Vol V, No1, Benicia, CA, Fall 1997
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In this issue:
What I get out of The Family Descendant
Mayoff Day & Mini Reunions by Marty Nickow
Mayoff Music, words by Doug Frazier
Richard & Bettina Mayoff Marry
Story Teller solicits articles
Three Indians - Yiddish (humor)
After a lifetime of hoping and two years planning, Aron
Gindin (Bun) and his family boarded a plane on Aug 10, 1997 in Moscow for
their three hour flight to Munich, Germany. Accompanied by his wife Rimma,
their daughter and son-in-law, Galya and Sasha Grashov, grandchildren Genya
(Eugene), Ira (Irene) and Aunt Anna Ninburg, they arrived to the welcome
of Rita, Sasha and Michele Sokolinskaia (Bun). As this newsletter is being
prepared, more information about their resettlement has slowly been reaching
Benicia. Not all is wine and roses unfortunately. Living accommodations
so far have not worked out well. My understanding of the situation is that
they were to spend their first six months or so in a hostel or barracks.
They tried two different ones and were less 
than pleased with the setup and are currently living with Rita
and Sasha and Sasha's relatives until they can work things out with the
housing authority. Being the independent people they are, it is very difficult
for them as they don't speak the language and have to rely on others for
help. The next few months will be the most difficult and we all wish them
a speedy resettlement in their new country.
This photo above (originally published a few years ago) shows left to right sitting: Rimma Gindin, Galina (Galya) Grashov, and Anna Ninburg. Standing: Alexander (Sasha), Genya (Eugene), Ira (Irene) Grashov and Aron Gindin.
Updates from Art Mayoff
L'Shanna
Tova. Family research and correspondence have been rather quiet this year.
For that reason, I didn't publish a summer issue. With this issue I begin
the fifth year of publishing the Family Descendant. Correspondence from
Aron and Rimma ask me to extend their appreciation to their North American
cousins for the financial help of the past year.
Mayoff Day 1997 was a big hit this year. An enjoyable report appears on page four of this issue. This first "official" event of the summer has now become a tradition with Sue & I and our family & friends annually await this fun day. Thanks to Bernie & Denise for this great idea.
Mini-reunions and Reunion '98
During the past twelve months there have been at least four mini-reunions. First the Montreal branch held a mini-reunion last winter. The Chicago branch had two - one of which coincided with Mayoff Day and some California families got together again on Labor Day weekend in San Luis Obispo. It's quite satisfying to see such closeness among cousins. On a similar matter... in my discussions with Manny Bernstein, (Abr) and Cliff Gerstman (Ush) coordinators of our next reunion, and others, it appears that to arrange a reunion on the east coast would be far too difficult to accomplish from LA. Round table discussions on Labor Day weekend acknowledged the requests of east coast cousins for the Catskills and it was suggested that the chairmen of the next reunion give it priority. We also discussed anticipated costs of hotels, etc. Preliminary research has left us with a feeling that room rates almost anywhere in 1998 will typically be in the range of $100 (US) a night (or more). Additionally, families in the two largest contingents of Zelig's descendants have had the opportunity to attend a reunion in their own "backyard." The next largest contingent is in the west and it would be appropriate to allow those who have been unable to travel cross-country to attend a reunion not too far away. We would like to see a comparable turnout in the west, but feel that no matter how many elect to attend, it will be no less enjoyable. Venue locations were narrowed down to Los Angeles and Las Vegas. It was felt that LA is so spread out it would typically take an hour or more to get "anywhere" whereas activities in Las Vegas are much closer together. With the complexion of Las Vegas changing to a "family" town and the opportunities to participate in some of the world's greatest entertainment with costs ranging from "nothing to whatever," we have elected to hold 'Reunion '98' in Las Vegas sometime around early August. To those who feel disappointed we ask you to not to feel disenfranchised and invite you consider joining your extended family for another potentially great reunion. Additional information will appear on the Mayoff Family web site and in your mailbox in the near future.
