“My dear, precious child.” That’s how my father would always greet me every day when we spoke. One of my strongest childhood memories is of our weekly walk to shul on Shabbat morning. I used to love to get up early and go with him, hearing stories and riddles with a few math problems thrown in.
When our conversations ended with his painful passing, I wondered: How did he survive such horrors of the Holocaust, and maintain such a positive approach? It seems that my father's love of Torah and Judaism -- implanted in his youth -- sustained him, especially as he saw God's hand rescuing him again and again.
One-way Trip
Shmuel Stimler was born in Rzeszow, Poland in 1923, into a chassidic family. Rzeszow's pre-war population was 50 percent Jewish. He studied in the local one-room “cheder” (Torah school). From among all the schools in the area, my father and one other student were selected to be tested for the famed Chachmei Lublin yeshiva, a prestigious post-high school academy for Torah study. In the summer of '39, my father passed the entrance exam. But his dreams were crushed by the outbreak of World War II.
My father was snatched from death many times during the war years; in retrospect, he realized that this series of personal miracles began when he was quite young. As a young boy, he once tried to fix a cigarette lighter. In those days, it was a small container filled with kerosene, with a bit of cotton and some type of flint attached. He didn't realize that while he was working on it, he was getting drops of kerosene on himself. With his clever mind and capable hands, he was able to ignite it -- but when he did, he himself burst into flames. His mother was nearby and she grabbed a quilt and pushed him onto the floor, smothering the flames. Miraculously, he wasn't hurt.
Any survivor of the war has at least one story to tell of being rescued. My father had many such miracles happen. At one point when he was in a concentration camp, there was a call for all-able bodied men. Everyone assumed that whoever was not included would be killed off or, at the very least, that the stronger men would receive better treatment or working conditions. My father joined the line of men hoping to be selected, but was told to go back, as he was too weak. Determined to join, he tried once more to pass the selection. Again, no luck. To the horror of all, the selected group of strong men were taken and murdered. My father's life had been spared.
The bunkmate pulled a knife out and slashed my father in the knee.
Everyone in the camps knew that going to the hospital was often a one-way trip. Only very desperate people went in. My father was climbing into his bunk bed one night. Conditions were very crowded, and the fellow in the lower berth didn't appreciate the disturbance. He pulled a knife out and slashed my father in the knee. My father tried to stop the bleeding and care for it on his own, but infection had set in and he was frightened. He was afraid to enter the hospital, and afraid not to.
As his knee got worse, he decided to go in. To his great relief, the nurse greeted him warmly. "Shmulik! You are here? Don't worry. I was a good friend of your mother's. I'll take care of you and watch over you until you regain your strength."
The next miracle came in a hidden way -- initially, he didn't know what had happened. He was standing among a group of prisoners, and his number was called. He went to join the group he was directed to, not knowing what he had been selected for. He saw someone he recognized and inquired, "What will become of us? Where are we being transferred to?"
"You don't know?" his friend was taken aback. "We have been selected to work for Oscar Schindler. Didn't you pay to get here?" My father was added to the now-famous 'Schindler's List'. He found out that others had bribed, fought and done whatever they could to get in. But for him, his number had just been called. To quote my father, "I was selected from out of 25,000 people! Truly a miracle."
On another occasion, Schindler personally saved my father's life. One day, my father and a few inmates were sighted committing the “crime” of cooking some potatoes. A Nazi guard came over, and all managed to escape -- except for my father. The Nazi began to beat him, when suddenly Schindler saw and quickly called the Nazi over. Reluctantly, the Nazi stopped, promising my father that he'd return and “finish him off.” Thank God, he never did.
Post-War Miracles
After the liberation, my father was snatched from death one more time. He returned to his hometown of Rzeszow with some friends to see if any Jews were left. A kindly neighbor saw him, and exclaimed, "What are you doing here? There are no Jews. The townsfolk will kill you if they see you! Run away!" So he and his friends headed for Krakow, thinking that in the big city, matters were under control. Initially, they appeared to be; the group was given a house, albeit a dilapidated one.
On Shabbat morning, after the prayer service, they heard shouts and screams. The building was surrounded by what seemed like thousands of Poles -- men, women and children. They were screaming out murderously, "You gassed all the Polish people in Auschwitz -- now you have returned for our children's blood to bake your Passover matzah! We will murder you!"
The Klausenberger Rebbe nurtured thousands of broken souls.
My father was in shock. "Did I survive the war, only to be killed here?" He and his friends ran up to the top floor, as the crowd threw bricks and rocks and prepared to storm the house. This time, God's life-saving messengers were the Russian soldiers. They came with guns and dispersed the crowd. The soldiers also guarded the house for the next few weeks, after which my father and his friends made it across the border to the safety of the American side. To his good fortune, he was able to be in the DP camp of the Klausenberger Rebbe, a saintly man who nurtured thousands of broken souls. All his life he retained fond memories of the time there and how it had lifted his mood and outlook.
