December 2016 was a busy month for Generation After as we inaugurated our Shabbat Dinners and came together for a wonderful Chanukah party. On Friday, December 2, at two different homes, 20 second generation guests gathered to bless candles, wine and challah and enjoy each other’s company. It was a lovely way to get to know each other better, share experiences and traditions around the Shabbat table. On Sunday, December 18, our intergenerational Chanukah party at Tikvat Israel Synagogue was enjoyed by 90 survivors, child survivors and second and third generation descendants.
What stood out about both events was the capacity and desire for our community to carry on traditions and the almost family-like bonds that we have among all the generations. Many in the second generation are spending considerable time learning more about our histories, documenting family stories and caring for those survivors still with us. The survivors still have an extraordinary capacity to enjoy life, to sing and to dance in a way that surpasses most seniors in their 80’s and 90s. One of the most enthusiastic of the survivors who danced throughout the 3 hour music supplied by the klezmer band, Machaya, was 100 years old!! Talk about resilience and love of life! The other thing that stands out is the warm good feelings among the generations and how well our groups work together to create events like this….and the latkes and sufganiot were delicious! Thanks to all who attended and helped out.
We wish you a beautiful Chanukah with family and friends…and hope you will join us for a healthy and productive 2017.
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