Branch identifiers
To help our readers figure out who's who and from which branch they descend, I am using abbreviated identifiers taken from the first three letters of the name of each of Zelig's children:
Abr=Abraham; Bun=Bunya; Hen=Henya; Isr=Israel; Lei=Leizer; Sam=Sam; Sch=Schloima; Soc=Soche/Socha/Sonia; Ush=Usher.
Readers comment
From Betty Rosen (Hen) of Fremont, CA...Art Mayoff is the glue that binds this extended family together. We thank him from the bottom of our hearts. What a guy! From Irwin Rosen, Betty's husband...If it weren't for Art, we wouldn't have had as great a mini-reunion in Chicago. It would have been great but not as great. [à]
From Richard Mayoff (Abr) of Montreal, Quebec... The Mayoff.com site on the internet absolutely blew Bettina and I away. It's fantastic. I love the Beatles music. Wow, just incredible. Thanks for giving us all the opportunity of seeing one truly great site. Keep up the good work.
From Marla Rapoport Goldsmith (Sch) of Montreal...what a surprise I had today. The family page is fabulous. Who did the work? Who ever did, did a great job. [Art did.]
Mayoff Day comments over the internet from Vancouver, BC:
From Steve Gertsman...Happy Mayoff day from Bonnie & I. May Off day should be a national holiday for all! [Steve, on this MAY OFF weekend, remember when you remove the month of May off your calendar, you are participating in our family's cherished holiday. Every one in the world who has a calendar participates, but only those who know or are a Mayoff really realize the pleasure of the event. Art]
From Ted Percy,.. Have a very merry May off day. How can I get a Percy day off? This seems to be a very unfair thing in life as you get a weekend holiday and I have to slave away.
Mayoff Family Descendant
by Teddy Mayoff (Sam)
I received the Spring 1997 edition of the Family Descendant which I glanced through when it was received. It came during the height of Tax Season and so I didn't have much spare time to read it thoroughly then. Now that I've gotten around to looking at it more closely, I felt it was time to take pencil in hand (i.e. switch on the word processor) and write a letter to the editor. I thought I'd try to put into words, my thoughts as I engrossed myself in our family's chronicle.
I must start off my saying that I felt proud of my little brother to read in The Editor's Corner that we made the Jewish Times. The article on page six instilled in me a new respect for the work, effort, expense and time you have devoted to bringing our family together and helping us learn about our roots. I know that everyone who reads the Descendant shares my appreciation of what you are doing.
I was disappointed to read further on in your 'Corner' that "A good portion of this issue is fill-in. Unless I receive some articles, it is quite likely that we might not have a summer issue." I have felt guilty in the past that I haven't contributed much to the Newsletter and so I am writing now with the hope that if you see fit to print any of my ramblings, perhaps it will help to fill part of the paper. I encourage everyone who reads the Descendant to seriously think about writing you a short note on what they get out of this remarkable publication.
Reading the front page article about Esther brought back many fond memories of Mother & Dad [Moe & Rae Mayoff] taking us to Hymie and Esther's. I bought Linda's engagement ring (in 1963) from Hymie. I also smiled to myself when the story reminded me of how the cousins fell in love. Esther is an amazing woman.
The pictures of the Bottlers on page four and five also brought back many good memories. I'm sure that Mom and Dad had at least a few of these at home when we were growing up. Some are very familiar. I remember us visiting Sarah and Abe Bronstein when I was around five or six years old (pretty good memory, eh?) and playing with Gerald in his room. My recollection was that he had a whole bunch of great toys to play with. The picture of Sarah and Abe are just as I remembered them.
I also enjoyed reading Rena's letter. I'm glad she mentioned that she remembered me because I remember her quite well. Many a-time at Bubby Libba's house we played together. I'm not quite sure, but I think I'm just a few years older than her. I remember her and Howie, her brother, although I really don't remember Steven (who was born when I was about 17 years old). After Aunt Doris died and Uncle Jackie married Libby, I didn't get to know Buddy or Honey other that their names. At the reunion here in Montreal it was good to meet them.
I also want to once again encourage those who read this to send THE EDITOR an article or at least a letter telling the Family what you get out of reading our FAMILY DESCENDANT.
Love to all.
