Introduction Dear Friends, As 2020 comes to a close, I have been reflecting on all of the challenges and am moved by the resiliency of the survivor clients. The global pandemic caused them to change their routines quickly and dramatically, resulting in social isolation from their friends and family. We saw firsthand the impact of this social isolation and set out to find a way to help. Although our care managers were, and still are, committed to working tirelessly to keep Holocaust survivor clients safe and provide them with the resources that they need, we understood that many survivor clients who normally led rich, cultural lives were struggling during this very challenging time. In response to these concerns, JSSA’s Holocaust Survivor Program (HSP) team came up with a thoughtful, creative approach to help spread some joy. We typically plan both small socialization groups and larger Cafe Europa events throughout the year to ensure that clients across the Greater Washington region have an opportunity to engage with their community. This year, however, it was clearly not going to be possible. Thus, Inspiration for Such a Time as This or what we fondly refer to as the Book Project was launched. Inspiration for Such a Time as This: A Collection of Stories, Recipes, Poems and Other Heartfelt Offerings from JSSA’s Holocaust Survivor Program is a way for survivor clients to learn about and connect with one another virtually. We envisioned that this book would contain an eclectic mixture of varying interests that include everything from recipes, to poetry, to memories of pets and family outings. We invited all survivor clients to contribute a submission to the book, which would then, with their permission, be shared with other survivors in the region. We also encouraged them to include photos or biographical information. While the survivor clients were under no obligation to participate, we really hoped that they would. We were eager to learn more about their extraordinary lives and talents and for them to share their passions with fellow survivors. It is our honor to present to you Inspiration for Such a Time as This: A Collection of Stories, Recipes, Poems and Other Heartfelt Offerings from JSSA’s Holocaust Survivor Program. We hope you will enjoy all the stories, recipes, poems, and other heartfelt offerings of JSSA’s Holocaust survivor clients and staff. This project was truly a collaboration between JSSA’s HSP program staff and Holocaust survivor clients. It was a sincere act of loving kindness and compassion as we all worked together to get used to our new normal. As the great Rebbe Nachman once said, “All new beginnings require that you unlock a new door.” כל ההתחלות החדשות דורשות שתפתח את הדלת החדשה. With true gratitude— Deborah Adler Holocaust Survivor Program Manager
INSPIRATION FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS: A Collection of Stories, Recipes, Poems and Other Heartfelt Offerings from JSSA’s Holocaust Survivor Program 2
