The photo above depicts a letter that Abraham Goldenberg wrote to his father after a 126-day voyage to Chile. This letter illuminates how important letter writing was during this time period, as it was one of the only ways individuals had access to certain information. In the case of Abraham, the writer acknowledges that because he had been traveling for nearly half the year, he was unaware of current, worldly news. In this specific section, he asks the recipient to fill him in on the Franco-Prussian War and wonders how it is affecting his family and friends back home in Germany.
Throughout his letter, it becomes very clear that Abraham continues to place a heavy emphasis on God and his religion, wherein he both thanks God for his own good health, and wishes for God to watch over his family during his time abroad. Abraham and his family’s religious beliefs become extremely important, as the Goldenberg’s offer the best and most complete documentation of German Jewish life in Chile.
Cayden–
Love the questions! They really help make sure that we were reading carefully and underscore the key details. Your point about what Goldenberg asks about is so important. It seems like part of the issue is the news he gets via Chile isn’t from the same perspective as he would have gotten at home? Extremely well done interactivity and label!
best,
Laura