[Teddy, thanks for your very warm and encouraging letter. Interesting how you recalled Howie Mayoff in this letter written in early May. Sadly I must report of his passing on June 30th, 1997. His obituary appears on page ten.]
Chicago Cousins celebrate Mayoff Day Early
by Marty & Nita Nickow (Hen)
On Friday May 30, the Chicago cousins gathered for dinner at the Highland Park CC. Attending were Sandra and Howard Fradin, Harriet and Ben Rosen, Esther and Irv Kogen, Lee Bergen, Adrienne and Hy Nickow and Nita and Marty Nickow. Sally and Stuart Simon were going to attend but Sally was not feeling well. Sally recently had minor throat surgery. Many items were discussed including how to make Mayoff Day a National Holiday. We also had many suggestions on how to make Mayoff Day into an entire weekend. Naturally, we are looking forward to next year and a bigger and better Mayoff day. [See the next two pages for an additional Mayoff Day story.]
Mini-Reunion held in Chicago
by Marty Nickow
Sunday June 22, 1997 (Mayoff day plus 22) Chicago cousins
welcome California, Kentucky and Ohio cousins. A mini reunion was held today
in Skokie IL. at the Bagel Restaurant. Betty and Irwin Rosen from California,
Claire Drucker from Louisville, KY and Claire's daughter Karen from Cincinnati,
OH along with Karen's husband Bob Rush and their 2 children Meridith and
Eric were greeted by Chicago cousins Sandra and Howard Fradin, Harriet and
Ben Rosen, Lee Bergen, Adrienne and Hy Nickow and Nita and Marty Nickow.
Great conversations, great food and of course lots of memories. Betty, Irwin
and Claire grew up in Chicago with the rest of the Chicago cousins. A wonderful
time was had by all. We even sang the 1997 Mayoff song. Chicago cousins
feel that although Mayoff day is normally May 31, it can be celebrated anytime
Mayoffs get together.
Mayoff Day - 1997
This year Mayoff Day Parties were held on May 31st, 1997
May Off Day 1997 a resounding success!
by Bernie Mayoff (Abr)
About 40 friends of Mayoffs gathered on Erev Mayoff Day this year in Richardson, Texas to celebrate our unique and special holiday.
The day began with an early morning run to Farmers' Market
where the car was loaded up with pineapples, oranges, strawberries, cantaloupe,
bananas, mangos,watermelon, cherries, star fruit, cherry tomatoes, baby
carrots, and red and green cabbages. Next Denise baked ten dozen of the
traditional chocolate peanut butter chip cookies, while Bernie prepared
the pineapple palm tree and surrounded it with fruit. One hundred pieces
of chicken were barbecued and three pounds of shrimp were placed on ice.
Cabbages were hollowed out to hold red and green salsas. Mid-afternoon the
frozen pina colada machine arrived and was set up poolside. [Did you get
the mixture right this year, Bernie? Art] A giant calendar was put on display
noting some of the significant dates leading up to Mayoff Day, such as Cinco
de Mayoff (which is celebrated in Texas, California and other communities
with a significant Mexican-American population); 10 shopping days until
Mayoff Day; baking day; and Erev Mayoff Day itself.
Welcoming torches were lit on the front lawn and guests from all walks of life began to arrive promptly at 8:30. The crowd included engineers, sales people, consultants, the owner of a model railroad store, a technical writer, a phone sex operator, an aerobics instructor and her students, secretaries, programmers, pharmacists, lawyers, an artist, and even a zookeeper to keep things under control. A call from Arthur Mayoff in northern California let us exchange Mayoff Day greetings across 2 time zones and 2,000 miles.
Too soon it was time to fill glasses with
asti spumante as midnight approached. Erev Mayoff Day fell on a Saturday
night this year, so we waited until midnight to sing the song for Mayoff
Day 1997. The song, to the tune of A Bicycle Built for Two, toasts Mayoffs
and our friends everywhere. Then the month of May was ceremoniously torn
off a giant calendar accompanied by cheers and laughter and hugs.
Photo left: Standing L/R: Charles Atlas, oops, Bernie & Denise Mayoff, Doug Frazier, Trish Hebert. Sitting: Walt Hebert. Two people closest to camera are Shirley & Jim Howard.
