Wohlmann Hall Rededication

On Friday, September 28, 2018 a double celebration took place. Over a hundred people enjoyed Shabbat dinner in the PJTC sukkah, followed by a special ceremony and mezuzah blessing for the rededication of Wohlmann Hall.  The Hall was originally dedicated in 1979, by Otto and Marianne Wolman, the parents of long-time PJTC member Ruth Wolman, in honor of her father’s parents, Markus and Frieda Wohlmann. 

In a very moving speech, Ruth talked about her family history that included her parents’ escape from Europe on the cusp of the Holocaust. Ruth said, “It was significant for my father that he could honor his parents by giving them a presence in the Pasadena Jewish community that meant so much to him.”

On Friday, September 28^th a double celebration took place. Over a hundred people enjoyed Shabbat dinner in the PJTC sukkah, followed by a special ceremony and mezuzah blessing for the rededication of Wohlmann Hall.  The Hall was originally dedicated in 1979, by Otto and Marianne Wolman, the parents of long-time PJTC member Ruth Wolman, in honor of her father’s parents, Markus and Frieda Wohlmann. 

In a very moving speech, Ruth talked about her family history that included her parents’ escape from Europe on the cusp of the Holocaust. Ruth said, “It was significant for my father that he could honor his parents by giving them a presence in the Pasadena Jewish community that meant so much to him.”

In the most wonderful of coincidences, Australian cousins on her father’s side whom Ruth had never met, recently moved to Southern California for two years, and were able to participate in this tribute to the Wohlmann family. 

A beautiful commemorative piece hangs in the entry room/library, with photographs and brief descriptions of Ruth’s parents and grandparents, to provide a lively glimpse of who they were during their lifetimes.

“I look forward to seeing Wohlmann Hall thrive as a friendly, warm community gathering place that will nurture fellowship, learning, and best of all – celebrating.  I’d love to see art created by members of the PJTC community displayed there – by children, teens and adults. Perhaps some rotating temporary exhibits. If you have ideas, please share them with Beryl at beryl@pjtc.net or me at rwolman@aol.com.”

We express our heartfelt thanks to the PJTC Board of Directors for approving the project, and to the many people who helped bring it to completion, especially:

• Generous donors Ruth Wolman and Francine Hokin Katz
• Mike Kronsburg, Beryl Strauss and Robert Brown for managing the project
• Claire Gorfinkel and Michael Several for setting up the library

In the most wonderful of coincidences, Australian cousins on her father’s side whom Ruth had never met, recently moved to Southern California for two years, and were able to participate in this tribute to the Wohlmann family. 

A beautiful commemorative piece hangs in the entry room/library, with photographs and brief descriptions of Ruth’s parents and grandparents, to provide a lively glimpse of who they were during their lifetimes.

“I look forward to seeing Wohlmann Hall thrive as a friendly, warm community gathering place that will nurture fellowship, learning, and best of all – celebrating.  I’d love to see art created by members of the PJTC community displayed there – by children, teens and adults. Perhaps some rotating temporary exhibits. If you have ideas, please share them with me at rwolman@aol.com.”