Yom HaShoah Service & Film: Joe’s Violin

Sunday, April 23 at 7:00 P.M.

Free and Open to the Public

Everyone is invited to mark Yom HaShoah, Holocaust and Heroism Remembrance Day, at Falmouth Jewish Congregation. Each year we open our memorial service and program to the public so that, together, we may remember those who died in the Shoah. Using the dedicated service included in our prayerbook, we remember with words, song, and poetry those who died, those who suffered, and those who showed heroism through resistance and rescue. Like many Jewish communities around the world, we will light six candles representing the six million Jews murdered.

Following the service, there will be a screening of the Academy Award-nominated short feature film, Joe’s Violin. This 24-minute film by Kahane Cooperman, an audience award winner at numerous film festivals, is the story of how a violin forged a tie between a Holocaust survivor and a girl from the Bronx.  During a musical instrument drive for New York public schools, 91-year old Joseph Feingold offers his beloved violin, which he has played for over 70 years since he  acquired it while living in a DP camp. Joe’s donation changes the life of Brianna Perez, a 12 year-old girl who attends the Bronx Global Learning Institute for Girls. When Brianna is inspired to become friends with her benefactor, both their lives are changes. Joe’s Violin poignantly illuminates how the power of music brings light in the darkest times.