On Wednesday October 5th, WJCS hosted a Sukkot celebration luncheon for Holocaust survivors at Westchester Reform Temple in Scarsdale. More than 90 people attended the joyous festivities, including relatives and caregivers of the survivors.
“Sukkot is one of the most joyful festivals on the Jewish calendar,” said WJCS CEO Seth Diamond. “We are so fortunate to have a large number of Holocaust survivors living in Westchester. Celebrating the holiday with individuals who suffered so much in the past is moving and meaningful. The survivors are aging and facing many challenges but they possess a spirit of gratitude and an appreciation of life that is inspiring.”
The word Sukkot in Hebrew means “booths” or huts.” The holiday commemorates the 40 years of Jewish wandering in the desert as well as the fall harvest.
“There is a Jewish commandment to rejoice on Sukkot,” said Allison Danzig, coordinator of WJCS Holocaust Survivor Services. “The survivors love to be together. Being able to celebrate the holiday with each other magnifies their joy.”
The luncheon was co-sponsored with UJA-Federation of New York, Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany, and Westchester Reform Temple.
Throughout the year WJCS offers monthly support groups for Holocaust survivors and the Second-Generation. These meetings, facilitated by a skilled professional, offer an opportunity for survivors to share memories, sort out the traumatic events of the past, and to deal with the reactivation of old fears created by current events. For the Second Generation, these meetings allow for the expression and comprehension of their own emotional intergenerational trauma as well as coping with issues relating to their parent’s aging, deteriorating health and death. The group process provides a source of validation and information for Survivors and the Second Generation, as well as helps to create a familial bond. ”We are not alone!” is the overriding theme and sentiment often expressed during the Holocaust group meetings and social gatherings.
Learn more about WJCS Holocaust survivor programs & services
