Heart of Wisdom

By Jacqueline Seewald

Part I of HEART OF WISDOM is an historical family saga featuring the immigrant Demsky family during the years 1920 through 1946 as they face the challenges of surviving life, love and loss in Newark, New J

• Language: English
• Publisher: Historia
• Release date: Sep 5, 2023
• ISBN: 9781685124021

Jacqueline Seewald

Jacqueline Seewald has taught creative, expository and technical writing at Rutgers University as well as high school English. She also worked as both an academic librarian and an educational media specialist. Twenty of her books of fiction have been published for adults, teens and children. Her short stories, poems, essays, reviews and articles have appeared in hundreds of diverse publications and numerous anthologies.

Book preview

I

Part One

A righteous man falls down seven times and gets up.

KING SOLOMON, Proverbs, 24:16

Prologue

Hillside, New Jersey, 1946

Sora was roused from slumber, feeling drowsy and disoriented. She sensed something was wrong but wasn’t certain what it was. She had fallen asleep on the sofa in the living room of her small house, the radio playing some orchestra music. She reached over, shut off the radio, and listened. There were strange sounds. They were coming from the cellar. Was something the matter with the furnace? She should go down and check. But the noises continued as if someone were down there—someone who should not be there. An intruder had invaded her home.

Sora’s mind sharpened. Her intuition told her she was in danger. She knew the reason. She’d been asking people questions they didn’t want to answer. She’d hit a nerve with someone—not just anyone but a murderer, a killer. She’d wanted to find out the truth, but not like this, not by putting her life and that of her innocent child asleep nearby in jeopardy.

Getting up from the sofa, she began walking as quietly as she could manage across the creaking floorboards toward the telephone in the hall, hoping to call for help from the police. Would they even come? Her mind raced, questioning her safety as she made her way to the phone. America was supposed to be different from Europe, a haven for the persecuted and those who suffered. Was it so? She thought back to the beginning of it all, recalling her family’s hopes and dreams.

Chapter One

Ellis Island 1920

Malka shivered as the wind whipped her long, black dress around her legs. With determination, she tightened the black scarf she wore around her head and shepherded her girls as they headed toward the imposing red brick main building. So, this was America. Finally. She took a deep breath, holding it, savoring it.

Soon she hoped they would be greeted by Chaim. How she longed to see him again, to touch his hands with her own. So many years apart. Would he still love her? She was no longer young, no longer beautiful. Eight long years of separation. So much suffering during that terrible war. Chaim had begged her to come with him when he left, but she had been too stubborn. She wouldn’t leave her aging parents behind, and they couldn’t make the journey, too old and set in their ways, fearful of such a dramatic change in their lives. She swallowed back the bitterness. Mama and Papa both died during the war, and she could do nothing to save them. She and the girls nearly died themselves from starvation, sickness, and bomb shells exploding everywhere around them. She shuddered, reliving the misery of their existence. No, she must not think of that anymore. There was no point dwelling on the past. She reminded herself they had arrived in a new country to start a new life, hopefully a better one.

Still, managing to get her family through the inspection station would be a miracle. The fear was palpable. She wished she could stop shaking. She must appear strong for the sake of her girls.

The inspectors, doctors, and other government officials stood at the gate and examined those who sought to enter the country. The immigrants were marched in line under their watchful eyes. They deliberated over which immigrants could pass through and which would find the gate closed. They separated those they considered desirable from the undesirable.

Mentally, Malka compared it to the way cattle were treated on their way to slaughterhouses. The immigrants were all crowded together, and the body odors were sickeningly strong. It was a harsh process.

Where is your husband? One beefy-faced official questioned in Polish.

Their ship had sailed carrying Poles and Jews, although they had remained separate from each other on board. It was fortunate she spoke both Polish and Russian. This was because they had lived in a small village on the border area between the two countries. Her two older daughters also spoke both languages as well because they had some education before the war forced the closing of the school. But her two younger daughters knew only the Yiddish language that was spoken in the home.

She swallowed hard. My husband is on his way to meet us very soon now. She prayed that was true.

You’ll be held here in detention until he arrives. You understand?

Malka gave a short nod.

A doctor poked and prodded at them. He was a tall, thin man with an austere expression. He paid careful attention to scalp, face, eyes, neck, hands, even asking them to walk for him. Malka kept Sora, her youngest and smallest daughter, half-hidden at her side.

