Letters: Gisela’s Parents - Later (after April 1935)
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12 April 1935
New York City, USA
Dearest family,
So my Annele is sitting opposite me and we are really blissfully united. Although we talked last night until 3 o’clock and today already quite a few kilometers, there was hardly a start made.
But I already know this much for sure - it was right, 1000 times right, that I came. I have hardly spoken yet with Geoffrey, you know how the controlling families are, in whose gear no conversation comes about. Tonight I hope to have the opportunity to curl up with him in a quiet corner, but in any case I like him already. Anita is really happy with him and I also have the sincere feeling that she has chosen correctly. Only she is really terribly down again with her nerves and has again her multiple anxieties, and she can do so little against them, even using her mind and “normal” attitude.
She is undoubtedly marrying into a difficult family and it is mainly the critical, negative mother-in-law that is a pain in the stomach . It is such a different atmosphere, such different feelings that prevail. These imponderables are of great importance in the relationship between Geoffrey and Annchen, who, although they love each other sincerely, do not know each other, their past and their background. That is why I would like to leave Anita and Geoffrey alone in a distant place for months.
But that is also why I have changed my attitude towards their honeymoon in these 24 hours, for 2 reasons. Firstly, our family would mean the same burden for him as at the moment Hellman’s and 1109 (house number on 5th Ave).
He does not speak German, he does not know family feeling in our sense. Certainly he needs to know that to understand what that means in Anita’s life. But it is too early. They must first find themselves untroubled by their surroundings, and then, when they have built a real relationship, they will be able to better fit in all that. In addition, the second reason is that Anita, in this unstable stage, is insanely afraid of a reunion with the family and of the conscious separation that will inevitably follow. Now it has happened, that when she left, she didn’t know what kind of goodbye it was. If she came now, everything would come up horribly clear to her. She has already cried terribly at the thought of being so far away from us, because the American atmosphere as such really doesn’t suit her.
Perhaps this all sounds more pessimistic than it is intended, because I firmly believe that they will both get over it.
The date of the wedding that is set so far is 14 May, I strongly hope that I can make it happen earlier. Everything connected with it, also destination of the honeymoon seems to me still very vague, according to Anchen’s reports, I hope to hear “clear facts” from Geoffrey today.
I just met Hilda and Roda. I find Hilda very funny and also nice, although I don’t have warm motherly feelings yet.
I’m sure you have a lot of questions on your mind that this letter doesn’t answer, but I don’t know any more myself. However, since the post office closes soon, you should at least know this.
The trip was wonderful, at least I enjoyed it. A real storm day, 80% of the passengers seasick, but your miss was like a fish in water. A day of stupid rolling, people on bolted chairs rolling through the dining room, the funniest sight to behold.
Think of it, Feltrinellis from Milan were on board. I went up to them and they were lovely, I mean mostly Her.. He lacks “les petit ruots.”
I teased Riedemann madly. He calls me “Wicked and insolent.”
Although I didn’t really know anyone except Riedemanns when I came on board, I mysteriously got to know literally 90% of the passengers.
The enclosed picture was in the New York Times last night on my arrival, which every passenger got for free at Ellis Island.
I was really touched by how literally the whole boat blissfully came running at me with this picture as if it were their own sister. I was busy as usual from morning to night with gym, swimming, ping pong, movies, etc. and, thank God, lost 5 pounds.
So, now keep me loved, write to me and send this letter to the siblings.
Sincerely,
Your child
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April 16, 1935
Meadow Farm,
Hartsdale, New York
Dear parents,
I have taken my Annele alone to Meadow Farms for a day or two, so that she can sleep it off, calm her nerves and come to a weighted decision.
Because the concerns I had expressed to you in my first letter are becoming more and more solidified.
First of all, she is a rarely unhappy bride, not at all in love. She is facing the wedding in an almost abnormal way, and she would have liked to postpone it and postpone it again. She is dreading to face separation from us and her life in America. She does not know Geoffrey well at all. He talks very little, and when they are together, she would like me to be there all the time, and the conversation is slow. She is not even in love with any other Charmer, to be honest. After first observing these things in silence, I finally challenged her to a conversation and said that if she really loved him, then all these things could not matter. I said, she just shouldn’t think it was too late and I said that there was no shame in it - this would be a thousand times better than Reno. I was actually prepared to have an argument and did not bring up these things as abruptly as I have said above, wanting to dispel my own fears by her answer. Amidst many outbursts of tears, everything turned out to be true.
