Judgment on Genocide

SEO Marketers with a Strong Sales Background

Frank Stevens — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 06:24:56 +0000

When you’re thinking about starting or “remodeling” your commercial website, plan to set aside some of the budget for Search Engine Optimization efforts once it’s complete. While a well-functioning and professional web site can help you close more sales, that won’t do you any good if no one is visiting your web site in the first place.

The goal of any commercial web site is to generate revenue. That means finding potential customers and selling them on the products or services that you have to offer. Both parts of the equation are essential for success. Just as you need traffic to come and see your new web site design, you also need a high quality web site to impress the traffic that you acquire through Search Engine Optimization.

Good SEO Marketers understand both sides of that coin. The very best will have a strong sales background in addition to their technical SEO expertise and will put that sales acumen to use to help guide the development of your web site in such a manner that it is not only search engine friendly, but also customer friendly. Experienced SEO marketers, after all, have seen a lot of web sites of varying levels of quality. They can tell you what they have seen work and offer you some best practices to implement in your web design.

Additionally, of course, they will help deliver targeted traffic to your web site by helping you achieve higher search engine results page ranking for the search terms used most often by your potential customers. That’s what SEO is all about. The goal of any search engine is to provide the most useful web sites to their users for any search term they enter into the query field. By making sure that your web site not only offers useful information, but presents it in a way that search engine algorithms can easily locate and interpret, you are optimizing your web site for high search engine results page ranking.

Higher search engine results ranking results in more potential customers choosing to click through to your web site, where you have the opportunity to convert those potential customers into actual, paying customers. Having an SEO marketer who can also guide your web site development efforts allows you to allocate more of your budget on customer acquisition efforts such as an SEO marketing campaign, and less on web site development without sacrificing the quality that is so important for closing the sale.

Restoring Acoustic Integrity

Frank Stevens — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 07:01:00 +0000

The thing about buying a new stereo system is that first listening session. You break out your favorite music, sit back power up the audio equipment and prepare for a sonic treat. It was probably the quality of the sound that you heard in the retail showroom that convinced you to buy this system in the first place, and now you want that same experience, but with your own music, in your own home. Unfortunately, once you fire it up, it probably won’t sound the same. The reason is that the audition at the store was conducted in a special listening room. The room has been designed and outfitted with room acoustic treatments so that it doesn’t interfere with the quality of the audio system. Your listening room at room most likely doesn’t have those same advantages.

Room acoustics are the result of the room’s interaction with the sound waves from any sound source inside it. The walls, ceiling and everything in the room has some effect on the sound waves. Bass tones get unnaturally amplified by corner loading and cancelled out by standing waves. Vocal frequencies get muddled by the presence of overlapping echoes from the solid surfaces in the room such as the walls. Higher frequencies can be boosted by in level by similar reflections giving the music too much treble.

One need not give up on ever having top quality music at home, however. Room acoustic treatments can be applied to almost any room to help remove the room acoustics from the audio equation. The goal is to let the stereo system reproduce the music exactly as it was recorded and to leave the soundwaves as unaltered as possible between the loudspeakers and your ears. Acoustically absorptive wall panels can knock down the echoes and reflections that can ruin the clarity and tonal balance of your music.

Wall panels can be added to any wall surface. They can even be covered in fabric to match or enhance the room’s visual aesthetics. Bass traps are specially designed acoustic treatments made to reduce or eliminate corner loading and restore the correct level of bass in the room. They can also help reduce standing waves that cause alternating areas of too much bass and too little bass as the sound waves fold back in upon themselves either cancelling the bass or boosting it in different parts of the room.

With the proper room acoustic treatments it is possible to experience at home the same high quality sound reproduction that you heard in the store listening room when you decided to buy your new stereo system. The same kinds of room acoustic treatments will also work for home theater applications which tend to be more bass-heavy than most music.

Electric Cigarettes – Could They Be Right For You?

