Polotzk

But the breath of revolt against orthodox externals was at this time beginning to reach us in Polotzk from the greater world, notably from America.

The Promised Land 1912

Nobody meant to blame the rich woman for being childless, because it was well known in Polotzk that Hode the Russian, as she was called, would have given all her wealth for one scrawny baby.

The Promised Land 1912

If any one in Polotzk had been idle and curious enough to inquire into the state of mind of a little child, I wonder if his findings would not have disturbed this simple classification.

The Promised Land 1912

All the doctors in Polotzk attended her in turn, and one doctor came all the way from Vitebsk.

The Promised Land 1912

So a little Jewish girl in Polotzk was apt to grow up hungry-minded and empty-hearted; and if, still in her outreaching youth, she was set down in a land of outspoken patriotism, she was likely to love her new country with a great love, and to embrace its heroes in a great worship.

The Promised Land 1912

All the little girls I knew lived in Polotzk, with their fathers and mothers and friends.

The Promised Land 1912

For one patient that went to a physician in Polotzk, there were ten who called in unlicensed practitioners and miracle workers.

The Promised Land 1912

As empty and endless and dull as the life of almost any woman in Polotzk, had I had eyes to see the likeness.

The Promised Land 1912

As to our future, we Jews in Polotzk had no national expectations; only a life-worn dreamer here and there hoped to die in Palestine.

The Promised Land 1912

Hode had bought a fine estate in Polotzk, after my grandfather settled there, and made it her home whenever she became tired of travelling.

The Promised Land 1912