Fainting at Yom Kippur Services
Sylvia describes uncomfortable Yom Kippur services to Alex in 1943: I’ve returned from synagogue and feel a little dizzy right now. Going to the synagogue today was an interesting experience, … Continue reading
What I’ve Learned about “BK In Love & War” from 2 Months on TikTok
When I joined TikTok just under 2 months ago, I thought I was just trying to get some proof for my book proposal that my idea had legs. I was … Continue reading
A Fun Sailor’s Song – September 26, 1943 (Alex)
I’ve been transcribing letters at a rapid pace but deliquent about posting them here on the blog. I’m going to post a few in quick succession without a lot of … Continue reading
It is a funny thing how slowly we get to become sailors. (Alex) Sept 24, 1943
Whoops, in my posting I missed this letter so it is a few days earlier than the last couple posts. I really love this little section of the letter where … Continue reading
I cheered myself up by buying 2 pairs of stockings and a compact. (Sylvia) Sept 23, 1943
This is a letter I typed up but neglected to post earlier. In this short one, we get to hear Sylvia’s reaction to her brother’s letter a day or so … Continue reading
Impatient wife and daughter are we! Sept 29, 1943 (Sylvia)
Ohhh, Popeye – a reference I get! A short and sweet note written in three parts from Sylvia about Adrienne’s new clothes and rattles, and her dreaming about Alex’s furlough. … Continue reading
That’s another reason I’m so anxious to see you – to get out of Brooklyn. (Sylvia) Sept 23-25, 1943
This letter is written over the course of 3 days, with updates from Sylvia as she goes about taking care of Adrienne and filling Alex in on her activities. She’s … Continue reading
“At least with my people, we were trained to help each other when needed.” Sept 23, 1943 (Alex)
Alex responds to Sylvia with answers to her questions about where his camp is located, whether she can and should visit, and asking his family for baby clothes for Adrienne. … Continue reading
Sept 21, 1943 Alex to Sylvia: “I hope you won’t develop some of those yenta attitudes, you know how I hate that.”
Sometimes the tones of these letters are so strikingly different because they keep getting the wires crossed (literally). Sylvia last wrote to Alex to say how thrilled and excited she … Continue reading
Sept 19, 1943, Al Kotin (Sylvia’s Brother) to Sylvia “Where’s my sense of humor gone to? Woe is me – Al ”
Today we have a letter from Sylvia’s brother Al Kotin to Sylvia. The somewhat morose tone highlights just how optimistic Alex’s letters sound in comparison. After the war, Al became … Continue reading
