born Status Occupation Living BOTWINIK Aba------ Raków 1908 zonaty uczen Raków 422 LEWIN Szolom------- Raków 1916 niezonaty bez zawodu Smorgonie ROLNIK Dwejra---- Raków 1910 zamezna bez zajecia Raków ROLNIK Szmerel Minsk 1910 zonaty krawiec------ Raków SZAPIRO Szloma---- Raków 1894 zonaty urzednik---- Tel-Aviv Krasne; ZILBERGLEIT Eljasz Krasne 1914 niezonaty bez zajecia Krasne Gródek; Surname Givenname Townborn Born Status Occupation Living BORER Dawid Gródek 1911 niezonaty Warszawa EJDELMAN Noson Gródek 1913 niezonaty bez zajecia Gródek FRYDMAN Rachil Gródek 1920 niezamezna bez zajecia Michalów KRYWIECKA Chaja - Sara Gródek 1905 zamezna szwaczka Gródek SAPIRSZTEJN Mejta Gródek 1913 niezamezna krawczyni Gródek SHTEJNBERG Boruch-Lejb Baranowicze 1917 niezonaty urzednik prywatny Gródek TAUB Abram Gródek 1909 zonaty Bialystok ZAKHEJM Rebeka Gródek 1887 zamezna kupcowa Warszawa Ilja; Surname Givenname Townborn Born Status Occupation Living Comments RUBINSZTEJN Chajka Ilja 1908 zamezna przy mezu Warszawa Chaim i Ita - Henia The 'Passports' collection in the Archives of the Jewish Historical Institute of Poland (Warsaw) consists of 3,754 Polish passports issued primarily during the 1930s to Polish citizens going to what was then British Mandate Palestine. The data in this passport file has been added to the Jewish Records Indexing-Poland database and is searchable by surname. We want to thank the contributors to JRI-Poland's Aliyah Passport Project for helping the project become fully funded. We also especially want to thank Michael Tobias and Howard Fink of JRI-Poland, as well as Yale Reisner and Ania Przybyszewska of the Jewish Historical Institute in Warsaw, as well as the Jewish Genealogical Society Inc. (New York) for their important roles in this historic project. For further information, please contact Polish Passport Project Coordinator Judy Baston JRBaston@aol.com . - Thursday, February 27, 2003 at 09:35:30 (PST) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ I am not sure what this is all about yet. Chanced here. What would Bukowski do? That is what we should all be asking. Steve S. from www.saroff.com -- come and visit to read stories and see pictures. Steve Saroff <ssaroff@hotmail.com> Missoula, MT - Saturday, February 22, 2003 at 13:19:29 (PST) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Moshe wrote;... my friend Leyshke Shimen Itshe's sent me the letter as follows: How did I survive. By Leyzer Meltser,Translated from Russian by M. Porat, February 11th, 2003 I, Meltser Dovid-Leyzer was born in Volozhin in 1923. Meltser Shimen Itskhok son of Zvi of Vishnevo was my father; Sore Sheyne nee Rabinovitsh was my mother. I was studying in the Volozhin Hebrew Tarbut School and in the Polish Primary Povshekhna until 1939. From 1939 until 1941, during the Soviet rule, I completed my studies in the Russian School. The Germans occupied Volozhin on June 1941. All Jewish inhabitants were transferred into the Ghetto a month later. 200 Jews were gathered on the towns Sport Stadium and executed by shooting In October 1941. It was the first mass slaughter in Volozhin. The second massacre occurred near the ancient Graveyard on May 10, 1942, where 2000 Jews were murdered. The last mass slughter, the third one took place in the Volozhinka streambed in August 1942. Our family; my parents, brother and sister and I were driven away from the ghetto by the Germans and their assistants; local Policemen. We were taken into the black smith building that was erected during the time of the Soviet rule. The building was located on the Dubinski Street (now Sovietskaya) . The Aktion took place during the second Pogrom, They put us in groups of eighty people each and transfered us group by group to the killing field. the killings were conducted near the Jewish Graveyard The Jews were executed by shooting. My father told me... "Run, my son, perhaps you'll be the sole to survive of our family". I put myself on his shoulders, removed some tiles from the roof and run away. One other person was able to jumped and run away after me, It was Ele Mlot. I spent some days in forest, than returned to the Volozhin Ghetto where I was hiding in a nook. I found out that my parents, my sister and brother were executed on May 10, 1942. I run back into forest after the third slaughter, than I was able to transfer to the shtetl Krevo, where a ghetto still existed. From Krevo I went to