This story from Reb Yosef Friedenson reminds us so long as we trust in Hashem and praise Him, our people shall live on.
Reb Yosef Friedenson, tells the following story: During the war, he and a group of friends were in a metal shop in that slave labor camp named the Herman Goering Works. The day was Shemini Atzeret, and though they were living in constant fear for their lives, they still wanted to celebrate the day in some way. Before receiving their orders from the overseer, a man named Pape, they found a few free moments and despite their bitter situation they broke out with the spirited holiday song, "ein adir kaHashem, ein baruch keben Amram - there is none as powerful as Hashem, nor blessed as Moshe, the son of Amram. ”
Pape walked into the shop and was shocked. Despite the torture, the humiliation, and the endless sense of loss that was their daily existence, these Jews were singing!
“Why do you sing?” he asked in bewilderment, “Is life so good that you can sing?”
The group explained the words of the song, going through each stanza, including those that read, “There are no wise men like the scholars of the Torah, and there is no redeemer like Hashem.” Pape was astonished. “After all the pain and torture that you have been through, do you really still believe this?” Immediately one of the younger members of the group jumped up and cried out, “Yes!” This particular lad wasn’t particularly known for his religiosity, yet his voice was emphatic. Immediately others joined him with their endorsement.
Pape was astonished; he shook his head and was heard to say, “I don’t know how the Fuhrer will ever get rid of you!”
Submitted by Debbie Stone