Hello everyone,

    So my dear friend emiko suggested 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 (Holocaust Remembrance Day) on my mind I wanted to spread the word about this wonderful program and documentary. Here is a link to get more information: http://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 and I as a result I have created a "Paper Clip" Mezuzah for their school.  The picture of the piece cast in pewter is attached.  They are building a new school, and the original copper piece will be attached to a doorpost there (my mother-in-law and I plan to travel to the ceremony November 7-9, 2008 to affix it and teach about the mezuzah.)  More on the contemporary pewter Hope Mezuzah and hanging ceremony to come, but for now, if you haven't seen the movie, check it out!   And, keep in touch!

With Love,

Aimee

http://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 http://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