likely from our deeper roots, our charitableness, our unity, our learnedness and
zest for Judaism – what they call the Lithuanian gene inside of us – with the needy
Lithuanian Jews, to whom we owe a debt
of gratitude for keeping our dear Lita alive
every day. All to reignite the spark of Lita
in the hearts, minds and memories of
those who trace their roots back to this remarkable Jewish community, specifically,
the younger generation, so they can come
together and help keep the amazing legacy of Lithuania alive, and by doing so, ensure its survival and that of the Jewish
community there.
It’s this spirit of Lita within and without that is imbued in every aspect of the
project. The kippot are modern and
trendy, with the Lita Lives logo smartly
embroidered on, while the inner lining is
colourful and representative of local Lithuanian material. The fridge poetry in the
Yiddish words we know and love, with
those very apt sayings made famous by
our grandparents and great grandparents
THE WARMTH WE THINK IS SOUTH AFRICAN IS
MORE LIKELY FROM OUR DEEPER ROOTS, WHAT THEY
CALL THE LITHUANIAN GENE INSIDE OF US.
emboldened across the packaging. The local Lithuanian limited series Black Edition
vodka is a gem, carefully filtered through
rare minerals and then further through
gold filters, making it exceptionally pure,
and the Lita Lives distinct stamp that
makes it unique and appealing.
The mainstay of the project is that a local will say Kaddish there in honour of the
deceased. Why this? Because many of our
loved ones, who are now departed, had a
deep connection and affection for Lita.
Arranging for Kaddish to be said in Lithuania on the anniversary of their passing
looks to further enhance the power and
significance of this prayer, and bring
home to the younger generation of descendants the deep impact Lita had on the
lives of their loved ones. It’s an exciting
mission, and the whole project is visually
appealing, spiritually significant and historically connected.
I don’t even know much of my Lithuanian ancestry, but it certainly made me
want to know more, want to get involved
and spread the word somehow. All those
involved are privileged and honoured to
be a part of something that is already having a ripple effect locally and abroad, on a
government level, in business opportunities that have subsequently been created,
bridges of understanding and connection
being built and repaired, and tourism. I’m
almost on the next plane to Lithuania.
Check out the website: www.litalives.com
and maybe you will join me. JL
Lita Lives is trying to get 240 000 Jews virtually back to their shtetls in Lithuania with a new social network.
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