Writing a book about my life has really never occurred to me. However, as a nonagenarian, I felt that those very close to me should have an idea of the life that I have led. It was Merle Saferstein who strongly encouraged me to write something that would not only endear me to my family, but that would provide some insight into my life. As the author of four books, Merle is certainly knowledgeable in that subject matter and her words struck a chord within me.
After her retirement as director of educational outreach at the Holocaust Documentation Center in Hollywood, Florida, she wrote about the joys of life in “Living and Leaving My Legacy,” Volumes one and two. Merle also shares some of the horrifying stories, hopes and beliefs of Holocaust survivors that give meaning to our lives in the section entitled “Those who were there” in Volume two. I was truly filled with anxiety, despair and a strange sense of hope when I read its pages.
Elie Wiesel summed it up perfectly when he wrote, “Only those who were there will ever know. Some want to think they can learn everything that happened, but that is not possible.”
Merle’s fourth and latest book, “Wisdom of the Century” was published in 2024. In it, she interviews ninety people, each one over the age of 90, discusses life’s lessons and suggests how people’s lives can become more meaningful and substantially better. I am honored to be one of those nonagenarians in the book. Frank Kromsky and Irene Baros, both dear friends of Joanne and me, are also in the book.
It has been such a pleasure to have the warm and delightful relationship Joanne and I have had with Merle and Daryl, her loving husband, who passed away in 2025. May his memory be for a blessing.
Another couple who strongly encouraged me in the writing of this book was Esther and Mordechai Fintz. Mordechai felt that I would find greater fulfillment in my life if I were to write my story. As the authors of seven books, Esther and Mordechai struck another chord within me. And you know what? They were right!
Esther and Mordechai firmly believe that there is purpose to our lives and that we should live it meaningfully. Throughout their writings, they emphasize that the qualities of faith and love can not only move mountains but can also fill our lives and our future with hope and inspiration. On every page, one can feel the abiding faith and optimism of Esther and Mordechai. Everything, they conclude, depends on the choices we make in the vicissitudes of life. Thank you for giving me the extra push I needed.
To my daughter Heather and her very gifted husband, Chris, I offer my thanks and praise for their assistance above and beyond in making this book a reality. If Chris didn’t know the answer to a question, he would investigate it at great length and, in the process, become an authority on the subject matter. Both of them, with their very crowded schedules, were of invaluable help to me with their suggestions, ideas and solutions.
And to my dear and beloved wife, Joanne, my heartfelt thanks for being with me and truly involved every day, in every way, in your encouragement and vital support.
