JUNE 28: Temple Beth Emeth, Ann Arbor, Michigan

An Evening of Prayer for Refugees and the Displaced and a Book Exchange, Too

Rabbi Josh Whinston is the reason I initially set my sights on coming to Ann Arbor while on tour. He is one of my Crossing the Line story collaborators. You’ll hear his voice in Chapter 22: Ninety Days in the Desert and Chapter 27: No Place for Kids.

When he invited me to speak at Temple Beth Emeth’s June for Justice Refugee Shabbat, I jumped at the chance. Rabbi Josh didn’t want me to read his contributions to the narrative, however. He wanted me to bring his congregation up to date. So I read from the book’s Epilogue, instead.

In a follow-up email, introducing me to Rabbi Sarah Bassin of HIAS, Rabbi Josh states:

“Sarah’s book is an important addition to the immigration conversation in the United States. I know we all bemoan the increased focus on migration as a problematic issue and the dehumanization that comes along with the over-politicization of migration in the United States and throughout the world. I hope this introduction can help facilitate a wider conversation in the “faith-based” community and beyond.”

He promised, too, to encourage the Beth Emeth community to review the book in the online stores!

My gratitude extends from Rabbi Josh to include Cantor Regina Hayut — thank you for your beautiful voice, Regina! — and Witness at the Border’s own Mali Resnick, also of the Beth Emeth family, who brought me into contact with the historical legend and literary hero, Irene Hasenberg Butter.

Irene and I exchanged signed books. Hers, From Holocaust to Hope, Shores Beyond Shores: A Bergen-Belsen Survivor’s True Story is an absolute must-read.