NEWS FROM TEMPLE SINAI
Hanukkah Party 2023
What a wonderful time we had at our Hanukkah party! We had traditional Hanukkah foods, like latkes and jelly donuts, sang some songs, lit the Hanukkiah candles, and played Hanukkah bingo. What a great way to celebrate the fourth night of Hanukkah!
To see additional pictures and read the article featured in the Item about celebrating Hanukkah, Click here.
Temple Sinai hosts Interfaith Service
Solidarity. A feeling that rabbis around the world, including Sumter's own Rabbi Josef Germaine, strove to elicit amid the Israel-Hamas war that ignited. With the grief being felt by Sumter's Jewish community miles away from Israel, Temple Sinai held an Interfaith Service on Friday, Oct. 13, inviting residents and religious leaders throughout the county to take part in a night of prayer, peace and understanding. Click here to read the article that appeared in the Item.
Please consider making a donation to Megen David Adom, an Israel emergency and first response organization.
Online: www.afmda.org
By Mail: American Friends of Magen David Adom
National Processing Center
P.O. Box 96402
Washington, DC 20090-6402
Czechoslovakia to Sumter: The Story of a Torah Scroll’s Journey to Survive the Holocaust
The Czech Torah Scrolls represent the preservation of the Jewish communities of Czechoslovakia, now known as the Czech Republic. Come explore their story, and the story of Temple Sinai’s Scroll #848, on display in Ackerman Hall from August 17, 2023 to January 27, 2024. This exhibit recounts the journey of Scroll #848 as it traveled from the Bohemian town of Mlada Vozice, to London, to the possession of Temple Sinai in Sumter, SC, in 1972.
Temple Sinai Jewish History operating hours are: Thursdays and Fridays from 1 pm to 4 pm, and Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm. Admission Fees: $5 Adults, $2 Students & Seniors, Free 5 and under and Sumter County Museum Members. Admission price includes Temple Sinai Jewish History Center and our current exhibit.
Diana Roof, TSJHC Site Manager, placing the Torah in the Ark.
Click here to read an article featured in the Item about our Czech Torah Scroll.
CART Fund Executives Reflect on Decades Helping to Fund Alzheimer’s Research
Roger and Deane Ackerman’s family was affected by Alzheimer’s disease, and in 1995, Roger had the idea to collect spare change through the Rotary Club to help fund research about the disease. The mission of the Coins for Alzheimer’s Research Trust Fund continues today. To read more, click here to read an article printed in the Sumter Item by Alaysha Maple.
Temple Sinai Cemetery Receives Historical Marker
On April 16, 2023, a small group of community members gathered on the grounds of Temple Sinai Cemetery to witness the marking of this historical site. The marker was presented by the South Carolina State Society of the Daughters of the American Colonists. To read more about the history of the cemetery, please see our About Temple Sinai Page.
To see the program for the dedication, Click here.
Click here to read The Item article.
To watch Sumter Today, click here.
Click here to watch WLTX News 19.
Members of Temple Sinai who attended the marker dedication service. Back Row: Tony Kramer, Gary Kaplan, Jay Schwartz Front Row: Maria Kramer, Rabbi Josef Germaine, Diana Roof, Deane Ackerman
Jay Schwartz, President of Temple Sinai Board of Directors, accepting marker from Frankie Abbot, State President of SC Society Daughters of the American Colonists.
Rabbi Josef Germaine gives Benediction to close the ceremony.
Parade of Czech Scrolls
On Sunday, April 16, 2023, Congregation Mickve Israel in Savannah, Georgia, the third oldest Jewish Congregation in the United States, partnered with the Memorial Scrolls Trust of London and hosted a “Parade of Czech Scrolls.” Almost 1600 of the Torah scrolls which survived the Holocaust came from Czechoslovakia. There are 36 of these treasures in the states of Georgia and South Carolina. Temple Sinai possesses one of these scrolls. Several congregations from both Georgia and South Carolina, including Temple Sinai, brought their Holocaust Torahs to Savannah to join in a procession of the scrolls around the synagogue. Those who joined in the event were also given the opportunity to learn the historic history of these Torahs.
Ray and Teressa Reich volunteered to take our Torah to Savannah for this event.
Click here for video.
Click here to read Lois Roman’s Friday Speech.
You can find additional information about The Memorial Scrolls Trust of London on our About Temple Sinai Page.