Mike S — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 17:42:16 +0000

Electric cigarettes are a great new and innovative product for smokers all over the world. There are many different advantages to switching to this great product if you are a smoker. When you consider this product for yourself, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. There are several different manufacturers of these new e-cigarettes. Take the time to do some research and find out if this product is right for you. However, if you are not currently a smoker, there is no need to start now. If you are a smoker, this is a great alternative. Here, I will help you to realize just a few of those reasons why you should make the switch.

When it comes to the advantages that you, the smoker, will see from smoking these new types of cigarettes, there are quite a few things that you will notice. You will get the same great look, feel and taste of a cigarette just about anywhere you like. There are more and more laws being set into place that smoking is not permitted in certain places. With this great alternative to smoking, you will find that you have no restrictions as to where you choose to get your nicotine fix. These cigarettes are actually used by inhaling propylene glycol instead of tobacco.

The smoker is not the only one that will see benefits from this new product. The best e-cigarettes not only eliminate carbon monoxide from the air, but they also do not have any pollutants. These aspects greatly impact the people around you when you smoke regular cigarettes. Using these electronic types will also eliminate the problem of second hand smoke. If more people would learn about this product, it would make the air a lot cleaner.

The great thing about getting started with this product is that they have electric cigarette starter kits available. These kits will include everything you need to get started, including cartridges, chargers, batteries and sometimes even a carrying case. Finding electric cigarette coupons is a great way to get started and actually be able to save money on your electric cigarette purchases.

The initial cost of this type of cigarette can seem to be quite expensive, but if you take a look at the long run, you will actually end up saving money. You can charge this over and over again and only have to buy the refill cartridges. This can be very convenient, especially for those people who like to smoke a lot. There are many companies out there, such as Green Smoke and several others who offer this great new innovative product. Take the time to try it out and see if it is something that you enjoy. Although, it is not a cigarette, you could certainly be fooled because it is so similar. Most companies even offer a money back guarantee that you will like the product. This gives you a great risk free way to try it out.

Thought about Renting a Villa for Your Next Vacation?

John Steed — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:14:58 +0000

Is it time for a holiday or a vacation? Do you just need to get away? There are some comfortable and cost effective ways to do this. You can rent a hotel room at places like the beach or even a Colorado loft up in the mountains. If you want more of the feeling of your own apartment, you could rent your own condo, your own privately owned apartment, or even a nice villa. You can rent beautiful villas all over the world, from United States beaches to the sandy shores of Fiji. There are even villa rentals available in historic Italy or in the heart of Spain.

At these villas, your idea of vacationing will be forever changed. You will never turn to a crowded hotel again once you taste the luxury of a villa getaway. Look online at the many travel options with villa accommodations to choose your destination. Whether you want to visit the islands and lounge on the sandy beaches or cozy up with your lover in a mountain top cabin, there is an option that you will enjoy.
When you rent a villa, you can take advantage of vacation packages or holiday rates to get a great discount. Choose a vacation spot that offers lots of attractions that interest you. When you book a villa vacation, you can find practically anything you are interested in, varying from art and music to shopping and fine dining. You can experience new cultures, learn first hand about world history, and even visit the places you have always read about in story books.

When renting a villa, you can also participate in activities at your chosen vacation spot. Some of these activities might include fishing, golf, or even parasailing. Sports attractions are often a deciding factor for people when they choose their vacation destination. Hawaii lures thousands of golfers every year, while skiers favor the beautiful mountains of Colorado. If you are interested in fashion and art, France is the perfect choice, while the romantic in you might love to stay in the heart of Italy.

No matter where you choose to travel, a villa will give you the feel of home even while you are on vacation. You can book villas through the internet, by connecting with real estate companies or private owners. You can shop around to compare rates and read reviews to learn which villas will be the best choice for your family. If you choose to visit somewhere across the world, the internet will be an important tool in planning your vacation.

When you decide that you need a break from the daily grind of life, consider taking a vacation to the exotic destination of your dreams. Don’t pay high dollar prices for crowded hotel accommodations when you can experience the privacy and luxury of a villa. Look online today to find out if villas are available at your dream destination. Don’t wait another day to pursue your dream and book a getaway at a beautiful villa.

