Early life
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Bernice Eisenstein, as a child, was different from other children in that she discovered her passion for literature and creative arts at such a young age. More specifically, after she saw the film “Lust for Life” at the age of six, she decided she wanted to become an artist (Panmacmillan, 2009). I believe this early discovery along with her experiences propelled her to write great books today.
Bernice was born in October 1949 in a downtown area of Toronto called Kensington Market where she lived for four years (I was a Child of Holocaust Survivors, 2006, pp.56). This area, in the past and even today, was filled with shops and eateries where her parents had also ran a chicken shop. She and her family came from a humble beginning as refugees from the Holocaust. Although Bernice did not experience and understand it herself, this unknown had always piqued her interest throughout her life which also led to the formation of bonds with others with similar experiences. For example, Bernice states in her blog entry Holocaust (2008):
As I became a young adult I started spending more time with their “Group”. I actually enjoyed hanging out with them. They talked a lot about the Holocaust, which interests me great. They also answered questions that I did not ask my parent because I thought that it would upset them. For some reason, I just felt comfortable around them. I began to consider them as family.
Eisenstein, B. (2008). Holocaust [MySpace post]. Retrieved from
Panmacmillan (2009). [Interview]. Retrieved October 18th , 2011, from
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2 comments:
I always find it amazing, that after suffering such injustices and devastating loss, many survivors had very happy lives after the Holocaust. It's both heartbreaking and inspirational to see the strength and love that one possesses when faced with adversity.
The movie you mentioned at the beginning of this article intrigued me. I find Bernice’s art to be so beautiful and expressional, and I wanted to see what this movie, a movie that inspired her was all about. Much to my amazement it was about Van Gogh! One of her favorite artists! Here are some links with video clips of the movie that inspired here. The first one is my personal favorite, got to love the music. You’ll see many locals and references to his paintings in this movie.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBBOaAn-sAA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MxESaEh9pQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRjKDxdmdU0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISL2j2mMOeY
This is an article about Jenny Eisenstein, Bernice Eisenstein's aunt who is a Yiddish and Hebrew folk singer (as mentioned in Bernice Eisenstein's memoir) and Holocaust survivor. It looks at her history, attitudes and messages she wishes to impart to others.
http://www.vaughantoday.ca/blog/2009/11/16/survivor-spreads-message-of-hope/
Also, this is a picture of her mother and older sister Sharron looking at the Bergen-Belgen memorial.This was a camp for displaced persons established after liberation that her parents lived at before coming to Canada (her sister Sharron was born there). The brief article gives some background information on them.
http://www.daylife.com/photo/01w7bFue8O203
These two links are from her mother and her aunt. They discuss their holocaust experiences, immigration to Canada, Experiences, family and their contribution to the Jewish Canadian community.
http://www.feduja.org/bookoflife/story_Eisenstein_Regina1.html
http://www.feduja.org/bookoflife/story_Eisenstein_Jenny.html
Victoria
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