.Photo above. A toast at the stroke of midnight L/R: Trish Hebert, Barbara Thomas, Ron Thomas, Art Cohen, Hank Kieffer, Betsy Kieffer, Kay Adcock, Joan & Harry Garrett from Scotland.On the couch are James & Barbara Peterson.
Mayoff Music
Mayoff Day, 1997.
Sung to the tune of:
"A Bicycle Built for Two"
Words by Doug Frazier (Photo at left)
Mayoff Day, the
Time to rejoice and stay
Cheerful, friendly,
Ready to eat and play
It's always a special day to
Raise drinks and toasting, say to
Mayoffs and all
Lets have a ball
As we celebrate Mayoff Day!
Mayoff Day you
Know that Denise will serve
Cookies, dips too
Better than we deserve.
It's always a special day to
Enjoy such food and say to
Mayoffs and all
Lets have a ball
As we celebrate Mayoff Day!
Mayoff Day was
Famous for Bernie's cold
Margueritas
Lime juice and Cuervo Gold
It's always a special day to
Sip one or two and say to
Mayoffs and all
Let's have a ball
As we celebrate Mayoff Day!
Mayoff Day it
Comes along once a year
Celebrate it
Always with friends so dear
It's always a special day to
Raise drinks and toasting, say to
Mayoffs and all
Let's have a ball
As we celebrate Mayoff Day!
Mayoff Day, 1996.
Sung to the tune of:
"(The Man on the) MTA"
"Words by Doug Frazier
Let me tell you all the story of a man named Bernie
on a tragic and fateful day.
He wrote out some invitations, kissed his wife and family,
went to mail them out for Mayoff Day.
But did they ever arrive? No, they never arrived,
and their routing is still unknown . . . (Poor old Bernie)
They are lost forever in the postal system ~
the mail that never got home.
Well, Denise got worried when the phone bell ringing
was a salesman for Women's Day,
She hung up on him, and waited for a caller
in response to Mayoff Day.
But did a caller ring in? No, no caller rang them,
'though she waited by the phone. (Poor Denise did)
for it never rang, and she could wait forever
never hear the ringing tone.
But hope springs eternal, so Denise made cookies
and she hollowed out the cabbage head.
Bernie got the margueritas and he cleaned the pool and
set the shrimp out on a lettuce bed.
And then the telephone rang! Then it rang and rang!
Every guest from years gone past, (almost fifty!)
to call up, inquiring 'bout their invitations
and see if they had been asked.
So the guests came by, and all the shrimp
were eaten
and the dip and cookies went their ways
And the marguerita cooler blew the circuit breaker
like on every other Mayoff Day.
So if you think you're left out, and it's June first, about,
and you've not been asked to play (Poor forsaken!)
Blame the postal service, call Denise and Bernie
and show up next Mayoff Day!
by Art Mayoff
Sept 19, 1997 commemorates what would have been the 60th wedding anniversary of my parents . Sadly, they never had the opportunity to read an issue of the Family Descendant. It is in their memory that I dedicate this small bit of their history.
Mogilev Birth Index for Fathers of Male Births (1864-1894)
Translated & posted by Vitaly Charny
This is merely a transliterated list of a birth particular index, which is about half (only fathers of baby boys) of a half (leaving out girl births) of a half (1864-1894, although records begin in 1837) of the seven roll series of microfilm available through Mormon Family History Centers (FHC). Only the letter "M" is provided here. The actual record, can be ordered through the FHC and will require someone with knowledge of both Russian and Yiddish. Anyone looking for people in Minsk, should also check Mogilev, Bobruisk, Gomel, Orsha, Vitebsk and other relatively close-in places.
Mogilev (Belarus) Birth Index, fathers of baby boys. Records begin in 1837, Index is 1864-1894. Seven roll film series of Crown Rabbinate Records.
