'Lest we forget' is an oft used phrase among Jews as most of our holy-days are about remembering challenging times. There's an old joke: how do you define a Jewish Holiday? - They tried to kill us, we won, let's eat. But there is one subject we don't joke about...
History and yet a part of my life. Peers without grandparents, uncles, aunts, or cousins. Friends' parents sobbing behind closed doors. Children who are replacements for beloved families lost. Roles they can never live up to. I know them.
Born only 17 years after, I've spent my whole life trying to squash those 17 years smaller. Watching every film archive, reading every book, trying to get closer. Why? Because I was bequeathed the collective memory to carry and safeguard lest we forget. I remember something I never experienced. We all do. Like stories of your babyhood you remember only from the repeated telling.
(100 words not including the prompt)
Goodness what an amazing piece of writing. This tells me so much about the Jewish faith. It paints such a clear picture but doesn't mention the war. Brilliant writing. Thank you so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThank you Julia - you know I value your feedback. And thank you for the tweet.
ReplyDeleteThis is a really moving piece. As Julia said, it gives a real insight into the Jewish faith. I feel quite humble after reading it. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sally-Jayne, I feel quite humble after writing it (not being funny).
ReplyDeletewhat an amazingly powerful piece of reflective writing; it demonstrates empathy, sympathy, and grace. thank you for sharing this. much lovexxx
ReplyDeleteA wonderful poignant piece of writing that really resonates with me so soon after experiencing the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam. Thank you for sharing such a personal yet collective grief. V xx
ReplyDeleteThank you EverHopeful and vegemitemix.
ReplyDeleteI think I might not reply to every comment on this one as I haven't really anything further to say or expalin. So thank you in advance for any more comments that come in - I appreciate all of them.
Agree with all the previous comments. Powerful, moving and personal. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteA piece from the heart. And the depth speaks volumes. And, I suspect, quite difficult to write. A++
ReplyDeleteI wrote my piece yesterday, before the Linky was set up, and only got it linked up now. When you read my piece you will see something amazing (and I am not talking about the writing). You will see that the phrase "lest we forget" took me immediately (if unconsciously) back into synagogue, back into the words we repeat so often, back into the shared memories that connect us across the miles. I didn't realize why I wrote what I wrote until I read your words, and they rang in my mind with the profound memories of my life as a Jew. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you Ventahl - I was only a C+ at school so anything with an A at the beginning makes me very happy.
ReplyDeleteThanks Anna - I had so much more to write but...100 words :/
Lisa - that collective memory is a very powerful thing.
That is exactly where it tries to take the mind. And you use the words so well! A lesson waiting to be told.
ReplyDeleteSuperb, to tell the tale of the Holocaust without mentioning it. I teach about Judaism, and the collective memory is something I admire greatly. Thank you for this piece.
ReplyDeleteThis prompt is going to be a very emotive one - yours is a powerful piece. I wish I could have written more too.
ReplyDeleteThis is incredible and has directly influenced my own. Thank you. I cannot add anything to what others have said except to add my unbounded admiration.
ReplyDeleteWonderful piece of writing, and yes, it is history that should be remembered and of which we should be reminded as often as possible. laurie @ http://dealingwithmyinnercritic.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteThank you, I am overwhelmed by your king comments, Rachel
ReplyDeleteThis really made me think. It is true - we do recount tales that we didn't experience simply because others have told us repeatedly. I love writing that makes me think. Very well done.
ReplyDeleteLynda
Powerful piece of writing. I love what you wrote here and how you wrote it...
ReplyDeletexx Jazzy
Brilliant Rachel, really well written. Mich x
ReplyDeleteThank you Lynda and Jazzy and Mich. Your comments are very much appreciated :)
ReplyDeleteBrilliant writing, brilliant concepts, Robin
ReplyDeleteI feel I can see the families and see the effort from your words. Great writing xx
ReplyDeleteThank you Robin and Blue Sky - it's from the heart and all true.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing such a personal piece of writing...truly beautiful x
ReplyDeleteThank you The Syders.
ReplyDeleteI'm very moved by this. It's beautifully written.
ReplyDeleteSuch a powerful piece of writing and so well done in such few words.
ReplyDeleteYour piece says so much. We must never forget. I wanted to understand all I could too, watched documentary programmes etc. Then I visited Auschwitz. I needed no further information, no books . .
ReplyDeleteLove this, so beautiful. Especially "I remember something I never experienced". Powerful piece. Polly x
ReplyDeleteThank you everyone - it has been a powerful part of my life even from childhood.
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful writing and so powerful. Really enjoyed this x
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