Heart And Soul
Incredible! The Jewish Press is the most remarkable newspaper I have ever read. No other news publication has the heart and soul you display – and you give me facts, many of which I had not known.
As a scientist, I was quite familiar with Enrico Fermi’s contributions to nuclear physics, but I never knew of his Jewish relations and how that influenced his immigration to the U.S. I know all about that now, thanks to Saul Jay Singer’s Aug. 12 Collecting Jewish History column.
I was also fascinated by – and learned so much from – Mr. Singer’s Aug. 26 front-page essay on Nazi hunter Simon Wiesenthal and UN secretary general and president of Austria Kurt Waldheim.
And I was unaware, before I read about it in The Jewish Press, that the president of the Brazilian Olympic Committee is a Jew born in Rio de Janiero. Undoubtedly, Carlos Nuzman was responsible for the unprecedented special ceremony at his year’s games honoring the Munich Olympics Israeli terror victims.
Finally, I always look forward to Jason Maoz’s Week in Review: Stories That Didn’t Make the Front Pages. So much to learn…
Keep up the good work.
George Epstein
Los Angeles, CA
Remembering Rebbetzin Jungreis (I)
I was shocked when I learned of the passing of Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis, of blessed memory. She was a major inspiration to me and a big influence on my decision to move from my hometown to Brooklyn where I could experience a more Jewish cultural and religious way of living.
Her unique approach to raising Jewish consciousness cannot be replaced.
Sherine Levine
(Via E-Mail)
Remembering Rebbetzin Jungreis (II)
Rebbetzin Jungreis spread her blessings to so many. A survivor of the Holocaust, she took it upon herself to reach out through her life and actions to those in search of their roots. She changed so many lives for the good.
May her memory be a blessing.
Dr. Elie Feuerwerker
Highland Park, NJ
Remembering Rebbetzin Jungreis (III)
I was saddened to read about the passing of Rebbetzin Jungreis. I met her when I first moved into this community some 30 years ago and was very impressed with her middot and her mission of keeping the memory of the Shoah alive. And of course her kiruv work prevented many people from leaving Yiddishkeit and introduced so many others to religious observance.
Her family should be comforted knowing she was responsible for helping so many people. And indeed they continue to do the wonderful work she started. Her daughter Slovie and daughter-in-law Rifkie help so many people. Rifkie Jungreis helped me many years ago in dealing with my divorce. I am truly grateful for her help.
May the Jungreis family know no more unhappiness, and may we merit the coming of Mashiach.
Gisele Strauch
Brooklyn, NY
Remembering Rebbetzin Jungreis (IV)
Rebbetzin Jungreis brought sunshine, a loving smile, and Hashem’s light to all of us. May her memory, her words, and her work always be carried on for blessings.
Diane Bassman
(Via JewishPress.com)
Color Blind: Personal Reflections On The 1991 Crown Heights Pogrom
President Street, August 19, 1991: The sound of breaking glass shattered the peaceful interchange we were enjoying at our Monday night shiur. My neighbor Mirele, a”h, ran to the window and listened.
“It’s a pogrom,” she said.
There was no way on earth any of us who had gathered for our weekly learning session could have envisioned the events that would unfold over the next several days.
My husband was at work and I frantically called to alert him to what was taking place so that he could protect himself. Later that evening, Baruch Hashem, he made it safely home walking behind a group of rioters.
Our neighbor and his son were attacked in front of our building. Rather than assisting them, a photographer took the iconic picture that is still often circulated: the father, his prone body portrayed for all to see, his terrified son huddled behind him.
The shouts of “Get the Jews!” could be heard. It was hard to believe that in America in 1991 (10 years before 9/11) that hateful chant could fill the air.
Then there were the practical issues.
Food was running out but we would be putting our lives in danger if we ventured out.
Those who destroyed indiscriminately continued to do so for days. Yet despite the danger, my black neighbor put her own life at risk to get food for us.
Offers of assistance came from friends on the other end of town and from friends who lived out of town. Some were hatching plans to rescue us but my husband was adamant: No one was going to drive him out of his home!
When things got quieter and one could venture outdoors, my husband was interviewed by a reporter who wanted to know if this experience had changed his attitude toward blacks. He responded without hesitation: “Nothing has changed” because he had respect for all people, regardless of their color or creed.
I do remember feeling very angry when I recognized a seasoned TV reporter doing a report when things had quieted down. I wondered, where was he when we were in danger? Should I assume the story he was preparing was simply a day’s work for him?
A dear friend who was a field reporter for ABC News wanted to snatch us away for protection – but, as mentioned, we were not going anywhere.
It is 25 years later. When I walk down my block I pass the site of the accident that claimed the life of little Gavin Cato. A fence has been erected to mark the incident.
I have to admit that since the pogrom I get nervous when I see a group of blacks walking together – but my behavior remains as it always was. I exchange pleasantries with my neighbors, both black and Jewish.
In that respect, I am indeed color blind.
Penina Metal
Brooklyn, NY