During this period, my second book, "For Whom Do I Sing My Songs," was published in New York in 1979. This was under the capable editorship of Jeanette Bailin Cohen. She and her husband, my tireless translator, Yudel Cohen, exhibited a knowledgeable and most gratifying interest in my poems. They also utilized their technical know-how in the design and publication of the book. The end-product, was a two language book (Yiddish and English) which brought much praise for its taste and aesthetic appearance.
In honor of the publication of my second book, I was invited to the Sisterhood Luncheon at Temple Emanu-El, where my book was put on sale. Our "Lomir Redn Yiddish Club" was invited to this fine celebration. I addressed the gathering in Yiddish. This, in turn, was translated by Rose Saginaw, a most popular personality in the city, who then read my speech in English. This was a most joyous and memorable occasion for all of us . . . an achievement, as well as a highly satisfactory experience.
A number of years ago, approximately in 1961, it occurred to the Jewish Federation of Dallas, that although the Jews had lived in Texas for many years, there was no collection of memorabilia . . . there were no archives . . . to mirror the fact that for a century, Jews had dwelt in every AREA of the vast state of Texas, including, of course, our own city of Dallas. To remedy this situation, at a gathering of interested men and women of Dallas, it was decided, with complete accord, that the community begin a compilation of records of historic events--a collection of bits of news from dated newspapers and journals, photographs of Jewish personalities - past and present; and whatever dealt with the orthodox synagogues, the conservative synagogues and the reform temples that had been begun by the "reformist" German Jews shortly after their arrival in Texas. Thus began the task of creating an archive out of these collected materials, depicting the history of the Jews in Dallas, and in Texas generally.
Two dedicated women: Ginger Jacobs and Ruth Kahn were the first, and are, up to the present, the prime leaders of this vastly important endeavor. They have zealously preserved every bit of paper that relates to the interests of, and to the history of the Jewish community of Dallas, Texas. A most worthy accomplishment.
In 1976, I put together, and submitted to the Archives, the history of our activities in behalf of our beloved Workmen's Circle Children's School. They also asked for, and received, the two books that I had published, "My Fathers Heritage" in Yiddish and Hebrew and "For Whom Do I Sing My Songs," in Yiddish and English. In the magnificent building that houses the new Jewish Center, one can see the almost completed achievements of the Archives. While the work is still incomplete, every indication points the way towards total fulfillment.
* * * * With these and various other warm thoughts I wish to end my memoirs . . . the history of my life . . . recording with love and esteem my chosen life's companion, Hershl, and remembering with honor our 44 years of blissful togetherness. Our most precious possessions were our three beloved and gifted sons, Reuben, Dave and Norman; our two dear daughters-in-law, Amelia and Ruth . . . who also presented us with eight grandchildren. As their grandmother, without boasting, they all naturally became my "Sheir Hasheerim" *.
* * * * I want to record my undying gratitude to - and love for - my Dallas relatives my Uncle and Aunt, Sam and Tema Tobolowsky; my Uncle and Aunt, Issy and Fannie Wyll - who stood by me throughout the years that I was fated to be the sole survivor of my immediate family. Without their good-will and help in bringing me to America, not a vestige would have remained of the entire wide-spread family of Mordecai Meyer and Chana Klejman, that once had lived at #34 Shul Gahss, in Suwalki, Poland.
At the ripe old age of 81, I've dedicated myself to writing these memoirs, to leave as a heritage for my children and grandchildren.
The English translation by Yudel Cohen, and his beloved wife, Jeanette, with their deep understanding, will, I hope, and with innermost confidence, serve as the thread of continuity for the generations of Andres'es who will follow me.
Chaya Rochel Klejman Andres
May, 1980
Dallas, Texas