Jewish Federation of Ventura County

This Yom HaShoah—Holocaust Remembrance Day— honor the six million Jewish lives stolen during the Shoah and pay tribute to the survivors who taught us the meaning of strength and resilience.

Beautifully said. Kol Hakavod. Am Yisrael Chai

I am Billy Joel.
People know me for songs.
For sold-out stadiums.
For pianos under bright white lights.

But my story didn’t begin with music.
It began with silence.

My father was born in Nuremberg.
Jewish.
Businessman.
German.

He had a life.
A family.
A respected name.

Until one day, that same name became a danger.

Shop windows were shattered.
Businesses were confiscated.
The laws changed.
And being Jewish stopped being an identity…
and became a sentence.

My family lost everything.
Home.
Company.
Security.

What they did not lose was memory.
My father managed to escape in 1938.
One year later, borders would become walls of death.
Many of our relatives did not have that chance.

Six million.
Six million Jewish souls.
Fathers.
Mothers.
Elderly.
Children.

Children who never learned to read.
Children who never celebrated a Bar Mitzvah.
Children who never had the chance to dream.

And the world was silent.

I was born in freedom.
In the United States.
With a piano instead of a number tattooed on my arm.

But every time I touch a key, I know something:
My music exists because someone survived.

We are not an accident of history.
We are the answer.

They pushed us into ghettos.
They marked us with stars.
They tried to erase us.

And here we are.

From Jerusalem to New York City.
From rebuilt synagogues
to stadiums filled with people singing our songs.

The people of Israel live.
Am Israel Chai.

Yes, I succeeded in music.
But the real victory is something else:
That we are still here.
That we still light candles.
That we still sing.
That we are still Jewish without asking permission.

Let us never forget the Holocaust.
Not as an open wound…
but as an eternal flame.

In memory of the six million.
May their memory be a blessing.

And may we never, ever forget:
We survived.
And now we live with pride. ✡️🔥

https://jewishventuracounty.networkforgood.com/projects/264599-as-one-2025-end-of-year-giving

For more information and to sign up, text 805-673-1607.

Today we celebrate the return of 20 living hostages to Israel.
Click here to read the official JFNA statement.
[https://www.jewishfederations.org/.../jewish-federations...]

Wishing you an easy fast. Gmar chatima tova.

Join us on Tuesday, October 7th at Temple Beth Torah for this free community concert!

The world lost one of its greatest and best-loved comedic song writers on July 26, 2025, at age 97. How timely it is that we revisit this enigmatic man in a celebration of his sardonic genius and in honor of his profound contribution to worlds of musical satire, comedy, politics, and thoughtful citizenry.

Veteran performer Bobby Underwood, known for his engaging stage presence, brings Lehrer’s sharp, clever lyrics to life, while Zalmen Mlotek, a renowned conductor and pianist, provides expert musical accompaniment.

Use code JF for $10 off your tickets!