However, at the moment she is at a stage where she is afraid to decide, yes or no. She now wants to come back home with me as engaged, see you and the siblings, and then go and get married. Saying goodbye to Geoffrey does not really matter.
During this conversation she kept telling me that she loved Geoffrey and listed all his good qualities, but it came out so contrived, as though she wanted to convince herself.
I am fully aware of the responsibility I have taken upon myself through my influence. But believe me, I did not make a decision for her, as much as she would like to in her present condition, I only encouraged her to be brutally honest with herself and Geoffrey. Geoffrey, who gives her free rein in everything (far too much, actually, she feels and fears he won’t be able to lead her) will agree to this trip to Europe and yet I think he fears at the bottom of his soul that she won’t come back and that makes him sad.
I don’t even feel that he is so madly in love with Anita, but he is so emotionless that this is perhaps the utmost measure of which he is capable.
Aunt Frieda, Uncle Felix, Aunt Nina, Betsy and Edward are all very understanding and they agree with me. Aunt Frieda would have loved to see Anita come to the final “no” or “yes” decision today at Meadow Farm, but that is asking too much. I have a feeling in the bottom of my soul that Europe is synonymous with “no,” but I can’t say that to Anita’s face, it has to come by itself. She doesn’t even dare to say that to Geoffrey at the moment. At most, there is a danger that if for some reason she feels unhappy in Europe, Geoffrey will not suddenly become a loving Hero…
The only thing I dislike about this compromise re: Europe is that I don’t see how she can get to know Geoffrey better, but I just don’t see any alternative at the moment.
I apologize for this somewhat confused letter, it was difficult to write and certainly no less difficult for you to comprehend.
I think we will leave with one of the next boats, maybe the “Europa” on Friday.
loves you,
Your Gisi
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Bad Kissingen
Dear Gisi child,
I have just received your goodbye letter from Hamburg and am glad to know that you are well in Wannsee. You certainly drove much too fast, remember your father, who goes slowly, goes safely!
I can imagine that R. is not your cup of tea; you are too healthy for him and he is too degenerate for you.
Regarding your accreditation, make a phone call to Seiffert from the Berlin office. You have to make a request like this: in order to promote the emigration of German Jews and to properly guide their education, I dedicate myself to the Aliya, for this reason I am now working, etc. - and I will go to Palestine in one month, for X months. I will live there with friends, I need 500 Marks per month, and I ask you to grant me the request to make such a trip, etc., given the purpose of it.
Seiffert can tell you all this exactly. I may have to ask the Reichsbank myself, but I think that can work out.
You can also say: the director, Miss Szold, wants me.
Just don't ask Erich and Hans Meyer, they are "Angst Meyer".
Hexter is here with Karpf, both smart, nice people. Greetings to all, also to the poet Oscar, I have already lost 4 lbs in the first week; send Rudo here, I would go on “sausage walks” with him.
hugs you,
Your father
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October 6, 1935
Ferdinandstrasse, 75
Dearest Gisi,
On New Year's Day I left a book for you at Lola's, "The Last Letters of Rilke", I hope you don't have it yet.
I was sorry that I didn't see you the last time, but duty held you back, and since I am not useful for Hebrew exercises, neither as a teacher nor as a student, I understand that you avoid contact with your father.
Anita arrived well in Brussels and Mother will go to Brussels Tuesday morning to take her to London and see for herself that she finds proper accommodation.
In Palestine there has been a lot of excitement about the Abyssinian war, not entirely without reason, because if the war spreads there, the situation would not be without danger for Palestine either. I believe, however, that the war will remain localized and that Mussolini will be ready to negotiate once he has some consequences of the war to show. After all, when so many warships are together, one never knows what can happen. I believe, however, that England only wants economic sanctions, France certainly does too, and that the war will therefore not expand any further.
It is still uncertain when I will be back in Berlin, perhaps for the weekend, but certainly on the 16th of May.
