Morris's Ode to Bea on her engagement to Sidney
Seated at her grandson's computer for a first look at our family history web page, Bea Rubenstein hardly recognized herself in the photo of the pretty young newlywed smiling out from a 60-year-old photograph. |
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"I remember that's the way you looked," said her sister, Fannie, who at 88 is a year younger than Bea. The occasion was a party in Kendall Park, NJ, on July 25, 1998, in celebration of Bea's 89th birthday. |
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We are indebted to Bea Rubenstein for sharing Morris' writing and for her
sensitive translation from Yiddish. We hope this is the first of a body of work that will provide a glimpse of Morris to all of us who missed having him in our lives. Susan Martha Rogers |
Opus 1:
Happy Moments
by Morris Rubenstein
On
the engagement of his oldest son, Sidney, |
In happiness I sat at the machine and watched the needle move to and fro. Suddenly I fell into deep thought -- memories, happenings from bygone days, came and went without measure. As I sat in this reverie, it seemed I heard a voice -- a voice clear and distinct said sweet and plain, "Morris, Morris, say a prayer to God -- you will now definitely be blessed." I obeyed very happily and hoped my prayer will be heard above. I beseeched for you, Sidney and Bea, that you shall be blessed with health, happiness and riches, and that each of you in your own way, shall be proud of each other -- and we, your parents, will be honored and proud to see you as bride and groom under the chupah in the very near future, where you will be proclaimed as husband and wife, and the guests--friends and relatives -- will wish mazel tov to the happy bride and groom. |
Dad, Morris circa 1934 |