Cape Town, 2 January, 1900

To my dear father, Yehuda Leib Kretzmar, and my dear mother, Beila, and my dear brother, Yaavov, and my younger brothers and sisters, may they all be blessed, and to my dear brother-in-law, Moishe Schochet, and his wife, my sister, and their children, may they all live well, and to my mother-in-law Neche, and to my sister-in-law Chana Reza, may they all be blessed.

To my wife Taube, may she live in comfort, and to my precious children, may they all live happily – my friend and wife, although I had decided not to write to you until I had a letter from you, my stormy heart will not rest and a silent force is forcing me to find excuses for you as to why I have not received any letters in time while everybody else is getting letters every week. To tell you the truth, I myself am also running short with my writing so I cannot stay with my decision. It is very difficult for me, so please write in a few words – I want to tell you that I myself am TG well – may God grant to hear the same from you.

Regarding business, I am earning a little this week, although it was less last week as it was their holidays, Christmas and New Year, I could do nothing. I hope that things will improve now. I am closing my writing as I have not much time, I must wait for your letter. When you remind yourself to write, it will help to put me at rest. In the meantime, I can’t write more, although I have a lot to write. Keep well and remember me, From me, your son, husband, and brother-in-law, Tuvye Kretzmar