Get a Fresh Face for the New Year

Mike S — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 23:15:03 +0000

As the New Year quickly approaches, many people are starting to think towards their resolutions for 2010. While some decide to focus on career changes or health goals, others decide that a makeover would give them the boost of self confidence they need. If you are looking for a new beginning in the New Year, maybe you should consider starting a new skin care regimen. You can reverse the signs of aging and start preventing wrinkles with the help of some great skin care products.

If you have never taken great care with your skin in the past, there is never a better time to start than now. Before you rush out to the mall and start investing hundreds of dollars in cosmetics, you need to do a little research. Find out more about neck anti-wrinkle cream by reading wrinkle cream reviews online. By learning about other people’s experiences with various products, you will guarantee that you get a great product for the money you spend. Dermajuv reviews have shown promising results for almost everyone, so that would be a great place to begin. Once you have decided on the best value wrinkle cream, go ahead and make the purchase. Start by following a daily routine of cleansing your face and applying the product according to the directions on the label. The best wrinkle creams come with step by step instructions to help you learn the habits of healthy skin care.

Once you have mastered a basic skin care routine, you will start to see the difference in your complexion. Your skin will no longer look dull or washed out. You will start to see a brand new you every time you walk by the mirror! Once you are settled into your routine, consider adding another product to get even more results. Eye wrinkle creams are a great addition to basic cleansers and moisturizers. They are easy to apply and can prevent the fine lines that form around your eyes, on the most delicate parts of your skin. Once again, take time to read reviews to see which product is best. Elite Serum eye cream reviews have always been positive, so that would be a good choice to start with. Many people find that this product is the perfect complement to their basic wrinkle cream.

If you want to move even further into the skin care world, you could explore options for treating cellulite. Those unsightly lumps and bumps that cover our thighs, hips, and buttocks as we age can actually be treated! When you do a little research and find the best cellulite cream, you will be amazed at how quickly you will see results.

By taking a few simple steps to take care of your skin, you can enter into the New Year feeling more confident than ever. As you look younger, you will feel better about yourself and gain the courage to take that next step in your career or personal life. Never underestimate the power of great skin care products. You can get a fresh face for the New Year by investing in a few simple creams and serums. Start 2010 with more confidence and a younger, healthier complexion.

Bingo – A Fun Game for All Ages

John Steed — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:49:59 +0000

The earliest recorded Bingo games started in Italy in the 16th century, but it didn’t fully catch on in many places around the world until much later. Americans have been playing Bingo since the 1930’s. It is a game that can be fun for all ages. It is a game of chance that may not take a lot of skill, but does require a little bit of attention.

There are many different variations of the original Bingo game. Because it is such an easy game to learn and can keep people interested for long periods of time, it can be great fun at parties. Players can use multiple cards to increase their chances of winning. Party games like bingo are great for large groups of people and can keep even the youngest players entertained for hours.

One of the great things about Bingo is that it can be played almost anywhere, even if you’re traveling. In fact, a travel Bingo game can keep kids entertained for car rides. It can also be used in the classroom. Some teachers have used Bingo in order to help their students learn how to identify numbers.

Bingo party sets include everything for the novice, or experienced, Bingo player to get started. Some kits come with Bingo balls and a cage, along with a master board and scorecards. For easy storage, there are kits that come with calling cards instead of the balls and cage. Either way, the concept is the same. The person that is designated as the announcer calls out the number on the ball or card, and the players make a notation on their personal scorecards. The notations can be made with Bingo chips or a special ink dauber.

Bingo can be played at birthday parties, baby showers or can even be part of a Casino Night. It is a great game for people that are unsure about playing blackjack or other betting games, but still want to join in the fun. Learning how to play Bingo is a quick process, even for the youngest of players, and often leads to a lot of laughter.

Family night is a great time to play Bingo. Although it is a competitive game, it is all about chance, not skill. This means that there is a level playing field and that the younger kids can still be triumphant over mom and dad, not to mention their older siblings. It can be a fun way to pass the time and engage the whole family.