Ray Reich with our Torah #848
BENNETT GOLDSMITH DENEMARK
1939-2023
Bennett was born in Sumter, and he graduated from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill where he met and later married, Roslyn (Roz) Goldberg Denemark. The couple moved to Sumter shortly after their marriage. Bennett went to work for Coco-Cola Bottling and later Sumter Dairies. After a successful career as an accountant, he opened Sumter Small Engine, Inc. in 1976. He was a dedicated business owner who cherished his customers. He was a member of the Sunset Country Club, Lions Club, Elks Club, and Sumter Jaycees. He loved cars, dancing, music, being with friends, and going out in Sumter.
He was blessed when he met and later married Marlene Weitz of Charleston. He will be remembered as a dedicated father, husband, and grandfather (Poppie).
ROBERT ALTAMONT MOSES
1921-2022
Robert and Clara Moses celebrating his 100th birthday
Robert Altamont Moses, a veteran and longtime realtor in the community, passed away on November 26, 2022, at the age of 101 at his home. Surviving him are his wife, Clara, and his four daughters, Natalie, Carol, Katherine, and Laura. He was predeceased by his first wife, Harriett, and daughter Elizabeth.
He was a man of honesty, integrity, curiosity, humor, and kindness. He loved his family and the natural world, including being an avid birdwatcher and gardener. He taught by example and was a friend and mentor to many.
With decades of dedication to his work and neighbors, he served the Sumter community in many different capacities. Both Robert and Clara were strong advocates of Temple Sinai. Robert served as past president, a board member, a member of our long-term planning committee, and a guide for Temple tours where he shared his passion for the Temple’s rich history. Clara served as the Congregation’s secretary for many years. Robert will surely be missed by all who knew him.
To read an article about Robert that was printed in The Item on December 6, 2022, please click here.
MICHAEL SMUSS ZOOM MEETING
Temple Sinai Jewish History Center was honored to host Holocaust survivor and artist Michael Smuss last week via Zoom. He joined us for a virtual talk from Israel to share his experiences during the Holocaust, what liberation was like, and how he turned to art to express his experiences. We hosted his art exhibit, "Reflections of a Survivor" from the Florida Holocaust Museum in the Ackerman Hall this past July through September. If you didn't get a chance to watch his talk live, check out his recording!
Violins of Hope South Carolina
“While I Breathe, I Hope”
On Thursday, May 5, 2022, Violins of Hope performed at the Sumter Opera House. The performance featured two violinists on the historic violins that belonged to Jewish victims of the Holocaust along with soloists from the Philip Kutev National Folklore Ensemble of Bulgaria. Friday, May 6, a special exhibit of six historic violins were on display at Temple Sinai Jewish History Center.
Micah Gangwer, Assistant Concertmaster of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra and Concertmaster of the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra, preforming on Thursday evening.
Composter Georgi Andreev and members of the Philip Kutev National Folklore Ensemble of Bulgaria.
Heather Hunter, violinist, preforming at the Opera House Thursday evening.
Passover 2022
On April 15, 2022, with 24 in attendance, the Passover Seder was led by Gary Kaplan and Rabbi Josef Germaine. Sisterhood members provided matzah ball soup followed by a wonderful meal catered by Catering for All Occasions.
Abe Stern 1929 - 2021
“I adopted Sumter, Sumter adopted me”
Abe and Rhea Stern
From “Sumter’s Connection to the Holocaust” at Temple Sinai Jewish History Center.
Abraham “Abe” Stern, 92, born in Lodz, Poland, died Friday, November 19, 2021.
Abe was a United States Air Force veteran of the Korean War and was the owner and operator of Jack’s Shoe Store for over 60 years. He was an active member of Temple Sinai.
Abe made Sumter his home in 1950 and remained devoted to the community for the rest of his life. He was a kind, happy man with a contagious smile who lead by example.
He was the only Holocaust survivor in Sumter. You can visit Temple Sinai Jewish History Center’s “Sumter Connections to the Holocaust” to learn more about Abe’s story. The History Center is located at 11 Church Street. Hours of operation are Thursday and Friday from 1 to 4 pm and Saturday 10 am to 1 pm.
Memorials may be made to Temple Sinai Jewish History Center, in care of Temple Sinai, 11 Church Street, Sumter, SC 29150 or to the Sumter Rotary Club CART Fund, P.O. Box 1916, Sumter, SC 29151.
