Even as the voices of the last living Holocaust survivors can still be heard, the next generation is assuming responsibility for keeping the memory of the Holocaust alive. Hitkansut (Gathering) for Holocaust Remembrance is an experiential and deeply personal ceremony that highlights the memory of the Jews who perished while also cherishing the struggle for life and humanity today. Hitkansut, designed by the Shalom Hartman Institute, is open to the entire community, free of charge, and will be led by the clergy and educators from Shaarei Tikvah and Scarsdale Synagogue. 

This year, we are honored to have Lisa Baer share her testimony in person. Lisa Baer was born in 1926, in Frankfurt, Germany. During Kristallnacht on November 9-10, 1938, Nazis invaded her home. Lisa’s mother, Esther, pleaded with them not to harm her elderly parents upstairs. The Nazis damaged and stole items from the house, including Lisa’s late father’s Iron Cross from World War I. After Kristallnacht, Esther worked tirelessly to arrange their escape from Nazi Germany. After numerous consulate visits, Lisa’s family left via Lisbon and reached the United States in December 1940. In Washington Heights, Lisa went to school, became a dressmaker, and taught arts and crafts in Jewish day schools.

This program is appropriate for children 13 years and above. We hope that you can join us. 

Coffee and light snacks will be served at 6:30pm, with the program beginning at 7:00pm.