A Recipe for Remembrance

A Recipe for Remembrance
By Dr. Rebecca Housel

Joanne Caras, author of the self-published Holocaust Survivor Cookbook: Collected From Around the World (2007), was the featured speaker at the Chai Jewish Center in Canton on Sunday, March 13^th. The event was open to the public, and hosted by Rabbi Mendy Horowitz and his wife, Rivkah. About seventy-five people attended the special event, including Holocaust survivors and their families. Caras’ cookbook is 350 pages of recipes for the soul, including the stories of the survivors who contributed family dishes from countries all over the globe. One story was particularly touching—one young girl traveled to Poland from Israel after World War II only to find her village completely destroyed. A woman heard the girl crying and after they spoke for a few moments, thought she could point the teen to her aunt who had survived the camps, living in a nearby village. The aunt turned out to be the girl’s mother.

During the event, six candles were lit to represent the six-million Jewish lives lost during what was the worst atrocity in human history. It is important for not just the Jewish people, but for the world to never forget that the evil that fueled the Holocaust still exists. Silence was as much an enemy as the Nazi soldiers following orders. Joanne Caras’ book gives survivors their voice back, allowing generations to come to never forget those who came before.

Caras donates 100% of her proceeds to a soup kitchen in Jerusalem, but it’s not a soup kitchen like we think of here in the States. Anyone can come and eat there. The food is so good, that business men, ladies who lunch and everyone in between enjoy the fare at this unusual restaurant. But there are no bills to pay at the end of the meal. Patrons who can pay leave generous donations. Those who can’t don’t feel like they’re being given charity in a soup kitchen—they feel like everyone else. Equals. Now that’s not just food for the stomach…it’s good for the soul, too.

Caras now uses her cookbook to raise awareness about the Holocaust, and the stories of those who lived, and died. She has created a sense of connection to a shared history around the world. Passover begins at sundown on March 25^th; it’s a time for Jews to reconnect to their roots, remembering their shared history and connection to Israel, no matter where they might live today.

Please join us for our annual Community Passover Seder. Experience the liberation and freedom of Passover and discover the Seder's relevance to today's modern Jew. Relive the exodus, discover the eternal meaning of the Haggadah, and enjoy a community Seder complete with hand-baked Matzah, Wine, and a wonderful dinner spiced with unique traditional customs in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Monday, March 25, 6:30 PM at the Young Israel of Randolph at 374 N. Main St. Randolph, MA.

$36/Adult, $18/Child. Discounts available. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds. Please call Rabbi Horowitz at 781-956-2507 for questions and to RSVP.

To learn more about the Chai Jewish Center, please call Rabbi Horowitz at 781-956-2507 or visit the website: www.CantonChaiCenter.com.