And I Knew It Not

In this autobiographic book by Erika Elinson, member of kibbutz Mishmar Hasharon, a tale of her life opens up in front of us as a child in the era of the Holocaust and her vicissitudes in later years, from Hungary to France and from there to Israel. A sense of alienation - at first hazy and hesitant - toward the Christian world around her in her youth reappears to her at different points in time, growing and increasing - until the inevitable insight: the essence of being a Jew in her own country, the Land of Israel. In spite of her harsh experiences her descriptions are spiced with subtle humour whether about small things of everyday life or fateful events, all with charming innocence without any pathos. The authoress passes with amazing flexibility and nonchalance from one field of art to another: from play to ballet and gymnastics, through singing and playing music, simply - to graphic design, sculpture and painting. From there it is only natural for her to paint the story of her life, this time by the words of this book. Like in an unfolding jigsaw puzzle throughout the book emerges the conviction (with deep inner faith) that it could not be just coincidence that saved her in a chain of turbulent and inconceivable occurrences but there was the hand of a Higher Authority watching over her and guiding her steps. Moreover there is a definite feeling inside her that along the visible reality - another not less real level exists, which is concealed from our eyes. "...and I knew it not" (Genesis, 28:16)