In this simple letter from Selma Braunhart to her sister Anna, Selma touches on and confirms the worsening conditions in Schubin and also the challenges of her brothers Philipp and Theo, not to mention the reuniting of sister Cilly and her husband Horst Eilenberg, upon his return from the war after being held as a POW.
The number of Jews in Schubin was diminishing rapidly - in 1921 their numbers were reduced to approximately 100, down significantly from the population in the town when Selma's grandfather, Lewin Jacob Braunhart was the head of the Jewish school from 1835 to 1885.
A condensed history of the Jews in Schubin can be found in Virtual Shtetl
It is not known as yet when all the Braunhart family left Schubin, but from other letters at this time, it appears that some had already done so, including brothers Carl and Moritz. Jacob had immigrated to America as well as sisters Anna (the recipient of this letter) and Martha.
Below are the original three pages of the letter, followed by the English translation.
The number of Jews in Schubin was diminishing rapidly - in 1921 their numbers were reduced to approximately 100, down significantly from the population in the town when Selma's grandfather, Lewin Jacob Braunhart was the head of the Jewish school from 1835 to 1885.
A condensed history of the Jews in Schubin can be found in Virtual Shtetl
It is not known as yet when all the Braunhart family left Schubin, but from other letters at this time, it appears that some had already done so, including brothers Carl and Moritz. Jacob had immigrated to America as well as sisters Anna (the recipient of this letter) and Martha.
Below are the original three pages of the letter, followed by the English translation.
 Page 1 |  Page 2 |  Page 3 |
Thanks to Matthias Steinke, we now have a translation of this letter. It is below:
9 November 1919
My dear sister Anna,
Finally, I too want write a letter to you. From the other letters to us I have seen that you all are well. Well that's the
main thing. We are also all healthy.
In recent days we got also a letter from Martha and Aunt Sara. I can't explain, why Jacob doesn't write.
Theo and Philip are also home for a while for recovery. It is necessary for them.
Here is everything like some months before, always the same "old song."
Thanks God, Cilly's husband is already back from war-captivity, and both are for a few weeks at her parents-in-law for recovery.
I would be quite happy if we could leave Schubin. It is no future for us. Its a mess, that nothing is possible with the bank. Especially now, that the Dollar is rising. I believe, it doesn't become better. If we can't change, we can't do anything.
Send us a picture of you. I also attached one of me. I am not well taken. Julius also has a cute little girl, 4 years old.
Is it expensive there?
The weather began very cold but now the weather is somewhat ....
What is Martha and family doing? Metha Wa ...(Walsch?) is also married. I don't know know further details. Rosa
Mayersohn is engaged.
Now I will close because father already wrote everything to you. Commending you all very much greetings and kisses, also to Martha and family I remain as your loving
Selma
9 November 1919
My dear sister Anna,
Finally, I too want write a letter to you. From the other letters to us I have seen that you all are well. Well that's the
main thing. We are also all healthy.
In recent days we got also a letter from Martha and Aunt Sara. I can't explain, why Jacob doesn't write.
Theo and Philip are also home for a while for recovery. It is necessary for them.
Here is everything like some months before, always the same "old song."
Thanks God, Cilly's husband is already back from war-captivity, and both are for a few weeks at her parents-in-law for recovery.
I would be quite happy if we could leave Schubin. It is no future for us. Its a mess, that nothing is possible with the bank. Especially now, that the Dollar is rising. I believe, it doesn't become better. If we can't change, we can't do anything.
Send us a picture of you. I also attached one of me. I am not well taken. Julius also has a cute little girl, 4 years old.
Is it expensive there?
The weather began very cold but now the weather is somewhat ....
What is Martha and family doing? Metha Wa ...(Walsch?) is also married. I don't know know further details. Rosa
Mayersohn is engaged.
Now I will close because father already wrote everything to you. Commending you all very much greetings and kisses, also to Martha and family I remain as your loving
Selma
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