Let everything be well with you,
Your father hugs you and hopes that you are well.
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Hamburg,
January 12, 1936
Dearest Gisa kind,
I have received your letter from the train, and since you wish to have an answer immediately, I dictate it, because the day is quite busy, after Erich arrived this morning and we naturally have a lot to discuss.
As far as the method of work is concerned, you may be right in that AS A NEXT STEP - but I would like to underline the “as a next step” - this individual work, which is certainly not mechanical, suits you more and you can therefore also accomplish more in this than in a so-called higher position.
My reservations were not so much against the kind of work you told me about, as against the complete lack of restraint with respect to quantity and time. It is completely impossible, since the organization as such cannot yet be an established one, i.e. it is not systematically developed in any way, that you will be able to cope with the work, especially if people start to make demands on you from all sides without any consideration. Not eating on time nor to go to bed on time, on the other hand to smoke a lot, to work without the necessary assistants, no heavyweight champion can stand that, let alone you, and I still sharply take a stand against this overexploitation, because you will wear yourself out prematurely and afterwards you won’t be able to satisfactorily do what you should. You have to ask for help or just leave the work for the next day. You can't believe how much can be postponed (although personally I am also in favor of doing daily what can be done, but I have the necessary help that you don't have)!
This in answer to your general observations.
As far as Palestine is concerned, I would only think that you may and can represent Grete Kitzinger, if you really find helpers (and probably not only one, but two, maybe more). Given that so many Jews and Jewesses are unemployed, it would be downright crazy to believe that these helpers cannot be found. It must not be a question of money, and on this I would like to make my consent dependent.
If you have a co-worker, whose efficiency is not sure, and who doesn't seem to be trained, then you simply destroy yourself, because with the everyday work comes the moral responsibility, which will make you unquestionably nervous. You can certainly make the arrangements on your own, if you have the assistants, but you can't be in charge and do all the technical work as well.
It is very important to me that when you come to Palestine, Miss Szold is already there. It almost looks as if she is coming to Palestine with a great delay, because I am still reading about celebrations in her honor from January 10 in the ITA.
I believe that this work in Berlin, if it is carried out as I have just written, will grant you great satisfaction. I also believe that the political situation in Palestine will be much clearer in the next few months, after Mussolini suffers so many political and military setbacks.
I therefore incline to advise you to take over the Berlin work, but I am not so firm as not to understand if you now go together with Grete Kitzinger. Politically, Italy is already finished for me, after the French and the English have unified their fleets. In this respect I would drop these concerns.
With warm greetings,
your very wise, but not sufficiently followed by his children,
father.
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Hamburg, May 5, 1936
for Gisela’s Birthday
As you getting on in age,
your brain then needs a holder,
because only then you can keep that,
what otherwise escapes you!
So write everything down clearly for you,
Only then do not lose the notebook,
Because the largest misfortune is
When you've lost your brain and your notepad!
And for today I wish you -
Let there be only joyful things in your notebook!The most beautiful thing in life
is giving!
The worries of others,
who walk beside us,
they carry them like our own
and do not say much!
We do not want to avoid
the sufferings
of the others,
we want to reduce them,
especially children’s!To his dear daughter, who helps the youth,
Gisela - from her indulgent and therefore very loving
fatherOnce she was a sweet girl,
Everyone believed that once a Lady -
the girl would become noble,
But nothing is certain on earth!
For the maiden parents mourn,
For she has completely peasanted herself!
From the most beautiful silk robes,
She chose linen blue pants,
She feels the best when she is loose
like a bold sailor!
She loves nature only untouched,
Likes to gnaw on chicken bones,
likes to sit naughtily
leaning on her two elbows,
Pokes a morsel four times with a fork,
until she has everything in her mouth.
And the parents are just amazed,
is it a whim of the nature!
Both are nevertheless not worried,
Everything is only a transition! -
Karlsbad, June 5, 1937 [Max Warburg’s 70th Birthday],
Our destiny on Earth is, when one is
Already 70, one must become biblical!
So I must become, until I go to the grave,
Full of virtue from this day on!
Please allow me, my dear ones,
To postpone this date a little.
