“Areih Zilberstein, the candlemaker,” from the Yizkor book of Gombin (Poland) is the story of an old man’s grief and longing for a son who had left for America and raised a family there.
Ironically, it is recounted by a young man who himself was about to make that journey, leaving Gombin for good.
Sitting one night on the steps of the synagogue, Arieh said to him: “You Yoinele, will soon see my son and my grandchildren. I am sending with you a piece of myself. My feelings, my longing… I am planting in you a piece of my soul.”
“Tell my son that I pray for him day and night… But please don't tell my son and grandchildren that my heart is broken from longing.”
