Pictured at the recent KC Evolve Hadassah Purim gathering are (front row, from left) Elana Berger, Marci Cain, Rabbi Talia Kaplan, (middle row) Erica Reich, Jenifer Spiegal, Adryan Steinberg, Rachel Sher, Dara Granoff, Debbie Goodbinder, (back row) Debbie Goldstein, Tina Bollin, Julie Spiegel and Gaelyn Nottberg.
Thirteen women came together recently for a KC Evolve Hadassah Purim gathering led by Rabbi Talia Kaplan of Congregation Beth Shalom. The evening’s learning was centered around Queen Esther, Hadassah herself.
Rabbi Kaplan guided the group through the theme of “What’s in a name?” exploring the different rabbinic interpretations of Hadassah and highlighting Esther’s legacy of leadership, courage and strength.
After the conversation, participants began making hamantaschen. All attendees left with handmade hamantaschen to bake at home.
Those interested in learning more about Evolve Hadassah and its programming can contact Adryan Steinberg at adryangordon@hotmail.com.
Using The Chronicle’s archives and community submissions, here are some recipes for you to try out. Email samk@jewishkc.org with a recipe, and it might be published here!
Swedish Potatoes
Robert Salsman, 1986
Ingredients
• 2 tbsp. butter
1 cup chopped onions
• 1 package frozen fancy fries
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp. salt
• ⅛ tsp. pepper
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 eggs, slightly beaten
Instructions
1. Set oven to 350 degrees
2. Melt butter in large skillet
3. Add onions and potatoes, heat and stir until onions are wilted and potatoes are hot
4. Remove from heat, stir in cheese, salt and pepper
5. Pour into shallow baking dish
6. Mix sour cream and eggs together and pour over potatoes
More than 100 women came together for Jewish Federation’s Knead A Night Out challah-braiding event. Pictured are (top left, from left) Federation Women’s Philanthropy Chair Amanda Palan and event chairs Laura Belozer and Amalia Newman; and (left) Stacey Katz.
Warady and Oppenheimer.
JDAIM Havdalah
Members of the National Council of Jewish Women, Greater Kansas City Section recently volunteered at Happy Bottoms and at Kanbe’s Market. Pictured at Happy Bottoms are (top, from left) Baree Nottberg, Ilana Silverstein, Stacy Wright, Jennifer Bronson, Terri Miro, Susan Lebovitz and Jan Present. Pictured at Kanbe’s Markets are (above) Barbara Warady, Addie Harte, Lynn Schweig, Carla Oppenheimer and Susan Lebovitz; and
Congregation Beth Torah and Sasone hosted Havdalah at Golden Scoop in honor of Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month. Pictured (top) are Lindsey Lipsky and Sara Glass.
from the editor
Share your knowledge about former synagogue buildings
By Sam Kricsfeld Editor
The Chronicle is working on a project about former Kansas City-area synagogue buildings that remain standing today. We have found 11 of them, and we are using The Chronicle’s archives and other resources to piece together the stories of their construction and which congregations worshipped there.
The highs and lows of individual Jewish lives occurred in these buildings — weddings and funerals, High Holiday services and vigils. Most of these buildings haven’t been synagogues in decades, but they were the settings for some of this Jewish community’s lengthy and storied history.
As helpful as archival information is, we are reaching out to you, our readers, for your memories to help flesh out these buildings’ stories. We are specifically looking for recollections of construction, architecture, which congregations occupied the buildings, and the eventual sale of the buildings.
If you have any photographs or memories about the following buildings — or if we have forgotten any which remain standing — please reach out to me at samk@jewishkc.org.
26th and Benton
1923-1948
Tiphereth Sphorad, Ohave Israel
34th and The Paseo 1927-1969
Keneseth Israel, K.I.B.S./Beth Shalom
43rd and Prospect
1929-1950
Tiphereth Israel,Atereth Israel, Tiphereth Sphorad, Kehilath Israel
The former Tiphereth Israel Synagogue at Admiral and Tracy, pictured in 1940. (Kansas City Public Library)
83rd and Holmes
1959-1994
BIAV
Admiral and Tracy
1920-1947
Tiphereth Israel
Linwood and Flora 1908-1957
B’nai Jehudah
Linwood and Montgall 1930-1946
Ohave Torah Anshi Polin, Beth Jacob and S.I.D.B.J.
