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- calendar_today October 13, 2026
Minneapolis Author Shares Family's Holocaust Legacy
Minneapolis-based author and educator Judi Shink will release her memoir, Speaking Through Silence, on November 10. The book traces her family's journey as Holocaust survivors and addresses the importance of Holocaust education for future generations.
Discovering a Family’s History
Growing up, Shink’s parents would often introduce her by saying, “This is Judith, and she’s an American!” For much of her life, Shink did not fully grasp the significance of being the first American-born member of her family. However, as she learned more about her parents’ and grandparents’ remarkable journey to survive the Holocaust, her perspective changed. The experiences of her grandparents—Genia and Jack Grinbaum, and Charlotte and Ted Weiss—inspired Shink to delve deeper into her family’s story.
From Personal Legacy to Public Education
A turning point for Shink came when her daughter returned home from school reporting that classmates were making inappropriate Hitler jokes. Troubled by this, and drawing from her experience as a teacher, Shink was motivated to share her grandparents’ stories in schools. She emphasized presenting them as real people, rather than just statistics found in history books, bringing attention to the human dimension of Holocaust survivor stories.
Writing 'Speaking Through Silence'
Realizing the profound impact these personal accounts could have, Shink decided to compile her family's history into a memoir. Speaking Through Silence is her first book, offering a nuanced exploration of identity, survival, and remembrance. The memoir brings to light not only the trauma but also the resilience and humanity of those who endured the Holocaust, making it a valuable addition to survivor family memoir literature.
Endorsements and Community Involvement
The memoir has received praise from several prominent figures, including Jordana Green, Emmy Award-winning TV news anchor and WCCO radio host; Rabbi Eli Mayerfeld, CEO of the Zekelman Holocaust Center in Michigan; Merle R. Saferstein, memoirist and former Holocaust museum director; Heidi Shertok, award-winning novelist; Jennifer Sonterre, professor at Anoka-Ramsey Community College; Salvador Litvak, filmmaker and influencer; Arthur Myron Horwitz, author; and Rabbi Marcia A. Zimmerman from Temple Israel in Minneapolis.
Lynne Golodner, publisher of Scotia Road Books, lauds the memoir, stating, “Judi does a great job of bringing her grandparents to life and painting a vivid picture of the people behind the atrocity, shining a light on what it takes to survive.”
In addition to her writing, Shink co-founded Generations After MN in 2017 through the Jewish Community Relations Council, creating a community for third-generation descendants of Holocaust survivors to connect, share, and learn together.
Book Availability and Events
Speaking Through Silence is currently available for preorder on Amazon and through Scotia Road Books. The book will be released for purchase on November 10 wherever books are sold.
A pre-launch event is scheduled for Wednesday, November 4. Details and RSVP information are available on Judi Shink’s website.
Continuing the Conversation on Holocaust Remembrance
As anti-Semitic incidents and misunderstandings about the Holocaust persist, Shink’s memoir seeks to deepen awareness and understanding through personal holocaust stories. By sharing the lived experiences of her family, she hopes to strengthen holocaust remembrance and inspire reflection within and beyond the Minneapolis community.
Source: millcitytimes.com.
