Date: 9 July 2012
Topic: At the Bobbe's grave
The first thing we did when we arrived in Warsaw was head for the cemetery to find the Bobbe's (my grandmother's) grave. With our cousin Richard Mileck's directions we did manage to find it - but it wasn't easy and took us about two hours. The cemetery is totally overgrown and we were prickled with thorns all over.
We said Tehilim and asked the Bobbe to be aGutte Bette (a good intercessor) on behalf of all the family. We hope to return tomorrow with a minyan, if possible, to say Kaddish.
Mummy took a picture of me, but I wanted her to be in the photo as well, so I supported the camera on a neighbouring tombstone. One photo worked, but the second time, the camera fell and the lens broke. Mummy says that maybe it's because I used the other matzeva as a tripod…
Date: 10 July 2012
Topic: Warsaw's Trams
Last night we trekked downtown in the trams. Zeida told us about the trams. How they travelled really fast and how a boy was once killed by one. Well, I gotta tell you, these aren't Melbourne trams here; at least not the ones that travel down Carlisle Street. They wouldn't be shamed if they joined the track at Albert Park!
There are two kinds of trams here; one old style, similar in appearance to the old Melbourne ones. On the other extreme there are these ultra-modern ones; really classy seats and very spacious. One thing we don't get is how they make any money - we haven't seen anyone paying for rides. Do they all have weekly tickets?
At any rate, we were trying to find the Kosher restaurant and shule - which after lots of tramming and walking we finally did. It's called Rambam.
Date: 10 July 2012
Topic: Down the Ladder We Go!
The morning minyan at Chabad House is at 7.15. I want to get there on time to try and get together a minyan so I can say Kaddish at the Bobbe's grave as I promised dad. Not sure it will be possible but the shliach Rabbi Segal said he would try. I also want to go to Mikveh.
When we arrive I'm shown the Mikveh. Real improvisation! How to fit a Mikveh into the smallest space possible. A ladder up and then a ladder down to the water. But the water is clean and the experience is very positive. An example to Shluchim everywhere!
We daven and are then offered breakfast. Rabbi Segal says we will have a minyan at 12!
After a visit to the mall we head back to our hotel, pack and wait for kristof to pick up. After checkung out Warsaw's only remaining Shul we return to the Rambam restaurant where we ate last night to order a packed lunch and then head to the cemetery.
Date: 10 July 2012
Topic: Mission Accomplished
We arrive at the cemetery just after 12 to find that theshliach Rabbi Segel has brought the best part of aminyan as promised. What
would we do without Chabad! Another two Israelis agree to join us (Warsaw is full of Israeli tour groups) and now knowing how to get there we head quickly towards Bobbe's grave.
I say Tehilim for the letters of Feiga Eidel and then recite Kaddish as dad has asked... full with emotion...mission to Warsaw accomplished!
Pictured: My Dad (the youngest), his brother, sisters and uncle at the consecration in 1934.
Welcome to the Sandra Bransky Library & Youth Synagogue, located on the first floor and including the Beit Midrash. Drop in any Sunday morning between 9 - 11am.