ViewMate - Image Archive, Image 113675 - Translation - Yiddish - China - Tientsin - Baronsky


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Information

Picture

Question

Category: Translation - Yiddish
Approval Date: 2/18/2026 2:35 PM
Family Surname: Baronsky
Country: China
Town: Tientsin
Date of Image: c. 1919-1921

Click the picture to enlarge

This is a handwritten letter in Hebrew script, written on the left half of a single folded sheet that appears to have been mailed without an envelope.

The reverse side is labeled in Russian “Адресъ” (Address) and is addressed in English to “Mr. J. Baronsky, 39 Foochow Rd, German Concession, Tientsin, China.”

I believe the letter may date to approximately 1919–1921 and relate to Russian Jewish migration through Harbin and Japan. It comes from family papers of the Baronsky family, originally from Siberia, later in Harbin, Tianjin, Japan, and Seattle.

I am seeking:

1. A full, accurate English translation.
2. Confirmation of the language (Yiddish vs. Hebrew).
3. Clarification of the closing signature (possibly “Mendel”).
4. Any clues that may help approximate the date.

Response

2/19/2026 1:46 AM

It's in Hebrew. The very first word is possibly in different handwriting and possibly ends with "zin" - but I'm not sure.

The text is full of abbreviations.

Wednesday, Parashat Chukat , the year 5683 [6th of Tamuz, 5683 = Wed, 20 June 1923]

Abbreviated: "Shalom and all the best sela" to my dear brother our teacher and Rabbi Menakhem Mendel and my sister in law Friyda may she live, and to all members of their family [or household].
[next comes a standard relatively formal abbreviation which means something like]
"Hoping this finds you well"
See here the person handing you this letter the unmarried, young man Mr. Stekal is of my town's residents and is traveling recently to study in a school of high learning. And his request and mine too is to show him a sign of love to travel onwards. Because it seems to me that he lacks funds so do whatever there is in you power. I am sure you will fulfill his request. I am very surprised at your non letter [sic]. Because from my friend Mr. Gershewits I have received quite a while back that he visited you. And from you there is nothing. Well write and write. Also send me your address
Your brother who is expecting your letter Yossef Yehuda [יוסף יהודא] Baranski.
[Comment]
I can't make out the last 3 words, two of which are abbreviations.

ViewMate Posting VM 113675

Submitted by Kenneth Jay Baronsky

Learn more about our organizational leadership, mission, and values. There are numerous opportunities to get involved yourself!

Search millions of records from around the globe, including more than 4 million records related to the Holocaust, and more than 4.2 million burial records. Records are continually added each month - check back often for new information!

Discover your ancestral town, explore geographic/regional based sections of the JewishGen site (Research Divisions), and explore what daily life was like for your ancestors - and what we can learn from them today.

Enhance your research with online classes and dozens of helpful articles. University students can apply for the Bennett & Robin Greenspan L'dor V'dor Legacy Program, and those "out of school" can help preserve Jewish Heritage in Poland with unique study & volunteer experiences.

Connect with tens of thousands of other JewishGen members via the Family Finder, Discussion Group, Facebook Group, and ViewMate. It's a great way to share success, ask questions, and stay informed of the happenings throughout the Jewish genealogical community.

The JewishGen site is offered as a free public resource. However, it costs a lot of money to maintain and expand our services. If you are in a position to do so, please consider a contribution today - your support will make a difference!

ViewMate Posting VM 113675

Submitted by Kenneth Jay Baronsky