Rockhill and E. Meyer 1950-1983
Kehilath Israel
75th and Nall (Prairie Village) 1962-2022
Ohev Sholom
83rd and Lamar (Overland Park) 1981-1989
Beth El
94th and Nall (Overland Park) 1963-1981
Beth El
Though these buildings no longer belong to us, they deserve to be remembered for how they served our community.
community news
Local racewalkers win gold at track and field championships
Two decorated local senior racewalkers, Dr. Alan Poisner and David Eisenberg, recently returned from the 2026 USA Track & Field Masters Indoor Track and Field Championships with gold medals. Both represented their local racewalking organization, the Heartland Racewalkers, at the Albuquerque, New Mexico, event on Feb. 19.
Each won the men’s one-mile race walk for their age brackets: Dr. Poisner clocked a 13:10.45 time in the 90-94-year-old age bracket, and Eisenberg clocked an 11:17.54 time in the 75-79-year-old age bracket.
Both men train together with the Heartland Racewalkers every Saturday, year-round. In 1989, Poisner co-
Indoor Track and Field Championships.
founded Heartland Racewalkers, and Eisenberg has served as its president.
More information is available at heartlandracewalkers.com.
JFS seeking donations for period products drive
This month, JFS is standing with Strawberry Week and Giving Hope and Help to work to end period poverty through its “Go with the Flow” period product drive. Throughout the month, JFS will collect period products for both of its pantry locations.
businesses, organizations, schools, youth groups and neighborhoods to host their own drives. Donors can also purchase items through the JFS Pantry Wish List on Amazon (amzn.to/3XH5v7Z) or via a financial contribution to the pantry at jfskc.org/donate.
JFS is asking for donations of various period products including tampons, pads, liners and menstrual cups. JFS also invites individuals,
Redemption plate
By Ellie Holsten
Pidyon ha-ben, Hebrew for “redemption of the firstborn son,” is a ceremony in which parents make an offering to the Temple 30 days after the birth of their first male child. This payment serves to redeem the child from service in the Temple and exempt him from the Jewish covenant to place one’s firstborn son in service to God. The biblical standard offering is five shekels, but the actual amount and currency vary by time, place and community. This plate from 19th-century Galicia was used for that tradition.
More information is available by emailing volunteer@jfskc.org or calling Zach Sellers, JFS director of pantry operations, at (913) 327-8250.
The center of the plate has a scene of the Binding of Isaac, a story commonly depicted on objects used for the life cycle events of Jewish boys. More surprising decorations on this plate are the symbols for each of the 12 signs of the Zodiac. While this connection between mysticism and Jewish religious practice may seem odd, the Zodiac is often used in conjunction with Jewish art.
MoreinformationabouttheMichael KleinCollectionattheTemple,Congregation B’nai Jehudah can be found at kleincollection.org or by calling (913) 663-4050 to schedule a tour.
Racewalkers David Eisenberg (left) and Dr. Alan Poisner at the USATF Masters
JFS Board Member Michelle Cole and former board member Jenny Isenberg with period products donated to the food pantry.
Maurice Fred Goodman
obituaries
Maurice (Morrie) Fred Goodman passed away on Feb. 26 at the age of 74. Born on Sept. 9, 1951, in Kansas City, Missouri, Morrie lived a life defined by curiosity, adventure and a deep commitment to communication and public service.
Morrie graduated from Southwest High School in Kansas City in 1969 and later earned a degree from the University Of Kansas School of Journalism, which sparked a lifelong passion for storytelling.
A veteran television journalist who later became a nationally respected crisis-management expert, Morrie deeply understood the power of communication to inform, reassure and unite people in moments that mattered most. That foundation led him to significant public service leadership roles. He served as director of communications for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under President Bill Clinton during some of the nation’s most challenging moments, including the response to the Oklahoma City bombing. He also held senior communications positions with the U.S. Department of Commerce, NASA and Boeing. Colleagues respected him for his steady leadership, clear thinking and ability to navigate complex situations with calm insight.
