Resilience

This week’s Torah portion, Parshat Chayei Sarah, begins with a deeply moving moment: Abraham mourning the loss of Sarah and taking decisive steps to secure her burial in the Cave of Machpelah. It’s a story about more than just grief—it’s about resilience and legacy, a reflection of how we move forward even in the face of profound loss. These themes are not just ancient—they echo through history, particularly in the lives of Holocaust survivors. Like Abraham, they faced unimaginable loss yet found the strength to rebuild and ensure the survival of the Jewish people.

Their stories remind us that even in the darkest times, we can honor the past while building a brighter future.
Holocaust survivors, much like Abraham, made sure that the lives and legacies of those who were lost would not be forgotten. By rebuilding their own lives, creating families, and fostering community, they transformed pain into purpose. Abraham honored Sarah’s life by purchasing a burial site for her, securing her legacy for generations.

…

Similarly, survivors honored the memories of those who perished by ensuring a thriving future for the Jewish people. Today, their children and grandchildren carry these legacies forward. Through the Holocaust Memorial Museum of San Antonio, they share powerful stories of resilience and survival, turning history into a living lesson for future generations.

In 2024, nearly 80 years since the end of the Holocaust, we are witnessing a disturbing resurgence of antisemitism across the United States and the world. From blatant antisemitism on college campuses to attacks on Jewish individuals and resurfacing harmful stereotypes, feeling like a repeat of the darkest chapters of history. The lessons of the Holocaust remind us of the devastating consequences of hatred and prejudice. Now, more than ever, we must come together as ONE COMMUNITY—a community of UPSTANDERS—to educate and confront these dangers head-on.

The Jewish people have always embodied hope, resilience, and a commitment to the future. Abraham’s response to Sarah’s death—mourning his loss while securing a brighter future—offers a timeless example for us. At the Holocaust Memorial Museum of San Antonio, descendants, docents, and volunteers work tirelessly to humanize the Holocaust’s atrocities and educate others about the dangers of hate and intolerance. Their work ensures that history’s lessons continue to guide us toward building a world rooted in understanding and dignity.

As my colleague Lisa Epstein so eloquently wrote in last week’s Chai Lights: “Together, we can build a community that rejects intolerance and fosters understanding, ensuring that San Antonio remains a place where all can live in safety and dignity. We are STRONGER TOGETHER.”

May this week’s parsha inspire us to honor those lost during the Holocaust and, like Abraham, transform pain into purpose. Together, through the Holocaust Memorial Museum of San Antonio, let us ensure that the lessons of the past continue to light the way forward.

Leslie Davis Met,
Director Holocaust Memorial Museum of San Antonio