Theresienstadt

We went today to visit a town by the name of Terezin (Theresienstadt), located in the Czech Republic. It was a very powerful visit, as this was a former ghetto/concentration camp used by the Nazis (may their names be blotted out) to fool the world into thinking that they were treating the Jews well. Thank G‑d we brought our tefillin with us!

When we first arrived, we headed to the ''small fortress,'' which was used to house prisoners as well as where those deemed enemies were tortured and executed. We saw people from all over the world there, coming to see the monstrosities that had taken place. We were able to speak to many of them about how to keep peace and love in this world. Many of the non-Jews who we saw there were extremely interested in the 7 Noahide laws.

We headed over to the old Jewish ghetto, to see the synagogue and crematorium. As we were heading into the main complex at the cemetery we saw a few men walking out. One of them had a guitar in hand and was singing Hebrew songs. As I said, "Shalom Aleichem," he began to speak to me in Hebrew. After a quick minute of conversation I asked the man with the guitar if he'd like to put on tefillin, affirming a live and positive Judaism in the face of tragedy and death." He responded by telling me that he would love to, but that they were late to catch a bus...

As I wished them success in all of their journeys, I let out a sigh, as I saw the place where they used to burn the bodies of murdered Jews. We looked around and felt a strong emotional wave crashing over our heads. After a half-hour we realized that we needed to head back to the main square to catch the last bus back to Prague. As we reached to center complex, I saw a familiar face sitting on a road-railing. I breezed up to my Israeli friend with a smile, as he began rolling up his sleeve...

The cynical words posted above the entrance to the concentration camp read, "Work makes free."