To the Editor:
The Yaacov Maggid of Dubno Fund In Memory of Maggid Meshorim
Rabbi Yaacov ben Zeev (Wolf) Kranz, ztvk"l (A division
of Chasdei Avoth Memorial Fund) under the auspices of Society
of Friends of the Torah, Charity Reg. No. 238230, is
searching for long-lost relatives who are descended from the
Maggid of Dubno, Rabbi Jacob ben Zeev (Wolf) Kranz
ztvk'l whose 200th Yahrtzeit occurs this year
on 17th Teves (29th December). We cordially invite members of
the Kranz family to contact us in order to establish our
family links.
The terrible destruction that the Jewish People experienced
during the 2nd World War not only physically bereaved us of
beloved family and relations but also, in the ensuing chaos,
separated the remnants of our families from each other and
dispersed the survivors all over the world. Thus, family
members lost contact with each other.
The past ten years have seen a tremendous revival in the
search for Jewish family roots. It is a compelling pastime
because if we can find the missing links in the chain of our
family tree, we will not only find our beloved relatives but
this will prove that the Nazis yemach shemom did not
succeed in their aims. Thus far, B"H we have made
contact with many Kranc, Kranz, Krantz families in many
different countries and have exchanged information about our
families with them, spending many fascinating hours trying to
link up and help each other. We know that there are many more
families whom we have not yet reached.
My saintly great-grandfather's name was Reb Yankel Kranc
z"l Hy"d, born 1846 in Zamosc, Poland. He was a direct
descendent of the Maggid of Dubno ztvk'l who spent the
last years of his life in Zamosc. Please be aware that sons,
grandsons and great-grandsons of the famous Maggid invariably
married spouses who were born in other towns, and most of
them resided in their wives' hometown where their children
were born.
By writing to your respected newspaper, we hope that members
of the Kranz/Kranc family will contact us, giving us a little
family background information, e.g. names of parents,
grandparents and great-grandparents and if you can go further
back, so much the better. Please also give us dates and the
names of their towns of origin. It will be a great pleasure
to hear from you as soon as possible.
With best wishes for a Happy and Healthy New Year
(Mrs.) Sheila Grossnass
The Yaacov Maggid of Dubno Fund
POB 33628,
London N16 6AW, England
Email: s@grossnassrely.fsnet.co.uk