To read The Sumter Item’s article, “Sumter’s only Holocaust survivor remembered as example of hope, heart” written by Kayla Green, Click Here
Break the Fast 2021
A wonderful Break the Fast traditional meal enjoyed by Temple Sinai members and guests!
Plaque Awarded for Service
Sue Scouten, Sisterhood President, presents Marlene Denemark, previous Sisterhood President, with a plaque for her dedicated service to both Temple Sinai Sisterhood and the Temple Congregation during Oneg after Rosh Hashanah service, September 2021. Marlene was also given an original drawing by local artist, Alexandria Trapp, of Temple Sinai.
History a Lifeline for Sumter’s Synagogue
On June 22, 2021, WLTX TV of Columbia aired an informational piece on their 5 PM news about Temple Sinai Jewish History Center. It is titled, “History a Lifeline for Sumter’s Synagogue.” Ms. Kayland Hagwood did an excellent job of producing the segment. Interviewed were Annie Rivers, Executive Director of The Sumter County Museum, and Diana Roof, the History Center’s Site Manager and Congregation Sinai’s Secretary. The History Center has reopened and is again greeting visitors.
Click here to view this production.
Celebrating Robert Moses’s 100th Birthday
Clara, Robert and Laura Moses celebrating Robert’s 100th birthday.
Jay Schwartz and Marlene Denemark presenting Robert with a plaque honoring his 100th birthday.
On March 9, 2021, Robert Moses celebrated his 100th birthday with family and friends. Jay Schwartz and Marlene Denemark paid Robert a visit to present him with a plaque honoring him and his special day from the members of Temple Sinai. An article titled, “Doing it the Right Way,” was featured in The Item to recognize this milestone. Read the article here
Ackerman Exhibition Hall
Deane Ackerman standing in the Ackerman Exhibition Hall. The Hall was dedicated to Deane and the late Roger Ackerman on April 7, 2019.
Molly Freed Ross
1923 - 2020
Picture from Weinberg Studios taken during Temple Sinai Jewish History Center opening
Molly Ross with her niece, Andrea Freed-Levenson
Molly, her husband Gilbert and her brother Hyman Freed, founded Reliable Pawn Shop in Sumter, South Carolina in 1946. It is still located on Liberty Street and doing well with a new owner. Molly continued to work in the jewelry department on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays until April 2020 when the Covid-19 pandemic forced her to reduce her hours and finally retire due to health issues.
Molly was very active in the Temple Sinai Sisterhood and attended Shabbot services every Friday night until she was no longer able to attend.
Molly was a very private and unassuming person who wanted no long celebration of her life. A private burial was held at the Sumter Jewish Cemetery with services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Case of Columbia’s Beth Shalom Synagogue. About twenty minutes into the ceremony, an acorn fell from the tree and hit the Rabbi in the head! The Rabbi looked down at her casket and said, “OK, I’ll speed it up!”
For many years, Molly and her sister-in-law, Betty, shared holiday dinners, taking turns for Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Thanksgiving, and Passover. These were wonderful family get togethers that family members will cherish forever. Molly was the last member of her generation. She was greatly loved, and she will be sorely missed.
Many thanks to Tommie James for providing this information.
Poem read by Marlene Denemark at the funeral service.
Rosh Hashanah 2020
On Saturday, September 19, 2020, the Sanctuary was open for those wanting to pray and meditate to celebrate Rosh Hashanah. Rabbi Josef Germaine concluded with the blowing of the shofar.
Rabbi Josef Germaine blowing the shofar to celebrate Rosh Hashanah.
Joshua Matthew Roodman Bar Mitzvah
On September 5, 2020, Sam and Helen Roodman celebrated the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Joshua, at Temple Sinai. Joshua was blessed by the attendance of his grandparents, Robert and Roberta Roodman, while he held the memory of his grandfather, the late Lawrence Metts, and his grandmother, Shirley Metts, who could not attend. His sister, Hannah, proudly observed while contemplating her own Bat Mitzvah one day.
Joshua’s grandfather, Robert Roodman, and Rabbi Josef Germaine prepared him for his Bar Mitzvah with the Rabbi leading the service. Joshua was flawless while performing the prayers and rituals.
A reception followed at the O’ Donnell House where the attendees enjoyed the celebration and fellowship.
