On Tuesday, April 4, Bruriah students put their regular zoom classes on hold to take part in a truly inspiring three part program in honor of Yom HaShoah. The program began with six students virtually sharing stories of their relatives who are survivors. The students heard accounts of the tremendous mesiras nefesh and bravery their peer’s ancestors went through to not only survive, but to survive as Torah observant Jews and to pass on tradition to their children, grandchildren and many generations to come. After each of the six students spoke, they lit a candle in their home as a memorial for one million of the kedoshim who had perished. Part one of the program concluded with Principal Rabbi Joseph Oratz reciting Tehillim and the Yizkor for the victims of the Holocaust.

In the second part of the program, the students were privileged to hear from 10th and 12th grade rebbe, Rabbi Avrohom Weiss, who shared personal stories with the girls, as he is a grandchild of survivors. He explained to the girls how they must learn from their ancestors who showed tremendous mesiras nefesh during the Shoah, and honor their memory by emulating their traits in today’s day, even in hard times, like the one we are currently going through. He empowered the crowd by reminding the girls that the fact that more than 300 participants were on the call at that time was the best revenge possible to the Nazis, yemach shemam. Rabbi Weiss concluded by showing the students a powerful video taken at the Siyum Hashas in January. He explained that this is what gave meaning to survivors. The continuation of Torah learning and Avodat Hashem proved that they had not survived in vain.

During the third and final part of the program, the students had the tremendous privilege of hearing directly from a survivor who wrote the book “Survivors Club: The True Story of a Very Young Prisoner of Auschwitz.” Dr. Michael Bornstein was a mere 4 years old when he was unfortunately sent to Auschwitz. Along with his daughter Debbie, Dr. Bornstein recounted his story. Although the story was filled with horror, Michael’s words were an inspiration to the crowd. He explained what it means to survive and how he and many others were able to restart their lives as observant Jews. He was so proud to show a picture of his family, now totaling 22 people. He explained how the Nazis tried so hard to wipe us off the planet for good, but not only are we still here, but we are stronger than ever. Before he concluded, Dr. Bornstein provided each student with a mission: remember his story. In 2020, we are privileged to be able to hear first-hand accounts from Holocaust survivors. However, he explained that there will come a time where there will no longer be survivors around, and it is up to us, the next generation, to keep the memories strong forever.

Tali Finkelstein is a 10th grade student at Bruriah High School.