Later, as vice president of crisis communications at James Lee Witt Associates L.L.C., Morrie advised public- and private-sector clients navigating complex challenges, bringing the same steadiness and integrity that defined his public service career.
While Morrie’s career brought him remarkable experiences and opportunities, the things he loved most were often simpler. Later in life, he made his home
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identity (or so it seams, around Passover), this little symbol also speaks to so many other people for what they need it to mean.
For me personally, it symbolizes the way we live: rooted in Jewish identity while at home in a multicultural world. While I was raised Jewish, my grandmother was Catholic, so I’ve always been exposed to different faiths, even though I identified as Jewish. I was taught that there are many different ways to identify, and that is okay. That silver fish has become a well-known symbol, but creating a Jewish twist on it, I’d like to think, is something quintessentially Jewish — acknowledging our neighbors’ traditions while joyfully contributing our own voice and humor. My gefilte fish isn’t mocking anyone; it’s simply
in Florida where he enjoyed the water and pursued his love of boating. He was also an enthusiastic dog lover — especially when it came to his beloved dog, Ducky, and as owner of Paws 4 Play.
Those who knew Morrie will remember his intelligence, sense of adventure and ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Morrie took joy in mentoring the younger generation and helping many get their careers started. For many, Morrie was “that person” who took a chance on them professionally and changed the course of their lives.
Morrie is preceded in death by his parents, Ethel and Maurice Goodman. He is survived by his sister, Hilda (Lee) Magilow; his nephews, Jeremy Lips and Jason Daniels; and his cousins, Fred Greenstein (Marcia Schoenfeld), Miles Schnaer (Paula) and Madeline Schifman (Bob), along with many additional family members who remember him with love.
A graveside service was held on March 2 at Rose Hill Cemetery, where friends and family gathered to celebrate his life and enduring legacy.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, Wayside Waifs, Muttville Senior Dog Rescue or a charity of your choice.
Ronald A. Margolis
Ronald A. Margolis, whom many knew as Aryeh, passed away peacefully on Feb. 17 in Durango, Colorado, his home of more than 35 years.
Ron was born in Kansas City, Missouri, to Helen Novorr Margolis and Jack J. Margolis. He graduated from Shawnee Mission East High School, the Univer-
joining the conversation with a bit of chutzpah.
Also, it highlights the idea that humor is part of our theology. Judaism adapts, evolves and meets us in our everyday lives — even in the parking lot at the grocery store. A silly little fish with the word “gefilte” inside has become a playful theological lesson: Judaism is alive and on the move!
I love that it serves as a conversation starter about Jewish identity. People ask: “Wait, does that say… gefilte?”
Then we get to talk about Judaism — not the formal, textbook version, but the lived version filled with food, stories, music, culture, humor and community. In those small encounters, the gefilte fish becomes a tiny ambassador for joyful Jewish life.
I’d like to think I’m driving around, trailing many of the core values of Reform Judaism: joy, openness, cultural
sity of Texas in Austin (where he was a member of ZBT and Silver Spurs) and Georgetown University Law School. He worked for Ralph Nader and in the U.S. Department of Treasury before deciding that the structure he was working within did not allow him to serve in the way his heart was calling.
After extensive world travel with a pack on his back, he settled in Colorado and began a career as a tile setter, creating beautiful work with his hands while striving to live in close alignment with his values. Ron chose a life that allowed him to continue learning, questioning and seeking. His efforts were guided by a sincere desire to contribute to a more conscious and caring world. In Durango, Ron mentored youth, did mediation work, taught at Fort Lewis College, served on the boards of Durango Natural Foods and Animas Valley Institute, hosted Good Dirt Radio, participated in the city planning commission, helped initiate the city’s recycling program, fought for a fluoride-free water supply and brought people together through an organization he founded called People of Conscience.
Ron loved the natural world and travel. He spent time in wild places, including work in Africa supporting human-elephant relations. He lived with a spirit of curiosity and exploration, continually seeking to stay awake to life. Ron will be remembered not only for what he did, but for how he lived — with kindness, integrity, curiosity, compassion and a sincere commitment to what it means to be fully human.