Smorgon where from they transferred us to Lithuania and imprisoned in the Zhensistoria concentration camp. A group of us they brought into Vilnius in December 1942, where we were ordered to build a commercial rail station. Once in the evening, returning from work, I run away into a near by forest. I wandered there some days until I met with Russian Partisans. I joined the Bagration group of the Voroshilov Brigade. I was with the partisans until the liberation of Belarus and Lithuania. After liberation I joined the Red Army. The Victory day I met in Magdenburgh, Germany. I was released from the army and returned to Volozhin in December 1945 and went to work. I married Sofiya (Sonia) Milikovski, daughter of Leyzer Itskhok and Hana born Berman from Horodok Our marriege took place in Volozhin in 1947. Our daughter Hasia was born in 1950. She was ill and passed away at age 31 to our great grievance in the year 1981. Our son Shimon was born in Volozhin on 1954. We made Aliya to Israel, the entire family, my wife, my son Shimon, his wife Polina, his children Asia and Yakov and me where now we live. I will post the letter in Volozhin stories some of the tree; Zvi MELTZER (grandfathjer of Shimon Peres) Born: Abt 1865, Volozhin, Vilna, Poland PERISHED: 22 Oct 1942, Vishnevo, Vilna, Russia Spouse: ELTE Children: Shimon Isaac MELTZER Born: Abt 1895, Volozhin, Vilna, Russia. PERISHED: 1942, May 10 , Volozhin, Vilna, Russia.Spouse: Sarah Shiena nee RABINOVICH Born: 1900, Vishnevo, Vilna, Russia PERISHED: 1942, May 10 , Volozhin, Vilna, Russia Children: Leizer MELTCER, Living. Spouse: Sophia nee Milikovski, Living . - Wednesday, February 12, 2003 at 12:09:19 (PST) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Belarus SIG members attending the 23rd IAJGS Conference on Jewish Genealogy in Washington D.C. (July 20-25, 2003) FEARER, Mark Volozhin, Lyskava, Volkevysk, Ruzhany RAGOVIN, PINKAUSOVICH, CHERNICHOFF MARKEL, Beatrice Vileyka, Dalhinov, Vilna KAGAN,KAHAN,ZAPODNIK POSNICK, Mike Budslavy, Dolginovo, Drogiczn, Kobrin, Kopyl, Minsk, Mir, Novyy Sverzhen, Timkovichi EHRLICH, FRIEDMAN, GOLOVENCHITS, KOSOWSKY, POZNIAK, ROZIN, SHERMAN, SHULKIN, SZTEYNBERG, ZELEVYANSKY RHODE, Harold Dolginovo, Vileika Uyezd AXELROD, RUBIN, SHUMAN SMITH, Lester Oshmyany, Gudegai, Zhuprany, Vishnevo SHUMELISKY, DAVIDSON . - Tuesday, February 11, 2003 at 19:01:19 (PST) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ - Original Message ----- From: EilatGordn@aol.com To:rossnassrely.fsnet.co.uk Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2003 3:18 AM Subject: Re: [belarus] Rubicevici (Pronounced Rubichevichi) In a message dated 1/20/03 6:09:56 PM Pacific Standard Time, s@grossnassrely.fsnet.co.uk writes: any information about the above Shtetl which is 32.2 miles WSW of Minsk. I cannot seem to locate anything about this place. My Grandfather David Kalmanowitz zl was born here in 1865 and I would really like to locate some vital records (BMD). Any suggestions will be gratefully received. Many thanks Sheila Researching: KRANZ (KRANC); KALMANOWITZ (KALMANOWICZ); MEISEL, GORGEL etc. http://www.jewishgen.org/Belarus/Shtetls/srubezhevichimm.htm Rubezhevichi, Minsk uezd, Minsk gubernia, Belarus Rubezhevichi, Minsk uezd, Minsk gubernia, Latitude: 53º41' Longitude: 26º52' Rubezhevichi was in the Velikoselskaya volost' (courtesy of Vitaly Charny) The surnames ABRAMOV, AIZENBUD, AIZENSHTAT, ASNES, BEILKIN, BELENKY, BENDETOVICH, DAINOVSKY, DAKSHOROVICH, DRUKT, DZUGLIER, DZYAVGIER, EDELMAN, EILENTUKH, EILENTUR, EPSHTEIN, FAIGENBLYUM, FANGINFELD, FISHKES, FISHKIN, FISKES, FRUMKIN, GALPERIN, GARMAIZA, GARMAZ, GARMIZA, GERSHENOVICH, GERSHONOVICH, GILMAN, GITLIN, GOLOVENCHITS, GOLPERIN, GORDIN, GORMIZA, GROER, GROGER, GUREVICH, GURIAN, GURIYAN, GURVICH, GURYAN, GUTKES, GUTKIN, IOKHIN, KAFIELEVICH, KAGAN, KANTOROVICH, KARMAN, KARPIL, KASEVER, KASRIELEVICH, KASRILIOVICH, KATSENELENBOGIN, KAZHDAN, KHASKIN, KHURGEL, KIRMAN, KITAEVICH, KIVOVICH, KOSEVER, KOVAL, KRUTKOVICH, KUSHNER, KUTNER, LEVIN, LIPMAN, LIVSHITS, LUNDIN, LUNGIN, LYUNDIN, MARGOLIN, MATLIN, MIRKIN, NOVIK, PAKES, PALEES, PALES, PALIS, PANEES, PANES, PIKES, PIKUS, POLEES, POLES, PRESMAN, PUSKES, PUTKES, RABINOVICH, RAIKHELSON, RAPOPORT, RAPORT, RIFKIN, RIFKIND, RIVKIND, ROZENBERG, ROZENBLYUM, RUBENCHIK, RUBINOK, RUBINOV, RYVKIN, SAFIROVICH, SAGALOVICH, SAGOLOVICH, SHAFIROVICH, SHAPIRA, SHER, SHERY, SHESTAK, SHLYAFINER, SHORNY, SULER, SULSKY, SUSTER, TREPEL, VOLKOMICH, YAKHNES, YANKELEV, ZAK, ZILBERG, ZILBURG, ZIRBERGLEIT, and