Joshua reading from the Torah with his father looking on.
I Never Saw Another Butterfly
As part of Holocaust Memorial Week, Diana Roof, Site Manager for Temple Sinai Jewish History Center, read the poem titled, “The Butterfly,” written by Pavel Friedmann in front of the Holocaust Memorial. Pavel was born in Prague, Czechoslovakia on January 7, 1921. His father was Jewish, and his mother was not. In April of 1942 at the age of 21, he was transported to Terezin a few miles outside of Prague. On June 4, just two months after arriving in Terezin, he wrote the poem titled, “The Butterfly.”
While he was in Terezin, he worked in a bakery where he received bread in return for his work. While many around him were dying of starvation, he was able to stay fairly healthy. One day while working in the bakery, Pavel had an accident and cut his hand, and he wrapped it in a bandage. Not long after this, he was chosen to be transported to Auschwitz where he died at the age of 23. It was thought that he probably died in the gas chamber because the Nazis thought he could not work because of his injured hand.
In 1959, a collection of the works of art and poetry of the children that were at Terezin was published in a book called “I Never Saw Another Butterfly: Children’s Drawings and Poems from Terezin Concentration Camp, 1942-1944.” The book was titled after Pavel’s poem which is included in the book as well.
Pavel Friedmann
THE BUTTERFLY
The last, the very last,So richly, brightly, dazzlingly yellow.Perhaps if the sun’s tears would sing against a white stone…Such, such a yellowIs carried lightly way up high.It went away I’m sure because it wished to kiss the world goodbye.For seven weeks I’ve lived in here,Penned up inside this ghettoBut I have found my people here.The dandelions call to meAnd the white chestnut candles in the court.Only I never saw another butterfly.That butterfly was the last one.Butterflies don’t live in here,In the ghetto.Letters from Anne and Martin
On January 23, 2020, the Temple Sinai Jewish History Center was proud to present the production of “Letters from Anne and Martin.” The presentation is an outreach of the Anne Frank Center for Mutual Respect USA.
Performance at Temple Sinai Jewish History Center. Rachel Griesinger (Anne Frank) and Wesli Spencer (Martin Luther King, Jr.)
The performance featured the voices of Anne Frank and Martin Luther King, Jr. drawn from Anne Frank’s THE DIARY OF A YOUNG GIRL and Martin Luther King, Jr.’s LETTER FROM A BIRMINGHAM JAIL.
Though the two voices represent entirely different cultures and different times of our history, they both wrote of their hopes and plans for a peaceful and unified world.
The presentation was given earlier in the day at the Sumter Opera House to approximately 400 students.
An enthusiastic audience enjoyed both the performance and the display in the Ackerman Exhibition Hall of 70 rarely seen photos from the Frank family albums.
Performance at the Opera House for students
Jack Sacco (author) Visits Sumter
Jack Sacco, the Pulitzer prized nominated author, came to Temple Sinai Jewish History Center on November 11, 2019 to promote his book, “Where the Birds Never Sing.” Sacco tells us of his father’s induction into the Army during WWII and eventually being part of the 200 men who liberated the prisoners at the Dachau concentration camp. The well attended event was sponsored by the Sumter County Museum.
Foreward: To Joe Sacco and the men of the 92nd Signal Battalion
They traveled far from the homes and families they loved.
They fought and died for people they did not know.
And, in their own simple and profoundly selfless way,
they not only served their country, they saved the world.
Lugoff-Elgin High School Visits the History Center
On November 13, 2019, a group of approximately 40 students from Lugoff-Elgin High School visited Temple Sinai History Center. Their English teacher, Ms. Melissa Rabon, brought them to the History Center in coordination with their focus on genocide issues of the past. The students were particularly impressed with the stained glass windows in the sanctuary.
Yom Kippur — Break the Fast — 5780
Following this year’s Memorial Service, the Temple Sinai Sisterhood provided the traditional Break the Fast meal. Our Congregants and friends enjoyed an excellent meal and friendship.
Meryl and Andy Kropp
Tony and Maria Kramer
Marlene Denemark, Sisterhood President, enjoying the buffet table with Congregation members and friends.
Lending Library Now Open
Come visit our lending library that is located in our Elizabeth Moses Gift Shop. We have books on Judaism, the Holocaust, the Jewish holidays, fiction books by Jewish authors and children’s books! There is sure to be something that will catch your interest!