I will only begin the 70,
when I feel like I am already 70! -
Neue Rabenstrasse 24,
June 1, 1938
Dear Gisie,
your poem is impeccable and has pleased me very much. A new talent, should you have had a co-author? At least, a limited partnership contribution? I am overwhelmed with letters of condolences and necrologies, they do not even know that there is a resurrection.
It was very nice that you were there and brought me a carnation, otherwise it would not have been complete.
Hugs to you
Your father
Find the suitcase!
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Meadow Farm,
March 17, 1940
Dear Gisie,
Here again is the material for your crusade, nothing new in the method, but the cruelties are increasing, and we all - without distinction - must return to humanity; it is a crusade against bestiality.
Yesterday mother and I went to see “Gone with the wind” with April and Elizabeth. A miracle of technology. - The war (Civil war) with its atrocities is all the more gripping because it was a precursor of the Spanish and Finnish events; one is gripped by crudities, but less gripped by the display of time, since it is unfortunately still the present. It is a technical wonder; the last half hour was superfluous, it provided as dessert too much murder, manslaughter and burial, but a wonderful rendition of the time, also a reminder to get rid of the crudities!
At the Ritz Hotel yesterday breakfast at Mauricio Hochschild, I led Mrs. Dawson to the table. She was lovely as always and seems to want a divorce, we suspect because of a Mr. E., part owner of Hochschild, preliminary only guess, but pretty clear, she is here alone for 4 months, smells like Reno. You should not “know” yet, as she has not said anything. She wants to see mother soon and will probably reveal it then. I feel sorry for him, but the man was already too boring. So be careful with yourrself and Nat. More Maid of Orleans and less Glamour Girl!
I am working a lot: 1) Business (we are moving forward), 2) American Jewish Committee, 3) Holding Evian Ges. (we finally have Lessing Rosenwald as our Pres), 4) Merger of Agro-Joint and Refugee Economic Corporation, 5) Diary (Mrs. Kann is good).
I am at Meadow Farm with Mother alone in St. Moritz’ weather.
General constellation: Finland and the Scandinavian states are fraternizing (good), Finland probably gets a reconstruction bond. Erich is recovering. - The English are very down (my old forecast). It seems that Italy - Pope - America have the lead in peace and England will be the loser. Catholicism trumps for the time being. So today; how it will be tomorrow - nobody knows.
We had a warlike peace, now we have more of a “peaceful” war. We started without declaration of war, maybe we will end without peace conference.
I hug you and kiss Nat like an American grandpa.
Your father.
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10 August 1940
West Virginia, White Sulphur Springs
Dear Gisie,
Don't forget that since Eve gave Adam applesauce, people clothe themselves and a fig leaf is the minimum.
The place is very congenial and absolutely better than Kiel or Carlsbad.
Political situation, as before, is very serious, I no longer believe in the English Empire. From China - all English troops are gone, Mediterranean is highly endangered. The English are very brave and believe in victory if all this lasts longer - I do not.
Eddie also asks about his wife and children! He is Jusider!
We and Frieda get along wonderfully.
I am glad about your many impressions! I should start at least three Hasbarah per month! Tell Vatalie to let you shower every day!
Wonderful!
Father
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Sunday, September 1, 1940
Woodlands, White Plains
Dear Gisi Kid,
I hope your trip turned out well, without a car accident! We had Fedja and his wife for breakfast today, he told me about his trip, they went through a lot too! They are reserved but with a lot of dignity, he has hardened, for sure.
It rains so that I can leave my Sunday walk in peace. Yesterday I dictated a lot.
Enclosed is a letter from Bimbo, again a hacking chance! Now it certainly all depends on what Russia, Turkey and US would do, and whether they eventually join England. England can't do it alone. There is a general rumor here that the 50 back-up troops are already on their way, which I must consider impossible.