At this point in time, my father's aunt had a dream where she was visited by her dead sister -- my father's mother -- who had come to ask her, "Please take care of my son!" When the aunt told her husband, he was not impressed. "You keep thinking about the entire family, so you had such a dream. It's nothing."
Imagine their great surprise when they received a letter from my father a few days later! They wanted to take him in, but at that time it was very hard for refugees to enter Belgium, where the aunt and uncle were living. This aunt, a clever woman, contacted a smuggler, telling him, "I cannot afford to pay you cash to bring in my nephew, but I can give you names of former residents of Belgium to use in your smuggling operations." A deal was struck, and my father was brought in and welcomed into their home.
Rebuilding in America
My father's years of suffering were finally over, but he never forgot them, and never forgot the memory of the family he lost, all so brutally murdered. Despite all he went through, his faith in God stayed firm. This faith gave him the strength both to survive and to rebuild his life afterwards.
My father married, and dreamed of living in Israel, but when the opportunity came to emigrate to America with its greater opportunities for earning a living, he took it. My father worked long, hard hours as a butcher for close to 40 years. Suppliers, customers and employees all appreciated his friendly, easy-going nature.
When I got married and moved far away, our relationship was restricted to the phone lines; but we kept in touch regularly. Years passed, and my family decided to move to Israel. My father was very enthusiastic about our decision and told us, "You go, and we will follow!"
In the summer of 2005, they surprised everyone when they fulfilled their dreams and made aliyah. To say they never regretted their decision would be putting it mildly. Once they came, I saw my father regularly, and we spoke daily, learning Torah together on the phone.
My father loved people of all ages, and enjoyed sharing his knowledge. Snatched from death several times, I can only imagine that God wanted to grant us the benefit of his inspiration and guidance until his passing, at the age of 85. His example lives on through his kindly words and deeds in the hearts of all those who knew him.
(24) karen Kaplan, July 24, 2012 10:37 PM
Thank you for publishing all these stories and with the help onf HaShem we will keep all th e survivors and their memories alive
(23) Cheryl Berkowitz Amdur, April 18, 2012 9:47 PM
I remember your father when we were kids in New Jersey. He was always smiling, telling jokes and giving you math riddles. I was so sorry to hear that he passed away. I'm sure he will sorely missed!
(22) Raymond, December 26, 2010 1:59 AM
Tova Younger Herself Is an Amazing Woman
I know Tova Younger from when she lived here in Los Angeles. She writes here about her amazing father, but the truth is, Tova Younger herself is quite amazing. She used to give me very helpful insights and advice when I used to speak to her, which I unfortunately did not listen to when it was relevant. Her moving to Israel was Los Angeles' loss and Israel's gain. I hope all is well with her in Israel.
(21) Terrie, January 29, 2010 7:56 PM
46 and still learning
I am a forty six year old American Christian woman. I have been privately studying the holocaust. Every story I have read here and else where have filled me with such emotion that it's hard for me to express. I feel such respect for you and your people. I feel honored to learn from you. I feel such horror that such things could be done by people who claim to be Christians to the people of God. The more I read, the more I question my own religion. I know that your father was blessed by God, just as the other survivors were. But I also think that we were blessed to be able to read your stories, question WHY and HOW this could happen. Question WHO we are and question God's purpose in our own lives. Thank you for this forum and for sharing your father's story. I wish I had an hour to ask the questions that I need so badly to ask. After studying for a few months, I'm so confused about who I am, who I want to be, and most importantly how I should worship and honor God. Your strength and faith are amazing to me. I hold you in the highest regard. God bless you all.
(20) Anonymous, January 10, 2010 2:55 AM
We lived in the same building as your parents in RBS and really enjoyed having such sweet people as your parents for neighbors. I am sorry about the loss of your father. He was a kind and special person.
(19) Miriam Lax, October 19, 2009 2:42 PM
Always made me feel at home
I remember when visiting your home during high school your father always had a smile on his face and made me feel welcome. I remember him to this day and am truly sorry for your loss.
(18) Daniel, October 12, 2009 7:15 PM
How amazing
How amazing this story is, it truely sadens me the pain he must have gone through.this story gives hope.I'm truelly sorry that your father died.He sounds like a very nice man.
(17) Mykey Schoemann, September 29, 2009 12:44 PM
We miss you Mr Stimler!
For 4 years we merited to have Mr Stimler with us in Ramat BS. These High Holy Days are the first without him and we miss him! He had such a love for life and use to dance to the niggunim, especially Hayom Teamzenu. IYH we will try to emulate the many lessons that he taught us expecially simchas hachayim! Thank you for this beautiful article.
(16) ruth housman, September 6, 2009 11:01 PM
The MIracle Man
It seems so clear from this moving biography that again and yet again, Shmuel Stimler's life was saved in miraculous ways. I think when people experience such an abundance of amazing stories, they are led to think deeply, about the Source of their own story and that they are clearly "marked" in some way. It's a deep responsibility, to realize such gratitude of story, and to be "chosen this way" I think, is to lead a life of deep grace when it comes to helping other people and realizing "there but for fortune go I."
