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ANNOUNCEMENT:

BE WATCHING FOR NEW PERFORMANCES IN 2021

Canadian Presentations

Renata ZajdmanCheers to Canada and the wonderful venues over the week-end!

Solel Congregation in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, was a wonderful venue as the stories of unsung heroes in history were shared. The story of Irena Sendler was presented to a beautiful congregation. A big ‘thank you’ to Rabbi Lawrence Englander and organizer Arlene Botnick. This is a great congregation and we salute the Rabbi, who is retiring after forty years. Thanks Arlene, we continue to receive many emails. Halifax, Nova Scotia, hosted two venues over the weekend. The first was the University of King’s College with a standing room only crowd.

Renata Zajdman, saved from the Warsaw Ghetto at age 14, presented along with Norm Conard. The audience was special and included organizers, Dorota Glowacka (author and professor on the Holocaust) and Edna Levine (Director of Community Engagement of the Atlantic Jewish Council). They were the perfect hosts and not only set up the venue, but also showed the movie, The Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler.

Later, a presentation by Renata and Norman was given at Citadel High School in Halifax. The students had great questions and responded with a standing ovation. This was a tremendous weekend of remembrance in Canada. ***Renata has been ill, but is such a warrior, never failing to tell the world, ‘never again.’ She was traveling with her children Michael & Sharon and friend, Howard Inhaber.

Summer of 2013

Great email from Berlin:

My special Irena experience, It would have been very easy to ask someone where to find Irena Sendler’s tree in Yad Vashem or look up in a brochure. But sometimes I am a bit stubborn (come on, I’ve been researching for months now, I must find a/her tree). So I thought I’d go find it for myself. (Being back home I knew it was my way to deal with all the special emotions at this place. Looking for a tree was something concrete – a good task for a German in Yad Vashem!) I had no clue So many trees. Goodness, where to start? 1 h later I was a little upset. Sun was blazing. I sat down on a bench. Then my daughters came back from the exhibition. Saw me being a bit sad. Josefine said: “O Mom, how wonderful, you found her tree. That was easy so close to the entrance, right?” I looked at her and then in front of me. There I was sitting a couple of inches next to Irena’s tree for 15 min, in silence and a bit sad and didn’t even know I was that close. Tears, tears, so many tears for so many reasons I can tell you. Thank you so much for all you’ve done and still do for Irena’s story. I will do here in Berlin my small, humble contribution. Keep in touch.

Best,
Katrin

A beautiful note from Drew University in Madison, New Jersey:

Dear Norman, Megan, Jaime, Madyson, Mary, Joseph & Mr. Berndt,

Once more, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to you for your beautiful performance of Life in a Jar at Drew University! It was such a dream come true to meet you in person. Having you perform the play was a highlight of my time in college! Your performance touched the lives of so many people that night, even inspiring teachers to incorporate Life in a Jar into their classrooms. I would also like to thank you for sharing Irena Sendler’s story with the world. Without you, the story would have been lost forever. I appreciate all that you and the Life in a Jar Foundation keeps doing to honor the lives of unsung heroes. You also have educated others about the difference on person can make. Thank you for being the heroes and bringing Irena world-recognition! I can feel her spirit during the performances of the play! If only I could show you how grateful I am to your tireless efforts in sharing a very important piece of history that teaches the true meaning of humanity. 

Nicole Kuruszko

P.S. I intend to stay involved in helping the Life in a Jar Foundation, and so I am appreciative to have the opportunity to assist in any way that I can!

This morning, August 19, 2013, Life in a Jar/the Irena Sendler Project, was the number 1 Holocaust book in the world, out of the 6,000 Holocaust books on Amazon.com.

Life in a Jar book in Polish

Here is a summary from author Jack Mayer. The summary is about his trip to Poland for the publishing of Life in a Jar: The Irena Sendler Project in Polish.

Great work, Jack.

POLISH TRANSLATION PUBLISHED – MAY 8, 2013

The Polish translation of LIFE IN A JAR: The Irena Sendler Project has been published in Poland. My wife Chip and I had the honor of being in Warsaw for 3 days (May 5-8) for the release of the translation published by Andrzej Findeisen (AMF Plus Group). It is spring and a new wind is blowing in Poland. I had a full schedule of interviews with the Polish Deputy Foreign Minister, radio, TV, newspapers, the Catholic Information Agency, literary magazines and a presentation at the brand new Museum of the History of Polish Jews. The highlight of the trip was spending an afternoon with the students, teachers, and the remarkable principal of the Irena Sendler School in Warsaw (there are 25 schools in Poland named for Irena!). The students were wonderful and eager to learn more about the hero for whom their school was named. Elzbieta Ficowska, who was rescued as an infant by Irena, was with me for several presentations. There were many emotional and heartfelt moments. None of this would have been possible without the invaluable assistance of Kinga Krzeminska and Taida Meredith, our most extraordinary translators. At the Museum of the History of Polish Jews, I participated in a panel with Marzanna Pogorzelska, who has founded the Lowell Milken Center in Poland (Kedzierzyn-Kozle, Poland) to carry on the mission of the Kansas center. The book’s official release came on May 8th at EMPiK, the largest book retailer in Poland. (Similar to our Barnes & Noble.) Its release coincides with the 70th anniversary commemoration of the Jewish Ghetto Uprising against the Germans, April 19 – May 16, 1943. I am warmed to know that Polish readers will now read my book and contribute to Tikkun Olam – “repairing the world.”