I have a cold, which must be kept secret, so I can spare me Elizabeth’s worry. Otherwise there is little to report. It continues to be just pouring rain…
I hug all three of you as needed,
Father
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2 September 1940
White Plains
Dearest Gisi,
Labor Day brings me another letter with the message from Lily Wood, which is well written. One thing I did not emphasize: That this impressive woman always remained a lady, no matter how deep her sorrow is. She was always very caring about her family, and the family always followed her call. She is not elegant, but tasteful, despite great passion, she never lost her composure. She is devoted to all in double, to Christians, Jews, and above all, to the poor. One must have been filled not with envy, but with admiration of her elated spirit. She visited us 2 times in Germany (once just after the war) and helped me a lot too. In her character I see an iron discipline, and yet so human. So she led the Russian immigrants first to washroom, then to the table to properly sit together and eat, then to debates, then to dancing and flirting… I told her that she can be only surpassed by Armour, where you go arm in arm, alive with the pig into the slaughterhouse and come out with this pig as sausage! There are books about her that you must read, she is a real role model, besides Szold!
Political situation, as always, unsettled. In East Africa, the Italians continue to make progress, the Rumanians peek, but you can't silence machine guns with a pitchfork. Gestapo people are being added to the Air Forces so that they do not behave like cowards, which gives us a deep insight. But the further development is not yet clear.
Tell Elizabeth that I feel better after my cold, so that I think less of her.
Sending you sincere greetings, to all three of you.
Father
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10 September 1940
New York
My dear Gisi,
I was going to start: “There is no time to talk, had I not promised to talk, I would have kept silent. Before my departure I waited with a great hope for a little cold with some fever (I have never been as sensitive as my father who always had it) to be able to cancel the trip with a clean conscience, but it did not come!
Now I'm here and I have landed in a catastrophic time when everything, but EVERYTHING changes overnight. And yet! There are timeless values, that is, values that need to be cultivated twice as much in critical times, and I want to talk about them! Curtain! - etc.”
The world is serious and abominable, My year-old concerns England grow stronger and are being justified, but what would be the outcome? - Freddy spoke of your letter, Tout de Bruit for a billet! Forgotten, I expected it and warned you, but learn, learn! — There is a lot to do! Does it all still make sense?
Be ladylike with Hadassa power! Hold back your words and step in the shadow!
with unconditional respect,
dear Mrs. Vice,
your father
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2 December 1940
New York
Dear Gisela,
Since you did not congratulate us on our wedding, I must do so, because in spite of all the separation from my child, I have such a feeling of togetherness. Poor child Renate really suffered tremendously and I can't even blame her. All the conditions for a happy marriage were there with Pusco (?). The disappointment really could not have been foreseen. May she be happy as ....! (With which I do not want to excuse everything that she did afterwards!) As in an infinite Christian goodness, arranged for Erich, my Elisabeth wisely invited me to this Swedish lady, whether this will work out I do not know, I hope we will not end up as the wrong couple. On Sundays I was like a good dad to Elizabeth, a walking wise sage delicately prepared her for her happiness. Whether these children will be something for the Youth Aliyah, I don't think so. All these thoughts are probably a bit premature.
Military-politically (in general) it looks a little better for England, but this.....
Hugging you,
your father
How was the park this morning?
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3 March, 1941
Palm Beach, Florida
My dear those who are left behind!
Well, the trip went glatt kosher, the first argument came about over who will sleep on the upper shelf, I claimed that I will jump off the train when Mother would climb the ladder, that helped, I slept better than ever, only got up twice at night, like a youngster, drank water, gave water and arrived dry in Palm Beach.
The place is delightful, Frieda is so touching in her joy, it all makes the Tour De Proprietäre, everything tasteful, the place is a mixture of South of France, Italy and Biarritz. Really of very great charm, and I did not expect less.
Anyway, I already feel quite recovered.
I haven't seen any contacts yet, but they are there en masse.
I can only tell you that we survived this dangerous expedition bravely and in good health.
I hug you,
Father
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14 March 1941
Palm Beach Florida
Dear Gisi Kid,
I will show up without writing to you. It might be too bad an example, but I think more alcohol and less ink (not to mention cigarettes) would be better for you.
Your letters give a lively picture of your soul and life, it is good to keep in touch, otherwise we will see even less of each other! Yesterday I led Mrs. Carlebach (?) to the table, and she found us both so similar, I of course vehemently protested.