He was predeceased by his parents and his wife, Maria Cristina y del la Guardia. He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Teri and Steve Cohn of Prairie Village, Kansas; his nephews Randall Cohn of Vancouver, British Columbia, Michael Cohn of Seattle, Washington, and Daniel Cohn of Seattle and Bainbridge Island, Washington; a great-niece and two
pride, pluralism and the belief that Jewish identity should be lived out loud and without fear. It’s Judaism that is confident but not exclusive, grounded but not rigid, proud and always welcoming. That’s what we teach our children, model for our teens and practice as a community.
So what does the gefilte fish on my car really mean? It means I believe in a Judaism that laughs, learns, evolves, welcomes and delights. It means Jewish identity is something we can carry proudly — whether on our hearts or on the back of a car. And it means that even cruising down I-435 can embody living a joyful, Jewish life.
Call it a mitzvah on wheels, but please, don’t steal my gefilte fish!
Send any fun Jewish humor that comes your way to sglass@bethtorah.org.
great-nephews; many cousins and a myriad of devoted and caring friends. A celebration of life will be held in Durango. Please make contributions in his honor to any charity that helps those who are in need.
Lilly Segelstein
Lilly (Lebovics)
Segelstein, 98, died peacefully at her home in the Rhoda Goldman Plaza in San Francisco, California, on Feb. 19. Graveside services were held on March 1 at Mt. Carmel Cemetery.
Lilly was born on Jan 5, 1928, in Klyucharki, Czechoslovakia (now Ukraine), and moved to Munkács at the age of 10. She always considered Munkács to be her hometown. She remembered her childhood there fondly, especially the fruit trees and vegetables of her grandparents’ garden.
This peaceful childhood was tragically changed by the Nazi invasion on March 20, 1944. Lilly and her family were first interned in a ghetto, and then sent to Auschwitz. After spending several months there, she and her dear sister Leah (of blessed memory) were shipped to a labor camp in Reichenbach, Germany, where they worked in a munitions factory.
After being liberated on May 8, 1945, Lilly and her sister made their way to a displaced persons (DP) camp in Admont, Austria. Leah went to Palestine and Lilly went through a series of DP camps in Italy where she met her future husband, Boris Segelstein (of blessed memory). When the Segelstein family learned of their survival, they sponsored Lilly and Boris to come to the United States in 1948, where they started a new life in New York and had their first child, David Jay, in 1949.
In 1954, they moved to Kansas City, where Boris worked as a clothing designer and pattern maker. Cookie was born in 1958, and Cindy in 1959. In Kansas City they found a community of other Holocaust survivors who became their extended family. They became very active in the New American Club, started by Kansas City survivors in the late 1950s. The club played a key role in the local Jewish community’s efforts to remember the Holocaust. Both Lilly and Boris testified for the USC Shoah Foundation in the mid1990s. Lilly and a partner opened E&L Alterations in the 1970s, which was in operation for more than 25 years.
After Boris’ death in 2000, Lilly became involved with the Midwest Center for Holocaust Education and visited schools as an educator. She moved to Florida in 2008, then moved to San Francisco in 2022.
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Lilly was always full of a fierce zest for life, her family and friends, and she enjoyed reading, walking and travelling. She took great joy in spending time with her grandchildren, Emily, Zachary, Isaac and Jonah, and was blessed to meet her great-grandchildren, Oliver and Quinn.
Lilly was preceded in death by her husband, Boris (2000), and son, David (2021), both of blessed memory. She is survived by her daughters, Cookie Segelstein (Peter Harrow) and Cindy Foss; grandchildren, Emily Lubanko, Zachary Feldman (Sarah), Isaac Lubanko and Jonah Segelstein (Michaela); and great-grandsons Oliver and Quinn Segelstein.
Online condolences for the family may be left at louismemorialchapel.com.
Paul Kemp Sessel
obituaries
Paul was a proud member of his Jewish faith and always wore his gold Star of David necklace that he had custom made. He and his family were long time members of B’nai Jehudah. For many years, Paul was a member of Meadowbrook Country Club and later Lionsgate golf club, where he had at least one hole-in-one.