ZYLBURG were found in the Vedomosti records (1870s-1890s) for Rubezhevichi (contributed by Vitaly Charny Yizkor book; Rubezhevichi Sztokfisz, David. Sefer Rubiz'evits', Derevnah Veha-Sevivah.. Tel Aviv: s.n., 1968. DS135.R93 R77 Loringen Rubezhevichi Belarus Before 1997 Ronald M. Miller (#1112) 38 Fairfield Dr. Dix Hills, NY 11746 United States Morris Rubezhevichi Belarus Before 1997 Rachelson Rubezhevichi Belarus Before 1997 Reichelson Rubezhevichi Belarus Before 1997 Segalowitz Rubezhevichi Belarus 2 Sep 2001 Fishkin Rubezhevichi Belarus 2 Sep 2001 Lungen Rubezhevichi Belarus 11 Apr 1999 Langen Rubezhevichi Belarus 11 Apr 1999 Pesetzky Rubezhevichi Belarus Before 1997 Ira Leibowitz (#1663) Shulsky Rubezhevichi Belarus 11 Dec 1997 Lauren Shulsky Shulsky Orenstein (#8286) Baron Rubezhevichi Belarus 6 Oct 2000 Stanislav Gorbulev (#10295) Leipziger Str. 16 Marburg, 35039 Germany Panes Rubezhevichi Belarus 6 Oct 2000 Rabinowitz Rubezhevichi Belarus 22 Jan 1998 Norman Paley (#10368) 171 Purdy Ave Staten Island Staten Island, NY 10314 United States Lungen Rubezhevichi Belarus 4 Feb 1998 Mark Nearenberg (#10674) 111 Fourth Ave. New York, NY 10003 United States Longin Rubezhevichi Belarus 12 Jun 2000 Groer Rubiezewicze Poland 22 Mar 1998 Hillary Herson (#11890) Lungen Rubezhevichi Belarus 3 Mar 2002 Marion Kurtz Sykes (#30602) Hurewitz Rubezhevichi Belarus 2 Sep 1999 Barry Hurewitz (#32669) 5343 Broad Branch Rd NW Washington, DC 20015 United States Levine Rubezhevichi Belarus 5 Jan 2000 Zalman Levine (#38000) 195 Norma Rd. Teaneck, NJ 07666 United States Rachelson Rubezhevichi Belarus 4 Sep 2002 Daniel Richard (#59440) Aizenbud Rubezhevichi Belarus 18 Oct 2001 Ariel Aizenbud (#64596) 1 de Mayo 951 Rosario, 2000 Argentina Gitlin Rubezhevichi Belarus 14 Feb 2002 Click to contact Researcher #68297 Niekrcyz Rubezhevichi Belarus 14 Feb 2002 Niekrycz Rubezhevichi Belarus 19 Jun 2002 Berlove Rubezhevichi Belarus 14 Feb 2002 Rubezhevichi before 1917HistoryXII century - first record about Rubezhevichi (fortress on boundary between Lithuania and Slutsk Princedom). XIV century - Rubezhevichi became a shtetle in Great Lithuanian Princedom (Magnum Ducatus Lithuanorum). 1550 - King of Poland and Great Lithuanian Prince Sighizmund-August gifted Rubezhevichi to Prince Nicole Radzivill Ginger as a part of Koydanov County. 2nd half of XVI century - Jewish population appeared. XVII - beg. XVIII century - Rubezhevichi was the residence of eldest line of Radzivill family. Most prosperous time for Rubezhevichi. End XVI century - foundation of Catholic cathedral. Beg. XVII century - foundation of Uniatic church. 1740 - Uniatic church burned away. 1775 - Rubezhevichi became an owning of Ratynsky family. Since 1793 - in Russian Empire. Since 1801 - a shtetle in Minsk District of Minsk Province. 1866 - old Catholic cathedral was resanctified into Orthodox church; public school appeared. 1867 - Russian Emperor Alexander II gifted the Church an icon of Kazan God Mother. Vital StatisticsDate Number of Jews Number of Non-Jews Commentaries Specific gravity in total population number Mid. XVI century Jewish population appeared XVII century 2000 Total population No info 1859 about 890 Total population No info 1887 > 2000 Total population No info 1897 912 570 Both sexes 61,5 % 1905 1102 Both sexes No info Jewish LifeIn 1898 KANTOROVICH Vulf son of Itsko was the Jewish Deputy of Rubezhevichi Petty-Bourgeois Administration.In 1905 there were:- a synagogue;- 2 praying houses.Economical Review.Traditional activities of local Jewish population were trade with timber, grain, and vodka. Since early time Sula and Perkla rivers were main roads for Rubezhevichi habitants.During Russian principality, vodka trade was under state hard control and became less popular among Jewish businessmen. But Russian authorities did a lot to develop the region because of military and fiscal reasons mostly. First of all, old communications were reconstructed there:road from Rubezhevichi to Nesvizh;road Rubezhevichi - Ivenets;road Rubezhevichi - Koydanov.In XIX, because of development of the AllRussian Market, new types of communications appeared there: post office (1840s);road Rubezhevichi - Negoreloye station [a station of Moscow - Brest railroad (1871)]; Each Sunday big market took place. From the 2nd half of XIX century