On pages 198–200 of the Humans of Judaism book, Mitchell Weitzman shares the story of attending synagogue with his father on the day the Yom Kippur War broke out. This week, he and his mother visited the story on display at the Weitzman Museum (surprisingly, no relation). Today would have been his father Herman’s 100th birthday.
Below is a tribute Mitchell shared in honor of his father on this milestone date:
A WEITZMAN VISITS THE WEITZMAN (National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia) TO VIEW THE ‘HUMANS OF JUDAISM’ EXHIBIT
So pleased to attend the ‘Humans of Judaism’ exhibit at the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, inspired by Nikki Schreiber’s book. Schreiber honored her father’s legacy in developing a vibrant social media community and book that celebrates Jewish resilience, tradition, and shared humanity. I was honored that an essay about my father, Herman Weitzman, that touches on those themes, was included in her book and the exhibit.
MY FATHER WOULD HAVE BEEN 100 YEARS OLD TODAY. He is comforted, I am certain, knowing that the legacy and values he fought so hard to preserve amidst the darkness of the Shoah are alive and well in the Humans of Judaism book, exhibit, and in the Museum.
The Humans of Judaism exhibit runs through February 2, 2025. And if you haven’t been, the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, set in Philadelphia’s Independence Mall, is an experience not to be missed.
The Weitzman Museum exhibit is open through Febraury 1st. Click here for more information.