Paul met the love of his life, Clariessa (Ceese), in 1978 on a blind date while living on the Plaza. She has been his lifelong companion ever since. Together, they shared their love of travel, having had the good fortune to travel all over the world. Paul especially enjoyed traveling to Las Vegas and Aruba. Paul also had a large and close network of friends with whom he shared many dinners, parties, New Years celebrations and golf outings.
tended the University of Missouri and served in the U.S. Navy.
He married Sandi Shaffer in 1960, the love of his life. Though she passed away in 2001, he never stopped talking about her. Her memory remained close to his heart, and his love for her never stopped.
Norman was a born salesman, and he built his career in industrial chemical sales. He loved delivering chemicals to the Kansas City Royals up until last year. Norman was an avid golfer and a dedicated Chiefs, Royals and Mizzou fan — he never missed watching a game.
Norman lived at Village Shalom for four-and-a-half years and shared a very special bond with so many of the residents. He always said how much he enjoyed the years he spent there with his friends. He was also an active member at Congregation Beth Torah.
where he began his practice and they started their family. Five years later, Sharon was widowed and returned to her hometown of Kansas City. While raising three young daughters, she resumed her college education and earned her doctorate in psychology from UMKC. For 25 years in a thriving private practice, Sharon helped people change self-defeating patterns of behavior to reach personal goals. She also founded the Assertiveness Training Institute of Kansas City, where she led seminars, workshops, audio programs, business therapy and private counseling focused on teaching individuals to express their feelings, opinions and needs clearly, directly and confidently.
Paul Kemp Sessel, 70, of Leawood, Kansas, died on March 2. The family suggests contributions to Make-AWish Foundation, Children’s Mercy Hospital or The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah.
Paul (also known affectionately as Sess or Paulie by his friends) was born on June 4, 1955 to the late Joseph and Bernice Sessel in Kansas City, Missouri. Paul grew up in South Waldo near the old Jewish Community Center where he swam, played baseball and hung out with the neighborhood kids. His dad coached his baseball team.
After attending Hartman Grade School and Southwest High School, Paul attended Mizzou, where he was a proud and popular member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity.
After college, Paul worked for Jerry Leonard’s big and tall clothing, where he rose to become the regional manager. Paul’s desire and ambition to own his own business led him to buying a vending machine business. Still striving for more, Paul bought a Christmas decor installation business in the 1990s. His friends jokingly and affectionately called him the Jewish Santa. Seeing more opportunities in the wholesale supply side of the business, Paul sold the installation business and began selling wholesale Christmas decor to all the other installers. He traveled to China several times to personally select his products.
Paul loved food. He not only enjoyed eating out at good restaurants, but was an excellent chef himself. His friends considered themselves lucky to be invited to one of his dinner parties, where he prepared meals fit for kings.
Paul will be missed not only by his family and friends, but also by his loyal dogs, Tito and Honor, whom he loved and doted on.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Bernice, and his sister, Karen, who recently passed away.
He is survived by his wife, Ceese, and his sister and her spouse, Barb Machauf and Saul from Prairie Village, Kansas. Paul also leaves his nephews, Joe (Crysi) Sessel and James Machauf. He also leaves his cherished dogs and many, many friends who loved him and will never forget him.
A private service for Paul will be held at a later date.
Norman Shaffer
Norman Shaffer, 91, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away peacefully on March 1.
Funeral services were held on March 4 at Louis Memorial Chapel, followed by burial at Rose Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Village Shalom.
Norman was born on July 25, 1934, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Isadore and Addie Shaffer. He graduated from Southwest High School in 1953, at-
Family meant everything to him, and he deeply loved his children beyond measure. His grandchildren called him often and shared dinners with him during the week. Time together was what he treasured most.
Norman was preceded in death by his parents, Isadore and Addie; his sister, Beverly (Harris) Lee; and his beloved wife, Sandi.
