The Holocaust is Obsessed with Us*

 In July 2021, I wrote a blog about a conspiracy of silence among therapists of the 1970's through the 1980's. I questioned why my unusual family background was discounted as an influence during my formative years of childhood. Perplexed that living in a large metropolitan area populated by a sizable Jewish population, a psychotherapist who treated me seemed unaware of ongoing research regarding the characteristics of children of Holocaust survivors. 

This week I had the pleasure to listen and watch a live streamed video of a psychiatrist from Vancouver B.C. Dr. Robert Krell, a child survivor of the Nazi invasion of the Netherlands, describe his experiences and those of other survivors and their families. Born in 1940, he emigrated to Canada--with his parents, also survivors--in the very early 1950's. He earned his medical degree in the United States. Dr. Krell treated and studied Holocaust survivors for decades. He corrobrated my observations, which I have included in the two memoirs I have written about my family. During the post World War II period,  professionals recommended that survivors forget past trauma. The denial which resulted from this advice profoundly influenced the victims and future generations.

Dr. Krell stated that the world began to regard the survivors of the Holocaust in a different light in the 1980's. Imagine, 40 years after an event, psychologists and sociologists realize that surviving trauma effected the overall adaptation of victims and their offspring. Think about the time span for a moment: given the latency between precipitating event and serious study of the negative consequences to the victims would have us considering the "boat people" of southeast Asia in 2021!

Returning to my experience, Dr. Krell clearly stated that psychotherapists, in the 1970's and 1980's, were in denial about the survivors of the Holocaust. These same psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers were terrified to delve into a subject that possibly touched them or at the least was a horrific chapter in recent history. Though the therapists encouraged introspection, the message to "get on with your life" was the cogent message. I was told, "why are you so concerned what your mother did," or "that was the Depression, everyone did that." Actually I still hear this type of comment. But the truth is that my mother was a young child in Germany during the Depression. And my father was a child and teenager, living a fairly privileged existence, at the time, with the exception of the growing threat of Nazis.

Would my psychological growth have accelerated if I had been aware of the commonalities among children of trauma victims? If my therapist would have regarded me as part of a group? A question that occupies my mind yet remains impossible to answer. I am not complaining for I feel fortunate, but my curiousity is piqued.

Dr. Krell reported that survivors, including himself, often are questioned: "Can't you put the Holocaust behind you?" or "Why are you obsessed with the Holocaust?" I have had these accusatory questions posed to me. Dr. Krell eloquently answered, "The Holocaust is obsessed with us!" 

My original family is embedded in the neural pathways and cells of my brain, in the form of memory and ingrained patterns of thought. Yes, I have evolved. I am not particularly dysfunctional as a human. But just ask my niece, she will tell you. Recently, she exclaimed, "You and Mom are exactly alike. You are one." 

My sister and I are polar opposites in personality; yet, apparently our fundamental behaviors originate from the same source in time and place, which would be the 1950's in San Francisco. However, not so--our mother and father and grandmothers remained in Shanghai, Berlin, and Konstanz, Germany. Actually, the adults who raised my sister and I lived in the dark alleys and narrow streets of memories, regrets, and guilt. 

*Originally heard on October 28, 2021, by Dr. Robert Krell. https://liberation75.jwpapp.com/m/oVFrQwnl/testimony-and-trauma-introducing-the-last-chance-collection?list=PGAXsioh

©2021 Karen Levi

How to Reduce your Impact on climate change--10 simple tasks

 The clock to save our planet is running down. Your time on the planet has always been limited. Now that we are older, we visualize an end to our bodily lives. I do not know about you, but I want to leave some evidence that I made an effort to maintain the earth as a livable environment. Certainly, I feel powerless in view of such a tremendous task. Apparently, small changes accomplished by many

reduce the deleterious effects of greenhouse gas emissions. Burning fossil fuels, cutting down trees, and mishandling of land usage result in the release of carbon dioxide. Methane--another greenhouse gas--is caused by landfills, livestock grazing, and gas appliances. So, as a reminder, do your share:

• Designate one or two days/week that are no-car days
• Purchase a small or compact hybrid or electric car
• Drive/take a train instead of fly for short distances
• Compost 
• Eat less meat
• Join a tree planting effort
• Recycle, recyle, recycle
• Install solar panels if you live in a house
• Explore the source of your electric powerBuy electric appliances

Music is Holy

 

  

       After the Kabbalat Shabbat, the young woman bolstered her courage and stepped up to the rabbi, “The music inspires me more than the actual prayers. The melodies, along with the Hebrew, transport me to a place faraway. Is this, o.k.? Or am I not doing what I should?” 

      “Go on,” Rabbi Ruth encouraged the woman to continue. 

