Lilly Friedman’s wedding was over 60 years ago. She dreamed of being married in a white gown. Ludwig, her 21 year old groom, wondered how was he going to find a dress in the Bergen Belsen Displaced Person’s camp.
As fate would have it, a former German pilot walked into the food distribution center where Ludwig worked hoping to make a trade for his worthless parachute. In exchange for two pounds of coffee beans and cigarettes Lilly would have her dream wedding gown.
For two weeks a seamstress carefully sewed the 6 parachute panels into a simple, long sleeved gown with a rolled collar and a fitted waist that tied in the back with a bow. When the dress was finished the leftover material was used for the grooms matching shirt.
Fast forward, today at 94, Lilly has beaded this Tefillin bag for her 2 year old great grandson to use at his Bar Mitzvah when he turns 13.
