A Dozen Ancestors
My parents met on a blind date. Dad was convinced he met his future wife and wrote a letter to his brother Bernie, telling him so. When he brought Minnie to Erie to meet his family he warned her that he came from a big family so she shouldn’t be intimidated. Minnie’s response was “Hold my beer.” I actually don’t remember ever seeing my mother drink a beer but her point was that her family was pretty large itself. Minnie’s mother, Ruchel Boxinbaum nee Pasternak was the oldest of 12 siblings. Rachel, Rebecca, Jenny, Jacob, Sarah, Joe, Yetta, Carl, Samuel, Miriam, Bena, and Goldie were the pride and joy of Moshe and Bailah Pasternak. They were all born in Poland and most of them emigrated into Canada. Last Sunday, descendants of these 12 siblings held a Zoom Hanukah candle lighting. 20 people chimed in representing 8 of the 12 aforementioned Pasternaks. Participants were in Florida, Toronto, California, Colorado, Buffalo, and France. I have intimate knowledge o