Mitleman, Mednik, Motelev, Mokrovich, Minekorvich, Manevich, Makhover, Meinster, Mirkin, Merzon, Mednikov, Menkin, Morgenshtern, Minkov, Maikov, Meilikhin, Maizlin, Meingart, Mitelitsa, Missingisser, Mandelshtam, Meerovich, Madorski, Margolin, Mendelev, Myaza, Muzhkovich, Mendelzon, Myasnik, Merlin, Margolin, Mushkovich, Monoszon, Makhover, Mutatski, Malinik, Morim, Mochkin, Muzykant, Magarash, Mochin, Mokarevich, Meilikhin, Moingart, Mazin, Milochkin, Moroz, Menkin, Menakrin, Mosnev, Monin, Morkhassin, Moochnik, Mokhse, Margolin, Metelitsa, Mirkin, Mochin, Mlodik, Metselitsa, Morkhszon, Markman, Merlin, Makhober, Merzon, Manevich, Merkovich, Mossev, Makler, Mlodik, Metelitsa, Maints, Malyuchik, Mainzit, Meckamik, Matlokh,, Mazin, Molochnik, Mikhlin, Momlin, Mednik, Milkin, Minkin, Menakrin, Makarevich, Merin, Melter, Mirer, Mokhir, Movtovich, Mrein, Magidson, Menkovich, Moreipa, Mostev, Mekhukh, Muzykant, Mogilper, Mints, Mirovich, Manburkh, Mikhelev, Moreika, Motkin, Moruvin, Menatrin, Morovin, Menatrin, Murovin, Mreina, Mochin, Manburg, Matussovich, Milikovski, Magidson, Messenlinikov, Meblin, Miler, Mushkobich, Melamed, Malikov, Morderin, Molinov, Marvyashkin, Monkin Mankin, Magdalya, Minakrovich, Maganik, Mireina, Meizon.
This is the next part of the surnames list beginning with the letter "M" from Minsk mainly from 1840. From LDS microfilm #1920793.
Magilensky, Maizels, Makhtey, Makhtey, Malyavsky Manus, Margolin, Marshak, Mashkeleison, Mastosky Matus, Matusevich, Matusov, May, Maze, Mazel, Mazelyov, Meister, Mekhanik, Meltzer Mendelyov, Merinberg, Merkhin, Merzon, Meter Mikhaylov, Mikhelson, Minkovich, Minkovsky, Minor Mintz, Mirkin, Mishkind, Mopshikov, Mopsikov Mordukhon, Mordukhovinov, Morgenshtern, Morgolin, Morokh Moshel, Moter, Moznan, Muler, Munvez Munvoz, Murokh, Musha, Mushkind,
Thanks to Vitaly Charny who lived in Minsk for 35 years
and now lives in Atlanta,, GA. (Vcharny@aol.com)
David Israel (Lei) tells it like it was requests acknowledgment
From the Jersulem Post, February, 1997, Letter to the Editor
The Danish Record
Sir, The Danish people's resolute refusal to discriminate against their Jewish fellow citizens and to surrender them to the Germans during World War II has now been universally recognized and honoured.
However, there has been very little, if any, acknowledgment of the remarkable fact that Denmark is the only and unique case of a country occupied by the Germans, where the Jewish population did not suffer any material loss of any kind. Unlike the rest of occupied Europe (and most so-called neutral countries), there was not one single case of any Jewish property being confiscated. The Danes even went so far as to make all the mortgage payments due on Jewish property while owners were either in Sweden or in Theresienstadt. The also paid the rent on leased property and in buildings that were occupied by the Germans, the furniture was removed and safely stored away and returned to the rightful owners after the end of the war.
In the light of the increasing revelations of the extent of the collaboration of so many countries with the Nazis (insofar as profiting from the despoliation of Jewish capital and other possessions is concerned), would it not be appropriate for Israel at this time on behalf of the Jewish people worldwide to make some gesture towards the Kingdom of Denmark for this unprecedented display of humanity?
Jack Padwa
David Israel, Tel Aviv
[Right on, David! Thanks for sharing this revelation with your extended family. Art]
Mayoff domain E-mail addresses available for free.
What's a Mayoff domain e-mail address? yourname@mayoff.com There are about 10 e-mail addresses available to family members. To be able to use these addresses you will need to have your own direct ISP (Internet Service Provider). (AOL or Compuserve, etc. probably won't work.) Those using Netscape or Explorer are most able to take advantage of this service. If you are interested, please send me an e-mail. Limit one per household.