Best Selling Books and Authors

The Life in a Jar cast, teacher and JACK MAYER, author of the award winning book, ‘Life in a Jar/the Irena Sendler Project,’ will be in Fort Scott, Kansas on Saturday, April 13th to share, discuss and AUTOGRAPH the ‘Life in a Jar’ book.’

Healing in the Heartland,’ a Holocaust literature lecture and discussion will be held at 10AM. The location is the Ellis Fine Arts Center on the Fort Scott Community College campus.

Also, JENNA BLUM, the New York Times best-selling author will be speaking and signing books. Her Holocaust novel, ‘Those Who Save Us,’ was and is a national favorite. Matthew Thompson of the Eisenhower Presidential Library in Abilene, Kansas will also be present to discuss Eisenhower’s role in ensuring that the Nazis’ crimes against humanity were documented.

THIS POWERFUL TIME IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AND FREE OF CHARGE. Please notify us if you are bringing a large group, so we can reserve seats: contact-Megan Felt at the Lowell Milken Center – 620.223.9991 or lmcfelt@gmail.com

Number two Holocaust book!!!!!!

The Life in a Jar/Irena Sendler Project book was #2 of all Holocaust books on amazon.com, last week.

Here are some reviews on the book:

The Life in a Jar: The Irena Sendler Project book has become a great Holiday gift (Hanukkah, Christmas, etc.) here are some beautiful comments on the book, from the internet.

Life in a Jar: The Irena Sendler Project, November 24, 2012
Not at all my usual type of read, but I was riveted, Even researched Irena further. I had a “book hangover” after it. Couldnt find anything that was going to be as good or move me as much. What an insipiring woman.  5.0 out of 5 stars

Life in a Jar: The Irena Sendler Project, November 22, 2012 By Jane Trivers
Well written – compassion balanced with accuracy – tough to do and was accomplished! Easy to read – adult and teen friendly!  5.0 out of 5 stars

Life in a Jar: The Irena Sendler Project, November 11, 2012 By Cindy L. Steiner (san deigo ca)
Would love to see this book as part of every school curriculum. A great reminder of what just one person can do, in the face of evil. One of my favorite books in a while, could not put it down. I am so glad that this beautiful story was brought to light. 5.0 out of 5 stars

Repairing the World, September 29, 2012 By EM (Bristol, VT USA)
This is a fantastic book. It tells the story of a Catholic social worker (Irena Sendler) who smuggled 2500 Jewish children out of the Warsaw ghetto. She was a minor footnote in Holocaust history until three teens from a small town in Kansas decided to write a play about her for a history day project. The book also tells the story of the teens and their research. As someone else said it’s not a book to read in public as it has many parts at which one is likely to get very choked up. I was surprised to be as much or more engrossed in the story of the Kansas teens as I was in the story of Irena Sendler. Truly two incredible true stories that we all should know. I am going to read it aloud to my ten and eleven year old but would normally recommend it for teens and up. The vocabulary is a little difficult for younger readers and the subject matter definitely something to be approached carefully. I would love to see this book used in high school classes. I would recommend it to everybody but especially those interested in teaching history, the Holocaust, and/or Polish history.

By John (BURLINGTON, VT, United States)
I don’t begin to understand why this book isn’t a widely-read best seller. It should be! If I had to pick only one book to illustrate the best and worst of humanity, this would be it. The Holocaust holds an immensely painful lesson, but one that humanity can ill-afford not to re-teach. This book balances that pain with inspiration and discovery. It is the most remarkable story of heroism I have ever read. At the same time, it is the compelling story of three wonderful Kansas teens who scoop historians to re-discover Irena Sendler and honor her in her later years. Warning: read with a box of tissues nearby.

New Jersey and Great Teachers

We salute Drew University and the Polish Culture Club for being wonderful hosts in Madison, New Jersey this past week. Nicole Kuruszko and Sophia Chen did an incredible job of organizing and providing a beautiful venue. The Shabbat dinner with the Drew Hillel group was a special experience. Thanks Nicole for bringing us to your area of the world.

Carol Brodsky and the Drew University Center for Holocaust Studies hosted a performance on Thursday. We send a big thanks to Carol and all those involved in this outstanding conference. We shared the stage with some wonderful presenters.

Many comments are coming in from New Jersey:

Amazing performance from such a dedicated group.

I have waited for a long time to see ‘Life in a Jar,’ it was worth the wait.

