Holocaust Memorial Center To Host Citywide Annual Yom HaShoah Commemoration Day, Apr. 27

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. - April 18, 2014 - PRLog -- The Holocaust Memorial Center Zekelman Family Campus (www.holocaustcenter.org) announced that it is hosting its citywide annual Yom HaShoah Commemoration Day on Sunday, April 27.  The Holocaust Memorial Center is located at 28123 Orchard Lake Road in Farmington Hills.

Events will begin at noon with the project “Unto Every Person There Is A Name.”  Volunteers from both the Great Lakes Region B’nai B’irth and the Holocaust Memorial Center will share the reading aloud of the names of some of those whose lives were taken in the Holocaust.

Also taking place at noon, attendees can learn about the Holocaust Memorial Center’s newest acquisition, “The Last Kaddish,” from the local artists Tony Roko and Bowen Kline, who completed this poignant and haunting painting that evokes one of the countless horrors of the Holocaust.  The painting is a gift from Lori and Steven Weisberg.

The formal Yom HaShoah program starts at 1 p.m. with the Posting of the Colors by members of the Jewish War Veterans, Department of Michigan.   Holocaust Memorial Center Chairman Stephen Grant and Board Member Bubba Urdan will each lead an original Kaddish as a responsive reading.  Holocaust survivor and Shaarit Haplaytah member Michael Weiss of Oak Park, and University of Michigan Professor Henry Greenspan will lead the traditional candle lighting.

Holocaust Memorial Center Executive Director Stephen M. Goldman will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the afternoon.  The event will include a special presentation by Rabbi Aaron Starr of Congregation Shaarey Zedek.

Other features from the Yom HaShoah program include:

·      Cantor Leonard Gutman of Congregation Shaarey Zedek will lead guests in the singing of the national anthem and Hatikvah.  Gutman also will chant the El Malei Rachamim before being joined by pianist Martin Mandelbaum for several other musical selections, including “The Partisan Song,” L’Dor Vador” and “Ani Ma’amin.”

·      Dr. Rene Lichtman will offer greetings on behalf of the Hidden Children and Child Survivors Association of Michigan. Dr. Charles Silow will offer remarks on behalf of CHAIM –Children of Holocaust-survivors Association of Michigan.

·      Continuing a tradition begun more than a decade ago, Shari Ferber Kaufman will share her thoughts and her reflections on this Yom Hashoah.

All who wish to kindle personal Yahrtzeit candles are invited to do so in the museum at the Eternal Flame directly across the hall from the auditorium following the formal program.

Complimentary valet parking will be available beginning at 12:15 p.m. and admission will be waived for that day.  Donations are always appreciated.

This year’s event is presented in cooperation with the Shaarit Haplaytah Organization, C.H.A.I.M. (Children of Holocaust Survivors Association in Michigan) and Hidden Children and Child Survivors Association of Michigan, and Great Lakes Region B’nai B’irth.  Additional generous support was received from the Marsha and Harry Eisenberg Family; Robin and Leo Eisenberg Family; Gabriella and Alex Karp and Family; Shari (Ferber) and Alon Kaufman; Lisa and Gary Shiffman; Judy and George Vine; Lori and Steven Weisberg; and Lori and Alan Zekelman.

For more information, contact Selma Silverman at 248-553-2400, ext. 112.

About the Holocaust Memorial Center Zekelman Family Campus

The Holocaust Memorial Center Zekelman Family Campus opened in 1984.  Local Holocaust survivors, with community support, founded the museum to teach about the senseless murder of millions, and why everyone must respect and stand up for the rights of others if the world is to prevent future discrimination, hate crime and genocide. As Michigan’s only Holocaust museum, the Holocaust Memorial Center annually touches the lives of more than 85,000 individuals, who leave the museum profoundly affected with a newly acquired sense of history, social responsibility and morality. The Holocaust Memorial Center’s exhibits create a call to action, teaching visitors through the examples of those who risked their lives to save others, and asking its guests to react to contemporary challenges such as racism, intolerance, bullying and prejudice.

The facility is wheelchair accessible and free parking is available at both the North and South entrances.

For more information on the Holocaust Memorial Center, visit www.holocaustcenter.org, or call 248-553-2400.