Respondent
Rothbart, Jacob
Interview Date
1968
Abstract
[T1S1] Explains relocation to, and first job in, Pittsburgh. Respondent discusses ethnic composition, languages, and livelihoods of hometown in Poland. Parents' work is noted. Respondent's revolutionary involvement, and authority's pressure that forced Respondent's immigration, is recounted. Biographical details are provided. Abuse of assimilationist woman by Nazis is described. Anti-Semitic group in Poland, and their economic motivation, is discussed. Respondent's and father's religiosity are recounted. Lectures on religious practices are noted; route to U.S. is indicated. Respondent indicates items brought to, and first impressions of, U.S. Wages in New York and Pittsburgh are detailed. Respondent's cultural activities are mentioned.
[T1S2] Respondent relates lack of formal education and subjects of own writings. Respondent's purpose and motivation for writing are discussed. Respondent's organizational activities are noted; origin of People's Relief is mentioned. Respondent's interest in labor groups and Jewish education is expressed. Yiddish theater productions organized by Respondent are mentioned. Respondent's associations with Jewish congresses are noted. Attempted mugging of Respondent in New Jersey is recounted, as is Respondent's experience with an anti-Semite in Pittsburgh. Respondent's notes opposition to assimilation and provides marriage information. Children's secular educations are noted. Financial support and locations of Respondent's Yiddish schools are indicated. Differences in children's interest in Jewish life in 1960s and in Respondent's youth are discussed. Struggle of Respondent's customers and successes of their children are mentioned. Respondent relates difficulty of Jewish carpenters in obtaining work.
[T1S2] Respondent relates lack of formal education and subjects of own writings. Respondent's purpose and motivation for writing are discussed. Respondent's organizational activities are noted; origin of People's Relief is mentioned. Respondent's interest in labor groups and Jewish education is expressed. Yiddish theater productions organized by Respondent are mentioned. Respondent's associations with Jewish congresses are noted. Attempted mugging of Respondent in New Jersey is recounted, as is Respondent's experience with an anti-Semite in Pittsburgh. Respondent's notes opposition to assimilation and provides marriage information. Children's secular educations are noted. Financial support and locations of Respondent's Yiddish schools are indicated. Differences in children's interest in Jewish life in 1960s and in Respondent's youth are discussed. Struggle of Respondent's customers and successes of their children are mentioned. Respondent relates difficulty of Jewish carpenters in obtaining work.
Subjects
Antisemitism--Europe; Gabin (Poland); Jews--Identity; Jews--Education; People's Relief Committee; Europe--Social conditions; Europe--Politics and government; Theater, Yiddish
Birth Date
1880-83
City
Gombin (near Plock)(Warsaw)
Country
Russian Poland
Emigration Date
1906
Profession
Tailor
Work
Meyer Jonassen's Department Store
Residence
Newark, New Jersey
Occupation (father)
Orchard worker?
Length (hours)
1
Collateral Materials
Box 99 FF 3
Identifier
ais196440.387
Rights
All rights reserved. University of Pittsburgh
Reproductions