Irena Sendler’s story is one of heroic action and was almost lost to history, thank you to the Kansas kids and their teacher.

I love the idea of not only the Irena Sendler project, but the unsung hero stories which are being developed at your Center.

It was FANTASTIC to see you and the troop perform- a real dream come true. Thanks for your continuing efforts.

Two weeks ago, the 2010 Irena Sendler Award winner from Poland visited the Lowell Milken Center in Fort Scott. She was selected as a 2013 Lowell Milken Center Fellow. The Fellows are an incredible group of educators. Marzanna Pogorzelska is making a tremendous difference in teaching human rights, Holocaust education and unsung hero stories in Poland. She was an inspiration to everyone, with great ideas for the Center. She will be collaborating on projects during the coming year and future years. Marzanna has been recognized with numerous awards in Europe, and now in the United States.

Life in a Jar was performed at Homestead High School in Ft. Wayne, IN by McCutcheon High School Drama students, a collaborative cast of the program, on October 25th. The performance was sponsored by Homestead High School and the Ft. Wayne Jewish Federation. A wonderful fellowship dinner preceded the performance and future possible collaborations were discussed between Homestead and McCutcheon. A special thanks to Vicky Malooley and Jon Baker, Homestead’s drama and history teachers, for their warm hospitality. The McCutcheon students were grateful that they could help “repair the world” and share Irena’s story to the Ft. Wayne community. Thanks to McCutcheon teacher, Stella Schafer, for directing this collaborative group.

Irena Anniversary and Life in a Jar/Irena Sendler Project Book

October 20, 1943 (69 years ago tomorrow)- Irena Sendler was arrested by the Gestapo.

By early 1944, she was rescued from Pawiak Prison by the underground organization, Zegota. Even though she was tortured she refused to reveal the location of the lists or the jars.

Are you searching for a perfect Christmas gift? The Life in a Jar: Irena Sendler Project book was #2 on Amazon.com last week, among the over 6,000 Holocaust books. This is a gift of hope, courage and repairing the world.

Jack Mayer, author of Life in Jar: The Irena Sendler Project, sends news that the book has been highlighted and recommended by One Thing New – an online newsletter for creative arts.

This note comes from Leeds, England. Dear Mr Conard

Just a short note to thank you and all those involved in bringing the story of Irena Sendler’s heroism to the World. I have been a scholar and historian of the Holocaust ever since I made a traumatic visit to Auschwitz in 2008. Since then I have studied the history of the Holocaust in great detail, but had not come across Irena Sendler in my studies. What brought her to my attention was the DVD “A Courageous Heart.” Since viewing that I have read the book “Life In A Jar” and followed this up on various websites. What you and the students have achieved is nothing short of miraculous……thank you so much.

Regards,
Bill Phipps Leeds, UK

One of the Life in a Jar stars, Jaime Walker Berndt (she plays the Jewish mother, Mrs. Rosner), is in charge of minority programs for the Federal Reserve Bank in Kansas City. We are proud of the great work she is accomplishing!

Frank Family Foundation Donation to the Irena Sendler Award

The Tulsa Community Foundation is pleased to grant the sum of $10,000 through the Frank Family Foundation, for the Irena Sendler Award. This award honors elementary and secondary teachers who teach tolerance and respect in their communities.

The Life in a Jar Foundation salutes this gracious gift and thanks Brad Frank, Advisor to the Frank Family Foundation.

Irena Sendler Book

Dear Family and Friends,

I am pleased to announce that Life in a Jar: The Irena Sendler Project has received a third book award, the 2012 IndieReader Discovery Award for Biography. (http://indiereader.com/) Please continue to share this story with people you know. As a self-published author, I depend on you to spread the legacy of Irena Sendler and the Kansas students.

The book is available at bookstores, on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and as Kindle, Nook, and iBook formats and at www.irenasendler.org. The book award was announced at the Book Expo America in New York City, last Sunday.

Thank you for your support, encouragement, and assistance.

My best,

Jack Mayer

Nashville

Life in a Jar presented at The Temple on Harding Road in Nashville, Tennessee last week. What a thrill it was to share with the congregation a candle lighting ceremony at the community wide Yom HaShoah Observance. The ceremony involved Holocaust survivors and descendants of survivors. We have received many emails from the large audience.

The extraordinary story of Irena Sendler and the Life in a Jar students continues. We appreciate the words from the Temple;

The performance was wonderful. They are amazing young people, all of them, and they continue to bring their light and Irena’s into this world.

Also:

People have not stopped talking about the program and how wonderful and moving it was.

Another email:

Life is sacred, our survivors and Irena Sendler testify of this.

Additionally:

The play was so well done, so special in every way.

We offer many thanks to Rabbi Mackler and Lynda Gutcheon, plus many others who made our stay such a nice one. The Temple is involved in many programs to ‘repair the world.’

ANNOUNCEMENT

BE WATCHING FOR NEW PERFORMANCES IN 2023