Judith Fein’s “The Spoon From Minkowitz: A bittersweet Roots Journey to Ancestral Lands” Has Wide Appeal

When author and travel writer Judith Fein asked me to review The Spoon From Minkowitz, I was not prepared to get so caught up in its story. I think many of us have thought about our roots, but few have had the burning passion to pursue such a journey.

Judith has no bounds, as she will trek anywhere to discover a missing piece to the story. Without giving away the story, I’d like to include two excerpts that will help piece this together:

Suddenly, I felt as though there were people behind me, following me. I turned around, but no one was there. I continued walking. Again, I felt the presence of a lot of people in my wake. I spun around and was greeted by a chorus of voices. Although I didn’t see anybody, I heard the Eastern European ancestors of many people like me calling out. “Remember us. Don’t forget us. Our story needs to be heard. Write our story. Write your story.”

When Paul told his parents we were getting married, his father offered us something very meaningful and personal: the only thing left from the shtetl. It was a soup spoon that his parents brought with them as they sailed in steerage from the old country to America. I held it, patted it gently, and treasured it because it made our ancient connection so real to me…

Throughout the entire story, you feel Judith’s emotional journey, filled with frustration, joy, sorrow, elation, and most of all, satisfaction. Her words captured my spirit and I feel it crosses all ethnic boundaries, as one discovers the area they are visiting, as well as stories people are willing to share.

For me, so much of travel is about people I am fortunate to meet. I’ve not seen anyone capture the soul of individuals portrayed in her page-turning book better than Judith.

I highly recommend this adventure.

Maralyn D. Hill, M.Ed., Past President IFWTWA, Executive Editor-Luxe Beat Magazine

Title: THE SPOON FROM MINKOWITZ: A Bittersweet Roots Journey to Ancestral Lands

Author: Judith Fein with Photographs by Paul Ross

ISBN: 978-0-9884019-3-8