Saul Dreier never got to finish his education in Krakow, Poland before the Nazis dragged him off to concentration camps. The sole survivor of his family, he rebuilt his life in Florida and even founded the Holocaust Survivor Band. But his Jewish education remained cut short.
Saul’s stolen youth can never be returned. But a few years ago, the students of Miami’s Lubavitch Educational Center gave him a little back when they bestowed upon him the title of Honorary Student at LEC. It’s since become tradition for Saul to come to school every year to interact and engage with the students on his birthday.
His milestone 100th birthday this year was no different. The students of LEC’s Boys Middle School and, the next day, Beis Chana High School, welcomed Saul with a grand birthday bash and got to celebrate with the spry centenarian.
After emotionally pronouncing the bracha of Shehecheyanu, partaking in some birthday cake, and reading a card the students had prepared for him, Saul reminded the students, as he always does, not to take their education for granted and to do well in their studies—if only for his sake. “This is the legacy you carry from your parents and grandparents,” he told them.
The highlight of the boys’ celebration came when eighth grader Sholom Kamchin announced his intention to learn a complete mesechta in memory of Saul’s murdered parents and siblings. “You can finally do for my parents what I couldn’t,” exclaimed Saul.
“Mr. Dreier is more than a survivor,” says student Batia Tevardovitz, grade 11. “He’s a teacher and a role model for us. The strength he’s shown throughout his life and the kindness and wisdom he shares with us so freely continue to inspire us. He shows us what it means to live with courage, grace, and a full heart even in the face of unthinkable hardship.”
Boys Middle School Principal Rabbi Yakov Garfinkel notes that Saul has had a real impact on the students. “Each visit is a priceless moment,” he says. As Shoshana Duchman, grade 11, told Mr. Dreier, “We are reminded by you and all survivors that we have an important job to never forget and remain strong in our Torah, mitzvos and Yiddishkeit.”
“LEC aims to instill in our students the values of learning from every individual,” says LEC’s head of school, Rabbi Benjy Korf. “Witnessing Saul, a Jew who showcased the unwavering dedication of the Jewish people while continuing to serve G‑d with joy has ignited a sense of admiration among our students.”
Mazel tov and happy birthday, Mr. Dreier!
VIDEO
mazal tov
LEC rocks!
Under the magnificent leadership of Rabbi Yakov Garfinkel,The school is on track to be a shining Jewel in education across America!
What a precious zechus for these students!