big annual fairs were held on May 9, June 29, August 15, September 8, December 6. Main goods: a) timber and timber goods;b) grain;c) fish;d) flax.After the construction of the Moscow - Brest railroad the shtetle became to decay and lost its former significance. Here is the table of development of Rubezhevichi in the 2nd half of XIX - early XX century: Date of record Number of houses 1859 99 1887 about 200 1905 144 However, some big enough businesses stayed there in the beg. XX century. Here is the list of major business and trade enterprises of Rubezhevichi and the Subdistrict for 1902. Name of owner Type of business Nationality Bakhrakh Aron Gdalyev Timber and timber goods Jewish Gurvich Leyba Tophilev Grocery store Jewish Kovarsky Iosel Tsalkov Pharmacy Jewish General cultural information.In beg. XX century in Rubezhevichi there were:- a stone Orthodox church, rebaptized in 1866 from the Catholic one;- a new stone Catholic church;- an Orthodox public primary school;- a post office;- a pharmacy.Closest doctor was in Koydanov (20 km). Copyright 1997-1998 Oleg Perzashkevich ELIASHEVICH, Khaim-Girsh son of Abram grandson of Itska (ELIASHEKVICH?),mother;Risia daughter of Mikhel born; 4/8/1904 6 Elul Rubezhevichi Minsk Minsk Father from Bishniaki [Vishnevo], Oshmianskii Uyezd Rubezhevichi 1904 M11 1920795 554 GORDIN, Basia Leiba, Khaim Freida, Khonon 7/1/1912 Shvat 1 Rubezhevichi Minsk Minsk father from Kernov, Vilna guberniya Rubezhevichi This family came from Mir, but Srol moved to Rubezhevichi, according to the birth records for his twin sons. I assume they are related to my Jacobson family listed above.Girsh Jacobson/Yakubzon Srol Jacobson/Yakubzon & Sora Minia Abram Jacobson/Yakubzon (1904 - ) SheftelJacobson/Yakubzon (1904 - ) Supplement on the history of the foundation of 1885 (unknown) Romanov's Jewish cemetery by Mordehai Leib Gohman/Hokhman Rubezhevichi Pinkas Chevrah Kadisha. ... A Wehrmacht unit participated in this Aktion, after which thousands of Jews from nearby towns -- Ivenets, Naliboki, Rubezhevichi, Korelichi, and Lubach -- were brought to Novogrudok. The ghetto that had been established earlier was divided into three sections: Section A, the courthouses, where skilled craftsmen were concentrated; Section B, the Pereselka area; and Section C, Nazaratanek, where the school buildings were located Lifshitz Shetls as of 30 May 2002 ... Rubechevitch, Belarus, 5341 2652, West of Minsk : 32.2 WSW of Minsk. Alternate names : Rubezhevichi, Rubezheviche, Rubiezewicz. Shchedrin, ... www.benchpost.com/famtree/lifshitz/ lifshitznamebytown.htm - 49k just some from Ellis Island; 1 Kaganowicz,Nisia Rubizewiecz, Poland 1921 19 2 Kahanowicz,Ftzka Rubeszewitz, Russia 1910 37 3 Karpel,Rose Rubsewicz, Russia 1906 18 4 Karpel,Rubin Rubschewiczy 1903 20 5 Kasdan,Riwke Rubzewitz, Russia 1906 17 6 Kaszewicz,Ruchel Rabischewitz, Russia 1909 18 7 Kazdin,Abe Rubezewizy, Russia 1907 59 8 Kazdin,Chaie R. Rubezewizy, Russia 1907 55 9 Kirmann,Leie Rubcewitz, Russia 1906 18 10 Kirniann,David Rubarzewicze, Russia 1912 25 11 Kolzinowsky,Solomon Rabzewig, Russia 1912 18 12 Kreitschik,Dwosche Rebzewitz, Russia 1907 15 13 Kreitzik,Riwe Rubzewitz, Russia 1914 17 14 Kurman,Flzko Rubeshewitzy, Minsk 1908 6 15 Kurman,Leje Rubeshewitzy, Minsk 1908 37 16 Kurman,Reisel Rubeshewitzy, Minsk 1908 10 17 Kuschdin,Leie Robziewitz, Russia 1910 17 Magnus,Chaie Selde Rebzewicz, Russia 1911 25 2 Magnus,Pesche Rebzewicz, Russia 1911 3 3 Milarsky,Alte Robzewicz, Russia 1909 10 4 Milarsky,Pesche Robzewicz 1909 36 bsd Thank you so much for all the information. I found one of our family called Khurgel in the surname list. "Vedomosti records (1870s-1890s) for Rubezhevichi (contributed by Vitaly Charny ". I will have to contact him to tell me if there is any more information to be found. I am really grateful to you for this and have forwarded this info to another person (Barry Hurwitz) who has posted an enquiry. I'll forward you his email. Best wishes Sheila Grossnass Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2003 3:01 PM Subject: Rubezhevichi I saw your posting on the Belarus SIG. I too have been attempting to research Rubezhevichi. My ggf was born there in 1882 and emigrated to New York in 1896. We know relatively little about the place. I understand that the Mormon library has some marriage, death and birth records, but I have not yet examined them and I don't know how complete they