Cape Town, 16 May, 1900

To my dear wife, Taube Kretzmar, Be well, and to my dear children, be well.

Dearest wife, I have today received your letter of Chol HaMoed Pesach [i], and I am replying right away because to read your letter did not take much time. Usually when you write Chol HaMoed Pesach you cannot expect more, and I am surprised that you did not write across the page. (Explanation not writing Chol HaMoed Pesach, because it is between the first and last days of Pesach). I think that, although you did not write across the page, you made some other sign by shortening your letter. In any case, I thank you very much for your writing because what would I have done if you had not written, that would have been just bad luck. I am very glad and TG that you are well and that you have kept up your courage this Yomtov. PG that we may be able to be cheerful and brave. It’s no point in talking about wealth. I must close my letter because here by me it’s not Chol HaMoed, one has to work, and may the Lord send all that we need and if it is in cash it will be all the more welcome. Be well and stay well, as I wish you, Your loving husband, Tuvye Kretzmar

Notes:

[i]  Chol Hamoed are the intermediate, secular part of festivals, during Pasover and Sukkot.