Harry Zitelman, my grandfather's first cousin, was born in Frederick, Maryland in 1913. His parents were Morris (Moshe) and Rebecca Zitelman, both of who were immigrants from near what is now Lutsk, Ukraine.
102 years ago this week, the infant Harry's bris (circumcision ceremony) made the local Frederick newspaper. And it's clear from the article that Jewish rituals were not well-understood in Frederick!
The bris was referred to as an "Interesting Christening Service." It mentions that E. Zitelman, grandfather of the baby was present--that would be my great-great grandfather, Yechiel (or Echiel) Suttleman. The baby's uncle (who actually spelled his last name Suttleman) David also attended.
Harry went on to live what the Washington Post called a "colorful life" as the co-owner of Bassin's Restaurant in Washington, DC. His rather extensive obituary can be read here.
102 years ago this week, the infant Harry's bris (circumcision ceremony) made the local Frederick newspaper. And it's clear from the article that Jewish rituals were not well-understood in Frederick!
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| The (Frederick, Maryland) News; October 27, 1913 |
The bris was referred to as an "Interesting Christening Service." It mentions that E. Zitelman, grandfather of the baby was present--that would be my great-great grandfather, Yechiel (or Echiel) Suttleman. The baby's uncle (who actually spelled his last name Suttleman) David also attended.
Harry went on to live what the Washington Post called a "colorful life" as the co-owner of Bassin's Restaurant in Washington, DC. His rather extensive obituary can be read here.
This is an amusing article - especially for a Jewish genealogist!
ReplyDeleteThis is an amusing article - especially for a Jewish genealogist!
ReplyDeleteThat is just too funny and yet a bit sad. It reminds me of when I went to explain Hanukah to my daughter's preschool class, and the teacher introduced me by saying that I was there to tell the class about the Jewish Christmas. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteLara, your blog is up on GeneaBloggers now. It's a great blog.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.geneabloggers.com/new-genealogy-blogs-31-october-2015/