are. There is a Yizkor book but it is not translated and I do not have a copy-- but I can get you the name of someone who has it. He has also prepared a historical sketch about his family, but it did not touch on anyone I knew about. I strikes me that if we can gather a "critical mass" of people interested in the town, the first step should be to translate the book into English. You will find some scattered historical info if you check on JewishGen. Anatoly Charny has prepared a historical summary. I'll look up some of my links and send them on. I hope we can work together-- it has been challenging because so few people seem interested in Rubezhevichi. Please let me know if you have any information. I eagerly await your reply. Barry Name uezd volost closest rlwy stn rl d(rs) pop. d(uezd) d(vol) Rubezhevichi Mn Rubezhevichsk- Negoreloye MB 18 1102 58 -- 144 http://uk.multimap.com/wi/67823.htm Map of Rubezhevichi, , Belarus Rubezhevichi, Minsk Guberniaor. 123, n. 77. Pinqas Hevrah Kadisha, Burial society. 1785 — 1915. 137f., 63 blank. White paper. Blue and violet ink. Statues in square type and rabbinic italics. Notes in ashkenazic italics. Traces of gilding on the binding. Supplements: a) three bills, b) list of members of the society, c) documents regarding the purchasing of plots. 375x263mm. Sena [ Senno], Lithuaniaor. 124, n. 79. a) Taqqanot shel Hevrah Kadisha, Burial society. 1805. 10 f. Notebook paper. Copy, Copyist Kalman Dov-Ber Gurvits. Ashkenasic semi-italics. Unbound. 363x223mm. b) Pinqas shel Hevrah Sha"s ve-Mishnayot. 17 pages. No title page, unbound. Diagram of Talmud. 355x222mm. or. 125, n. 78. Pinqas shel ha-Hevrah "Hevrah Kadisha", Burial society. 1771 — 1901. 28 f. Copy, copyist Kalman Dov-Ber Gurvits. Several loose folios of white paper in square. Violet and black ink. Title page with table of letters. Unbound. 355x222mm . - Tuesday, January 21, 2003 at 11:56:26 (PST) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ haim@bgumail.bgu.ac.il To: eilatgordn@AOL.COM Dear EG, I am a member of the Bunimowitz family. My father settled in Massachussetts, and then in Brooklyn, and we had lots of relatives in New Jersey, & some aunts still alive. Are you still interested in chasing up this information? Yours, CB . - Friday, January 03, 2003 at 09:55:22 (PST) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Several years ago appeared the first periodical of the Belorussian association of Jewish organizations and communities "mishpokha". the name is translated into the Russian language as "family". The popularity of the publication grew with each periodical. Among its authors were such well-known writers and poets as Anatoliy Aleksin, Igor Guberman, Grigoriy Kanovich, Leo Razgon, Hirsch Reles, David Simanovich, Svetlana Aksenova-Shteyngrud, Arkady Krumer, Boris Roland, Naum Of tsypis, Naum Kislik, Gabriel Glikman, Vladimir Mekhov...The Periodical publishes prose, poetry, journalism, historical essay, articles on philosophy, sociology, and demography."mishpokhu" began to be read not only in Belarus', but also in Israel, USA, Russia, France, Sweden, Germany and other countries.We want to be introduced to those, who were born in Israel, America, Australia, France, Russia.... Those who know about Belarus' only from the stories of their parents.Nostalgia knows how to sketch fairytale pictures.Our periodical tries not to disappoint you.But undoubtedly the largest and devoted audience/auditorium we find in Minsk and Vitebsk, Gomel and Grodno, Baranovichakh and Polotsk, other cities of Belarus'.Before you the electronic version of the journal "mishpokha"two times per annum.During January of 2000 years you will be able to read in the internete the sixth.The journal "mishpokha" free of charge publishes declarations about the search of relatives, classmates, friends, fellow soldiers.Hundreds of places and villages disappeared in the recent decades from the map of Belarus'. They remained in the memories and stories of parents and grandparents.You want in more detail to learn about the disappeared villages, the places,the old cemeteries, where were buried your ancestors?You want to arrive and to bow to these places.But you do not know, where to go? Write to us.We will try to answer your questions.You gather materials about your ancestors.Someone of them lived in Belarus'.You attempt to restore your genealogical tree.Write to us.Possible to respond