Here it is really restful, although I am learning a lot, I am reading “Out Of The Night” and I am finding the book brilliantly written, often brutal, but you get familiar with an underworld that is damn close to the upper world. As usual, 1.5 hours golf, 1.5 hours newspapers, 1 hour walking, 2 times eating, reading, chess, socializing and writing letters to Gisi! We are in a process of a perfect vacation, the nature is wonderful. Many contrasts, as always in this country, but it remains in a balance.
Frieda is not letting us alone, but we get away easily.
Bring Hadassah signs back down to the apartment.
Politically: decidedly lazy, but finally Hitler and Genossen run themselves into a corner.
Hugging you.
Father
My waist is slimming.
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15 March, 1941
Palm Beach Florida
Dear Gisie,
Thank you for the book, which is true and proves me what I tried it all! Unfortunately, from being right you don't get dividends, otherwise how rich I would be! That belongs in my diary, which is a bit tighter, since I am not getting a lot to eat. Here I am, free and well-rested. I read “Out Of The Night,” next to it is “Churchill” by Kraus, so far very well written. (A book for Erich!) Very versatile man, even if he did nothing for Hadassah.
And the world? There are not so many question marks. I hope Franklin does not talk too much. We need leadership in silence sometimes.
Therefore hugging you quietly but intimately,
Your father
I hope to see you before Christmas!
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23 March 1941
New York
Dear Gisi Kid,
To add to all the problems, there is also Madame Halifax, we are not spared that one either.
So, King Solomon said:
What is greater, the possible harm or the possible benefit?
For Hadassah, you have done as much as you could have, you don’t have to think of doing more, especially by writing, for those in danger ......
That this afternoon is not mentioned somewhere somehow, is absolutely not possible. The Warburgs affect the Nazis like the Zionists affect Erich. Even the minimum of speech shows how the Warburgs are watched here and how simply speech can affect. Who would have imagined!
This situation alone should prevent you from giving speeches, but of course, you can and should go. You must be present there, as much as I would like you to stay here, in this paradise. I thought all this even BEFORE receiving your letter: What a pity that Gisie can't give speeches. I would write to the Pole (?) that you simply woke up with a sore throat on that particular day.
The apartment is clean spic and span, I don’t dare to scratch anything, “scratch a Russian - you will find a Tartar,” Giisie.
Tell Aunt Frieda, her last guests were completely bewitched , it was simply heavenly, twice divine, it was the most beautiful stay in a long time. As soon as I was no longer under her pressure, I finally slept like a baby. Hugs to you both.
Best regards to Lowenstahl, he is a wise, kind man, almost a Daddy!
Father
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March 26, 1941
New York
Dear Gisi Kid,
I just had a telephone call from Chaim and his sweetheart. They told us that Lola, Anita, Rudo and Karo (?) were doing very well. The children had not seen them, they ... especially from Karo. Their one son is out of action, was buried, the other seems a fly hero. In any case, decent that they called.
Chaim speaks tonight. Today was a breakfast in honor of Professor Morris Cohen, just the 20 staff. Very sympathetic, I also talked (German). I am still in the process of reading “Out of the Night.” Very gruesome and unsavory, yet I finish reading it. You have to know in which world you live. Otherwise you can't have an effect.
Tomorrow we expect Spiegelberg (?) with mixed feelings.
Behave yourself, sport? Only 100 cigarettes a day!
Best regards to Friedel, of whom I still have many grateful thoughts.
Father Max
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11 August, 1941,
White Sulfur Springs, West Virginia
My dear Gisie,
We are very happy about your letters: you are feeling the same as me - grab onto life in its fullness, and where you grab it, there it gets interesting! You will have many beautiful and many sad experiences, stick to the beautiful ones. The people are so diverse, it is all a question of experience, a great help is the community devoid of egoism, but here lies also the great danger of egalitarianism or individuals seeking power over others. It is an eternal striving for the balance, in the STRUGGLE lies the joy of it, the final goal will never be and should never be reached.
I am writing to you hungry, before the first breakfast, therefore it is so philosophical.
The letter from Georg Hirsch is terrible, I am holding back because of my performing a good father. They took away the mother's passport, and we are trying everything!