So, the next time you’re hosting a party, traveling with the kids or just happen to be looking for something to do to pass the time that doesn’t involve television, maybe you should look into a game of Bingo. It is never a dull game and it actually can teach kids about numbers. There are many reasons that people have been playing Bingo for such a long time. Why not find out what all the hype is about and trying playing Bingo with your family tonight?

Ziggos
2142 South State Street. Suite B
Salt Lake City, UT 84115
888.494.4467

How to Use Free to Air

bob — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 15:13:37 +0000

It is hard to wrap your mind around, but there really is such a thing as free satellite TV. Although most people would definitely find this hard to believe, a wide variety of free TV is legally accessible to those who know how to get it. Free to Air, commonly referred to as FTA, is the method of receiving free, unscrambled satellite signals anywhere in the world. The channels available run the gamut, from foreign television to U.S.-based stations that make their signal available to those who want to receive it.

But since many of us are still unfamiliar with the concept of FTA and how to get it, you may need some help at the beginning of this process. The first thing you should do before even buying a FTA receiver is to determine based on your location, what satellites are available to you. This can be done by searching online. Then you can purchase your FTA receiver and satellite from an online retailer such as incrediblefta.com.

After buying your equipment, begin your task of setting up your satellite dish. You will need the signal reception information for the satellite or satellites that you are trying to hit. This includes the elevation, azimuth and skew of the dish. Most website retailers have Satellite Calculators or Dish Pointers available to find the coordinates based on your geographic location in relation to the satellite whose signal you are attempting to receive.

Use your compass to locate the proper azimuth. This will be the direction that your dish will need to face in order to receive a signal from your target satellite. Once it is found, lock the azimuth in place. Then adjust the elevation on your dish to meet the proper coordinates. Remember that the elevation is the up-and-down tilt of your dish and is controlled on most units by an adjustable piece directly behind the dish itself. Once found, lock the elevation in place. Finally, adjust the skew (if necessary) to the proper coordinates by rotating the dish accordingly. The skew helps compensate for the curvature of the Earth’s surface when receiving a satellite signal and is usually only necessary when you reside on the fringe of the reception area of the satellite you are trying to hit. Once found, lock the skew in place.

Connect your FTA receiver to your television using component cables, coaxial cables or HDMI cable. Run the coaxial cable from your dish to the “satellite in” jack on your FTA receiver. Turn on your receiver and in the menu, select antenna settings. From there, select the satellite or satellites that you are receiving. Most receivers have an auto-scan feature; choose this and your receiver will automatically populate the channels that you will be able to receive from the signal coming in. If you are interested in receiving signals from multiple satellites, look into purchasing a dish motor. They are remotely controlled and programmable to move the dish to the predetermined coordinates required to receive a signal from your chosen satellites. Never place third-party software on your FTA receiver. It is illegal to augment your receiver in any way to receive scrambled signals. There are hundreds of free channels to be enjoyed as it is anyway.

Why Use Graphic Banners?

John Steed — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:07:58 +0000

If you are marketing your company, a definite way to get attention is to use high quality customized graphic banners. Not only are these banners eye-catching, they also present information about your company in a professional manner. These banners are great for events like trade shows, and they help to bring in bigger crowds. When you are choosing a company to print out your customized graphic banner, there are some things that you should keep in mind.

When printing large images, it is important to use the right kind of printer. If high resolution images are printed on an inferior quality printer, the results will be unacceptable. High resolution digital, large format printers are one of the best ways to print large, high-quality images for marketing and advertising purposes. The kind of ink used in the printing process is another important consideration, since you want your banners to be able to stand up to bad weather conditions, as well as be durable enough to last for many years. The ink used should also be resistant to bleeding, since bleeding results in a very unprofessional appearance.

The availability of software to help convert image files into any format has paved the way for very complicated custom images to be printed with ease. Many companies will accept custom logos and designs and print them on large graphic banners that can be used for advertising your company in many different locations. It is important to check with the printing company to find out the format they want the logos or designs in to make sure that the printing process goes as quickly and as smoothly as possible. In general, the higher resolution the original image, the higher the quality of the finished large scale image product.

