What do you think?
Rate this book
From Generation to Generation: A Memoir of Food, Family, and Identity in the Aftermath of the Shoah
Six million Jews were murdered in the Holocaust, but Michelle Weinfeld’s grandfather survived.
In this intergenerational memoir, the author weaves her story with that of her grandfather, Poppy. Poppy’s account of loss and rebuilding, layered with Weinfeld’s journey to self-acceptance in the face of antisemitism, shows readers that trauma does not affect only the individual, but can transcend generations.
From Generation to Generation explores the intersection of values, history, and identity. It answers questions such are we influenced by the generations that came before us?How do we embrace religion and culture in a secular society?What is necessary for self-acceptance?
With its heartfelt anecdotes of family holidays, gripping stories of survival, and painful realizations about identity, From Generation to Generation is a universal story of overcoming adversity and not falling victim to negative experiences. Readers will find Poppy to be the grandfather figure they need, learning from his wisdom, his recipes, and his beautiful bond with his granddaughter.
A percentage of all proceeds from this book will be donated to The Museum of Jewish A Living Memorial to the Holocaust in New York City.
In this intergenerational memoir, the author weaves her story with that of her grandfather, Poppy. Poppy’s account of loss and rebuilding, layered with Weinfeld’s journey to self-acceptance in the face of antisemitism, shows readers that trauma does not affect only the individual, but can transcend generations.
From Generation to Generation explores the intersection of values, history, and identity. It answers questions such are we influenced by the generations that came before us?How do we embrace religion and culture in a secular society?What is necessary for self-acceptance?
With its heartfelt anecdotes of family holidays, gripping stories of survival, and painful realizations about identity, From Generation to Generation is a universal story of overcoming adversity and not falling victim to negative experiences. Readers will find Poppy to be the grandfather figure they need, learning from his wisdom, his recipes, and his beautiful bond with his granddaughter.
A percentage of all proceeds from this book will be donated to The Museum of Jewish A Living Memorial to the Holocaust in New York City.
142 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 27, 2022
4 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Weinfeld
2 books7 followersMichelle Weinfeld graduated from the University of Maryland with a Masters in Finance and has gone on to work as a CPA. Passionate about Jewish learning, Weinfeld is involved with 3GNY, a nonprofit focused on grandchildren of Holocaust survivors who educate people about the Holocaust through family stories. Weinfeld’s love of history and storytelling drove her to write her debut intergenerational memoir, From Generation to Generation, which interweaves her experiences with antisemitism with the story of her grandfather, a Holocaust survivor.
Outside of writing, Weinfeld loves spending time with her family, baking, and teaching yoga. She also loves to travel and learn about other cultures.
Michelle Weinfeld is involved with 3GNY, a nonprofit focused on educating people about the Holocaust. She wrote an intergenerational memoir interweaving her experiences with antisemitism with the story of her grandfather, a Holocaust survivor.
Outside of writing, Weinfeld loves spending time with her family, baking, and teaching yoga. She also loves to travel and learn about other cultures.
Michelle Weinfeld is involved with 3GNY, a nonprofit focused on educating people about the Holocaust. She wrote an intergenerational memoir interweaving her experiences with antisemitism with the story of her grandfather, a Holocaust survivor.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
November 12, 2022
"From Generation to Generation" is a heartfelt and honest memoir about love, strength and family. Told through the eyes of the granddaughter of a Holocaust survivor, we walk through both of their stories intertwined in beautiful harmony. I praise Ms. Weinfield for sharing her experiences which allow us to see the world from her unique perspective. I truly loved her passion for cooking shining through and how she incorporated it throughout the book - the recipes in the back are ones I will share with my children, and as we make them together, I will remember this story. This poignant memoir will stay with you and tug at all your emotions. A must read!
October 8, 2022
This book is an honest, beautiful, and brave story encapsulating intergenerational Jewish experiences.
