Peter tells a story of growing up in Larchmont. His family were part of the Turkish genocide of the Armenians. Both his parents had horrific childhoods full of murder and fear. Separately they made their way to Brooklyn, living in a neighborhood of other Armenian immigrants. They married – a practical union, with the intention of normalcy. They were not much of a match, but they had three children, and moved, when Peter was born, to Larchmont, an affluent Westchester suburb with many well-educated professionals, many Jewish doctors and lawyers.
I understand them through the experiences and life/social/mindsets of certain family and friends who've openly shared and/or repressed the impact of their experiences on sense of self, joi de vive, etc...
This so resonated with me. I was the only Jewish kid, albeit never practicing, in my jr high and high school in a St Louis suburb. I never belonged, and so belonging became an elusive thing I’ve sought all my life. Thanks.
When I had my bar mitzvah in 1955, I (actually my parents) did not invite any of my public school classmates or even my Hebrew School classmates. Only neighborhood friends and their parents (known to my parents) and relatives (some of whom I knew). Nowadays when I attend bnai mitzvot, there are usually middle school classmates and always Hebrew School classmates (and their parents) in attendance.
Interesting reflections...
I understand them through the experiences and life/social/mindsets of certain family and friends who've openly shared and/or repressed the impact of their experiences on sense of self, joi de vive, etc...
This so resonated with me. I was the only Jewish kid, albeit never practicing, in my jr high and high school in a St Louis suburb. I never belonged, and so belonging became an elusive thing I’ve sought all my life. Thanks.
When I had my bar mitzvah in 1955, I (actually my parents) did not invite any of my public school classmates or even my Hebrew School classmates. Only neighborhood friends and their parents (known to my parents) and relatives (some of whom I knew). Nowadays when I attend bnai mitzvot, there are usually middle school classmates and always Hebrew School classmates (and their parents) in attendance.