By Judith Berinstein

The translation of eicha is “How?!”, an expression of profound anguish and perplexity. Eicha in Hebrew is written איכה. In the Book of Genesis we read that after having eaten of the tree of good and evil, the only forbidden tree, Adam and Eve feel guilty and therefore hide from God. God looks for them while asking “ayeka?”, “Where are you?” But why does God ask? Isn’t God omniscient? Doesn’t God know where they are? Ayeka, in Hebrew, is written with the same letters as eicha: איכה. It might be a good idea to reflect on the relation between ayeka and eicha. Perhaps eicha stems from our being unable to find an answer to “Where are you?”

By Sam Heller
“If I die tomorrow or in a year, it is the same – it is the message you leave behind you counts.”
Rita Levi-Montalcini

An inspiring program to discuss this is the personal story of overcoming political and social conventions as well as a story of passion for science and humanity.
See also:
Dona Gracia Nasi.
Glückel of Hameln.
Hannah Senesh

By Sam Heller
Glückel’s life is a fascinating journey in which a master storyteller relates the adventures of a woman surviving the hardships of life in the 17th and 18th centuries. The first translation of the memoirs into German was made by Bertha Pappenheim in 1910 and published privately.
This project proposes a historical journey through the life of Glückel de Hameln and reflection inspiring activities for teens and adults.
See also:
Dona Gracia Nasi.
Hannah Senesh.

They do exist: the little miracles that originate in the meeting of committed, dedicated individuals, creative artists, and an idea that inspires enthusiasm. One such little miracle was the exhibition “Scripture as Art: Calligraphy in the Three Faiths of Abraham,“ which was on view from October 15 through December 31 of last year at the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco (JCCSF).

A contribution by Sandra Anusiewicz-Baer for JCCenters.org