Gargzdai, Lithuania (Pages 243)

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[Page 243]

“A Terrible Happening
During the Prayer Service”

by Abba Zussmanovitz

A dispute and a bitter fight in the house of learning (Bet Hamidrash)

It was during Shabbat Bereshit. Zalman Hershe Zonas, who was a peddler selling animal skins to the people from the villages, wanted to be the reader that Shabbat. He went over to the reader's stand and started praying. Those sitting on the benches on the east side (“ mizrach”) were surprised at Zalman's audacity in walking over to the reader's stand without permission. They opposed it aggressively and demanded that he should step down and let someone else lead the prayers on Shabbat Bereshit. Zalman did not give way and a big commotion ensued. Many sided with Zalman. They went up to the pulpit and demanded that Zalman should continue to pray at the stand (“ amud”). They threw “shtandars” at the Jews on the east side. When they tried to get out of Bet Hamidrash, Zalman's friends locked the doors. A big fight broke out in the house of prayer and many were injured. This dreadful incident is kept in my memory.

From the Village’s Way of Life

One rainy day, Zalman Hirshe Zonas was seen wearing a sack over his head. And about that people in Gorszd said: “ Zalman haut zich ongeton a meise.” (“ Meise” in colloquial Lithuanian means “ a sack”; “ongeton a meise” means “ took his own life,” God forbid.)

Gitta Weinberg, nee Zussmanowitz, Herzliyah.

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