Nina (?) is a real drama, she is better now, but also unbalanced, that it cannot come to any peace. This zoo is too big. Mother is angry with her and that spoils her vacation, but I can’t help it.
I read a lot, Adler's book is a pleasure, a true description of a clever man who achieved a lot and understood his time well. Now I am reading “Berlin Diary” by Shirer.
I work 3-4 hours a day on my diary, I want to write a book “Out of my diary” now, it has to be done.
Read (it is just about 3 minutes) the Tunis International situation, This is all you need behind your bars, but you MUST read this, otherwise you are not worthy of life! The rest of the paper is sadly garbage.
I hug you, out of habit,
Father
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26 January 1942
White Plains, New York
Dear daughter (I hardly can remember your green eyes, your red-burnt blond Struwwelpeter hair),
The family is gone and I want to discharge you, too. Our table bar was TODAY (who came):
Alice and William Auerbach,
Bridget Felsenstein, next to son,
Marianne Goldschmidt,
The man from yesterday,
Mrs. Sodernheim (?) next to a 200-pound woman friend of hers!
Frieda was so touching, she told everyone about 8.5-year-old great-grandson, who was born blue-eyed, smiling and surprised us all, and how all the nurses and all midwives gathered to adore him.
This year seems to be very eventful. Every month is having an event, some even have two.
The news from Erich is good so far, he writes so much that he has no energy left for doing stupid things, so I have nothing bad to expect. Erich is coming on August 9, unfortunately we won't be here anymore.
We are going to Nina (?) on Saturday for 3 weeks, the Russians can keep retreating without us. It is however VERY serious, because if they keep retreating further, the Turks will become more unsafe.
My diary is in its eighth month, my midwife (editor) Schuller is on vacation. Is this world still worth hearing about my life?
Liesl was overjoyed, I found him overly boring, but I don't have to marry him, right? I am glad that your group is so praiseworthy, the work is really worth the effort, only I would not send it to Palestine. Lundheim comes to see me sometimes, she wanted to marry Hitler and blow him up with a bomb, but I think it is more achievable for her than to marry Ed Norman. When will we see you? Before Hanukkah?
Miss Szold seems to be getting senile from the old age, if she really wants to send you to South Africa?
You will not get any credit for that!
Cordially,
Father
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22 February, 1942
Palm Beach Florida
Dear child,
we are all safely back here again, Frieda and Hans are very lovely, however we miss the good old Mr. Lowenstein very much. Frieda is in good shape, good mood, but she still gets exhausted easily. One must either die early or to care daily for the reputation.… The trip was without any special effort, but for the first time I actually feel that my “machine” needs to be oiled more and is no longer as elastic as before. Dr. Fritz Keger (?) has an opinion that I am “most beautiful,” but I know better.
Just don't overdo it, right?
Ingrid and her husband were here, but we did not see them again, however Frieda liked him a lot. The swimming pool has dried out and no living being remained nearby .... Betsy got married, it was all very nice, my speech was effective, spoken freely in English, some silly nonsense..
I am getting a rabbi licence and waiting for you and Erich.
“I don't know whether I am the right Rabbi, etc”
(Name) will become independent von Beeina (?), which is right, because he is not in harmony with Erich enough, because in the long run, he probably has more vices than virtues, and God forbid one mentions these vices to him!
Mother unfortunately also went astray, her dentist called her “darling” and kissed her confidentially. I admire myself for being able to tolerate all this!
Elizabeth Burke was with us the other day together with Hochschild, and I am afraid she is being slowly lured into a trap with flowers, God knows how flower garden will develop, I gave her a strong warning, without revealing that it is partially my fault. Oh! these women, why did Adam have to eat that apple!
Politics is more confused than ever. Victory will go to the one whose opponent does the most stupid things. Troops’ exhaustion and epidemic decide. The administration still has a complete support, insane! Fred is mayor, but he cannot manage all by himself either. Edward is a simple man and he is tearing his hair out of despair, which is a dignified reaction…
Little is heard from Europe, from our private contacts, Rudo is still not quite out of his Schlimazl, Churchill shares the fate with his people, he will probably become a lot less important as a politician, though will formally stay in power. Also not a surprise.
