On October 23, 2016 CVHEN (Central Valley Holocaust Educator’s Network)Library and Resource Center opened its doors. This is Liz Igra’s dream to provide a single place for Holocaust education.
I attended as a Second Generation member, a retired librarian, and the photographer for the event. I wanted to capture the day’s story as it unfolded. When I know that I am going to photograph an event I usually check for lighting and backgrounds. I can then decide what camera set up I need. This time my family needed me, and I didn’t have the time. I looked at some past events, and made my decision. I ended up using my Nikon dslr with a 18-200mm lens with a flash. This would allow for flexible composition.
This event brought out many from throughout the Sacramento valley. The guest book is signed, and programs distributed.
Friends Zelda and Diane
In the last minute I decided to bring my Olympus OMD-5 mirrorless camera. I brought all my lenses, and ended up using my 75mm 1.8 lens. Great gear for use during the keynote speech. I had a seat up close, and I didn’t need a flash.
Rabbi Reuven Taff of Mosaic Law
Liz Igra, president of CVHEN
Keynote speaker Rabbi Michael Berenbaum spoke to the continuous need for educating everyone about the Holocaust and its implications for today.
Second Gen member Muriel B.
Liz Igra displays her warmth and charm with Rabbi Reuven Taff of Mosaic Law
With each photograph I tried to see a story. I rarely asked for someone to pose. This resulted in more than a few blurry pictures. Overall, I think I captured the participant’s emotion.
Such a spread for all the share. Plenty of food. Delicious kugel, bagels, and all kosher too.
Zelda, a Second Generation member.
I am proud to know Liz with her endless energy,
Group is invited to witness the affixing of the Mezuzah.
Rabbi Taff provides explanation about the placement of the Mezuzah. For additonal information I have provided a link here.
People who helped make this library possible is asked to step forward and help place the Mezuzah on the door post.
Six Butterflys symbolize the Six Million.
Susan S. and Tammy T. witness and celebrate
One thing that I need to think about when photographing an event is to carry a pad. I know that this is a group of people important for the CVHEN Library and Resource Center, but I don’t have this information.
Henry Gorden provides an inservice on how to use the Library resources.
This powerpoint provides a bit of humor to the task of moving 1,700 books from Liz’s personal library found in her home. It was a huge task for a part-time volunteer.
This brought me back to my days as the Rio Americano High School Librarian. I started working there in 1985. I remember typing and filing catalog cards. Keeping them up to date, changing the keywords to reflect changing social norms, teaching students how to make the most from the information. Then came computers. First to keep up with circulation records. Later to bring the collection into the digital age.
This powerpoint shows a library card catalog moving to a computerized system.
The CVHEN Library catalog can be accessed by computer. CVHEN Library. It is user friendly, and the resources are extensive. Most books are available since circulation hasn’t been established yet. If I am interested in obtaining the books for check-out, I can go to Sacramento Public Library right from my computer. Having worked at the Sac Public Library I know that if the book is not in the collection it may be obtained through LINK services, or possibly as a digital e-version.
Tammy T.another Second Gen learns how the collection is organized.
An English teacher at El Camino Fundamental High School teaches her students about the Holocaust. She explains how the resources in this library helps support this education.
Someone in the audience asked, “Can I go back to high school?”
Six weeks ago my father Arthur (Anschel) Rubinstein died. At almost 98 years old he leaves this world with one less witness to the terrible tragedy of the Holocaust. Living in Krakow he shared experiences with Liz Igra’s uncle, a classmate in high school. Small world. Later he was interned in Krakow-Plaszow concentration camp, worked for Oskar Schindler and deported to Mauthausen-Gusen concentration camp. There my Dad was liberated by American troops.
In his passing, I asked that donations be made in his name to the CVHEN Library Resource Center. I want to thank those who honored my request. I am touched.
Now I can go and learn more about my parent’s story. My Second Generation group plans our next meeting at the library.
