Grabowiec, Poland [Pages 172-173]

…Grabowiec was a tiny town, whose buildings were small and neglected, with dirt alleys and an untidy little market that was nonetheless lively. The Jews of Grabowiec had a hard time making a living for their large families. It never became renowned in any way; no famous rabbis were raised there, and it lacked both industry and natural resources. It was, however, teeming with poverty, which afflicted virtually every second family. Nonetheless, the townspeople were cheerful and playful. Kindness was one of their essential features; it was reflected in all their actions. Their prime qualities were simplicity, modesty, and respect for God and men. The previous chapters that describe our past, written by Mordechai Fink, Eliezer Eynes, Efrayim Lerner, Yosef and Avraham Nudel, Yosef Boym, as well as others, portray ways of life and customs that had guided the residents through their daily lives, down the generations. Their descriptions reflect the joyous independent spirits and sparkling originality of the residents, which were multifaceted and noticeable in each aspect of life. The members of the community, young and old, were distinctive individuals. The Jews of Grabowiec did not relegate their old people to an old-age home, or retirement home, as we would term it today. Descendants grew up securely, protected by their lineage, without any adverse effects. Each person had a role in the community, which enriched them and to which they in turn contributed. They were both influenced and influential. Yet personal qualities were not blurred. The residents were lively and effervescent. Each of them yearned for the finer qualities or life, each according to their interests and social groups. They were masters at combining simplicity and intelligence – the blend that supported the Jews of Grabowiec in their daily lives. We lament the dreadful destruction witnessed and described by each survivor of the Grabowiec community. As you read this, your heart overflows with mourning.

Chapters of Our Past