This is today Hadassah, too, but we do not surrender. Mrs (name) has been advising me to meet Mrs. Ittleson (?), she is a nice woman, but with too much dynamite in her!
I'm working a lot on the diary, McMillans are excited, but it will be at least a year, something like by Christmas 1943, if ever! Schüller and Mann continue working, we have not found a translator yet.
So, enough for today, we enjoy your letters very much (do you enjoy ours?). Don't let yourself be lured into traps and stay open for other things. The world will be very different, it will be!
Gambling, Ping Pong - that is already a good mixture with some wine .... but the Palaestina wine certainly needs more water!
Embracing you paternally,
despite everything,
your legitimate father.
-
15 December, 1942
New York
Dear Gisela,
Among my daughters my youngest, who once began to work hard for my records and earned high merit.
Then she became disloyal and turned to other, less important things.
You can make up for this disloyalty, at least partially, by reading the attached material with attention and telling me what you would have done better and what you would like to have changed. But it must be done relatively quickly, I want to give it to the translator soon.
With cordial greetings,
Father
-
March 9, 1943
Palm Beach, Florida
Dear Gisie,
I better answer your letter of March 7 immediately and send it to your as soon as possible, since it brings good news. First of all, congratulations to Dean and Liesl. I have not been that happy with any news for a long time. I suppose that Liesl does it with wise dispositions. Here it is judged quite differently! Flat feet and non-Jew is a disgusting combination!
About your trip in the 300-ballpark cost - mother will call you on the phone. I also found Nina very nice.
Say hello to Judge Charles from us, I found him nice too, although he is a lawyer.
Frieda is unassumingly wonderful, also David - especially that he does not talk, it is a nice balance.
Mother and I are enjoying our stay very much.
Don't overdo it! I would like to find something left from you. I work and read a lot, without overdoing it!
Hugging you and kissing
all those who are ready to hold out cheeks to us,
Father
-
March 30, 1943
New York City
Dearest Gisie,
It is absolutely out of question that you do not marry B. (I am not sure who B. is, it is a definite B letter in the original, not W or C - L.B.)
I called a meeting at Hadassah, it was unanimously decided (Mrs. Landheims was absent) that you must sacrifice yourself. You can't ask the mother for a tea, let alone for a tea with cookies, without marrying the son. It is said that we must sacrifice lambs at Easter, don’t complain!
I have asked Leon, Adler, the small ones as well as the big ones, Heimberg called the congregation together, everyone concluded that speech is not enough. Moses has commanded us: multiply, like the sand in the sea. Why did aunt Frieda ask you to go to the seaside?
The man has the spirit and the woman enters him, he has kept a heart empty for you. If you have something to tell us, send a telegram to (Name), it doesn't cost anything!
Waiting to hear from you,
Father
-
June 1943
The Beverly, Saratoga Springs
Dear Gisie,
At last a sign of life, you have become very holding back with us, probably the crowds you have to deal with, are getting too big even for you!
It was too soon that you left for Boston! Agreements, once made, should not be changed or broken if there are no special reasons. It is the basis of living together!
What you write about Ricco-Renate (?) shocked me. My former opinion justified itself, I told Renate that even after 2 years, she would be only welcome back, again and again! Her whims were very nice, but hard to understand on a personal, humane level and therefore difficult to justify.
The refusal of the judge is very correct and the all the way good. A very high appraisal from the new guys. I would have liked to participate in this.
I have already lost 5 kilos, beautiful as a model, rested well, although I was dictating for 2 days to my editor.
She went back to Princeton.
The chapter is getting harder and harder! We laugh a lot, this time the Circus will be different again!
Hugging you quickly,
Father
We went to see “Mission To Moscow,” very nice, although quite propagandistic in many things.
-
25 June 1943
The Beverly, Saratoga Springs
Dear Gisie,
Read Anita's letter about Renate, this Strauss’ son-in-law seems to be quite a miserable egotist, robbing poor Renate of her genuineness and charm for the second time! I am deeply saddened by this, all the good qualities, of my ancestors, that are in Renate, thrown to a swine! If only the others learn from it!
Since I am not privileged to know more about all this - what can I do other than humbly draw attention to experiences of others!
Cordially,
Father