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A Survivor's Story
I hope you know Walter Gewing. Together with his wife, Anna z”l, Walter has been a member of Congregation Beth Emek for many years. More than just a member, he has been an active participant in many of our programs, including worship and Torah Study.
But you may not really know Walter. I know him as a devoted husband, father and grandfather, beloved by his family.
The story of Walter’s life, however, is one that he does not speak of often: Born in Austria, fleeing from the Nazis with his family, spending time in Shanghai during the war, and ultimately arriving in San Francisco, where he met Anna.
It is a story of perseverance that most of us would find difficult to fathom.
Walter’s optimism and humor are all the more astounding, considering what he has gone through.
This year, we will observe Yom Hashoah here at Congregation Beth Emek, and Walter will be our guest speaker. The service is on Sunday, May 5 at 7:00 pm. It follows immediately after religious school, because we believe that his is a lesson for all of us, adults and students alike.
Our Yom Hashoah observance includes prayers, songs, and the lighting of memorial candles for the six million who perished in the Shoah. All are welcome, members and non-members alike.
I hope you will join us in person to hear Walter Gewing tell his survivor’s story.
Rabbi Larry Milder
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