Moshe’s Story

Moshe was born in 1927 in the town of Brzeziny, Poland. He had three siblings: his sister Tzipora, and his two younger brothers, Berek and Leonek. In many ways, the Goldfeier family was very traditional. Moshe’s mother, Miriam Goldfeier, took care of the children and the home. Moshe’s grandfather was a Rabbi and was in charge of supervising the observance of kosher food practices in the town.

The Goldfeiers observed many Jewish traditions. On Shabbat and holidays the brothers prayed with their father and grandfather at the shtibl . Moshe and his siblings were always excited if they got a new set of clothes and shoes for the holidays, and looked forward to delicious foods that their mother would make for these special occasions. Moshe’s father, Simcha, would often invite guests, especially those in need, to join them for festive meals at their home after services. Mr. Goldfeier was a well respected businessman.

Moshe Goldfeier (right) with his family (left to right): His sister Tzipora, his mother Miriam, and his brothers, Leonek and Berek.

TESTIMONY: “FATHER”
“My father use to sell the garments all over Poland.”
—Moshe Goldfeier

The town of Brzeziny had a total population of 20,000 people, half of whom were Jews. Moshe grew up with a strong sense of his Jewish identity. For half of the day, Moshe went to a Jewish school where he learned Hebrew and Torah. For the other part of the day, Moshe and his siblings went to a public school.