|
When my own parents, and my husband Lou’s parents came
to Canada close to one hundred years ago, they carried their
Jewish heritage with them to an unknown land. Our generation,
their children, have lived as Canadian Jews in safety, witnessing
the terrible world calamities of war and anti-Semitism and
holocaust, as well as the magnificent and proud unfolding
of a rich Jewish life in the Diaspora, and the birth of our
Jewish homeland, Israel.
What can I – one person – say about the intertwining
of my own life with my heritage as a Jew? Perhaps I should
reflect on the Jewish values that have been the pillars of
my life, in the hope that they will be passed on to future
generations.
The first is family. Our extended families, as well as our
own nuclear family of four children, have been sources of
strength, mutual help, and pride. In all ways that we could,
Lou and I provided a stable Jewish home for our children,
and a meeting place for family and friends near and far. The
challot that I baked in my kitchen were blessed on countless
family simchas. We celebrated turning points in the lives
of so many, and in turn received much love.
Next, we always honoured education. Our children’s education,
both Jewish and secular, was a prime motive in our family
life. Seeing our children grow intellectually and contribute
to society was a consolation for the interruption of Lou’s
and my education in the hard years. After Lou’s death
in 1979, I fulfilled a lifelong dream of going to University.
I graduated with a B.A. in Jewish history when I was 70 years
old.
Lou and I always made time for community life. Lou was active
in B’nai Brith and our synagogue. Always an active synagogue
member, I took on leadership roles in the L’Chaim Club,
and later in the Association of Jewish Seniors. I was always
a faithful and active Adult Education student.
Family. Education. Community. These were the pillars of my
life. I hope I have passed these values on to our children
and grandchildren. That is the way we can reach beyond our
own limited lives, and see the future.
|
