Thursday, April 13th
5:30pm ET Doors | 6:00 pm ET Screening | 7:30pm ET Q&A |
8:00pm ET End of Passover Reception
Live at the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History
General Admission Ticket: $18 | Member Ticket: $15

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Talk back and Performance:

Full Film:

The Weitzman welcomes you to the Philadelphia premiere of the award-winning film, How Saba Kept Singing. The film shares the story of Cantor, Holocaust Survivor, and Military Veteran, David S. Wisnia (z’’l), who spends his later years traveling with his grandson and musical accompanist, Avi Wisnia, telling the story of how he survived the Holocaust using music which the duo perform together. For years, Cantor Wisnia’s story centered around the belief that he survived Auschwitz mainly by using his beautiful singing voice to entertain his Nazi captors. These performances in the death camp gave him status as a ”privileged prisoner.” However, when David takes his family back to Poland for one last performance, Avi starts asking questions and they realize someone else may have had a hand in Saba’s survival.

The screening will be followed by a Q&A with Avi Wisnia who is featured in the documentary, and Sara Taksler, the film’s director. The Q&A will end with a special musical performance from Avi. All in attendance are then invited to a casual post-film reception with the Wisnia family, including wine and food to celebrate the end of Passover.

About the Documentary
David Wisnia always believed that he survived Auschwitz by using his beautiful singing voice to entertain his Nazi captors. However, when his curious grandson, Avi, starts asking questions, the pair embarked on a journey that lead them into the mystery of Saba’s past, including a previous relationship that may be the reason his life was spared. An uplifting story about faith, family and the power of discovery, proving love can grow and take hold in even the grimmest of places. This film was Executive Produced by Hillary Rodham Clinton and Chelsea Clinton.

Below is a short video about Cantor David “Saba” Wisnia (z”l)

Safety / Covid 19:
*This event will occur in the DELL THEATER.
*Masking in the museum is recommended, but not required.

Live at The Weitzman
101 South Independence Mall East (Corner of 5^th & Market)
Philadelphia, PA 19106

This program is presented by the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History in partnership with the Philadelphia Jewish Film and Media (PJFM), the Holocaust Awareness Museum and Education Center (HAMEC), and 3G Philly.