Message-Id: <4.2.0.58.20011019151433.0094e7b0@mail.kansas.net>
Date: Fri, 19 Oct 2001 15:26:55 -0500
To: david90@alumni.princeton.edu
From: Eric and Lori Swim <elswim@kansas.net>
Subject: saved siddur
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Status: U

Shalom Aleichem, Dovid:

I read with great interest the article on the Jerusalem Post regarding your 
experiences in September.  I hope that the siddur is able to be restored 
and conserved for your great-grand children.  Baruch HaShem for you 
returning to Torah.  As one from the Nations who has embraced Torah, I feel 
so blessed to hear and read about my "older" brothers and sisters who are 
also returning to their ancesteral roots.  I can understand how new 
immigrants desire to blend into their adopted country; however, I am 
grieved and saddened to hear how families release their hold on that which 
brings *true* Life and Liberty.  I guess that this is the same for me and 
my household; our families shun us and believe that we have lost our minds 
-- a total rejection of our culture and customs for something so foreign to 
them as Shabbat, Chanukkah, hamantashen, and gefilte fish.  If only they 
could really understand ... we continue to pray for them.  Likewise, I will 
add you to my list of people for whom I pray.  May HaShem bless you and 
your household -- granting you all the real blessings of Torah -- love, 
joy, and peace.  Also, may we merit the blessing to welcome Moshiach to our 
world and enjoy the life of the Olam Haba.  My brother, if I can be so bold 
as to refer to you in such manner, I pray that you have a great Shabbos and 
that HaShem continues to shelter you and your household in the His Presence 
and with His Shalom.

Shalom v' Chesed ~~

Eric P. Swim
922 North 12th
Marysville, Kansas 66508-1213