In Elie Wiesel’s powerful Holocaust memoir Night, one of the most poignant figures is Shlomo, Elie’s beloved father. While Shlomo’s full name is not given in the book, his presence looms large, illustrating the unbreakable bond between father and son in the face of unimaginable adversity.
In this article, we’ll explore what is known about Shlomo’s life, and the indelible impact he had on his son.
Shlomo Biography
Details about Shlomo’s exact date of birth are not provided in Night or other sources. However, it’s clear that by the time he and his family were deported to the concentration camps in 1944, Shlomo was a mature adult, likely in his 40s or 50s. He had spent his life in Sighet, Transylvania (now part of Romania) as a respected member of the Jewish community there.
Shlomo worked as a shopkeeper, supporting his wife and four children. He was a learned man who encouraged his children, especially Elie, to study the Talmud and kabbalah. The Wiesels were a deeply religious Hasidic family, and Shlomo served as a shining example of devotion and faith for young Elie. Family was everything to Shlomo, and he worked tirelessly to provide for them, both materially and spiritually.
Early Life and Background
While Shlomo’s early life is not described in detail, Elie Wiesel does paint a picture of his father as a pillar of the Sighet Jewish community. He was well-respected by his neighbours and took an active role in the life of the local synagogue. As the Nazi threat grew more ominous in the late 1930s and early 1940s, Shlomo likely struggled to maintain a sense of normalcy for his family.
Even after the Fascists came to power in Hungary in 1944 and began imposing anti-Jewish measures, Shlomo remained optimistic. Like many Jews in Sighet, he could not believe the stories of death camps and chose to stay in his hometown as long as possible. This fateful decision would soon lead to tragedy, but it underscores Shlomo’s abiding faith in God and humanity, even in the darkest of times.
Career and Professional Life
As a shopkeeper in Sighet, Shlomo worked long hours to support his family. In Night, Elie describes the family home as being attached to the store, suggesting that Shlomo’s professional and personal lives were deeply intertwined. Running a small business would have required diligence, wisdom, and an ability to connect with customers – all qualities that Elie observed in his father.
Beyond his work in the shop, Shlomo was also a respected religious scholar. He studied daily and guided Elie on his own spiritual journey, arranging for him to study with Moshe the Beadle. For Shlomo, work and worship went hand-in-hand, each enriching and informing the other. His example of piety and ethics, both in and out of the shop, would stay with Elie for the rest of his life.
Marriage to Sarah Feig
Shlomo was married to Sarah Feig, with whom he had four children – Hilda, Béa, Elie, and Tzipora. While Sarah’s story is not the focus of Night, her presence can be felt throughout the memoir. Elie describes her as a constant source of love and support, especially in the early days of the family’s deportation. Like Shlomo, Sarah was deeply religious and devoted to her family.
Though the details of Shlomo and Sarah’s courtship and marriage are not known, it’s clear that they shared a deep bond. In the camps, they looked out for each other and their children, even as they grew increasingly weakened by hunger and disease. Tragically, Sarah and her daughters were separated from Shlomo and Elie at Auschwitz, never to be seen again. This devastating loss haunted both father and son, fueling Elie’s later efforts to memorialize the victims of the Holocaust.
Father Of 4 Children
Shlomo Wiesel was the father of four children: Tzipora, Hilda, Elie, and Beatrice. As depicted in “Night,” the Wiesel family was very close-knit. They lived in the town of Sighet, Transylvania (now Romania).
The Wiesels were a devout Hasidic Jewish family. Shlomo worked hard to provide for his wife and children. He instilled a deep love and respect for their faith and traditions.
Tragically, the family was torn apart during the Holocaust. In 1944, the Wiesels were forced into a Jewish ghetto and then deported to Auschwitz. Tzipora, the youngest at age 7, was immediately killed upon arrival along with her mother.
Hilda and Beatrice managed to survive Auschwitz. After the war, they reunited with Elie, the only other surviving family member. The pain of losing Shlomo, Tzipora and their mother would stay with the siblings forever.
Shlomo Wiesel’s Influence on Elie Wiesel
In “Night,” we see the profound impact Shlomo had on Elie. As the story begins, Elie is a studious teenager deeply devoted to his Jewish faith – just like his father. Shlomo encourages Elie’s religious studies and is a guiding mentor to him.
When the Wiesels are forced into the Sighet ghetto and later deported to Auschwitz, Shlomo remains a pillar of strength and faith. Even as he grows sicker and weaker in the camps, Shlomo continues to pray and observe Jewish holidays and customs.
Shlomo’s example helps Elie to maintain hope and humanity in the darkest of times. Elie admires his father’s dignity and determination. He sees Shlomo give away his last piece of bread to others, even when starving himself.
Elie and Shlomo endure unimaginable horrors together, including brutal forced marches between camps. Elie cares for his ailing father, even as his own strength is fading. Shlomo’s survival becomes Elie’s driving purpose.
Tragically, Shlomo dies in Buchenwald just months before the camp is liberated. Elie is devastated by the loss of his father and hero. Shlomo’s death marks the end of Elie’s childhood and faith. Yet Shlomo’s legacy of courage and compassion shaped Elie profoundly and would inspire his future work.
Shlomo Wiesel’s Death and Legacy
Shlomo Wiesel died in January 1945 in the Buchenwald concentration camp, mere months before liberation. The exact date of his death is unknown, but he likely succumbed to dysentery, starvation, and exhaustion after the grueling forced march from Auschwitz.
Shlomo’s death haunted Elie and left him feeling utterly alone. In “Night” Elie writes with painful honesty about his helplessness and even resentment as his father grew weaker. Shlomo’s passing marked a crisis of faith for Elie.
Yet Shlomo’s legacy lived on through Elie’s work. After the war, Elie began processing his experiences through writing. His memoir “Night” immortalized Shlomo and bore witness to the 6 million Jews murdered in the Holocaust.
Elie dedicated his life to promoting peace, human rights and education. His tireless work teaching about the horrors of hatred and importance of hope echoed his father’s lessons. In many ways, Elie’s voice became an extension of Shlomo’s.
While Shlomo Wiesel did not survive the Holocaust, his love and light endured through Elie. Shlomo’s devotion, dignity and selflessness in the face of evil inspired not only his son but millions of “Night” readers worldwide. His legacy reminds us of the power of faith, family and the unbreakable human spirit.
Conclusion
While Shlomo’s story may be less well-known than that of his famous son, it is no less powerful or important. Through the pages of Night, we see a man of deep faith, boundless love, and quiet strength – a father who guided his son through the darkest of times. Though Shlomo ultimately succumbed to the horrors of the concentration camps, his legacy lives on in Elie Wiesel’s work and in the countless lives he touched.
By remembering Shlomo, we honor the millions of fathers, mothers, and children whose lives were cut short by the Holocaust, and reaffirm our commitment to building a world free from hatred and intolerance.
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