What kind of information should you include on a graphic banner for your company? Along with your company’s logo, it is usually a good idea to have a catchy slogan of some variety. If you are a small business, you may not have much of a budget to devote to advertising and marketing, but something memorable is a must. So at the least, some time should be spent coming up with a catch phrase to help people remember your business and what it offers.

Many companies that print promotional banners and similar items have consultants that may be able to offer some excellent suggestions to help you reach a wider market with your advertising. Setting up a consultation is an excellent way to brainstorm ideas. You may have some ideas about how best to market your company and the consultant will likely be able to suggest products that will help you toward your goal.

Graphic banners are definitely an excellent way to advertise. It is very important to choose a company with experience in designing and printing these banners in order for them to be as effective as possible. Well-placed professional marketing through banners and other forms of advertising can definitely help to bring in new business for your company.

Numart Display
2560 Corporate Pl. #D107
Monterey Park, CA 91754
(323) 265-2602

Grooming Tips for Your Small Dog

John Steed — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:49:12 +0000

One of the biggest challenges of owning a small dog is that they tend to be a little hyper at times, especially when you are trying to groom them. This can pose a big problem when you need to do simple tasks, such as brushing your small dog or putting on a harness or collar.

It may seem like the first step in grooming your dog is overly simplistic, but it is vital. The first thing to do is to issue your dog the command to “sit.” If your small dog has not yet learned this command, then simply pick up your dog and hold it securely. Carefully place the dog in the middle of the nearest counter top or table. A bathroom counter top is an ideal place to begin grooming your small dog. Depending on the temperament of your dog, he will either remain relatively still while grooming or you may need to hold on to him. Whatever the case, make sure your hold is firm on your small dog so he will not wiggle out of your grasp and fall from the table or counter you are using to groom him. This would not only be traumatic, but may also cause serious harm to your small dog, depending on the height.

It is best to accomplish all aspects of grooming your small dog at one time instead of bathing and brushing one day and brushing teeth another. Having the right tools for grooming your small dog is vital as well. Websites such as swankpets.com have grooming products for your small dog, such as toothbrushes and professional grade pet toothpaste, and brushes for smaller breed dogs. While brushing your dog or putting on a harness, speak soft, soothing words of praise to reassure them that they are behaving appropriately and that what you are doing is not punishment for any bad behavior. This will stop your small dog from associating grooming with any negative actions.

When grooming time for your small dog is finished, carefully pick up the dog and place it gently on the floor. If your dog is familiar with commands like “sit” or “stay,” have him perform one of these tricks and then offer a treat as a reward for being so good and enduring the grooming process with minimal fuss. Since small dogs aren’t as hearty as the larger breeds, remember while grooming to always be gentle with your dog and offer encouraging words while holding them up off the floor. If you are yelling at your dog or complaining, the dog will associate what you are doing as punishment. Even if your dog is not yet familiar with commands like “sit” or “stay,” offer a treat or let him have a little play time with his favorite toy. This will reinforce the positivity of grooming time and as your small dog gets used to the process, he will be more likely to sit still for you for longer periods of time.

SwankPets
3525 Lebon Drive, Unit A.
San Diego, CA 92122
(858) 272-9882

The Holocaust

John Steed — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:24:44 +0000

We spell the Holocaust with a capital “H” because it represents the single most devastating example of genocide in history. It was not “a’ holocaust, but “THE” Holocaust, because millions of innocent people were exterminated for their belief in God. At the command of the German government, millions of Jews were systematically annihilated. That’s in addition to the murder of millions of additional “undesirables” (gypsies, homosexuals, political prisoners, Russian prisoners, criminals, etc.). The German government used these innocent people as scapegoats in order to distract the citizens of Europe from the military conquest that was already underway.

Consider only the plight of European Jews during the period called the “Shoah” (the Holocaust), from 1933 until the end of World War II in 1945). The vast majority of these Jews were not given a quick death. They were not hung or shot to death. They were not given an injection to speed their way into a painless death. They were exterminated, like annoying insects. They were gassed to death, because that was the most efficient way to dispose of six million men, women and children – who happened to be Jewish.

