Zikaron BaSalon: Opening Hearts and Minds to Holocaust Survivors’ Stories

Posted on April 21, 2021 by
Posted in General

On Sunday, April 11, five Holocaust Survivors from the Ferd & Gladys Alpert Jewish Family Service Holocaust Survivors Assistance program were among the speakers who met with groups at temples and organizations to commemorate Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day (April 7-8 2021).

 The Zikaron BaSalon (Hebrew for “Memories in the Living Room”) events, a part of the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County’s ISRAELDAYS 2021, were reimagined this year, took place not in living rooms, as in years past, but inside or outside temples, and via Zoom. The conversations remained intimate and meaningful, addressing the implications of the Holocaust through discussions with families, friends, colleagues, and community members.

It has perhaps never been more important to preserve the memories and stories of the remaining Holocaust survivors. The connection between today’s societies and memories of the Holocaust depends on testimony, expression, and open discussion.

Zikaron BaSalon, which started in Israel in 2011, remains an authentic tradition, however presented. We salute the creativity of those involved in finding a different way to continue the small-group engagements!

“I have been flooded with texts and emails about how meaningful the event was,” said Rabbi Andrew Rosenkranz of Temple Beth Torah. “I’m honored that you considered us for this moving and educational program.”

Our thanks to him, Marcia Weinstein and Temple Beth El, Lisa Tenenbaum and Temple Shaarei Shalom, Bruchy Cheplowitz and the Jewish Gardens Experience, and Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County Teen Director Carly Jacobson for encouraging the thinking, talking, and listening of the groups in their space, and Shoah survivors George Bodrogi, Etta Ostrer, Max Markovitz, Fanny Slonim, Marie Steinaway, and Mickey Warshinski for sharing their stories.

The work we are able to do through our Holocaust Survivors Assistance Program is such a blessing! We appreciate the opportunity provided by our community partner to give our treasured survivors the opportunity to share their life stories.

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