Exhibit Depicts Child’s Holocaust Experiences

A traveling exhibit opening this weekend at the California Science Center in Exposition Park tells a moving story of a child’s experiences during the Holocaust.

“Remember the Children, Daniel’s Story,” is an award-winning exhibit that examines the life-changing events of a Jewish child and his family in Nazi Germany. The exhibit is sensitive to young visitors, telling children what they will see before they see it. Viewers learn, for example, that Daniel survives to share his story.

The display is designed to be an educational experience and a memorial to the 1.5 million children who died in the Holocaust. The character of Daniel and his story are based on the experiences of many of the children who survived and wrote about what happened.

The exhibit begins with Daniel introducing himself in a short video, after which visitors may walk through and explore a series of environments such as Daniel’s house in Germany, a street in his town and examples of his daily life. Visitors also will travel to the Lodz ghetto and up to, but not through, the gates of Auschwitz.

The final areas give visitors an opportunity to ask questions and reflect upon what they have seen.

“Remember the Children, Daniel’s Story,” was produced by the Capital Children’s Museum in Washington, D.C., and installed as a permanent exhibit in the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in 1993. Created by experts from many fields with advice from survivors, it is recommended for children ages 8 and over and their families. Educational activities will be held in conjunction with the exhibit, which will run through Jan. 24. Call (213) 724-3623.

CONFERENCES

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will hold its 168th semiannual General Conference Oct. 3 and 4 in Salt Lake City. Conference sessions will be broadcast via satellite to Mormon Church gatherings throughout the United States and Canada. They will be presided over by President Gordon B. Hinckley, president and prophet of the church. Inspirational messages and music featuring the world-renowned Mormon Tabernacle Choir will highlight the weekend’s sessions.

* San Gabriel’s Episcopal Church of Our Saviour, 535 Roses Road, will host a conference on contemplative prayer led by Abbot Thomas Keating, a Trappist monk and leader in the contemplative prayer movement, on Oct. 3 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cost is $35. Call (626) 282-5147.

* The fifth annual Dance of Change, a gathering of women from various faiths that is sponsored by Immaculate Heart College Center’s Feminist Spirituality program, will meet Oct. 3 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Ramona Convent Secondary School, 1701 W. Ramona Road, Alhambra. This year’s event, titled “Take Heart: Experiencing Loss and Choosing Life,” will focus on ways that women experience spirituality as individuals and as part of a community. The day will include dance, meditation, music and workshops on diverse subjects such as Buddhist meditation and living beyond loss. Cost is $60 at the door. Call (213) 386-3116.

HOLIDAY

The Alcohol Drug Action Program of Jewish Family Service and Temple Beth Hillel have addressed the special needs of Jews in recovery from addictions by co-sponsoring a special Yom Kippur study session. The theme of this year’s session is “Recovery and Repentance: A Hands-On Process, Jewish Style.” It will take place Wednesday from 9:45 to 11 a.m. at Temple Beth Hillel, 12326 Riverside Drive, North Hollywood. There is no fee. Call (310) 247-1180.

MUSIC

Survivals Gospel Band, from Grahamstown, South Africa, will share its faith and fellowship with a blend of gospel and other musical styles at 7 p.m. Friday at the Community Congregational United Church of Christ, 4111 Katella Ave., Los Alamitos. An offering will be taken. Call (714) 527-2343.

Mail notices to Southern California File, c/o Nona Yates, Metro Section, L.A. Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles, 90053 or fax to (213) 237-4712. Items should arrive three weeks in advance and include details about the organization, address, phone number, date and time.