A Scary Incident
One cold evening -- it was a Friday and a blizzard was raging outdoors. The three of us were sitting with our backs against the kachel (tile) oven, trying to keep warm. Suddenly we heard a heavy thumping at the door. The wooden hinge came lose and there in the doorway stood a huge German soldier covered with snow and pointing a gun at us. We became petrified. He demanded something but we did not understand what it was. The only thing I saw was his enormous figure and the pointed weapon. I began to feel weak, ready to faint. Without realizing what I was doing, I slipped into the next room, the kitchen. it was very cold there and the air revived me somewhat.
But soon I began to worry about mother. What if the man were to harm her? I wanted to go back but I did not have the courage.Finally, I heard him kicking the door open as he left. Immediately mother's frightened voice began crying out! “Ich dank dir, Got, Dusolst nur mir oishiten fun alle shlechtes, mir und mein zwei kinderlach.” (I thank you, God. You should only keep me and my two children from harm). Then I heard her calling, “Dwoire, Dwoirele, wu bistu, main kind? Ob nisht moire, kum arois zu uns”. (Dwoire, where are you, my child! Don't be afraid, come back to us). Shamefully, I went back into the room. I looked at mother and little Miriam. The relief was so great that I threw myself on her neck and cried and cried with relief and gratitude. All of us remained thus, huddled together on the bench near the oven, weeping bitterly.
That night we did not undress. Mother would not tell us why but we guessed that it was in case we should have to run. She kept watch at the window most of the night. At every least rustle of the wind, we were ready to flee. It was the longest night I can remember.
Next morning, the three of us bundled up and walked into town. The whole community was in a state of excitement but also jubilation. Every newcomer was greeted with: “Danken Got! Danken Got! Abie men ot dos gefunden. Ich dank dir, ich loib dir, Reboinesheloilem!” (Thank God, thank God. As long as they found it. I thank you, I praise you, Almighty One).
We were given the following account: This German sergeant was going to marry a peasant girl. He sent away to his home for a suit of clothes and a watch for his bride. On the way from the station he lost the package. He was getting married the next day so he went from house to house demanding that they produce the package. The entire population went out looking for it. The synagogue was opened and prayers were conducted continually. About 10 AM the package was found by a peasant on the road to the village and handed over to the German soldier.
