Gershon Wolf Poet Narrative

Notes About The Poem

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...

New Names of Blessing

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

♡Like0

Share Poem

---

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Linda Alice Fowler September 27, 2020 at 3:05 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 Gershon Wolf September 28, 2020 at 8:46 PM Very sweet of you to notice this 'long-ago' poem, Linda. Blessings to you! :) gw

Caren Krutsinger July 10, 2020 at 4:01 PM It is well done, and a history lesson to boot. I had no idea.

Regina Mcintosh July 8, 2020 at 4:17 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! Gershon Wolf July 8, 2020 at 7:09 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

Jenish Somadas July 8, 2020 at 12:47 AM Reb Gershon.. You are wonderful.. Great narration dear friend.. And the names are sweet too - Boruch and Bracha.. A poem of blessing.. Gershon Wolf July 8, 2020 at 7:08 PM It takes an exceptionally person to appreciate a write like this. And I am talking about you! Thank you!! Blessings, Gershon