Modern Day Jewish Life in Lithuania

On the night of Friday the 18th our group visited the Orthodox Synagogue in Vilnius. Being the only Jewish student on the trip I was able to do a few special things during the service.  I was able to light a candle and recite some prayers with the rabbi's wife.  Even though I do go to Temple sometimes I am not orthodox so it was still very different for me.  It is always moving to see some traditions that I may not practice but my ancestors probably did.  For the most part, everybody at the synagogue was accepting and pilot.  I was happy to see Jewish life in Lithuania knowing so few Jews remain.  The next morning we went to meet Fania, a survivor of the Holocaust.  She lived in the Vilna Ghetto during the war and lost all her family in the atrocities.  While I have heard the testimonies of many survivors Fania was unique.  She seemed to have a lot of hope in people and the future.  Many times the survivors feel guilt for surviving over others or thinking they caused someone's death.  It shows you the struggles many of the survivors dealt with after the Shoa.  Fania seemed to have found peace with herself which was something I was extremely happy to see.  This trip has meant a lot to me as I am visiting the countries that my Jewish ancestors come from.  While none of my direct ancestries were involved in the Holocaust many cousins died.  Some of my family never talked about  their past so there is a lot we do not know. This trip has brought me closer to my roots.
-Shellbi Malon