It is essential to listen to and understand the effect of the holocaust on survivors and their families. Anti-semitism is alive; in this book, we are asked to confront the effect that holds over our identities. I think Poppy would be proud to know his memories will help to ensure that we do not forget the atrocities of the holocaust. Second and third-generation survivors will be able to hold a mirror to their experiences as what we know about generational trauma expands and find comfort in not being alone.
I am so proud of Michelle for being able to confront this story with the passion and empathy required to tell it while bringing light and love to his story. I would highly recommend it!
It is essential to listen to and understand the effect of the holocaust on survivors and their families. Anti-semitism is alive; in this book, we are asked to confront the effect that holds over our identities. I think Poppy would be proud to know his memories will help to ensure that we do not forget the atrocities of the holocaust. Second and third-generation survivors will be able to hold a mirror to their experiences as what we know about generational trauma expands and find comfort in not being alone.
I am so proud of Michelle for being able to confront this story with the passion and empathy required to tell it while bringing light and love to his story. I would highly recommend it!
November 9, 2023
A book that makes you feel a part of something so much greater than yourself. An amazing read.
November 22, 2022
From Generation to Generation: A Memoir of Food, Family, and Identity in the Aftermath of the Shoah, Michelle Winfield
I am always fascinated by Holocaust stories, but this one, written by a Holocaust survivor’s grandchild, is particularly intriguing and valuable. I stayed up late at night reading, finding it very hard to stop. From Generation to Generation is a double memoir. Winfield alternates between chapters describing her grandfather’s memories of the Holocaust, and chapters about the affect these memories had on her, particularly her ability to overcome Jewish discrimination. She time travels very skillfully and effectively.
Winfield’s memoir is fascinating, but not terrifying, not gruesome. She carefully controls the direct Holocaust content, rationing it throughout the book. Interspersing it with a sense of her family, she gives the reader exquisite detail about Jewish food and family, as well as the religious nature of a Jewish home. I love her use of Jewish words and practices. This detailed description gives clear visuals of an ancient and cherished tradition. She balances the two realities throughout the book.
When she leaves this traditional culture and attempts to fit into the alternate universe of secular America, she struggles with a constant identity crisis. After a recurring nightmare, she finally recognizes the generational trauma. She is always right on target about trauma’s grief and helplessness. While being honest about her relationship with her atypical family, she struggles to maintain their culture and yet live in the secular world. In this sense, besides being a double memoir and a family history, From Generation to Generation is a coming-of-age story. Since Winfield has already done the work, I find the summarizing chapter “Poppy’s Lessons” unnecessary and distracting. The book is warm, human, and redemptive.
I am always fascinated by Holocaust stories, but this one, written by a Holocaust survivor’s grandchild, is particularly intriguing and valuable. I stayed up late at night reading, finding it very hard to stop. From Generation to Generation is a double memoir. Winfield alternates between chapters describing her grandfather’s memories of the Holocaust, and chapters about the affect these memories had on her, particularly her ability to overcome Jewish discrimination. She time travels very skillfully and effectively.
Winfield’s memoir is fascinating, but not terrifying, not gruesome. She carefully controls the direct Holocaust content, rationing it throughout the book. Interspersing it with a sense of her family, she gives the reader exquisite detail about Jewish food and family, as well as the religious nature of a Jewish home. I love her use of Jewish words and practices. This detailed description gives clear visuals of an ancient and cherished tradition. She balances the two realities throughout the book.
When she leaves this traditional culture and attempts to fit into the alternate universe of secular America, she struggles with a constant identity crisis. After a recurring nightmare, she finally recognizes the generational trauma. She is always right on target about trauma’s grief and helplessness. While being honest about her relationship with her atypical family, she struggles to maintain their culture and yet live in the secular world. In this sense, besides being a double memoir and a family history, From Generation to Generation is a coming-of-age story. Since Winfield has already done the work, I find the summarizing chapter “Poppy’s Lessons” unnecessary and distracting. The book is warm, human, and redemptive.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews