EDITORIAL

Dear Readers, 

Before Rosh Hashanah, I gave a concert for close to 100 Holocaust survivors. In addition to songs, I sang some selections from the Yomim Nora’im davening since many of them are too frail to attend shul. They seemed to enjoy the program, as evidenced by their smiles and laughter. Some were even moved to tears at moments. I felt privileged to connect with such a special audience on multiple levels.

I spoke with the attendees about the hostages. As survivors of the worst places imaginable, they are all too familiar with the idea of being held against your will in a foreign land filled with murderers. Still, what always strikes me most during my interactions with Holocaust survivors is that they emerged with their humanity and faith intact. They express hope and belief. They are grateful. 

 One woman handed me $10 when I finished my performance, insisting that I keep it as a tangible token of her gratitude (In the end, we agreed that I would donate it to charity).  Another woman asked me for my Hebrew name and proceeded to bless me. She showed me the numbers on her arm and told me that because of all she went through, her brachah was coming from a true place. I heard so many stories and received so many brachos from these incredible survivors of the inferno that took place when they were young. 

These are the survivors who paved the way for us. They have shown us how to be kind, elegant, and gracious, and how to always hold your head high and move forward, even after the worst of times. They are the ones we continue to look to now, a year after October 7, as we continue to struggle through hard times. 

May this new year finally bring the return of our hostages and soldiers and the ultimate end to all strife. 

Wishing you all a Ksiva Vachasima Tova

Warm regards,
Shea