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New Names of Blessing

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This narrative is a true story.  It happened in 1992 in Chicago, a year which saw over one thousand Jews flee to Chicago as refugees from the former Soviet Union.  'Reb Gershon' in the poem is me, of course.  'Reb' is a term of endearment for a man learned in Torah, but not necessarily a Rabbi...

They came to me for Jewish names A Russian-Jewish couple, not to blame Where they were from, Hebrew was banned As it had been throughout Communist lands His name was Boris; hers was Bronya... In a twinkle I said: "Greetings, Boruch and Bracha Your new names are special; they each mean 'blessing' No longer will either of you be guessing---" They shushed me and smiled two wonderful smiles As if they had just walked down the wedding aisle--- "We understand, Reb Gershon," Bracha joyfully said "From all of our striving were these two names bred" Boruch was blessed to have such a fine wife His Bracha! ~ They together shared life

Copyright © | Year Posted 2020




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Date: 9/27/2020 3:05:00 PM
This was posted before I joined PS and I'm glad I found it gw. I worked with a few Russian physicists for years and visited their homes in Moscow and Dubna. A wonderful and giving people. A beautiful and sweet story. Well done my friend! Linda
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Gershon Wolf
Date: 9/28/2020 8:46:00 PM
Very sweet of you to notice this 'long-ago' poem, Linda. Blessings to you! :) gw
Date: 7/10/2020 4:01:00 PM
It is well done, and a history lesson to boot. I had no idea.
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Date: 7/8/2020 4:17:00 PM
This is, most certainly, a tremendous blessing to me and anyone who reads it. I love it. I'm so glad I stopped by and happened upon this :) God bless you!
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Gershon Wolf
Date: 7/8/2020 7:09:00 PM
Thank you for your exceptional support of this poem. It takes a gracious lady, like YOU, to appreciate the narrative of a different tradition. My hat's off to you, Gina. Kudos, Gershon
Date: 7/8/2020 12:47:00 AM
Reb Gershon.. You are wonderful.. Great narration dear friend.. And the names are sweet too - Boruch and Bracha.. A poem of blessing..
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Gershon Wolf
Date: 7/8/2020 7:08:00 PM
It takes an exceptionally person to appreciate a write like this. And I am talking about you! Thank you!! Blessings, Gershon

Book: Reflection on the Important Things