Mr Sinai Kantor

Who was Sinai Kantor?

Mr Sinai Kantor, also known as Sehua, was a 34 (thirty-four) year-old Russian passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. A university graduate with ambitions to study medicine in the United States, Kantor’s journey was tragically cut short when the ship sank on April 15, 1912.

Early Life and Background

Born in 1878 in Vitebsk, Russia (modern-day Belarus), Sinai Kantor was a well-educated individual with a promising future ahead of him. He and his wife, Miriam Kantor, were both university graduates, showcasing their commitment to education and personal growth.

What was Kantor’s profession?

Prior to boarding the Titanic, Sinai Kantor worked as a commission merchant, earning an annual income of approximately $2,500. His business acumen was evident in his decision to bring several trunks of valuable furs to the United States, which he intended to sell on commission.

The Titanic Journey

How did the Kantors come to be on the Titanic?

Mr and Mrs Kantor boarded the Titanic at Southampton as second-class passengers. They purchased ticket number 244367 for £26, a significant investment in their future. The couple was likely traveling with Israel Nesson, another passenger on the ship.

What were the Kantors’ plans in America?

The Kantors had ambitious plans for their new life in America:

Sinai intended to study medicine, potentially at the Hospital for Joint Diseases on Madison Avenue
Miriam planned to continue her studies in dentistry
They had arranged to live at 1735 Madison Avenue, conveniently close to Sinai’s potential place of study

Fate During the Disaster

Tragically, Sinai Kantor did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. His body was later recovered by the Mackay Bennett, listed as body number 283. The description of his remains provides a poignant snapshot of the man:

NO. 283. - MALE. - ESTIMATED AGE, 36. VERY FAIR HAIR AND MOUSTACHE. CLOTHING - Grey and green suit; green overcoat; blue shirt; check front marked “F”; black boots; “C” on singlet. EFFECTS - Pocket telescope; silver watch; Pocketbook with foreign notes; letter case; empty purse; purse; £1 10s. in gold; ten shillings in silver and other coins. NAME - S. KANTO.

What happened to Sinai’s body?

Sinai Kantor’s body was forwarded to 1735 Madison Ave. New York, care of Spieler. He was laid to rest at Mount Zion Cemetery in Queens, New York, USA.

Legacy and Impact

The loss of Sinai Kantor had a profound impact on his wife and family. Miriam Kantor, who survived the disaster, faced numerous challenges in the aftermath:

She was unwilling to return to Russia, where she felt she would be unable to earn a living
The American Red Cross provided financial assistance to support her studies and living expenses
The Council of Jewish Women was entrusted with overseeing her plans and progress

What financial support was provided to the Kantor family?

Several relief efforts were made to support the Kantor family:

Source	Amount
English Committee	£100 (for Sinai’s parents in Russia)
Other relief sources	$809.98
Mansion House Titanic Relief Fund	£100 (for widow and father)

Additionally, an insurance claim was filed:

Life insurance: $50,000
Property insurance: $2,200

The Pocket Watch: A Lasting Memorial

One of the most poignant reminders of Sinai Kantor’s life and tragic death is a distinctive silver pocket watch recovered from his body. This timepiece holds significant historical and cultural value:

Marked with Hebrew letters
Embossed on the rear with a design showing Moses receiving the Ten Commandments
Sold at auction in 2018 for $57,500

This pocket watch serves as a tangible link to Sinai Kantor’s life and the broader story of the Titanic disaster, preserving his memory for future generations.