The structure located at 4901 N. Pennsylvania Ave. is much more than a temple. It is a campus. On Thursday, July 9 we broke ground for a sacred addition: A Holocaust Memorial.During the next months, we will witness the construction of this gem; within its space will be a testament to the power of memory and hope. This memorial will educate those of every religion, race, ethnicity and age about the horror of the Shoah and about our responsibility to learn its lessons.
But equally as important, this memorial will call upon everyone to remember the millions of departed souls and strive to prevent genocide from happening again. Sadly, humanity continues to engage in genocide. The Holocaust has taught some, but clearly, not all.
We as a people did not respond to the Holocaust with cynicism or desperation. We responded with hope. We rebuilt our lives. We fell in love. We had children. Though we carry the Holocaust with us as part of who collectively we are, we do not carry it as a burden.
In the aftermath of the Holocaust, we chose not merely to survive. We chose to thrive.
I look forward to the completion our latest sacred addition and to its dedication. But all the more so, I look forward to opening our doors wide to our community, to teaching everyone the painful lessons of our history, and to working together to improve our world, using memory and hope.
July 11, 2009 at 1:56 am |
We are both very pleased about the groundbreaking for the Temple Holocaust Memorial. I remember when the idea was first discussed and am glad that the plan is on its way to fruition. Congratulations to all those involved in the planning and funding of this necessary reminder of the Shoah.
Gary and Pam Opper