The Second Generation

The Second Generation provides a window into the world of children raised by parents who either perpetrated or survived the horrors of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration and death camps.The novel is based on the true story of the friendship between a priest and a rabbi. Although neither was aware of his parent's role in the war, the priest's father had in fact been the commandant of the camp in which the rabbi's father was a prisoner.It describes the efforts of parents who were determined to give their children a proper upbringing, to raise them to be productive and constructive members of society, but whose efforts were shackled by their own psychological traumas.The history of the concentration and death camps will weigh on humanity for generations to come. Regardless of religion, background or place of birth, each person must confront this evil by trying to understand what led to the creation of the camps and why a civilized world permitted them. The Second Generation contains adult themes of friendship, jealousy, marriage, divorce, rape and betrayal. It is hoped that this book will impress upon readers their individual importance to humanity and give them the courage to take part in tikkun olam, repairing the world. Sybil Wyner was a social studies teacher at Elizabeth High School for 31 years. She is considered a "master educator" and was twice honored as "Teacher of the Year" by the Elizabeth Board of Education. She received the Governor's Award for Excellence in Teaching. She is listed in "Who's who among America's Teachers: The best teachers in America selected by the best students." After 12 years of night school, Ms. Wyner earned her certification in public school education for kindergarten through high school. She earned a BA in World History from Rutgers University, an MA in Judeo-Christian Studies from Seton Hall University, and certificates of continuing study from Temple University, Loyola University, Gratz College, Bowie State Teachers College and Drake Business College. Ms. Wyner has enjoyed writing and directing plays and presentations for public and religious schools. She has authored six books, including this novel about second-generation Holocaust survivors, as well as short stories for children. A story about her mother won a prize for publication in a "Legacy" book.