Jewish Community Gathers in Observance of Yom HaShoah

June 1, 2022

On April 27, the San Antonio community gathered to remember those lost and to celebrate the power of the human spirit and the enduring faith of those who witnessed and survived the Holocaust.

The observance, sponsored by the Holocaust Memorial Museum of the Jewish Federation of San Antonio, in partnership with Chabad Center for Jewish Life & Learning, Congregation Agudas Achim, Congregation Rodfei Sholom, Congregation Shalom, and Temple Beth-El, began with the lighting of six yellow candles, remembering the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust.  Those lighting candles included Holocaust survivors Helene Banks, Micheline Rotblut, and Rose Williams. Representing their families and those no longer with us were Elizabeth and Itzhak Reichman, Varda Ratner, and Ginny Wind.

Throughout the evening a message of hope and resilience was shared through readings, prayers, and music.  None was more meaningful than the musical presentation delivered through songs performed by Rabbi Simi Lam. Rabbi Lam, a member of the Kollel of Houston, shared stories through songs of strength and survival, of perseverance and community.

The Holocaust Memorial Museum wishes to thank Congregation Rodfei Sholom, Hadassah, and participants in the Federation’s J-Lev program for hosting the evening’s community program and volunteering their time.

To learn more about upcoming programs at the Holocaust Memorial Museum of San Antonio, visit hmmsa.org.