Look who's on-line....
The following members of our extended family have new e-mail addresses:
Zeke Parnow (Hen) zparnow@harp.aix.calpoly.edu
Stephen Solomons (Soc) ss.solomons@sympatico.ca
Dan Gula (Abr) dgula@ns.learned.com
Doug Mayoff (Abr) dmayoff@total.net
Valorie Mayoff (Sam) wccstaff@intac.com
by Jeff Mayoff
Howdy from Austin, Texas. I work in an insurance office by day, but one of the things I spend a lot of my own time on is storytelling - I'm a professional storyteller. I have tales from cultures around the world. One area I'm lacking in though, is Jewish stories. It would be great to get any anecdotes, stories (especially ones about our family), etc. from our readers. Thanks in advance & shalom.
Jeff Mayoff
4902 Savorey
Austin, TX 78744
Wedding
Ronald Rapoport (Sch) and Marianne Van Oyen were married on Sunday May 18, 1997 at the family's synagogue. Following the ceremony, a reception was held at the Mount Stephen's Club. Ronald is the son of Shirley and the late Ralph Rapoport.
Graduation
Congratulations to Elizabeth "Beth"
Mayoff (Abr) of Richardson Texas on the occasion of her graduation from
The University of Texas at Austin with a double Bachelor degree in Business
Administration in Business Honors and English. Beth is the daughter of Bernie
& Denise Mayoff.
Howard Mayoff, (Sam) of Ft Lee, New Jersey, formerly
of Montreal, Quebec passed away suddenly on June 30th, 1997 in his fifty-second
year. Lovingly remembered by Valorie Orland Mayoff. Beloved father of Debra
and Amanda (Mandy) Mayoff. Father and step-mother Jack and Libby Mayoff,
mother, the late Doris Mayoff. Brother and sister Steven Mayoff and Rena
Mayoff, step-brother & sister-in-law William "Buddy" and Nancy
Mayoff and step-sister and brother-in-law Honey Mayoff Wittenberg and Larry
Wittenberg. Parents-in-law Anne and David Orland. Interment in Ft. Lee,
New Jersey.
Richard and Bettina Mayoff marry
Reported by Doug Mayoff (Abr)
On Saturday May 10th, 1997, Richard Mayoff, well known Montreal photographer extraordinaire was married to Bettina Welik, also of Montreal. Richard is a son of Zelda and Sol Mayoff (Abr).
The wedding took place on Saturday evening at the Sherbrooke Street Italian eatery - Il Cortelle. The Chuppa was held by Robert and Doug Mayoff, brothers of the groom and by Myron and Bruce Welik, brothers of the bride. An outstanding Italian pasta buffet and an incredible dessert sweet table was especially created by restaurant owner Franco who closed the restaurant to accommodate the wedding of his long time patron Ricardo Mayoffello. A super time was had by the 60 specially invited guests who were serenaded by a wonderful harp playing duet and often accompanied by the harmonic crooning of Doug Mayoff, Ralph Welik (Bettina's dad) and Chelsea Leigh Mayoff, daughter of Doug and Cynthia.
Visit the Richard & Bettina Wedding Page. Click here.
Three Indians...An hilarious story in yiddish [thanks to Mel Oshins and Steve Wasser]. An English translation appears below. It begins: One upon a time there were three indians...
A mul is gaven drei Indians - der Tatte, Geronowitz, die Mutter, Pocayenta, und di tuchter, Minnie Horowitz. Ain tug is Minnie Horowitz gekummen aheim und gezukt tzu Pocayenta, "Mamma, ich vill hairaten". Zukt Pocayenta, "Gut, siz shoin tzeit; du bist yetzt an alte moid, sekstzin yur alt. Ver iz der bucher?". Zukt Minnie Horowitz, "Oy, Mamma, hob ich getruffen mita bucher! Haich un heldish, azoy shein, azoy shtark!". "Un vos iz zein nommen?" "Er hayst Sitting Bullvon". "Un vos far a yiches hot er?". "Oy, er hut a grosser yiches. Zein tatte, Mishuggene Ferd, is der gantzer macher fun alle die Shvartz-fuss leite".
