My trip to Moldova finished. Mixed emotions. The country is on scale more poor than its cousins Romania and Bulgaria but it won my heart. People of Moldova and my connection to them I cannot explain. From gentleman who gave me a brief ride from Romanian border to Moldavian, handling my luggage and refusing taking tip and gave me souvenir of 2 russian rubles instead - to Izeslav Mundrian whom I met yesterday in Orhei - in charge of Jewish community, he took us through cemetery (as old as in Prague) and showing us graves of Jews like he own family album.... Showed us graves of grandparents of Avigdor Lieberman as well. Wrote book on Orhei shtetl and needs to translate names in English. I took it home and will try to help. Need volunteers - 3000 names!! Food, conversations (russian), jokes, etc... Yong people speak English and very well versed in literature, history and arts. But not too many opportunities . Contrasts between luxury 5* hotels, western style Chateaux - wineries, upscale restaurants to and dark streets , old roof and beautiful building waiting to be repaired. Reminds me of Odessa. LUbavitcher Rebe Zalman Abelsky is very old and in wheelchair in his small poor apartment but full of books. First thing he asked what book do I read now. Although I disagree with his views (hassidism vs reform) but still it was fascinating to talk to him. He blessed me on my quest to search for Jewish Heritage .... Flying today to Rome spending last 2 weeks in Italy - kind of back to Western world... WIll keep you posted!!!
Posted on: Thu, 03 Oct 2013 06:45:06 +0000
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