The book’s cover is not in great shape, but the book itself is wonderful.
Among the items that became part of my custodial responsibility was the book: Bialystok Photo Album of a Renowned City and Its Jews The World Over. Compiled and Edited by David Sohn, in 1951. The book attempts to show life in Bialystok before World War II; information about the Holocaust and the 60,000 Jews from Bialystok who were murdered; and show that life continued for those who survived and who lived throughout the Disapora. One two-page spread is so emotional as it lists the horrible events that happened to the Jews of Bialystok during the Shoah.
Two important pages.
My great grandparents, Louis Goldman (Baruck Lev Litwack) and his wife, Ray Goldman (nee Rachel Wolff) were extremely active in the Bialystok society in New York City and were part of the large number of landsmen from Bialystok who helped to create the Bialystok Home for the Aged in NYC.
Although my Great Grandfather died in 1941, my family was still active in the Bialystok organizations in NYC. And my Great Grandmother Ray continued in a leadership role after her husband’s death.
I had placed this book in a pile of other books about Europe, but had not really searched through it for a while. I know I looked at it when we cleaned out our parent’s apartment and kept it as something worth investigating. But it went to the side as I dealt with other issues.
This week I decided to really look at it and see what I could fine. Thanks to my Aunt Leona, who passed away just four years ago, I did not have to look far. There was a handwritten note from my Aunt, with page numbers and identifications. I loved my Aunt Leona.
My Great Great Grandfather, a leading baker.
My Great Great Grandmother.
Photos of one set of my paternal great great grandparents are in this book. Jacob Zev Litwack and Rashe Goldman were the parents of my great grandfather Louis Goldman. I was a little confused at first because I knew that in Europe my great great grandparents went by the names Yaacov and Rashe Litwack. But I realized that Rashe Goldman could be changed for two reasons. First her maiden name was Goldberg, so this could be a mistake. Also, since her son took the name Goldman when he came to the USA, the name on the photo could just reflect his new name.
Whatever, the case, my Aunt definitely identifies them as her grandfather’s parents. It is also exciting to see that their occupation is also mentioned: leading bakers. When my great grandfather came to the USA, he became a tailor.
There are many photos of my Great Grandma Ray. One by herself and several in group shots. And then there are pages of the “Deceased Leaders of Our Landmanshaft.” On one of those pages is my Great Grandfather Louis. Right there it says, Chairman of Bikur Cholim and a co-founder of the Bialystoker Center and Home for the Aged.
It makes me so proud that my great grandparents were so active in tzedakah and good deeds. It is a tradition that continues in our family. So many members of my family have been active in volunteer work for the Jewish community. My Dad was the president of his synagogue for 11 years, and served in many volunteer roles throughout his life. My parents were always supporters of the Bialystoker Home, as were my grandparents.
And I like to say that the tradition continues on in my daughter. I think her great great great grandparents would be proud to know that she lives in Israel and works for a non-profit that promotes peace, The Peres Center for Peace.
But there was a surprise. There is another Ray circled in the book. Ray Nosoff. I had not heard that name before. But my aunt’s notes came in handy. Ray Nosoff is the niece of Louis Goldman. Her maiden last name was Kramer and her mother was Louis’ sister. She lived in Brooklyn. After googling her name on line, I found out that she was born in 1887 and died in 1966 and was buried in Washington Cemetery in New York. Which makes total sense as my great grandparents are also buried there! I also found the names of her two of her children.
This was exciting, as Louis Goldman was the next great grandparent that I wanted to investigate. I had already found out much about his wife, Ray Wolff Goldman. But had not much to go on for Louis.
I now know his parents were bakers. His sister also immigrated to the United States and their family was also active in the Bialystok organizations.
I have more investigating to do, but I have started on another genealogy journey thanks to another Bialystok treasure.
To view Ray Wolff Goldman’s family: https://zicharonot.wordpress.com/2015/01/27/serendipity-wins-in-finding-a-family-connection/
zicharonot 
My silewski and mallach family is from bialystok. Berel and joseph silewski and their wives and children were killed in treblinka. Their parents were moses and helena mallach silewski. The mallach family were candy makers. Did you see any references to tne silewski or mallach family in your book? Is the book still available and if so how can i get a copy?
I will look for them, but no promises. This is my personal copy. It is 65 years old. I know that you check WorldCat to find it. Supposedly there are 36 copies of it in libraries.
I am Sol Arker, having lived in NYC my entire life beginning with my immigration from Bamberg, Germany in 1949. I am the son of Raja (Ray) Langbord, who was born on May 10, 1921 in Bialystok, who lived in Bialystock until her deportation to Aushwitz in January, 1943. Raja is also the niece of Samuel Fisher, who was purportedly a prominent jeweler in Bialystock. Does your research any these family names, Langbord or Fisher?
I have not seen those names. But I will look again.
What an incredible treasure! You are so fortunate to be able to see their faces and to know more about them. You must be so excited and so grateful to your aunt for her labeling.
Absolutely. She was a detailed organized person. Her notes have helped on other occasions as well.