Beth Rivkah’s new Holocaust Memorial unveiled
Melbourne’s Beth Rivkah students, parents, teachers and members of the community came together for the unveiling of a striking new Holocaust Memorial mural.
Rivkale Morozow, Kayla Wonder, Noya Steinberg, Mimi Naparstek, Rimon Aharon, Brocha Lesches and Kayla Feldman
This replaces a memorial mosaic that was initiated by a former teacher and parent Mrs Helen Gelber at Beth Rivkah approximately ten years ago, but through time had become damaged and needed to be re-created.
The new mosaic, overseen by Merryl from Merryl’s Mosaics and created by Beth Rivkah students in Years 3 – 6, was created to adorn the wall adjacent to the Beth Rivkah Primary playground. It depicts an image of a tree with leaves – some leaves have been inscribed with the name and age of a child who perished during the Holocaust.
The mosaic is infused with imagery with the initial dark colours of the tree that symbolise Winter and despair brightening to symbolise Spring and hope. This has been an incredibly meaningful project for students to participate in and students were involved in all aspects of the project, from the creation of the mural to the unveiling ceremony.
The unveiling of the new wall consisted of a beautiful ceremony, including a moving rendition of Shalom Aleichem by the Beth Rivkah Primary Ensemble, Tehillim recited by students, unveiling of a plaque dedicating the mural and lighting of candles in memory of the victims of the Holocaust by honoured guest and Holocaust survivor, Mrs Schon.
Mrs Schon, who has been a supporter of Yeshivah – Beth Rivkah from its inception, spoke briefly and movingly of her own personal experiences as a survivor.
Mrs Ella Blesofsky, Head of Beth Rivkah Primary, reminded the students that “their study of Torah and performance of mitzvot is the most genuine and lasting memorial for those who perished. Our students living as proud Jews eternally perpetuates the memory of those who were lost.”
