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Faith Strengthened

   To the hell of Theresienstadt transported
     all hope for freedom aborted

   Rabbi Shmuel Goldin understood what awaited
     a life of forced labor now fated

   Led into his barracks, which Jews shared with rats
     Reb Shmuel sat on his bed, removing his hat

   When what caught his eye, but a makeshift sign
     which strengthened his faith in his people divine

   For on a hidden door as he sat on his bed
     these words Shmuel read and reread:

   'This is none other than the House of G-d
     and this, the Gateway to Heaven.' (Genesis 28:17)

   "Surely," he cried, "no Jew may despair
     as long as he breathes G-d's holy air.  



   ________________________________________
   Based on a story heard from Rabbi Dr. Jonathan 
   Schwartz, the Rabbi of Congregation Adath Yisroel, 
   Elizabeth, NJ, youtube.com, 'Unity' - Not Agree-
   ment, Parshas Vayetze, Nov. 23, 2023.

Copyright © Gershon Wolf

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