VERO BEACH — Marion Blumenthal Lazan, Holocaust Survivor, public speaker and author of the book, Four Perfect Pebbles, A Holocaust Story, will speak at 7 p.m. on Monday, December 13 at Temple Beth Shalom in Vero Beach. Admission to this presentation is free; no ticket required. However, reservations are requested as space is limited. Your RSVP will secure your seats; your name will be held at the door. Her 45-minute talk will be followed by a question and answer period and her book will be available at the event for purchase and signing. Reserve your seat by calling the Temple office at 772-569-4700.
Marion Blumenthal Lazan will deliver a moving first-hand account of the Blumenthal family’s life in Germany from the events preceding Kristallnacht to imprisonment in concentration camps to liberation in April of 1945. Lazan will also discuss the award-winning book Four Perfect Pebbles, A Holocaust Story, which she co-wrote with author Lila Perl. The unforgettable memoir recalls the devastating years that shaped her childhood under Hitler’s rule. Lazan was 11 years old when the family finally gained its freedom. She relates to her audience, describing her ordeal in such a manner that listeners are quickly drawn into the drama. This story is one of horror and hardship, but it is also a story of courage, hope, and the will to survive. During her time in the Concentration Camp, Lazan sought to gather “four perfect pebbles” each day from the barren grounds. For the lonely and frightened nine-year old, the sets of matching pebbles offered some kind of assurance that her family would survive Bergen-Belsen, if not the war-long effects of the Holocaust itself. Listeners are eyewitnesses to history.
Lazan also delivers a talk about her return visit to Germany in 1995 entitled “End Station – Trobitz, A Visit Back in Time and Place.” In this presentation, Lazan describes her thoughts, emotions and reflections on this first return visit to Germany and the “camps” on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of liberation.
Lazan’s mission is to speak to as many people as possible, students and adults, so they can hear the story from a Holocaust survivor. Her presentation goes beyond the facts; she applies the lessons learned to society today. She asks her audience to be tolerant of others and not stereotype individuals based on religious belief, race, color or national origin. She stresses the importance of positive thinking as well as creativity and inner strength when working to overcome adversity. She warns her listeners to be true to themselves and not blindly follow-the-leader.
Temple Beth Shalom, located at 365 43rd Avenue in Vero Beach (southwest corner of 43rd Avenue and 4th Street), is proud to present this one-time event to the community.
Information: Visit www.FourPerfectPebbbles.com or call the Temple office at 772-569-4700.