Providence Yom HaShoah tradition continues

Inspired by a suggestion from the minister of Providence Presbyterian Church, the first Rhode Island Interfaith commemoration of the Holocaust, featuring Rabbi Irving Greenberg, took place in 1984. The program was held at Temple Emanu-El in Providence.

Thirty years later, the tradition continues on April 27 as six area choirs join together to present “Memory, Music and Hope,” with guest speaker Martin Goldsmith of Sirius XM Radio. Once again, this year’s event will be held at Temple Emanu-El. It is co-sponsored by the Rhode Island Holocaust Education and Resource Center and the Community Relations Council of the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island along with Temple Emanu-El.

Certain content has remained unchanged. As witness to the Shoah, the program begins with a survivors’ procession and the lighting of memorial candles. An equally somber moment occurs at the conclusion with the reading of the names of those who were lost who have families who remain an integral part of the greater Rhode Island community. Initially, this emotional event began with a recessional to the Holocaust Memorial Garden in which audience members carried their Yahrzeit candles down Sessions Street from the synagogue. Noting the often difficult weather conditions plus the physical discomfort for many, this central feature of the program now takes place at the synagogue’s sanctuary.

The commemoration often includes the song of faith “Ani Ma’amin,” readings from the Psalms and a congregational singing of “Song of the Partisans.” The Mourners’ Kaddish is recited.

Program creativity has allowed each year’s event to illustrate a dramatic variation. Among the presenters, several have been local: Al Silverstein described his experience as a Kindertransport youth with the joyful conclusion of both parents reuniting with him at war’s end. The daughter and grandson of a remarkable Providence couple, Martha and Waitstill Sharp, recalled their parents’/grandparents’ success in gaining freedom for hundreds in central Europe. Rabbi Eli Bohnen at Temple Emanu-El was recognized for his chaplaincy work in the Displaced Persons camps. And, of course, there was the remarkable Lea Eliash, who not only survived but then shared with so many her story, her wisdom and her love of life.

Poetry has been integral to many themes. These poems include heart-wrenching pieces from the children of Theresienstadt, works in the original with translation by Walter Mehring and Andre Breton, plus poems of Nellie Sachs and Hayim Nahmen Bialek. The reflections of a martyred Dietrich Bonhoffer have offered solace. Inspiration also came from Sheila Eisenberg in her book, “A Hero of Our Own,” in which she described the rescue efforts of Varian Fry, including many at the forefront of Europe’s cultural center. One program featured an original student play based on the Munich brother and sister resistance team of White Rose fame.

Unique to this year’s commemoration is the inclusion of six area choruses – HaZimir Providence, Sophia Academy, the Gay Men’s Chorus, Beneficent and Central Congregational choirs and Shir Emanu-El. The musical theme continues with noted classical music expert Martin Goldsmith, who reflects on his parents’ Jewish orchestra experience in Hitler’s Reich and the experience of other relatives caught on the refugee ship “St. Louis.” Goldsmith, who has written two books, will be available for book-signing during a reception following the program. The program begins at 3:00 p.m. at 99 Taft Ave., Providence.

The Shoah was a unique event. Genocide has proven to be less so. Recognizing both elements has been the commitment of this Rhode Island interfaith community for 30 years, always in the hope that within the next 30, the signature statement “Never Again” can become the reality.

JUDITH JAMIESON is Board President of the Holocaust Education and Resource Center of Rhode Island.