your distant relatives about which thus far you do not know.And conjointly you will know how to complete this necessary and interesting matter http://info.accumail.com/fcpopup?site=va&area=dir%2Ehome&border=1 - Friday, December 27, 2002 at 20:41:03 (PST) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Jews for Peace in Palestine and Israel (JPPI) is a group of American Jews who believe that a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace in Palestine and Israel is attainable through negotiations based on international law and the implementation of relevant United Nations (UN) resolutions. We believe that as Jews outside of Israel, we have both a right and obligation to speak out in favor of an Israel that pursues peaceful, ethical, just, and democratic policies http://www.jppi.org/ - Wednesday, December 25, 2002 at 17:25:40 (PST) ----------------------------------------------------------------------- My Grandfather, Jersey RASHNAGOVITCH allegedly form Minsk came to American in the early 1900's. His name was changed to ROGOFF at Ellis Island. I cannot find any listing anywhere so far for this name at all including the Ellis Island web site. There are Rogoff's listed but not the original name. His wife's name was Ida Yetta as listed on his Social Security application. He was born in 1876 and died in Miami in 1971. I would be interested in finding out if there were any siblings of my Grandfather that either came to the US or remained. Regards, Ronald From: EilatGordn To: rrogers@si.rr.com From Ellis Island there are Raszagowitz, =Rashgovitch only the "N" is missing. they are all going to Husband/ father; Leib Rogoff 306-8 Madison Street, New York; Manifest for Vaderland Sailing from Antwerp June 13, 1905; 0001. Raszagowitz, Rikle F 24y M Russia, Hebrew Minsk 0002. Raszagowitz, Matte M 4y S Russia, Hebrew Minsk 0003. Raszagowitz, Hirsch M 3y S Russia, Hebrew Minsk 0004. Raszagowitz, Schmul M 11m S Russia, Hebrew Minsk click; Manifest Enlarger http://www.ellisisland.org/EIFile/popup_weif_5a.asp?src=%2Fcgi%2Dbin%2Ftif2gif%2Eexe%3FT%3DG%3A%5C%5CT715%2D0589%5C%5CT715%2D05890285%2ETIF%26S%3D%2E5&pID=102417030958&name=Rikle%26nbsp%3BRaszagowitz&doa=June++++++13%2C+1905&port=Antwerp&line=0001 Raszeukiroicz, Schaje Minsk 73 Rassagowitz, Kewe Minsk 1902 24 Rastagaurtz, Meicr Minsk 1903 21 Going to brother; Leib Rashnagovitz New York Manifest for Belgravia Sailing from Hamburg December 22, 1903 I read Rashnagowitz they wrote;Rastagaurtz, Meicr M 21Y S Russian Minsk Manifest Enlarger http://www.ellisisland.org/EIFile/popup_weif_5a.asp?src=%2Fcgi%2Dbin%2Ftif2gif%2Eexe%3FT%3DK%3A%5C%5CT715%2D0421%5C%5CT715%2D04210544%2ETIF%26S%3D%2E5&pID=102719130274&name=Meicr%26nbsp%3BRastagaurtz&doa=December++22%2C+1903&port=Hamburg&line=0030 . Rastagaurtz, Meicr M 21Y S Russian Minsk Manifest for Kroonland Sailing from Antwerp August 18, 1902; . Rassagowitz, Kewe M 24y M Russian Minsk Manifest Enlarger http://www.ellisisland.org/EIFile/popup_weif_5a.asp?src=%2Fcgi%2Dbin%2Ftif2gif%2Eexe%3FT%3DK%3A%5C%5CT715%2D0294%5C%5CT715%2D02940213%2ETIF%26S%3D%2E5&pID=102777050086&name=Kewe%26nbsp%3BRassagowitz&doa=August++++18%2C+1902&port=Antwerp&line=0026 Manifest for Finland Sailing from Antwerp August 27, 1906 . Raskowitz, Freide F 23y M Russia Hebrew Minsk, Russia Manifest for Batavia Sailing from Hamburg December 31, 1906 . Raszeukiroicz, Schaje M 16 S Russia, Hebrew Minsk Manifest Enlarger http://www.ellisisland.org/EIFile/popup_weif_5a.asp?src=%2Fcgi%2Dbin%2Ftif2gif%2Eexe%3FT%3DG%3A%5C%5CT715%2D0815%5C%5CT715%2D08150056%2ETIF%26S%3D%2E5&pID=102346180981&name=Schaje%26nbsp%3BRaszeukiroicz&doa=December++31%2C+1906&port=Hamburg&line=0002 If you want to know how I found them, I used Searching Ellis Island Database in One Step http://www.jewishgen.org/databases/EIDB/ellisshort.html I put starts with Ras - town name Minsk From: rrogers@si.rr.com (Ron Rogers) To: EilatGordn@aol.com I am not sure what your name is but this looks like you may have found it. My Father Schmul came as an infant (so we were told) and his brother was about two years older than him. The female does not seem to be my Grandfathers wife name as we know it-but who knows. I am going to contact my cousin and see if his Fathers real name was Hirsh. He went by Harry so that looks good. All the dates look correct Thanks so much for your help. Ron Date: 12/16/02 6:09:10 PM Pacific Standard Time From: rrogers@si.rr.com (Ron Rogers) To: EilatGordn@aol.com Your first email was it. It listed my Father, my two Uncles and my Grandmother. My cousin, Hirsche's son ( he just found out his Fathers real name) has been looking for some time without luck. So tonight in New York, New Jersey,Florida, Connecticut and even South Africa, you have helped to make many people very happy. From all of us, thank you very much. Ron Rogers click for the manifest - Monday, December 16, 2002 at 19:44:29 (PST) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------- Searching the Ellis Island Database in One Step (Jewish Passengers) town sounds like "Vishnevo" Name- town of Residence- year Arrived - at Age Aleschkiewitz,Schaie Wisnewo, Russia 1910 18y 20 Aliskewitz,Malke Wischnewe 1906 25 21 Aliskewitz,Reine Wischnewe 1906 10m 22 Alperowicz,Scheine Wischnawe, Russia 1911 17y 25 Arsham,Berle Wiznowiee, Russia 1907 21y 26 Askewioz,Rode Wisuniawa, Russia 1907 23y Badanowsky,Moische Wisnowo 1905 17y 3 Badenowsky,Riwke Wisnowy 1907 17y 4 Barran,Moische Wischnewa 1905 17y 11 Becher,Ite Wisnowe, Russia 1907 17y 12 Beker,Schaj Selig Wisniawa, Russia 1911 17y 13 Bergmann,Riwke Wisznewo 1903 14y 14 Bergmann,Sore Wisznewo 1903 21y 15 Berkman,Selik Wischnewo, Russia 1910 27y 16 Berkmann,Berzik Wisznewo 1902 18y 17 Berkmann,Jztko Wischnow, Wilna 1907 17y 18 Berkmann,Schaie Wischnewa 1907 18y 19 Berkmann,Slemul Wiznowe, Russia 1912 37y 20 Bermann,Mordche Wisnewo 1905 18y 21 Bialowons,Elkune Poczanow, Russia 1914 38y 22 Blacher,Kalmen Wischnewa 1903 21y 23 Blecher,Chaje Wisznewo 1905 3y 24 Blecher,Lea Wisznewo 1905 27y 26 Bonemovitz,Ore Wischnowo, Russia 1910 11y 27 Botwinik,Aisik Wiszniewo 1903 20y 28 Botwinik,Alte Wischnowa, Russia 1910 18y 29 Botwink,Aron Wisznowe, Russia 1914 50y Bunimowicz,Aron Wischnewo, Russia 1911 7y 33 Bunimowicz,Feige Wischnewo, Russia 1911 43y 34 Bunimowicz,Gawriel Wischnewo, Russia 1911 15y Centnerschwer,Riwke Wischnawe, Russia 1911 55y 2 Cesne,Golde Wiszniow, Russia 1913 23y Chesne,Ellie Wiszmevo, Russia 1913 19y Cohen,Chawe Wischnewo, Russia 1910 28y 8 Cohen,Schaje Wischnewo, Russia 1910 5y Czesna,Chaja Wiszniavo, Poland 1923 18y 11 Czesna,Mina Wiszniavo, Poland 1923 62y 12 Cziscek,Itzik Bozenowo 1906 56y D'awidson,Mordche Wisenewo 1907 22y Davidsoher,Moische Wiszniowo, Russia 1907 21y 5 Davidson,Lehde Wisinowo 1906 19y 6 Dawidsohn,Chaje Wichnewe, Russia 1912 4y 7 Dawidsohn,Jacob Wischnowa, Russia 1907 17y 8 Dawidsohn,Riwe Wichnewe, Russia 1912 7y 9 Dawidsohn,Tenne Lea Wichnewe, Russia 1912 30y 10 Dawidson,Nochem Wisnowe, Russia 1913 22y 11 Dawidson,Sore Wisnowe, Russia 1907 20y 16 Dewidson,Itte Wisniowe, Russia 1912 20y 17 Dinken,Mirel Wisnowo, Russia 1913 3y 18 Dinken,Scheime Wisnowo, Russia 1913 24y 20 Dudmacz,Jabel Wisznewo 1903 37y 21 Dudman,Nissen Wischnewo, Russia 1913 19y Eliaskewitz,Aron Wisnowo 1904 11y 6 Eliaskewitz,Benjamin Wisnowo 1904 7y 7 Eliaskewitz,Jipe Wisnowo 1904 33y 8 Eliaskewitz,Nochein Wisnowo 1904 9m 9 Eliaskiwes,Dawid Wischniewo 1904 25y 10 Eliaspkiewitz,P. Wischnew 1905 18y 11 Eliskewicz,Schoje Wischneive, Russia 1910 19y 12 Eliszkewitz,Golde Wysznewo 1904 25y Epstein,Sore Wischnewe 1906 9y Falb,Ester Wisnewo, Wilno 1909 10y 2 Falb,Itke Wisnewo, Wilno 1909 21y 3 Falb,Leike Wisnewo, Wilno 1909 19y 4 Falb,Marjasena Wisnewo, Wilno 1909 47y 5 Falb,Merke Wisnewo, Wilno 1909 11y 6 Falb,Riwke Wisnewo, Wilno 1909 7y 36 Frohlich,Chane Wischniew 1904 17y 37 Frolich,Hersch Wischniew 1904 38y Geliaschkewicz,Dreise Wisnowie, Russia 1909 17y 8 Geliskewitz,Schleime Wisnowa, 1905 18y Gerchenjon,Leibe Vischinew 1906 55y 11 Gerchenjon,Rute Vischinew 1906 50y 26 Goldman,Etel Wismowe, Poland 1920 64y 27 Goldman,Rifke Piczaniw, Russia 1907 17y 28 Goldschmid,Ischa Wisznewe, Rus. 1906 26y 29 Goldschmidtz,Schumel Wisniowe, Russia 1912 21y 30 Goldstein,Chaje Wisnowo, Russia 1909 30y 31 Goldstein,Malke Wisnowo, Russia 1909 3y 1m 32 Golup,Chaskiel Wasimaw, Poland 1923 26y 33 Golup,Perla Pinsk Region, Wasimaw, Poland 1923 29y 34 Gorwitz,Marien Wisznowe, Russia 1914 40y 35 Grafstein,Abram-Rachwil Wasniow, Poland 1923 14y Pa 36 Grafstein,Jermiasz Wasniow, Poland 1923 41y 45 Grimblatt,Michel Wischnowo 1906 11m 46 Grimblatt,Mowsche Wischnowo 1906 10y 47 Grimblatt,Scheine Wischnowo 1906 45y 48 Grimblatt,Tlzko Wischnowo 1906 23y 53 Gurwicz,Chaja Wiszniewo, Poland 1923 47 54 Gurwicz,Chaj-Sura Wyszniewo, Poland 1923 47y 55 Gurwicz,Rachela Wyszniewo, Poland 1923 9y 56 Gurwicz,Rachela Wiszniewo, Poland 1923 9 57 Gurwicz,Shisia Wiszniewo, Poland 1923 17 58 Gurwicz,Sionia Wyszniewo, Poland 1923 17y 59 Gurwicz,Wichna Wyszniewo, Poland 1923 10y 60 Gurwicz,Wichna Wiszniewo, Poland 1923 10 18 Harwitz,Isze Wisniwe, Russia 1913 10y 20 Hecher,Fejvel Wismiowoe, Poland 1921 39y 21 Hecher,Perla Wismiowoe, Poland 1921 32y 31 Hochman,Hirsh Wisznewo, Russia 1911 20y 32 Hochmann,Liebe Wischnowa 1906 18y 33 Hochmann,Schimen Wishnewa 1907 17y 34 Holiskewitz,Josef Wischnowo, Russia 1914 18y 35 Holz,Scheinolla Buchanow, Poland 1921 18y 36 Hon,Taube Wischnewo, Russia 1914 17y Jacker,Schewa Wisznov.... 