Recently I read about a 99 year old Holocaust survivor who volunteered at their local Gan Israel in Venus Florida.
The article was titled, “This Day Camp Counselor is a 98 Year Old Holocaust Survivor”. For Helga Melmed helping children enjoy their Judaism is reclaiming what was taken from her”.
It’s a remarkable and inspiring story that needs no commentary. Yet after the feel-good rush that inevitably comes with reading an “and they lived happily ever after” story, I couldn’t help but give commentary.
I know what felt good, for after all it’s a story of heroism, endurance, transformation and a semblance of stability — the closing of a circle if you will.
However, in truth, upon reflection it becomes obvious that this isn’t the pinnacle of the story — rather, the ever lasting effects that she’s having on these children that will perpetuate her story and the story of Judaism. It’s more of a rarity today for a child to meet and interact with a survivor — the effects of which will only be felt way into the future.
There’s nothing new to what I’m saying of course. That’s the story of the Jewish people. The overlap of generations carrying the torch of our Heritage.
Quite confidently we all can say — whilst I wasn’t at Sinai I know someone who was there. Well, I know someone who knows someone who knew someone……and the chain linked fence stretches convincingly and irrefutably. Avi — Dor L’dor.
Each of us represent something far greater than ourselves. Were we able to zoom out — we would be shocked, elated or perhaps a little disappointed that we didn’t do more. The macro illuminating what is missed by the micro.
Today, we enter the month of Elul. The month that precedes the High Holidays. Ancient Jewish wisdom informs us that it’s a month of compassion. A month of nearness and accessibility to Gd. We need only to will that relationship — putting not-even our best foot forward. That’s all Gd asks of us and then Gd does the rest.
May we all recognize our Divine gift to elevate this world, each of us in our unique way and may our acts endure and perpetuate all that was handed to us — to ensure that Am YIsrael continues to live on with strength, pride and joy!
With best wishes for a Shabbat Shalom and wishing you Chodesh Tov,