Yaakov Shwekey: Shema Yisroel - שוואקי: שמע ישראל - Hebrew - 2023

Today, as we mourn the millions who sang שמע on their walk to Gan Eden with their full faith intact, I dedicate this song to my Bubby- אסתר אלטא בת דוד א״ה - a survivor of the blistered gates of Auschwitz. Today we reflect on the defiance Bubby wore as armor, her tiny frame that housed an incredibly courageous, big heart. Today, as one of her 26 grandchildren on her 26th yahrzeit, Today on יום השואה, I remember that after the war, Bubby was told childbirth would require a miracle. She raised 3 daughters. I remember that she saved souls inside the camps by hiding food at the risk of her life. She walked a death march six times. Six times she escaped to live on and build her dynasty. I remember that she was precise in her actions and would be pleased that Her Creator chose this particular day to bring her home. But today I mu