      “Sometimes, when we sing, I feel I am in a room with wooden benches. Men daven and chant. The elderly, bearded men wear tallit and sway. It could be the old synagogue in Worms, Germany that I visited a few years ago. But I am there—connected by music to people praying a hundred years ago.” 

      “There are no ‘shoulds.’ That is beautiful, Kendra. I am touched that our music transports you to the past. This is a sacred bridge. Music is certainly a form of prayer. And prayer is music.” The rabbi touched her heart as she spoke. 

      “How so?” Kendra asked the rabbi. 

      “The music connects you to prayer from the past. The music allows you to lift yourself into a mystical realm. The Hebrew words are like poetry when read and repeated. Surprisingly, the translated versions are inspiring, as well. Joined together, the words in either language, form a rhythm that is verbal but nonetheless moving.” 

      “Mm. I see Rabbi. Sometimes when we sing the music, I enter a space of raw emotion. I sense fragile, pure feeling, that is all.” 

      “That is prayer in my mind, Kendra. You are blessed. Continue your path--see where the journey leads. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Amen.” 

      “Shabbat Shalom.” Kendra responded, as she walked away. 

Epilogue: 

The talented Lin Miranda-Manuel wrote a song, Almost Like Prayer, a validation for this little story.

Susan Pops Her Head Up

 My friend, Susan, who died in 2017, much too young from cancer, would speak out. 

Recently, I watched a documentary about Julius Rosenwald directed by Aviva Kempner. Julius Rosenwald was born in the United States to German Jewish immigrant parents in 1862. His parents followed the typical trajectory from peddler to clothier. After being apprenticed to his uncles in New York City, Julius and his brother started a clothing manufacturing business. Julius, an excellent entrepeneur, eventually partnered with Richard Sears in the Sears Roebuck Company. The rest is history as the Sears Roebuck Company grew, becoming a household name and serving a practical, often necessary role for Americans. 

Rosenwald was determined to help those in need, a Jewish value he learned from his rabbi. Mr. Rosenwald worked and lived during the Progressive Era, a time when society valued and encouraged philanthropy. The Progressive Era, much like our 1960's-1970's, saw the likes of Louis Brandeis, W.E.B. DuBois, Upton Sinclair, and Jane Addams, to name a few well-known philanthropists. 

Julius Rosenwald, encouraged by Booker T. Washington, agreed to serve on the Board of Directors of the Tuskegee Institute. Recognizing that the plight of African Americans in the South was dire, Rosenwald assisted small communities in the deep South to build schools/community centers. He provided funds, insisting that the towns match the donations with local financial, moral, and physical support. The schools uplifted young black persons through education--academic and practical--for several generations. 

The 1954 Supreme Court decision, Brown vs. the Board of Education, resulted in the desegragation of schools. The Rosenwald Schools exemplified separate but (not) equal opportunities, so prevalent in the United States in the first half of the 20th century. Therefore, the schools were deemed illegal, though they continued in parts of the South, due to noncompliance with the Supreme Court decision.

Rosenwald's actions demonstrated a fine example of Tikkun Olam, the Jewish concept of repairing the world, and he committed a true Mitzvah, as he chose to remain out of the limelight while doing good. Julius Rosenwald's support enabled the expansion of the YMCA in large cities and fellowships for young artists of all races.

So why would Susan pop her head up? Why would she speak out? She reminded me not to be complacent. I know enough history to understand the context of Rosenwald's charity, the Progressive Era. Of course, the former students of the schools he supported would be nostalgic and have fond memories of their education, quite precious during the Jim Crow era. Except what about the children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren of the students? What are their thoughts about separate schools, fellowships, and opportunities, existing alongside but not within mainstream society?

 I learned many years ago, that African Americans refuse to be treated as children or uninformed citizens. African Americans prefer self determination in lieu of paternalism. What struck me after watching the film was the awful state of education I witnessed in my life long after Rosenwald's time? How do the Rosenwald schools relate to tracking of Black students, de facto segregation, bussing, standardized testing, affirmative action, and now the inclusion of critical race theory in the curriculum? The Rosenwald schools reinforced the status quo of racism by providing separate but not equal education. This was not Rosenwald's fault; however, it must be said. 

Certainly, the education of all students of color improved during the 20th century. Progress continues, albeit with strong protests from some white parents and politicians. Backlash against improvements in the education of all students, especially those of color, occurred cyclically in the 20th century; we now find ourselves in such a period in the 21st century. 

Kempner's movie and a discussion my synagogue held with Dorothy Canter did not include a reckoning of a wider and longer perspective. Yes, Julius Rosenwald was an exemplary American Jewish citizen. And yes, the schools still standing should become historical landmarks. (Some are, I believe.) Nevertheless, we should ask critical questions--with a historical viewpoint-- to advance contemporary education for students, including those who are minorities.