The Center for Holocaust Education is proud to host the East Valley Generations After group for children, grandchildren and descendants of Holocaust survivors, as well as those interested in learning more about the impact of the Holocaust. Programs feature guest speakers, including Holocaust survivors, authors and educators.
Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024 | 10-11:30 a.m.
What Kind of Jew Are You?
A discussion with Abe Goldstien
Abe Goldstien grew up in an Orthodox Jewish home in Rochester, N.Y., but pretty much abandoned the religious customs of his upbringing once he moved to Des Moine, Iowa, for college. “What Kind of Jew are You” explores Goldstien’s journey from being an Orthodox Jew to being an unconnected and non-observant Jew to “A Goldstien Jew,” a title bestowed upon him by a Chasidic rabbi he became friends with as an adult.
The presentation will be followed by Q&A and a discussion about journeys in Jewish faith.
Abe Goldstien will be joining Generations After on Zoom. Participants are welcome to come to the East Valley JCC to watch the presentation together and join the discussion or watch from home on Zoom. Please indicate how you plan to attend on the registration form.
There is no charge to attend, registration is required.
About Abe Goldstien
After earning his four-year degree in eight years (but that’s another story), Goldstien pursued a successful career in Des Moines’ advertising community. Although advertising was his profession, his passion is music.
An accordion player since age 13, Goldstien is the leader of the Java Jews, Iowa’s only klezmer band. He is also a leading figure in the city’s jazz community, where he hosts a weekly radio show, sponsors concerts by visiting artists, serves as executive director for a local jazz organization and writes daily (if time permits) jazz reviews.
Since retiring from the advertising agency business, Goldstien also volunteers five hours a day, five days a week at a local elementary school. When he is not doing all those activities, Goldstien is a representative for an Iowa organization that promotes diversity in schools, communities and the workplace. Goldstien presents various programs about his Jewish/Yiddish upbringing, reminding children and adults to keep their unique family customs and traditions alive, no matter how strange they are. Needless to say, he enjoys being busy in retirement. As his daughter says, “Call me when you retire from retirement!”
Goldstien and his wife, Jackie, have two grown children who live in Minneapolis.
Save the dates for future sessions
Oct. 16 * Nov. 20 * Jan. 15, 2025 * Feb. 19 * March 19
In partnership with:
Holocaust education in Arizona
View the Arizona Department of Education’s Holocaust education curriculum here.
Photos from past events
Generations After programs include guest speakers, discussions and an annual Yom Hashoah commemoration.