Rabbi Josef Germaine checking out our lending library selection
Barb Kucharczyk, TSJHC docent, taking advantage of our reading area.
Monument at Temple Sinai Jewish Cemetery
The pictured monument was placed in front of the Gazebo on 8-15-2019 at the Jewish Cemetery. Tony Kramer presented the idea for the monument to the Board and it was approved. Tony also wrote the inscription that you see here. Much thanks and appreciation to Tony for his efforts in getting the monument erected!
Jewish Merchant Exhibit Opens at TSJHC
Lynn Robertson, curator for the Jewish Merchant Project, giving opening remarks.
Rachel Barnett, Program Director for the Jewish Historical Society of South Carolina , giving opening remarks.
For more than 300 years, Jewish people have made their homes in South Carolina. Welcomed as traders and merchants, they settled first in Charleston, Georgetown, and Beaufort, but soon looked beyond the port cities for opportunities to sell goods and set up shop. After 1865, Jewish merchants (many of German origin) filled gaps on main streets decimated by the Civil War. Arriving in the mass immigration of East European Jews to America that began in 1881, newcomers trickled south, supplied and guided by regional wholesalers and local jobbers. By 1900, Jewish-owned stores were fixtures on downtown streets in cities large and small, and in small towns across the state. More than 100 years later, few of the founding families remain behind the counter, but the pioneer generation lives on in the memories of the descendants.
Launched in 2016 by the Jewish Historical Society of South Carolina, the Jewish Merchant Project aims to document these stories through a statewide survey, an online map showing the locations of stores, illustrated narratives, and an exhibition.
A Store at Every Crossroads exhibit will be on display through the end of November in the Ackerman Exhibition Hall.
Elizabeth Moses Gift Shop
Diana Roof, Temple Sinai Jewish History Center Site Manager (left), with Sue Scouten — one of the first customers to the gift shop
The Elizabeth Moses Gift Shop, named in memory of Elizabeth Moses who put so much time and effort into the creation of Temple Sinai Jewish History Center, opened 8-1-2019 in conjunction with the introduction of Jewish Historical Society of South Carolina’s exhibit, “A Store at Every Crossroads.” Much hard work by Diana Roof and Annie Rivers went into the opening.
There are many interesting articles for sale that you will want to come and check out!
Annie Rivers, Executive Director of the Sumter County Museum, in front of the new Elizabeth Moses Gift Shop
Coming soon — In addition to the gift shop, there will also be a lending library which will consist of books of interest to the Jewish Religion.
Inaugural Inspire! Festival gives $24K to Sumter Arts Community
John K Crosswell Home for Children
On July 12, 2019, Marlene Denemark delivered a large supply of school supplies to the Crosswell Home for Children. Suvy Allred, the director of the home, accepted the supplies on behalf of the children residing there.
The supplies were gathered during the Sumter Sisterhood’s “Area Day” which was attended by the women of the Southeast Sisterhoods (North and South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Alabama). One of the projects of the Sisterhoods was to donate school supplies that would benefit the Crosswell Home.
The Crosswell Home provides a home and education to children who are unable to live with their families for various reasons.
Deane Ackerman’s Personal Works on Display
Please read the article (linked below) about our beloved Deane Ackerman. Her work was on display at the Temple Sinai Jewish History Center through July 27, 2019 .
Southeast WRJ Sisterhoods Area Day
Temple Sinai Sisterhood hosted fifty-three visitors from the Southeast Women of Reformed Judaism Sisterhoods Area Day on June 23, 2019. The women of the Southeast Sisterhoods include: North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Georgia and Alabama. They meet to share information, news, ideas, problems and to enjoy each other’s company.
The ladies enjoyed a full program which included breakfast and lunch. A slide show presentation covered issues such as social justice, social media as well as other topics of interest.
The group was given an opportunity to tour the new Temple Sinai Jewish History Center. We hope the ladies will be ambassadors for the Center and spread the word to others to visit us in Sumter.
2019 Historical Preservation Stewardship Award
Pictured from left to right: Eric Emerson, SC Department of Archives and History Executive Director; Rachel Bragg, HW Exhibits; Marlene Denemark, Temple Sinai; Michael Bedenbaugh, Preservation SC Executive Director; Deane Ackerman, Temple Sinai; Diana Roof, Sumter County Museum Temple Sinai Jewish History Center Site Manager, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster; and Annie Rivers, Sumter County Museum Executive Director.