What’s this? he asked, looking with suspicion at Sora. He, too, spoke in Polish, although haltingly.

Malka had wound a white scarf around her small daughter’s head. God help them! The doctor would know Sora had the mumps as soon as he examined her closely. They would be sent back. Her heart pounded. She felt like retching.

My little one has a bad toothache. It is nothing.

The doctor came toward Sora, who cringed behind her mother’s skirts.

Malka was certain it was the end for them. She choked back a sob.

Then, a woman hurried toward the doctor. She, too, spoke in Polish. There’s a young girl giving birth. We need your help now.

All right, the frowning doctor said. He muttered a curse under his breath and then turned toward the nearest official. Detain these people until the husband comes. Otherwise, they go back.

They were signaled to move on. Malka was afraid her legs would no longer support her, but she reminded herself that she must appear brave in front of her girls.

Malka walked on a ways and then gathered her four young daughters around her. We’re going to leave Ellis Island soon. Then, we will truly be in America. This is a place of hope and opportunity where dreams come true.

The four girls, dressed shabbily and clutching carpetbags, huddled together in the chill of the April morning. Sora, her youngest, shivered most. She was the smallest and thinnest of Malka’s daughters. The white scarf Malka had wrapped around the child’s head gave her an otherworldly aura. Her large gray eyes had a serious aspect.

Chava, her oldest daughter, already a young lady at sixteen years of age, began pacing. Mama, when do you think Papa will come for us?

Malka recognized this as more of a demand than a question. Chava was nervous and worried, she realized. She must do her best to reassure the children, although in truth, she was less than confident herself. Patience is a great virtue, Chava dear.

Rivka, her second oldest, picked up on Chava’s anxiety. Mama, maybe he’s forgotten all about us. Maybe he won’t come. It’s been such a long time.

Lena, her third daughter and the prettiest frowned. Rivka, must you always say bad things? You are so negative. Of course, Papa loves us. He’s coming soon.

Maybe, maybe not. Rivka curled her lower lip. At fifteen, she already had a mind of her own as well as a sharp tongue.

Sora took Lena’s hand and held it tightly. Lena is right. He will be here soon.

Rivka’s dark-featured face flushed with anger. What do you know, Sora? You were just a baby when he left. You don’t even remember him.

Malka realized she must relieve their fears. Your papa sent us passage money so we could come to America. He’s been waiting for us. And Lena is right. Papa loves us, all of us. She patted Lena’s head. Lena’s smile, as usual, was sweet. It was easy to love her.

Chava nodded as a dark brown curl fell over her forehead, escaping her scarf. You’re right as usual, Mama. Our papa wouldn’t have let us suffer if he could have helped it.

Rivka sniffed the air as if she’d smelled a bad odor. He didn’t have to go hungry like us. It wasn’t him who had diphtheria and nearly died.

Chava placed her hands on her hips in a gesture of indignation. "Stop it, Rivka. Can’t you see you’re upsetting Mama? Chava kissed her mother’s cheek, and Malka smiled at her. She could always rely on the good sense of her eldest daughter.

Malka turned to Sora. How are you feeling?

Sora shrugged her painfully thin shoulders. Not so good, Mama.

Malka touched her youngest daughter gently. Make certain the scarf stays tightly wound around your head and keep your spine straight. We had a close call. No one must suspect you’ve got the mumps.

Otherwise, they won’t let us out of here. They’ll put us all in quarantine and then ship us back to Poland. Rivka loomed over her younger sister, and Sora noticeably began to tremble.

But it was Lena who started to cry.

Malka shook her head. Didn’t she have enough to contend with already? Malka placed her arms around Lena and Sora. Don’t speak anymore, Rivka. You’re upsetting your younger sisters. There is a Yiddish saying: God gave us two ears and one tongue, so that we may listen twice as much as we talk. Do you understand?

Yes, Mama. Rivka started to flounce away.

Stay close! The island was packed with people, such a crowded, confusing place. Rivka, do not get yourself lost from us. We’ve been processed. Papa will be here very soon to claim us.

Malka did her best to control her ire. But in her heart, she felt Rivka was the most trying of her daughters. "I told the officials Sora has a toothache, and that’s why her face is wrapped. They accepted my explanation. We must not allow ourselves to be ruled by fear. That’s part of the life we left behind us. Here people do not kill each other for narishkeit, foolishness, like in Europe. This is a better place."