Norman is survived by his three children: Randi (Bill) Lefko of Prairie Village, Kansas, Bryan (Tom Perkins) Shaffer of Los Angeles, California, and Wendy Brand of Leawood, Kansas; his five grandchildren, Jeff (Caroline and great-granddaughter Ella) Lefko of San Diego, California, Jonny (Natalie) Lefko of Fairway, Kansas, and Sandy, Taylor and Lauren Brand, all of Leawood; and his brother, Stewart of Walnut Creek, California. The family extends a special thank you to Charlotte Kessler, who spent the past four years with him. Her companionship and devotion meant so much.
Norman will be deeply missed by his family and all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Condolences may be shared at louismemorialchapel.com.
Sharon Marks Swartzman
Sharon was a loving wife to Howard Swartzman for 32 years until his passing on Sept. 7, 2017. Together, they shared a distinguished bond of intelligence, humor, kindness and good times, traveling extensively, playing bridge and enjoying theatre, films and food.
She was extraordinary in a way one encounters once in a lifetime — a great. A remarkable blend of beauty, charisma, decency, elegance, empathy, generosity, passion and wit, she instinctively lit up every room and knew no strangers. One of her greatest gifts was her ability to listen deeply and respond in a way that made each person feel uniquely understood. Her presence reached beyond conscious awareness, enveloping others in a quiet sanctuary, leaving you feeling welcomed, inspired and truly appreciated. With a single glance, you knew how fondly she regarded you — then, now and always. A Bridge Life Master, an avid reader with vast knowledge of historical and current events, passionately engaged in politics and a devoted patron of the arts, Sharon lived vibrantly with wisdom, curiosity and heart.
She is survived by her three daughters, Shelli Helm, Robin Helm Sommerer and Terri Helm (Richard); her six cherished grandchildren, Zachary and Shaina Krumme, Paige and Sara Sommerer, and Jonathan (Eli) Jacobs and Gregory Jacobs (Davide Lanuto); and her great-grandchild, Esther Nellie Jacobs (Essie).
Sharon Marks Swartzman, 89, of Leawood, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Feb. 25 at her home, surrounded by loved ones. She was born on July 26, 1936, in Kansas City to Reva and Jim Marks.
Sharon graduated early from Southwest High School and went on to attend the University of Missouri – Columbia. After finishing her freshman year, she married Sidney Rubin. While Sidney completed his pediatric residency at UCLA, Sharon continued her college studies. The couple then moved to his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska,
Through her marriage to Howard, she is survived by his three children, Susan (Tom) Freeman, Steven (Evelina) Swartzman and Julie (Ian) Krop; and their children, Danny, Jonathan and the late Andrew Freeman, Harrison and Zandy Swartzman, and Ethan and Sophie Krop.
In addition, Sharon is survived by two special cousins, Jeffery Marks and Dr. Sandra Radom, and two lifelong friends, Marcia Shapiro and Sukey Fox.
The family would like to thank three exceptional caregivers and one extraordinary neighbor, friend and human, Dr. James Wolter.
Funeral services were held at Louis
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obituaries
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Memorial Chapel on March 1. Interment was at Rose Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Sharon’s name to the charity of your choice.
Shevie Winitz
Shevie Winitz passed away peacefully at home on Feb. 24.
Shevie was born in 1936 to Abe and Florence Schuman in Kansas City, Missouri. She graduated from Southwest High School in 1954. She attended the University of Colorado for two years before transferring to the University of Kansas, majoring in physical education and receiving her B.S. in education.
While a student at K.U., she was set up on a date with K.U. professor Harris Winitz and on Feb. 26, 1961, they married. They enjoyed 64 years of marriage before Harris Winitz’s death nine months ago. Prior to starting their family, Shevie taught P.E. at Augustine High School in Kansas City, Kansas, and later was a substitute teacher in the Shawnee Mission School District. She was a lifelong athlete.
She was president of the Congregation Beth Shalom P.T.O. and was on the board of directors of Beth Shalom. She received the Order of the Green Angel award by the Mid-Continent Girl Scout Council in 1977. She was active in B’nai Brith Women, becoming president of the Star of David Chapter in 1975, president of the BBW Council of Greater KC in 1980, and member of the Gateway Regional Board from 1980-1982. She is a life member of JWI and Hadassah.