Because of the way they praised God; six million innocent people were murdered. Women, the elderly, the sick, the frail and children were often the first into the gas chambers. Men and hardy women were kept barely alive for their value as forced labor. Those able to work were employed as slaves for the benefit of the military and German industrialists. Some of those German companies exist today, albeit with different names. Some still have the same name. When there was no more work, they too were murdered.

My mother experienced brutal anti-Semitism as a child in Russia. I heard many stories about the brutal Cossacks, who persecuted Jews in the towns and villages of the Ukraine. My mother and her sisters barely survived, and then flourished in America. However, most of her remaining family perished in the Holocaust. So, genocide is close to my heart. I hold it for eternity, as a cumbersome stone attached to my soul. It is a burden of remarkable proportions. My ancestors cry out for justice. They want you to know what happened to them and their children. But, I cannot tell this story without revealing the Holocaust in every possible way. It is a terrible and beautiful story, filled with heroes and villains.

Why would anyone want to think about the Holocaust today, particularly when they could listen to their iPod or tune out the poignant world with movies, laptops and television? Yet, the death of six million innocent people MUST be told. If not, there would be nothing to prevent more genocide, and then more after that! Everyone must hear this tragedy. Otherwise, our progeny might embrace the worst of human nature.

This does not demean the importance of other Holocausts. Those innocent people who were murdered in Cambodia, Bosnia, Rwanda and Darfur were just as blameless. When will society stop fearing those who are dissimilar? When will we learn to value the differences among us, rather than fear them? When will we stop ostracizing people because of their religion, race or ethnic heritage? When will governments and individuals stop using minorities as scapegoats? After all, this is the 21st century! We’re better than that. We must be better than that.

I appreciate books that offer a frank, emotional examination of morality. Humans are not good or bad, but good and bad. We surround ourselves with romance and comedy, playing to the healthier parts of our emotional identity. Yet, repugnance, despair and obscurity exist within human nature. We learn nothing about ourselves if we do not examine the dark side of our psyche.

I explored how humans behaved during the most brutal and horrendous genocide in history. For three years, I researched the Holocaust on a daily basis. If any benefit can come from the Shoah (Holocaust), it is that we can examine and learn from the farthest extent of human depravity. We can measure its immorality, degeneracy and wickedness. Yet, humans are complex beings. There is a great deal more to our nature than the ubiquitous battleground of virtue versus malevolence. We are not one or the other, but a combination of both. We are beautiful and ugly, soothing and terrifying, brutal and caring, kind and iniquitous; we love and we despise.

Deep within the fear and panic of the Holocaust were immensely critical decisions about ethical behavior and our concept of morality. Unlike animals, humans are governed by principles, ethical beliefs and the power of veracity. We are not clouded by delusions of integrity, but governed by them. Holocaust victims and survivors provide us with the human response to terror. Innocent people, just like you and me, were reduced to distasteful objects, used for slave labor and then annihilated. The German government used propaganda to teach all of Europe that Jews were “vermin.” An entire generation of Germans was taught that Jews were dangerous and should be exterminated. Unfortunately, many Europeans were all too eager to agree with this propaganda. They happily participated in rounding up the Jewish families (Einsatzgruppen) and turning them over to the SS, who placed them in concentration camps. Almost none of the Jews survived, including women and children.

At the same time, despite their enslavement in ghettos and concentration camps, the Jews of Europe experienced the alluring beauty of passionate young love and the driving power of religious devotion. After all, they were still human beings. Being incarcerated in a concentration camp did not prevent Jewish victims from experiencing the world of normal emotions. Instead, it added a nightmarish dosage of terror, horror and fear. Our lives are complex – even within the garish trap of the Holocaust. Not all imprisoned Jews were innocent victims. Not all Germans were rabid anti-Semites, bent upon the destruction of the Jewish “race.” Life was and is far more complex.

