…On a personal note, I admire how you’ve lived your life as a daughter of a survivor and also a child of a well-known personality and artist. You have respected your father’s legacy and mother’s influence while also striking out on your own. The best of both worlds. Mazal Tov!
While my background is somewhat different, I shared many similar challenges growing up. That is why I recognize the individual, the Marit behind the burden of history.
My father was born in Odessa in 1917. He emigrated to Canada, to Vancouver, with his family in 1928 when he was eleven years old because of anti-Semitic pogroms. He and his brother were almost killed on two separate occasions by Ukrainian Cossacks. The same for my grandfather, after whom I am named.
My mother was born in Pinsk, then in eastern Poland, now in Belarus. They also experienced anti-Semitism and were finally allowed to move to Canada [Edmonton] in the 1920s.
My father went on to become a successful businessman and community leader. My siblings and I grew up under the glare of public scrutiny. I also felt the burden of being Jewish, especially after the pogroms and the Shoah. I eventually left home to strike out on my own, much as you did. I studied and worked in Yerushalayim, New York, Toronto, Philadelphia and Boston for more than twenty years before returning to Vancouver. I was married then with children and wanted our extended family to know one another.
More to share but that is it in a concise manner.
May you continue to thrive in good health and artistic success along with your extended family.
The two main mezuzot on our house for the past fifteen years have been a Toledo and a Gefen mezuzah designed by your father. We now look forward to having a heritage home adorned with quality Meisler mezuzot from top to bottom. I ordered a couple extra for gifts.
All the very best for Hanukkah,
Yosef Wosk , Canada.