Taken from Dayenu: It Would Have Been Enough by Louise Silk
Part of the Exhibition at Brew House Arts in the summer of 2026.
· Herstory · Synchronicity · Ways & Means ·
My father’s father, Papa Hymie, had a clubfoot. It kept him out of the Russian army and afforded him the opportunity to migrate to America. Being the first of his large extended family to immigrate, fostered his lifelong commitment to sponsor many of his siblings in their quest for an American life.
To support his nuclear family, he and his three sons, my father being the middle one, founded a successful retail record company. Starting in my youth, along with my cousins, I worked behind the register. As I grew, so did the business. To this day, I encounter people who cherished their experiences with National Record Mart.
Papa Hymie and The Brothers practiced the mitzvah of tzedakah, giving away 10% of their profits to help the less fortunate. They instilled this life-affirming obligation of big-heartedness in each of us.
Making eighteen single play records is a tribute to the family. The lucky Jewish number, 18, chai, is the Hebrew word for life. The titles and labels epitomize the music of my youth.
LISTEN TO THE PLAYLIST Here
Record Titles: Both Sides Now, God Only Knows, Teach Your Children, Steeler Fight Song, Light My Fire, Leader of the Pack, Do You Believe in Magic?, Life Goes On, Hey Jude, Eli’s Coming, Why Do Fools Fall In Love?, High Rolling Man, Wedding Bell Blues, Love Child, Four Women, Light My Fire, 25 To 64, Love Peace & Happiness.
BubbeWisdom 