This question has been on my mind for quite some time now. Every so often I find another record that seems to point me in this direction yet finding proof is not yet within my grasp.
And so the story begins…
While researching my Polish origins I started with some records from Kozienice (these were simply the first records found for my family). In Kozienice my focus was on RECHTANT / RECHTHAND (I promise to publish at some point my research into this family name).
My great-great-great-great-great-grandmother Ides Rechthand nee Falenbogen
Ides Falenbogen married Abraham Rechtant in 1822, Kozienice.
At the time of this marriage she is identified as “Ides Szymonowicz Falenbogen, daughter of Szymon Leyb Jozfowicz Falenbogen and Hinda born Leyzorowicz”.
Two simmingly unrelated men from Kozienice make a report upon her death. In this report there is a slight change in the information about her parents and she in now the “daughter of Shimon Leyb Horovich and Hinda nee Wainman.”
This is the first indication to a connection to the Horowitz family from Lublin, that is the first possible reason to suspect a connection to the family of the Seer of Lublin.
It is important to note that at the time of Ides’s birth and marriage surnames were not common and so people may find themselves with various surnames even if they were a close family.
In addition, as the report of death is made by two individuals which are simmingly unrelated to Ides it is possible that the information they provide is based on their understanding and beliefes and not 100% accurate. I do belive it is possible that as they knew of a Horowitz family relation and were not aware of her previous surname being Falenbogen.
Falenbogen family and the places of residence within Lublin
ul. Szeroka 28 (house #406)
This is the location of the Synagogue founded by the Seer of Lublin – you can find more information about this address here – https://teatrnn.pl/leksykon/artykuly/szeroka-28-w-lublinie-nie-istnieje/).
This house number appears in connection with the Falenbogen family several times:
- as a place of residence of Szymon Lejb Falenbogen in 1819
- as the place of residence of the parents of Ides Rechtant at the time of her marriage (1822)
- as the place of residence of Mortka Falenbogen (Ides’s brother) in 1827 & 1828
ul. Szeroka 38 (house #411)
It is important to note that back in 1819 Szymon Lejb (Hinda’s husband) is mentioned at this house as well as house 406.
In the book of non christian residents of Lublin for the years 1839-1840 we find Hinda Falenbogen living with family or supported by family while living at apt. 5, house 411.
The family living in this apt. is the family of Kielman Szternfeld (the grandson of the Seer of Lublin) and three of his daughters (Gitla, Ruchla Nechama, Majtla).
ul. Szeroka 32 (house 408)
You may notice on the image above that Hinda previously resided in house #408.
At this address she resided with Masza Szternberg as well as two of her children Malka Bajla and Kiwa Josef.
So, is there a connection to the Seer of Lublin?
POSSIBLY.
This is supported by the following evidence:
- Ides Rechtant nee Falenbogen’ death record according to which she is the daughter of “Shimon Leyb Horovich and Hinda nee Wainman”
- The Szymon Lejb & Hinda Falenbogen are known to reside at house #406 (ul. Szeroka 28)
- Just before Hinda Falenbogen’s death she resides with the grandson of the Seer of Lublin, Kielman Szternfeld, and his family
I hope to be able to prove this as my research continues.