(15) Grace Fishenfeld, September 6, 2009 7:16 PM
You are here and we are glad.
Dear Gad Kedar, Thank you for being alive. Stay so. To lose one soul is a tragedy for all of us. You are here to appreciate all that has been created for us. Our obligation is to take care of all of life and to remain healthy enough to continue to do so. i am an elderly woman who asks you to go to your spiritual roots, a Rabbi , or by yourself , pray and gain the trust in the fact that you are alive and have you yourself have added energy to existence and for this we are grateful. Stay with us. You are worth it. You are ours and we need you.
(14) Anonymous, August 28, 2009 8:01 PM
To Gad Kedar, please don't despair!
We don't know what HaShem's plans are for us and the situations we are put in. I know one thing, TESHUVA cleans ALL your mistakes done in the past. Just decide to do as much mitzvot as you can and improve with every day and He will forgive you, you just need to open a sliver of the door and he will open it wide for you. As the other person wrote, go talk to a Rav, it's very important good guidance.
(13) Martin R, August 26, 2009 5:35 AM
Gad Kedar: You are not alone!
Gad, please seek help from your Rabbi. You sound so depressed. I was also very depressed last year, but I managed to get a copy of "The Garden of Emuna", by Rab. Shalom Arush. It strengthened my faith and within days I felt much better. Please have the courage to see your Rabbi for advice. NO matter what has happened in the past or what you have done in the past, Hashem wants you to be happy. He is merciful and compasionate.
(12) Eliav, August 25, 2009 6:00 AM
such a special man
I knew Mr. Stimler well - I was on the same plane as he as we made aliyah together, he and his wife already approaching their 80s, me with my wife and two young daughters. We lived close to each other and davened in the same shul, where he would often share a Torah insight or otherwise uplifting thought. There are no words to describe the inspiration that we all received simply by being around him. Though clearly the man who had gone through the worst experiences of anyone in our midst, he was also perhaps the most content, happy, and pleasant person to be around in the entire neighborhood. He is sorely missed.
(11) Eileen Rothman, August 24, 2009 8:14 PM
Unbelievable story
I knew your father when he lived in West orange. i am also child of holocaust survivors and it never ceases to amaze me on how people survived.
(10) Deborah bach, August 24, 2009 7:40 PM
how true!
I first stepped foot into the Stimler's welcoming home in Av 32 years ago. SO I want to add that I personally know that all this is absolutely true and nothing is exaggerated. I consider myself to be among the lucky ones who merited enjoying Mr. Stimler's wonderful, humorous and positive personality and even had the pleasure of visiting his home in Israel several times. Yehi Zichro Baruch
(9) Rivky, August 24, 2009 7:01 PM
really inspiring!!!
Thank you for sharing this inspiring and touching story. It is truly incredible how, after so much your father had such strong emuna and had a positive outlook on life!!!! may this be an aliya for your fathers neshama.
(8) Gad Kedar, August 24, 2009 5:49 PM
another chance to serve G-d
I have had 4 close calll with death. Only by the grace of G-d has he kept me here to do his will. I have searched for 40 years to find that will is for me. Yet in the seasons of my life, I have been troubled and tormented at night with what and how I should have acted. Their are times when I consider killing my self as I can not handle the burden. G-d has blessed me with out measure , yet at the same time he has made me make the decision to choose to them there future of grief or give them their free happiness. I live a life of horror, my thoughts at night are situations of what I woild do if this happened or that happened. I stress when the telephone rings. Can someone help this drowing soul? Gad Kedar
(7) Anonymous, August 24, 2009 10:35 AM
How anyone survived the camps is a miracle. Those wo courageously managed to hide Jews, a Thank You. None of my family were caught up in the holocaust - but I'm very well aware if Hitler had succeeded in crossing the channel it would have been the end of all Jewry in Europe
(6) Devora, August 23, 2009 10:24 PM
Thank you!
I enjoy your writing -- your loving description of your father brings honor to his memory. Your gentle insights give us what to think about...
(5) Penina, August 23, 2009 8:52 PM
AMAZING!!!
Mommy- this article is truly special! I'm proud of you!!! B'Hatzlacha Raba in the future!
(4) shimon, August 23, 2009 4:29 PM
hsgacha pratit
your father is a classic example of godly idividual intervention. In hebrew Hashgacha pratit. that even in the midst of a horrible situation certain individuals were picked to be spared from the angel of death. may his merit protect all of us. amen.
(3) Nancy, August 23, 2009 3:31 PM
Awesome power of God
What a great life long testimony to your father, and God's love for him. So many people use luck as a reason for escaping bad situations, when it is God all along. The blessings continue, as anyone who reads this story is also blessed. Thank you for honoring your father, and sharing this story.
(2) Sally Rogow, August 23, 2009 3:29 PM
Excellent story
Well written and inspiring story.
(1) Mordechai, August 23, 2009 2:10 PM
an absolutely amazing inspriring story
may all of your children merit to follow in his footsteps!