Lenten Devotional: “Chai”

Our unofficial Artitist-In-Residence, Deb Murphy had other pictures that did not make it into her exhibit, “The Sacred on the Street.” However, they are showing up as bulletin covers during Lent. This is the second one,  called “Chai” which is part of a series of photos taken at the Holocaust Memorial in Deb’s hometown of Peroria, Illinois.

This is a picture of a Holocaust memorial in Peoria, Illinois, with eighteen three-dimensional sculptures in the shape of the Star of David forming a colonnade of sorts. At the far end of the memorial, there are also five three-dimensional triangles, emblematic of the badges which were worn by non-desirables – political and religious leaders, Roma gypsies, Serbians, Catholics, homosexuals, Jehovah’s Witnesses, the trade unionists, alcoholics and the handicapped – who were also sent to and killed at the camps.

Each of these sculptures is filled with buttons: 6 million buttons total in the Stars of David and 5 million buttons total in the triangles. There is one button for every life lost, all of which were counted out by hand by many, many volunteers over a nine month period. Buttons were chosen because of their shape (representing the circle of life), their durability (even after the prisoners’ clothing rotted away, the buttons still remained), and their individual uniqueness (like the lives lost).

This effort was started by a small group of people who wanted to provide a memorial for those lost, but also to provide something for the future – teaching the consequences of prejudice, racism, hatred and bigotry. Eighteen is symbolic in Judaism for the word ‘Chai’, which means life. Many of us are familiar with the Jewish toast L’Chaim – To Life! from the musical Fiddler on the Roof. The 18 pillars are arranged in two rows to symbolize the concentration camp selection: Going to the left or right could mean the difference between life and death.

In this Sunday’s lectionary Gospel reading Luke 13:31-35, Jesus is warned by religious leaders that Herod is intent on killing him. Jesus, however, does not dwell on this news. He continues to go about the work he has always done and wants Herod to know that he won’t stop. He will continue his life of God’s work in the face of impending death. This is why I was so struck by the name of the Holocaust Memorial. It is a representation of eleven million (!) deaths, yet the Jewish Federation of Peoria decided to name it Life (Chai)

For more information, go to www.peoriaholocaustmemorial.com .