In G-d’s Image

The Man Who Inspired the Name

Everyone is beautiful in Stanley Bernath’s eyes, and this is the message he shares with the residents at Menorah Park. Stanley is a volunteer, donor, and Holocaust survivor, whose message helped inspire the Menorah Park program “In G-d’s Image”, which won the 2016 Jewish Programming Award given by the National Association of Jewish Aging Services (AJAS).

Each year, Director of Social Work Lisa Cohen-Kiraly coordinates the program’s staff educational sessions coupled with a two-day journey to Washington D.C. to visit the National Holocaust Museum and War Memorials. The goal is for staff to build and sustain strong relationships with residents by gaining improved understanding and awareness of the backgrounds and often commonality of individuals in our community. Stanley donates funds each year to support this impactful program.

“Humanity is created in G-d’s image,” Stanley explained to guests at our recent Oneg Shabbat. “I also say, let go of the hate. When I went back to my old barrack number six at Auschwitz. I thought, this is where I slept and it doesn’t affect me – no hatred. And the first thing I did when I came to the United States is said, ‘thank you for adopting me’ by joining the army. And, where did they send me? Germany. For four years, I was in intelligence and I felt no hatred toward the German people.”

Stanley celebrated his 90th birthday by spending the day at Menorah Park, volunteering and visiting with the many cherished friends he has made in his nine years of volunteering. “My birthday is just another day. This is what is meaningful to me; better than any job I have ever had. I love them all.”

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