Each year thousands of South Carolinians work to preserve the state’s legacy that is reflected in our historical buildings, structures and sites. Since 1995, Preservation South Carolina, the SC Department of Archives and History, and the office of the Governor have recognized exceptional accomplishments in the preservation, rehabilitation and interpretation of our architectural and cultural heritage with a series of statewide awards. The Stewardship Awards recognize those who have ensured the ongoing preservation of historic buildings, structures or site through long-term care, planning, management, protection, or continuous ownership.
Temple Sinai received the 2019 Historic Preservation Stewardship Award for the Temple Sinai Jewish History Center. The award was presented by Governor Henry McMaster at the South Carolina State House Friday, June 21, 2019.
Robert and Clara Moses
On May 1, 2019, Robert and Clara came by the Temple to take a look at the new Ackerman Exhibition Hall. We were glad to see Robert come by and show his deep interest in Temple Sinai. Robert is still active on the Temple Board and stays involved in all that is going on. Good to see you !!!
ABE STERN CELEBRATES HIS 90TH BIRTHDAY
One of our most beloved members, Abe Stern, just celebrated his 90th birthday.
Pictured are his daughters Donna and Sharon. Abe is featured in the Temple Sinai Jewish History Center as Sumter's survivor of the Holocaust. Abe served in the Air Force and came to Sumter from California where he met his wife of many years, Rhea. Abe was well known for "Jacks Shoe Store" which he operated in Sumter and other locations for many years. Many of Sumter's young men had their first job working for Abe. Much continued happiness Abe. !!!!!!
Passover
This year’s Passover Seder was held on April 19th, 2019 in the Temple’s new Ackerman Exhibition Hall. A huge thank you to Marlene Denemark and Helen Roodman (pictured) for all their hard work organizing the event and preparing the fine meal. Gary Kaplan and Rabbi Josef Germaine led an energetic service which was enjoyed by the forty two members and guests who attended. Pictured are Nicholas and Alex Perales who, as you can see, enjoyed themselves whole heartily.
The Second Annual Holocaust Remembrance Day
The Second Annual Holocaust Remembrance day was held on 5/5/2019 in Sumter.
The program started at the Opera House. The attendees were greeted by Seth Reimer, Cultural Director of the Opera House. Seth introduced a short film from the Holocaust Museum in Washington DC. This was followed by remarks from Henry Goldberg whose parents, Bluma and Felix Goldberg, were Holocaust survivors.
The group then silently marched from the Opera House to Temple Sinai. Upon entering the sanctuary, they heard the names of victims who died in the Holocaust read by Damian Picariello. They then had an opportunity to light a candle in memory of the victims. Henry Goldberg read a letter written by his mother describing conditions during the era and her own personal experiences. A tour of Temple Sinai Jewish History Center and the Mary Burkett Exhibit followed the reading of this gripping letter.
We appreciate the efforts of the City of Sumter in helping to organize and promote this event.
Mary Burkett’s drawing were on display in the Ackerman Exhibition Hall of Temple Sinai Jewish History Center through June 13th. Ms. Burkett also gave a talk about her drawings at the Temple this same evening.
Below you will find, in Mary’s own words, the inspiration for her work.
My name is Mary Burkett. I am not an artist. I am a nurse. I have no artistic training whatsoever. The sum total of my experience with drawing is skimming a book and attempting a few sketches in 2008. In January 2017, I decided to try sketching again. Searching for subjects on the Internet, I was captured one day by the face of a little boy named Hersch, and I do mean captured. I felt as though Hersch were calling out to me to be drawn, and I simply couldn't say no. I printed out his picture and began drawing. In a matter of hours, something quite amazing occurred. Hersch peeked out of the paper at me, just as if he had been hiding there all along. I, with no artistic training, watched as he slowly came to life under my hand, and he became not a drawing, but a little boy. What I didn't know when I first saw Hersch was that he had died in the Holocaust, murdered at Auschwitz at four years old. I also didn't know that his sweet face was just a beginning to me. I have searched for information on their little lives because I believe they deserve to be remembered, and I have made every effort to be accurate. Come with me now, and I'll introduce you to the Beloved Children of the Holocaust.
