Malmesbury, 7 July, 1903
Dear wife, Taube Kretzmar, and to my dear children, sons David and Noah, and daughters Leah and Freda, may they live and grow up in wealth and comfort.
My dear wife, I have duly received your letter, which you wrote in Shimberg. I am very glad to hear that you are well. May God grant that we should always hear good news from each other, until the dawn of the lucky day when we can speak to each other and relate all our experiences. On my side, I can tell you that I am in good health and spirits, and may this letter find you in similar conditions.
Further, that you write that my brother-in-law Moishe has gone to Rakeshik for two months, so we will not be able to get a picture taken. I can tell you that about two weeks ago I sent £3 to his address, and according to your writing, he will not receive it until his return. I am very sorry but I can’t send one lot of money after the other, and when one sends one likes to know that it arrives in time. But this can’t be helped – you will have to wait until he returns, and I will try to send more money a little earlier. Further, that you write that you have acquired a new dress, I wish you to wear it in good health and in a good mood, and may God grant that you should be able to make more dresses in a good way. Here, a dress costs more than in Russia. In spite of that, with the help of God, one is better dressed here than in Russia. If God will grant us good health and success, we can expect everything.
Further that you took umbrage, which according to my writing, one would think that I really meant it. When I used the word “griene” who does not know to acknowledge receipt of money. I can tell you that you must not worry about it. I meant nothing by it. I’m quite sure of it. On the contrary, I greatly honour and esteem you.
Incidentally, I want to tell you a story that happened last Friday. I was walking in the street, because I had to give my watch to be repaired. On the way, I met a man who carries about oranges for sale. I bought two oranges and put them in my pocket. On my way back, I took one out to eat. I noticed that the sun was shining on the orange. It looked so beautiful that I thought it’s a pity to eat it and I will carry it home for you. But alas! In the same moment I realised that I had made a mistake and that it would take quite a while before such a thing could happen. And so you can realise that I always have you in mind and you should not be offended.
Further, I want to ask you to look after my seforim. The Commentaries are not bound, and the remaining books you should ask my brother Yaacov to collect them and take them with him, and one day I should be able to send you more money in order to have them bound and repaired and then be able to buy them. I also wish that God will help me to bring you over here and then you could take along all the books as well as the Sefer Torah. But in the meantime, one must see that what is there must not be wasted. I have no further news to tell you. I close my writing. Keep well and happy, as is the wish of your ever faithful husband, who wishes you the best of luck and to be together with me, Tuvye Kretzmar
I cordially greet my dear parents, my father Yehuda Leib Kretzmar, and my chaste and modest mother, Beile, my brother, Yaacov Kretzmar, and my sisters, Hinda and Chana, may they all live well.
My dear parents, I greet you and thank God I am in good health and hope to hear the same from you, and I hope that business will improve and everything will come right. I wish you the best of luck, from me, your son and brother, Tuvye Kretzmar
I cordially greet my dear mother-in-law, the chaste and modest Neche, and my dear brother-in-law, Moishe Schochet, and his wife, my sister Sarah, and family, and my sister-in-law, Chana Reza, may you all live happily, as is the wish of your son-in-law, brother-in-law, and brother, Tuvye Kretzmar