Person:Mordecai Berman (1)

Judah (Jack) Asimov, 1896-1969, writes that Mordechai died "before I even knew Mamma," Anna Berman, Mordechai's sister.

Judah writes that Mordechai was not married, and that he had more than 300 rubles -- a fortune. He left the money to "his little sister," Anna Berman. But with her consent, Anna's family put the money into a trust and used it to make interest-free loans to needy Petrovichians. It was thought that a side benefit of this arrangement would be that Mordechai would be remembered for a long time to come, despite not having had a family.

Although loans were provided, many people failed to repay them. Eventually, the money was all used up. But, as you can see, the Berman family's wish came true; he is remembered today because of the Berman family's generosity.

1.   Judah Asimov's written recollections (1969).