At that moment, she saw Chaim. He appeared older and more distinguished. There were a few gray hairs at his temples. He was glancing around, looking for them. The thought made her pulse quicken. He was well-dressed in a dark suit, white shirt, tie, and a fedora hat. He carried a bouquet of flowers. Her heart began to hammer. Would he see them? Would he even recognize them?

Chaim! she called out and then waved to him.

He turned toward her, one eyebrow raised. Malka, is it you?

Yes, Chaim, it’s me. She choked on her words, tears forming in her eyes.

Chaim rushed to her side and took her in his arms. They embraced, and then Chaim kissed her. The kiss at first was gentle but deepened as she fiercely kissed him back with all the longing she felt. He finally pulled back; his face flushed. He thrust the bouquet into her hands.

What beautiful flowers!

He looked pleased. They’re forget-me-nots.

"Mein Gott, how handsome you look! So American. I hardly recognize you."

Malka, I was afraid I’d never see you again. I missed you every day we were separated. I can’t believe you’re finally here after all these years.

Malka felt suddenly shy and embarrassed. We’ve become strangers.

My darling Malka, never could we be strangers. It was then that he looked at the girls. Are these my little daughters? You’re all so grown-up. I don’t even recognize you. Let me see, you must be Chava, such a young lady now.

Chava smiled with pleasure. I’m sixteen, Papa.

Rivka approached her father. I’m Rivka. I’m fifteen.

Chaim embraced each of them. Then, he turned his attention to his younger daughters. Then this must be Lena. You are, let me see, twelve years old now?

That’s right, Papa. She smiled warmly. Her cheeks flushed, and her pretty features lit up.

Chaim turned to study his youngest child. And you must be Sora, our baby.

I am ten years old, Papa. I’m no longer a baby.

Chaim shook his head sadly. No, not anymore. You’re all young ladies. I can hardly believe it. I lost your childhood. He hugged all four of the girls to him. Lena kissed his cheek hesitantly and then began to sniffle and rub her eyes.

Malka turned to her husband, who did his best to comfort the child in his awkward embrace. Lena has the sweetest disposition, but you will find she’s also very sensitive.

Chaim’s earnest gaze encompassed all of them. I want to get to know you, all of you. Come, let me take you to your new home. Malka, I saved every cent I could so I could buy the best for you I could afford. I want to make it up to you as well as I can for all those terrible years we were apart. I love you, Malka.I’ve been very lonely without you and the children.

Chaim took her into his arms again, and Malka found she couldn’t prevent herself from bursting into tears. But these were tears of joy, not sorrow. Her husband still loved her. Nothing else mattered.

Another official approached. You cannot leave here as yet, he told them.

Chaim seemed to understand. Malka remembered he must have gone through something similar on his arrival. They did not make it easy to enter this new country. The official separated her and the children from Chaim.

They were now forced to wait in a great hall for an interview with a registry clerk. However, it seemed that the clerk did not speak any language other than English so an interpreter was enlisted to speak with her and translate. Malka was asked questions based on the ship’s manifests, large white sheets that sat on the clerks’ desks. She was told that if her answers matched those found on the manifest, they would be declared free to land. It seemed to take forever, but at last, they were approved. Malka almost fell to her knees with relief.

They finally were able to leave Ellis Island. She did not look back, physically or mentally. Malka decided she would not dwell on the years of suffering and loss or the misery of the sea sickness they had experienced on their Atlantic crossing. It was all behind them as they would start their new life as a real family in this new world.

Chapter Two

Oh, Chaim, Newark is such a lovely city. And this apartment is so beautiful. I can’t believe you live here. How did you manage it? Who could imagine such a place?

He gave a modest shrug. It’s not so fancy, only a cold-water flat. But we do have our own bedroom. Still, the girls must share the larger room. I have two beds in there. I hope they will not feel too crowded together. Chaim frowned as if worried regarding the reaction from his daughters.

They will be fine, Malka reassured him with a small pressure on his arm.

As if to demonstrate this, the girls joined them in the parlor, chatting together excitedly like chirping birds.

You furnished this apartment all by yourself? Malka couldn’t believe how clean and lovely everything looked. There was an actual dining room with a table and six chairs, also a kitchen with a pot-bellied stove for heat, and even an icebox. Such luxury! She walked around the apartment, rushing from one room to the next. The parlor had an over-stuffed horsehair sofa and two easy chairs, as well as a wood coffee table and even an end table with a lamp on it. The windows looked directly out onto the street below. But best of all, there was a piano! Chaim knew how much she loved music.