In reality, the world is seldom seen in black and white, or even shades of gray – especially during the Holocaust. In the midst of terrible, indescribable anguish, beauty existed. Within beauty, despair existed. And, while many Jews in the abyss of the Holocaust worshiped God, some condemned God. While it might be easy to claim that God works in mysterious ways, how is one to focus such conviction when the veneer of all that is good in life has been stripped away? How does one continue to love a God who allows the murder of every innocent loved one, a deity who allows blameless people and children to be starved, beaten, tortured, denigrated, disfigured and emotionally destroyed? Could the Shoah have been the ultimate test of faith?

Holocaust survivors lost everything, but perhaps somehow gained something as well. Certainly an honest examination of the Holocaust must reveal torturous brutality and death. Most Holocaust survivors lost all of their loved ones. The facade of life’s beauty was stripped away, revealing an incomprehensible abyss of revulsion. Yet here, in the bowels of horror, the Jews of the Holocaust hit a wall and continued to run. Despite the onslaught of evil, in the face of certain death, these Jews fabricated a make-believe world for their children. Deep within the ghastly concentration camps of Nazi Germany, the Jews of Europe continued to practice their religion, to teach their children and to love one another. Here, among the gas chambers and crematoria, one can feel hope for the survival of the human spirit. Those singular individuals who maintained their Jewish identity in the Holocaust rise like a fabulous phoenix, from the ashes of annihilation.

Those poor souls trapped within the terror of the Holocaust were faced with the most perfidious forces. Deceit, brutality, cruelty, sickness, starvation and the death of loved-ones were the daily companions of victims of the Shoah. Yet, in the midst of utter despair, there was life, love, passion, desire, religious fervor and the excitement known only to children. Even in such hopeless desolation, there was love of God, infatuation, romance, passion and longing for all of the things that humans crave. Jews fabricated their ethnicity within the drumbeat of the slow, steady march to the gas chambers. They refused to allow the fabric of Jewish society be torn by relocation and the threat of demise. They created schools, orchestras, athletic events, synagogue and prayer, weddings and funerals, dances and theatre, study groups and debates; to every hellhole the Jews were sent; they took their Jewish lifestyle and values with them. Rather than give in to the Nazis, Jews trapped within ghettos and concentration camps courageously maintained their culture. Religious holidays were observed as though it was just another ordinary year. Even when it was forbidden to observe the rituals of Judaism, Holocaust victims found a way to pray and to perform the duties of a Jew. Some of the most ardent examples of constructive human nature can be found in these terrifying Holocaust moments.

Hidden from the SS, ghetto and concentration camp Jews observed all of the required covenants and rituals, including prayer services on the Sabbath and during the major holidays, marriage ceremonies, burials and circumcisions. Along the sinister, terrifying, relentless path to the gas chambers of Nazi-occupied Europe, Jews lived, loved, learned and died, behaving as though their lives would continue unabated. In their darkest moments, the Jews of the Shoah fabricated a “normal” life for their progeny. Despite their impending mortality, they created an ordinary world on the inside to protect their children from the raging genocide on the outside. Such was the nature of their love, faith and devotion. Indeed, this worship transcended parental affection. Into the gas chambers and crematoria of Nazi-controlled Europe, the Jews of the Holocaust emptied their faith and love, while they continued to worship the God of their ancestors.

The human spirit strives for autonomy and freedom. Yet, to appreciate human nature, one must descend into the depths of depravity and terror. We cannot understand humanity without comprehending its wicked flaws. Deep within the darkest recesses of brutal genocide, we discover a faint flicker of light representing love, passion, desire, hope, worship and reverence. Here is the essence of humanity – a flicker of light representing morality, faith, love and righteousness, in the midst of the dark whirlwind of malevolence. But it’s not enough that we understand the Holocaust. Our progeny must also comprehend it. Otherwise, it could happen again.

This is why we must always tell the stories of the Holocaust. Such stories represent the very worst of human vilification and the unsurpassed limits of our compassion. Holocaust stories teach us how to recognize the worst examples of humanity, but also the benefits of viable morality. The terror of genocide is not necessarily an inevitable human outcome. We must learn from the mistakes of our past, rather than repeat them. As long as we teach our children about the Holocaust, there is hope that it will never happen again.