Full Breakdown
Remembering the Holocaust: The "Remember a Child" Initiative at Temple Beth El
4/18/2026, 12:29:52 PM
Overview of the Initiative
At Temple Beth El in West Palm Beach, Florida, a unique tradition unfolds during Shabbat morning services. Rabbi Alan Bell leads a program called "Remember a Child," where congregants recite the mourner’s kaddish for children up to the age of 17 who were murdered in the Holocaust, often without any living relatives to honor their memory. This initiative aims to ensure that the names and stories of these children are not forgotten.
Historical Context
The Holocaust resulted in the deaths of approximately 1.5 million Jewish children, many of whom perished alongside their families. This tragic loss left a significant number of children without anyone to recite the traditional mourner’s kaddish, a prayer for the deceased. The "Remember a Child" program addresses this gap, allowing congregants to adopt a child and recite kaddish on their behalf.
Community Engagement
Participation in the initiative has been substantial, with at least a third of the 150-family congregation involved. Many congregants choose to recite kaddish not only on the anniversary of the child's burial but also during Yizkor, a special memorial prayer recited four times a year. Some individuals, like Susan Bell, have adopted children whose names resonate with their own family histories, enhancing the personal connection to the program.
Emotional Impact
The emotional weight of the initiative is profound. Cheryl Finkelstein, who has led the project for many years, noted that participants often form deep connections with the children they adopt. This connection is illustrated by a participant who embraced a photo of her adopted child, demonstrating the personal investment many feel in this remembrance.
Broader Implications
The "Remember a Child" initiative not only serves as a means of honoring the memory of Holocaust victims but also fosters a communal spirit of remembrance. Menachem Rosensaft, general counsel emeritus to the World Jewish Congress, advocates for such commemorative practices, emphasizing the importance of integrating Holocaust memory into Jewish life to prevent it from becoming merely a statistic.
Official Statements & Responses
Rabbi Alan Bell has expressed the significance of the program, stating, “It’s important to remember those who have no one to remember them.” This sentiment is echoed by community members who feel a moral obligation to honor the memory of children lost in the Holocaust.
Conclusion
As Holocaust memory faces challenges in contemporary discourse, initiatives like "Remember a Child" at Temple Beth El play a crucial role in preserving the legacy of those who perished. By fostering personal connections and communal remembrance, the program ensures that the stories of these children remain a vital part of Jewish consciousness and history.