Zukt Pocayenta, "Gut, mir vellen hubben a groisser chassena - OY VAY IS MIR!". "Vus is der mehr?". "Mir hubben ain tzore.". "Vus iz der tzore?" "Die tzeepee iz nit gross genug tzu halten alle die gasten fun die chassena, alle die Shvartz-fuss und die Shmohawks, und die gantze mishpuche."
Shreit Pocayenta tzu Geronowitz, "Geronowitz! Shtait uff dem tuchess, und gay krigen far mir a buffalo!".
Zukt Geronowitz, "Far vus vilst du a buffalo?." "Mit der fleish fun der buffalo, ken ich machen a gut gedempte buffalo tzimmes, und mit die peltz, ken ich machen gresser die tzeepee, und mir vellen kennen anladen die gantze velt tzum chassene".
Arois is gegangen Geronowitz. Ain tug hat passiert, tzvei tug, drei tug, un nicht kain Geronowitz. A vuch mehr passiert, kumt a haim Geronowitz mit gurnisht in die hent. "Shlemiel! Vie is mein buffalo?" schreit tzu ihm Pocayenta. "Die in dein buffalo tzimmes! Ich hub aich baide in bud!" "Far vus? Vus iz der mehr?"
"Der ershte tug hub ich gezehn a buffalo,
nisht gut genug far die tzimmes, nisht grois genug far die tzeepee. Die tzvayte tug, hub ich gezehn anander buffalo, grois genug, uber mit a farfoite peltz - aza mieskeit fun a buffalo, hub ich kain mul nisht gezehn.
A pur mere taig, hub ich gefinnin a buffalo - shain, shmaltzedik, grois! A poifect buffalo.". "Un nu? Vuden?" "Vu den? Ich hub gegangen tzu shechten dem buffalo. Ich hub gekukt in mein tasch, un du vaist vus? Nahr vus ich bin! Ich hub genemmen mit mir die milichdik tomahawk!"
English Translation, thanks to Mel Oshins.
...Once upon a time there were 3 Indians - the father, Geronowitz, the mother, Pocayenta, and the daughter, Minnie Horowitz. One day Minnie comes home and says, "Momma I want to get married."
"Good it's time, your already 16 years old, you are an old maid." "
"Where is your boyfriend?"
"Oh momma did I get a guy. He is handsome and strong."
"What is his name?"
"His name is Sitting Bullvon."
"And what kind of a future does he have?"
"Oh, he has a great future. His father is Crazy Horse, the chief of the Blackfoot tribe."
"Good we'll have a big wedding." "OH! MY GOD!"
"What's the matter?"
"! have trouble."
"What kind of trouble?"
"The Teepee is not big enought to hold all the relatives & guests at the wedding."
Pocayenta yells to Geronowitz, "Get off your ass and bring me a Buffalo."
"Why do you need a Buffalo?"
"With the meat from the Buffalo I can make a Buffalo stew and with the skin I can make the Teepee larger and I can invite the whole world to the wedding."
Geronowitz leaves and one day passes, two days pass, three days and there is no Geronowitz. After a week, Geronowitz comes home with nothing in his hands.
"Idiot! Where is my buffalo?"
"You and your Buffalo Stew! I have both of you in hot water!"
"Why? What is the matter?"
"The first day I saw a Buffalo, not good enought for the stew and not big enough for the tent. The second day I saw another Buffalo, big enough but with a mangy skin. Such an ugly Buffalo I have never seen before. One more day, I found a Buffalo. Beautiful, Fat enough, BIG A perfect Buffalo!"
"So? What happened?"
"What Happened? I went to carve up the Buffalo, I looked in my bag and you know what? What a numbskull I am! I had taken with me the Milichidik (Dairy) Tomahawk."
[Sounds much better in Yiddish.]
This newsletter's goals are to: · Maintain an archive of family history and photos · Analyze and report on research · Yearn for knowledge of our heritage and to educate · Organize genealogical information and publish quarterly · Foster family friendship & interest in family research · Furnish Family Tree on request |
