Germany to the Shanghai Ghetto.

ones. There are all sorts
“It’s very important I speak to children
of interactive games and
and tell them my story,” said the 87-year-
even an arts and crafts
old Grebenschikoff, who wrote a book
area to keep them occu-
Once My Name was Sara, and has
pied — and maybe even
appeared in two documentaries, “because
learn a bit.

my generation is dying out.

Michael Azeez, who
“There aren’t many who can speak
still spends a few
about these things. Shanghai was an open
months a year in
port, so 20,000 Jews came there in 1939. I
Tuckahoe, knows his
was 9 years old. We came from Germany,
father would be proud.

where they made all the Jewish females
“It’s nice to preserve the building and
‘Sara’ and all the males ‘Israel.’
history,” said Azeez, who indicated that he
“It was the only place you could go
put around $2.5 million into the project,
without papers. The rest of my extended
“but it also had to have some relevance.

Jane Stark, the museum’s executive director, removes
family was murdered in the camps.”
“Education was one thing my father
the cover from a Torah.

Such chilling tales can’t help but make
always pounded home to myself and my
an impression on young and old alike.

three sisters growing up. So we’ve created
Inset: Panel showing the population breakdown of
“Of the 1,500 students we get a year, 99 Woodbine in 1891
a program and classroom space that can
percent are not Jewish,” Stark said. “We
be used by the community at large.

like to take them into a classroom and meet with a survivor.

“I did this out of love for my father and also in appreciation for
“Then we take them upstairs to the sanctuary. They’re fascinated
what the town meant to so many people who came through there
because they know nothing about the spiritual aspect of Judaism.

getting a start on life. To a large extent, Woodbine is a microcosm
They’re amazed at the similarities between Christianity and Judaism.

of a lot of towns across the U.S. It wasn’t necessarily that it was
“And remember, this is in the Pine Barrens. How many people
Jewish, but that it was a community.

know there was once a vibrant Jewish community here and that
“You were a Woodbiner first and then whatever nationality you
vibrant community became a source of great employment and
were, religious background came second.” l
industry during the height of the Depression through the end of
Contact: jmarks@jewishexponent.com; 215-832-0729
World War II?”
They will when they walk through the museum, which is free
Photos by Lauren Marks
and open four days a week. And don’t be afraid to bring the little
Name: Sam Azeez Museum of Woodbine He
Width: 7.5"
Depth: 4.75"
Color: Black plus one
Comment: 6/8 This Summer Magazine
Ad Number: 00073074
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