Early Life
The Roazen Family
Julius (center) with his older brothers Samuel (left) and David (right).
1896-1900: The Early Days
Julius Roazen was born as the third of four children on a farm in rural Russia (the location of his early childhood is unknown) in February, 1896. Not much is known about Julie's early childhood but this:
Roazen's father, Morris, owned a farm
"It was unusual for a Jewish family to own land, especially in Russia" (Weiss)
Morris was a central figure in the Jewish community where they lived
He had never worked a job, but he studied Torah and Talmud all day
Morris was considered a brilliant member of the community
Julie loved cold borscht soup!
Problems in Russia
The Pogroms
The pogroms were organized raids by the Russian government on Jewish communities scattered throughout the country
The attacks became massacres, taking out massive numbers of Jews
Morris wanted to take his wife and children from the dangerous countryside to safety elsewhere
Famine
There wasn't enough food where the Roazen family lived
The family, despite living on a farm, was unable to attain a stable and healthy diet
Incentives to Leave
Family in the US
Morris had two sisters who lived in Everett, MA
They had been living in the US for years and had sent letters to Russia, asking him to meet them there
"The sisters were already established, married and holding jobs" (Weiss)
1900: To America!
In 1900, Morris Roazen traveled to the United States to set up a new life for himself and his family.
Morris' sisters sponsored the family's venture to the US
Morris sold the farm, hopped on a ship, and met his sisters in MA
A year later, he sent for his wife and children to come to Massachusetts
They lived in a small apartment in Chelsea, MA
The Roazens weren't the only ones...
Millions of other Russian Jews escaped famine and anti-Semitism in the early 20th century
Many found their way to the United States, especially to New York, but also to Boston
Morris, later in life (date unknown).