Paper Clips: How Wonderful!

Hello everyone,

So my dear friend emiko suggested about a month ago that we rent the documentary called Paper Clips which is about a middle school in Whitwell Tennessee that created an amazing program to teach kids about the Holocaust. With Yom HaShoa behind us (Holocaust Remembrance Day) I wanted to spread the word about this wonderful program and documentary. Here is a link to get more information: www.paperclipsmovie.com/synopsis.php


After watching the movie I was so impressed that I wrote to the principal of the school. My letter to her is below. We spoke over the phone on April 2nd, and I will be creating a "Paper Clip" Mezuzah for their school. The picture of the piece in progress is attached. They are building a new school, and it will be attached to a doorpost there. (Perhaps with some good luck, I will make my way there for the dedication ceremony.) I will be donating the original, and I will have it cast with a portion of proceeds benefiting their Holocaust program. More on this to come, but for now, if you haven't seen the movie, check it out! And, keep in touch!


With Love,

Aimee

www.aimeegolant.com



Dear Linda Hooper,

I watched the documentary "Paper Clips" last night and was totally moved. Words cannot express the level of gratitude I feel for your educational programs and memorial for those who perished in the Holocaust. Wow and thank you!!! I am a 6th generation metalsmith, a grandchild of Holocaust Survivors and a full time metal artist and teacher in San Francisco California. My inspiration for becoming an artist was my grandparents Arthur and Mary Kleinhandler. Here is a picture of them taken on the day of their engagement in the Chmeilnik Ghetto, in Poland during the war.


In 1993 I began making Judaica (Jewish Ritual Objects) as a result if wanting to preserve traditions which might have been lost had Hitler been successful in his endeavors. Through my journey as a female Jewish artist I have come to the understanding that many of our teachings are universal. Wisdom is wisdom, just as people are people. As an artist, I would very much like to participate in raising funds for your program, perhaps by designing a paperclip mezuzah (to understand more about what a mezuzah is, please visit www.aimeegolant.com/mezuzah_whatis.html) which I would sell and donate a portion of proceeds to your project.

I would also like to send you one of my mezuzot for the doorpost of your school or for the railcar—to bless the space. Knowing that you are not a "Jewish School" I do not want to send anything that may seem inappropriate or uncomfortable, so I would like to ask you if this is something you would like. I would also be interested in one day coming to your town to talk about some of the more universal teachings within Judaism including the Mezuzah and Tzdakah, because through understanding one another's teachings we can see that there are many parallels and core beliefs which are in line with each other and help prevent ignorance, stereotypes, and evil injustice.

As a result of growing up a grandchild of Holocaust survivors I have always wanted to contribute in some way to the greater good of humanity, for me it has been one mezuzah at a time. You have changed the world one paper clip and one class at a time filling us all with loving kindness. That is truly an inspiration to me and it is in line with my dream of creating a world of peace and understanding. Regardless of whether you want to go forward with a mezuzah with me I would love to talk sometime, if you have a moment to spare. I also have a brief DVD of my grandma talking about some of her experiences during the Holocaust which I can copy and submit as part of your educational materials. I can be reached directly at 415-682-7128 I hope to hear from you.

With love and gratitude,

Aimee Golant

What's Tzedakah? A universal Message from a Local Artist....

Tzedakah:

Often understood as charity, Tzedakah actually means Justice. According to the Jewish teaching, we give not because we care but because it is the right thing to do. Each person gives, because there is always someone who has less than you. You start by giving to immediate family, then extended family, then friends, then your city, state, country and finally for the world. With the time and money you give you help balance the scales for those in need and you help fill the world with loving kindness.

Thanks for reading! If you want to know more about this and other teachings, please visit www.aimeegolant.com