88-year Old Minneapolis Jew Leaves for Palestine Alone

An aged St. Paul Jew who has wandered over three nations and who now is 88 years old has left here alone for Palestine, that he may realize a lifelong desire to “die in the Holy Land.”

From the time when he was a small boy in Poland and his grandfather told him stirring tales of the ancient Hebrews under David and Solomon, Louis Michnisky has been intensely anxious to visit the homeland of his ancestors.

When he grew to manhood, moved to Germany, and, 50 years ago, came to St. Paul, he still harbored that desire. A visit to Palestine to trod the paths of his fathers was his greatest dream. To live the last years of his life there and die “in the Holy Land,” would be the consummation of all his wishes.

The responsibilities of caring for a family kept Mr. Michnisky from realizing his dream. He established a clothing store in St. Paul. It prospered. His children grew up, moved away and prospered in turn. Four years ago, with his wife, he moved to the Jewish Home for the Aged here.

There his interest in religion and his piety earned him a reputation. Though he had no training he often was placed in charge of services at the home. And to the old people living there he was known simply as “Rabbi” Michnisky.

Two years ago Mrs. Michnisky died. Mr. Michnisky once more was alone. Reminiscing during the long nights and days over the ambitions and desires of his boyhood, his old desire to visit Palestine again possessed him.

There was opposition, of course, from his children, who told him he was too old, but, as Mr. Michnisky said yesterday before he left to live in Palestine:

“I was determined to go. I told them I would go whether they allowed me or not. So I’m going.”

Mr. Michnisky will first visit a son at Kansas City and grandchildren at Chicago.