She was the vice president of International Linguistics Corp., the family business that started in her basement but soon moved to an office in South Kansas City, overseeing all of the dayto-day operations of the company with absolutely no background in business. International Linguistics is now nearly 50 years old.
She enjoyed spending time with her lifelong friends from high school, who later became known as the “Top of the Hill Gang.”
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harris Winitz; and her sister, Linda Mottaz. She is survived by her three children, Flora, Sim and Jennifer (Timmy Grensback); grandchildren, Adam, Dylan and Autumn Shemitz; niece, Sara Mottaz (Brett); and great niece and many, many cousins.
Online condolences for the family may be left at louismemorialchapel. com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Congregation Beth Shalom, Jewish Women International or Hadassah.
Descendants of local Holocaust survivors share their experiences from MCHE trip to Europe
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told we were going to be able to stop in a Polish town where my father grew up, where my mother was born, and where my grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins lived. We approached a small fenced Jewish cemetery, and the bus parked about a block away. I could tell our group was as excited as I was to visit this cemetery with me, my wife and my cousins.
The gate was locked, we could not go in, and there were no headstones because they had been removed by the Nazis. My grandparents and relatives were not in this cemetery — they were all gassed and burned in Treblinka.
What did I feel? It reminded me of movies I had seen and books I had read of visitors to their family’s hometowns in the Pale. It was both exciting that I was able to visit and, of course, very sad. I could feel in person the inhumanity of man to other human beings, which we also witnessed in Berlin, Krakow, Auschwitz-Birkenau, Warsaw, Treblinka and Vilnius. I was happy that I made this very meaningful trip, but I cried many times.
Steve Flekier — son of survivor Abe Flekier (z”l)
for my father’s family’s home, there was a Jewish cemetery that we could visit.
Although the headstones had been removed by the Nazis, the cemetery remained intact and well maintained. As this was the only Jewish cemetery in town, I am certain that relatives of mine were buried there. Seeing the town that my father was from and often spoke of was a very moving and emotional experience, one that I will not forget.
Allan Golad — son of survivor Sonia Golad (z”l)
asking for second-generation and third-generation descendants to share their survivor’s story with middle and high school students in the LA area. The synchronicity of being in Poland and being asked to do the important work my mother did by giving her testimony to students was not lost on Emma and me. We have completed our speaker training with HMLA, and we look forward to educating students about the Holocaust so that humanity may never forget.
Thank you, Sonia — Message received!
Joyce Hess — daughter of survivor Sonia Golad
My journey to my mother’s hometown was a lifetime in the making. She had no desire to return to Vilna, Poland. She told us that she lived in an apartment building that had a courtyard. That’s really all we knew about her home.
My father, Abe Flekier, was from Białobrzegi, a small town in Poland, south of Warsaw and north of Krakow. As the trip plans began to solidify, Jessica [Rockhold, MCHE executive director] indicated that it would be possible for us to drive through the town. While I did not have an address
There were so many poignant, deeply moving and heartwarming emotions I experienced during our journey across Germany, Poland and Lithuania. I felt a profound sense of spiritual connection to my mother, Sonia Golad. My connection was most deeply felt on the bus ride from Krakow to Warsaw.
My daughter Emma asked me if I saw the email she had just received from the Holocaust Museum Los Angeles (HMLA). As members of HMLA, we receive semi-monthly emails of events at HMLA, but this email was not the typical one. It was a special email
In 1993, she received official Nazi documents from the Stutthoff concentration camp. One of those documents was her brother’s intake papers into Stutthoff. That document included the family address — Zawalnastr 57/50. When MCHE announced the Holocaust trip that included Vilnius, Lithuania, I signed up so that I could try to find my mother’s home and visit her hometown. The twist to the address is that when Russia took over Vilna during World War II, they changed the names of the streets to Russian names. With the help of my daughter Alex’s research and MCHE, we were able to find the current name of that street — Pylimo.
When our tour arrived in Vilnius,
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Abe Flekier
Sonia Golad
Emma, Bennett and Allan Golan and Joyce Hess in front of Sonia Golad’s former residence in Vilnius, Lithuania.
