MR. HEILIK WAS MY PRINCIPAL….

And my father-in law’s principal

And my husband’s baba’s friend

And he has decorated our home

By Michele Doctoroff

About 30 years ago in Peretz school Mr. Heilik was my principal. I recall he would often walk into our classroom, and there was a seriousness that the principal was here and we better be on our best behavior. Yet I also recall the warmth and passion for Yiddish he shared with us when he told us many of his interesting stories. I remember reading the Geshicte book that he wrote. It seemed so foreign and strange to me at that time that Jewish people lived in almost all parts of the world. As life has since blessed me with travel to different parts of the world, this curiosity that was rooted in my youth has blossomed into a passion that has lead me to various synagogues, Jewish cemeteries, and other Jewish people from around the world.

Years later, far removed from my Peretz school days, I moved to Calgary and married. My husband’s father and I shared the fact that Mr. Heilik was both our principal’s. My father-in-law was a student at the Calgary Peretz School.

When I met my future husband’s Baba it turned out that she was a good friend of Mr. Heilik. Such a friend that she commissioned him to paint a stunning picture of the shtetle in Poland where she grew up. My Husband’s Baba was a big supporter of the Peretz School in Calgary, and this commonality quickly brought us together.

Well the years have passed, and Baba passed on, but we cherish the painting that now dominates our living room. On occasion when former Winnipegers visit our home we discuss the painting. It is truly something to be seen as it transports you back to the old country and a feeling that you are a part of this former time and life.

I am looking forward to the opportunity to hear Mr. Heilik speak again at the reunion.