1905 19y 2 Jacobson,Boruch Wischnewo, Russia 1910 32y 3 Jafim,Abram Wismowa, Russia 1907 34y P 5 Javomovitch,Brine Besnabia, Russia 1907 41y 6 Jaworek,Feige Wiseanewo, Russia 1906 6y 7 Jaworek,Hinde Wiseanewo, Russia 1906 3y 6m 8 Jaworek,Jankel Wiseanewo, Russia 1906 8y 9 Jaworek,Michel Wiseanewo, Russia 1906 2y 10 Jaworek,Sore Wiseanewo, Russia 1906 27y 11 Jesel,Notka Wisznewo, Russia 1914 56y 12 Jigman,Etel Wisnaov 1905 15y 13 Jigman,Mordene Wisnaov 1905 18y 14 Joches,Chaim Wisnowo, Russia 1913 18y 15 Joffin,Abram Wiecznowo, Russia 1912 38y Kaplan,Boruch Wischnewo, Russia 1907 23y 3 Kaplan,Chaim Wischnowo, Russia 1914 13y 4 Kaplan,Kate Wischnowo, Russia 1914 11y 5 Kaplan,Moische Wischnewv, Russia 1910 21y 6 Kaplan,Schage Wischnowo, Russia 1914 52y 7 Kaplan,Schimov Wischmew, Russia 1906 17y 8 Kaplan,Selig Wischnewa 1904 21y 9 Kaplan,Simche Wisnowo, Russia 1910 18y 10 Kaplan,Sime Wischnowa 1906 22y 12 Katz,Chaim Vischenew 1905 17y 13 Katz,Chaje Wisnowe, Russia 1907 27y 15 Katz,Hinde Wisnowe, Russia 1907 2y 16 Katz,Moische Vischenew 1905 15y 17 Katz,Scheine Wisnowe, Russia 1907 3y 28 Klein,Chaske Wisznewe, Rus. 1906 5Y 29 Klein,Feiwel Wisznewe, Rus. 1906 9Y 30 Klein,Riwke Wisznewe, Rus. 1906 7y 31 Klein,Sosche Wisznewe, Rus. 1906 31y 32 Kleinbaum,Pinchas Wisznow 1905 25 33 Klewansky,Cliaje Wisnowa 1903 3y 34 Klewansky,Sure Wisnowa 1903 20y 35 Kochen,Dobcie Wuzinew, Russia 1910 16y 36 Koflan,Moische Wisznowo 1905 17y 42 Kotliar,Justel Wisnowo, Russia 1907 20y Kunstler,Salomon Wisznow 1899 14y Kunstler,Salomon Wisznow 1899 14y 1 Lafran,Lali Vasaniow 1907 30 y Laschkewiez,Moische Wischneive, Russia 1910 20y 9 Laskowitz,Jankel Wisnawa 1904 23y 10 Laskowitz,Sosfe Lea Wysnewe 1906 23y 11 Lederman,Chaskel Waszniow, Russia 1907 48y Leibman,Nockman Wozonowe, Russia 1913 42y Lewin,Isaak Wisniowa, Russia 1911 18y 24 Lewin,Jente Wischnove, Russia 1910 18y 25 Lewin,Malke Wiznowe 1906 23y 28 Lewin,Mordche Wiznowe 1906 1m Loskowitz,Izchok Woznoive, Russia 1914 18y 17 Midler,Hersch Voszemaw, Russia 1906 19y 18 Milikowska,Dreiza Wiszniew, Poland 1921 35y 19 Milikowska,Icek Wiszniew, Poland 1921 23y 20 Milikowska,Szmul Wiszniew, Poland 1921 10y 21 Milikowsky,Mere Wiszniewo 1907 3y 22 Milikowsky,Riwke Wiszniewo 1907 26y Padberesky,Zachre Wiszmowa, Russia 1910 18y 2 Padborewski,Scheine Wisnowo, Russia 1909 17y 3 Padburesky,Etel Wisnewe 1905 17 4 Padwereshi,Minke Wiznewe, Russia 1913 17y 7 Pergick,Rischke Wischnewo 1905 20y P 8 Pergick,Schleime Wischnewo 1905 19y 9 Perski,Dawid Wisznewi 1905 16y 10 Petrowski,Stanisl Wisniowa 1907 33y 19 Podbaresky,Freide Warznewo 1904 30y 20 Podbaresky,Gtte Warznewo 1904 3y 21 Podbaresky,Liebe Warznewo 1904 9y 22 Podbenski,Jankel Wismowa, Russia 1914 35y 23 Podbereska,Ajzyk Wisniewo, Poland 1921 14y 24 Podbereska,Juda Wisniewo, Poland 1921 18y 25 Podbereska,Ryfka Wisniewo, Poland 1921 55y 26 Podbereska,Scheine Wisniewo, Poland 1921 16y 27 Podbereski,Leibu Wisniewe, Russia 1914 50y 28 Podberesky,Itzko Wischnewa 1907 24 29 Podberskkky,Taube Wischnove, Russia 1910 20y 30 Podbersky,Chaim Wesznefa, Wilna 1913 9y 31 Podbersky,Israel Wesznefa, Wilna 1913 17y 32 Podbiecacki,Jankel Wisneov 1904 18y 33 Podbierezka,Rywa Wiszniewo, Russia 1922 60y 34 Podbierezki,Berko Ela Wiszniewo, Poland 1921 16y 35 Podbiersky,Feige Wischnowo, Russia 1910 20y 36 Podbiersky,Pinkus Wiszniowa, Russia 1907 45y 37 Polak,Chaike Betschinew 1906 25y 38 Posbiesky,Riwka Wischniawo, Russia 1910 18y 39 Potasznik,Ziesa Wiszniewo, Russia 1922 61y P 40 Potster,Rische Wo...snowo 1902 19y 41 Pozniak,Anna Wisnewo, Russia 1907 6y 42 Pozniak,Bernie Wisnewo, Russia 1907 30y 43 Pozniak,Schie Wisnewo, Russia 1907 3y6m 44 Pozniak,Schimen Wisnewo, Russia 1907 8y 47 Puchawicki,Sore Wishnewe, Russia 1908 9 1 R?senfeld,Ettle Wisnewo, Wilno 1909 11m 21 Rosenfeld,Elka Wisnewo, Wilno 1909 25y