You like it? Chaim’s tone of voice was tentative with an element of uncertainty.

It’s wonderful. And the piano! How did you manage it? She touched the piano reverently with trembling fingers, afraid it was an illusion that would disappear.

Chaim shrugged. God has smiled upon me. I have a good, steady job. I’m the head presser at a pants factory. The boss likes me. He says I’m the best worker he’s got. Of course, I was willing to work a lot of extra hours because I was alone, and I wanted to earn as much money as possible. I promise from now on you’ll have the best of everything. I know I can’t really make it up to you, all that you suffered, but I will try.

Malka bit down on her lower lip. It was my own fault. I stayed behind, as you know, because my mother was ill. My parents needed me. Then, the war started just as you predicted. Mama and Papa died of sickness and starvation. I couldn’t save them. Malka began to weep. Chaim hugged her and kissed her cheek in a gesture of comfort.

You were a good and loving daughter. You did everything you could for your parents. You must have no regrets. Chaim brushed away her tears.

Lena hurried to the piano. I want to learn to play this! Lena’s enthusiasm was a welcome distraction.

Chaim gently touched her cheek. "And so, you will, my child. I’ll arrange for a teacher to come, and you and your sisters will all learn how to play the piano. And you will all go to school and get an education and learn to speak English like real Americans. Yiddish is the language of oppressed Jews who live in a shtetl. Life is different here."

Is it? Malka wondered out loud. I hope you are right.

Chava folded her arms over her chest and raised her chin. Papa, I don’t want to go to school. I’m too old. I want to get a job.

Chaim turned to his oldest daughter. But Chava, an education is more important.

Chava shook her head. Not to me. I’ll learn English at work. I had some schooling before the war. It was enough. I already know Russian, Polish, Yiddish, and some Hebrew. I don’t need more. I want to work and buy myself nice things like an American girl.

Rivka stood next to her older sister. So do I, Papa. I don’t want more school either.

Chaim sighed deeply. Malka could see he was troubled by Chava and Rivka’s rebellious behavior but didn’t quite know how to handle them. I believe, my daughters, you are making a big mistake and will come to regret your decision, but I suppose you’re old enough to decide. What do you think, Malka?

She was pleased that her husband consulted her and valued her opinion. She herself had a limited education. They had come from a poor village where education for a daughter was a luxury. She had worked as a seamstress. Chaim was orphaned early in life. There was little opportunity for much education. He learned tailoring to make a living. Still, she knew he valued education.

I agree with you, Chaim. I believe Chava and Rivka are old enough to make their own choices.

I want to go to school, Papa, Lena said in a shy, soft voice.

So do I, Sora chimed in.

Chaim smiled and hugged his two younger daughters. Of course, with the two of you, there is no question. You will both have a good American education.

Malka ended the discussion. Girls, I want you putting your things away right now. Then you’re to go to the kitchen and help me prepare supper. Your papa deserves a fine home-cooked dinner.

That isn’t necessary. Your first night here, I would like to take you out.

Malka squeezed his hand. Thank you, but no. You have done without home cooking for too many years.

I confess I’ve missed your cooking. I hope the kitchen is stocked all right. If not, we’ll go out to the avenue. There are plenty of shops and pushcarts in the neighborhood.

Lena’s face flushed with excitement. Can we have oranges, Papa?

Yes, my child, of course, you may.

In Warsaw, we bought an orange and broke it into sections so that we could each have a piece to eat. It was so wonderful. Lena smiled at the memory.

The best was when the Red Cross came to our village and gave us buns and hot chocolate to eat after the soldiers left, Sora said. We’d had no food for several days, she confided.

Here in America, there will always be food. I promise, Chaim said.

I never want to go hungry again, Lena said emphatically.

Malka saw the tears in her husband’s eyes and swallowed hard. Chaim was such a kind, thoughtful man. A loving human being. How fortunate she was, after all. It will be all right. Finally, everything is as it should be.

They smiled at each other and joined hands again. The girls pressed against them.

Malka gasped, suddenly reminded of something important. This is such a special day, and I’d almost forgotten. She hurried to the bedroom and emptied her carpet bag on the bed. Yes, it was here, just as she’d left it, her mother’s menorah wrapped with the special candles. A great deal had been left behind, but not this family heirloom so precious to