“Our Own Shtetl” Event Joyfully Reminds Holocaust Survivors of Life in the Old Country
  • Holocaust Center
  • Seniors
  • Volunteers

We recently welcomed Holocaust survivors from JFCS’ Cafe by the Bay program to an event called “Our Own Shetl,” designed to immerse them in the world of the once-thriving Jewish communities of Eastern Europe known as shtetls. Through lovingly crafted visuals, live music, and traditional food, we recreated the rich cultural atmosphere of these historic villages. The result was an engaging, interactive experience that brought history to life for those who lived it.

A team of dedicated volunteers worked tirelessly in a private art studio to construct our very own shtetl. They repurposed large cardboard boxes into building blocks for the homemade village. Their efforts ensured guests felt as though they had stepped back in time.

Three photos in a collage depicting volunteers crafting shtetl props out of cardboard and paint.

Clockwise from top left: Mali Lev Ram, Yeela Alterman, Taryn Hadas, and Taly Nahari Shemy assemble and paint props for the event in Taly’s private art studio

Volunteers spent hours crafting the beautiful miniature shtetl—complete with a shul (synagogue), hospital, butcher shop, and traditional homes. They even created special shtetl-themed centerpieces for each table.

A collage of four photos shows finished, handcrafted shtetl props. It is a meticulously crafted and painted traditional village.

Lovingly crafted miniature buildings bring the shtetl to life with intricate detail

As guests arrived, they received traditional caps and scarves once worn in the shtetl. Their faces lit up with smiles, and we couldn’t help but share in their joy.

A collage of three photos depicts people smiling and wearing traditional hats and colorful scarves.

Clockwise from top left: Idit Yuli, Tzippi Zach, Mali Lev Ram, Miri Rubin, Taryn Hadas, Henriette Cons Ponte, and Naama Lugasi (Director of JFCS’ Israeli Department and the Cafe by the Bay Program on the Peninsula) smile together in their traditional scarves. Henriette and Naama join 100-year-old Auschwitz survivor Luba Grungras for a photo. Gabi Choenhaus and Ivan Streger wear traditional shtetl caps.

Chef Aliza Grayevsky delighted guests with a delicious buffet of authentic Ashkenazi cuisine from her catering company, Bishulim SF, including tchulent—a slow-cooked stew of meat, eggs, barley, and vegetables that has been enjoyed as a nourishing Sabbath meal by Jews for centuries.

A collage of two photos depicts food being served. On the left, the various ingredients for tchulent. On the right are brightly colored veggies and a red cabbage slaw.

Delicious, traditional tcholent and cabbage salad as prepared by Chef Aliza Grayevsky’s catering company, Bishulim SF.

Laughter and joy filled the venue as a live band played traditional klezmer Jewish folk music and Hebrew songs for the attendees, who got on their feet and began dancing like no time had passed at all.

Clockwise from top left: Otilia Dorian smiles with Naama Lugasi (Director of JFCS’ Israeli Department and the Cafe by the Bay Program on the Peninsula). Klezmer musicians Itzik Lerner and Sigal Vardi pose together. Attendees gather for a group photo

The event was a remarkable blend of history, culture, and community. From the carefully crafted miniature shtetl to the lively klezmer music and Ashkenazi food, every detail helped bring the past to life—allowing Holocaust survivors to joyfully reconnect with a deeply personal history. Through immersive storytelling, music, and tradition, we not only honored the past but celebrated the resilience and spirit of those who carry its memory forward.

 

Cafe by the Bay offers Holocaust survivors social gatherings to get together and gain strength and support from one another. Activities include musical performances, cultural and educational activities, lectures, and more.

Gatherings typically take place in San Francisco and the Peninsula. We welcome Survivors in any region to join.

Cafe by the Bay welcomes volunteers for serving refreshments, greeting and connecting with guests, and clean up. Find out more about this volunteer opportunity.

 
Posted by Admin on March 12, 2025